Category: Car Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents continue to be one of the leading causes of death and injury in the United States. Many of the reasons for car accidents can be attributed to the driver. However, other factors may also contribute to the cause of the accident. This article examines the top reasons for car accidents in Georgia and how you can protect your rights after a car crash.

Driver Negligence Causes Car Accidents

Driver negligence is one of the most common causes of car accidents. The types of driving behaviors that are common in Georgia accidents include:

Impaired Driving

Drunk driving accidents claim the lives of thousands of people each year. A person who causes a DUI accident can be charged with driving under the influence. They could also face civil penalties if the DUI accident causes someone to be injured.

Failed to Yield the Right of Way

Failing to yield the right of way is among the most common causes of accidents. Drivers run red lights and ignore stop signs. Drivers also turn out in front of cars from parking lots and driveways.

Speeding

Speeding is another common cause of car accidents. States and the federal government set safe speed limits based on the road conditions at optimal driving conditions. Therefore, drivers should slow down whenever there are adverse conditions (i.e., traffic, rain, debris in the road, etc.). Generally, the risk of accidents and the severity of injuries increases with the speed of the vehicles involved in the crash.

Following Too Close

Tailgating or following too close is a common cause of rear-end accidents. Drivers should maintain sufficient distance to stop their vehicle if the vehicle in front suddenly stops or slows down. Distraction, speeding, and other factors may contribute to a rear-end crash.

Distracted Driving

Being distracted while driving continues to be a serious issue in our country. Texting while driving, watching videos, daydreaming, reaching for objects, and eating are just a few examples of distracted driving. Taking your eyes off the road for a second or two can result in a catastrophic accident.

Other Acts of Negligence

Other forms of negligence that often lead to motor vehicle accidents include:

• Improper passing
• Reckless driving and racing
• Aggressive driving and road rage
• Illegal U-turns
• Actions by pedestrians or bicyclists
• Occupant distraction (i.e., passenger negligence)
• Improper turns
• Misjudged clearance

Negligence remains high on the list of reasons for car accidents. However, other factors can contribute to the cause of a car accident.

Road conditions could contribute to the cause of a car accident. Likewise, defective automobiles and parts could also contribute to why a collision occurs.

Who Is Responsible for Damages Caused by a Car Accident?

Generally, the party who caused the accident is liable for damages. Potentially liable parties could include the other driver, truck driver, pedestrian, automobile manufacturer, government entity, a driver’s employer, or countless other parties. Multiple parties could share liability for a car accident.

You have the burden of proving how the car accident occurred and that the other party’s conduct was a direct and proximate cause of the accident. Therefore, the steps you take after a car accident could help or hurt your case.

If you are involved in a car accident, try to remain calm and focus on the things you can do to protect yourself:

• Call 911 to report the crash, even if the other driver claims there is no damage. An official report is the first step in protecting your rights.
• Do not admit fault. Saying you are sorry could be misconstrued to imply fault. Only speak with the officer and tell him the facts without assuming fault.
• Take photographs and videos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved. Ask bystanders and witnesses for their names and contact information.
• Seek immediate medical treatment to document your injuries. Delays in seeing a doctor could hurt your case.

Consider speaking with an accident attorney as soon as possible. Car accident cases can be complicated. Insurance companies fight claims to avoid liability. Claims adjusters do not have your best interest at heart. An attorney gives you the facts, explains your rights, and reviews your options for claims.

Talk With an Accident Attorney for Help

Proving fault and liability for a car accident claim can be challenging. You need evidence proving fault beyond a preponderance of the evidence. An experienced Brunswick personal injury lawyer has the resources and skills to investigate the crash, gather evidence proving fault, and develop a compelling legal argument for compensation of your damages. Most attorneys offer free consultations so you can get answers to your questions without paying an upfront fee. 

After a collision, feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next is normal. As you navigate insurance claims, time off work, and doctor’s appointments, you may wonder if you should hire a car accident lawyer to help you. 

A car accident lawyer probably isn’t necessary to help with your claim if: 

• Your accident didn’t cause significant damages
• You suffered only minor injuries
• Fault is not being disputed
• You are comfortable handling paperwork and negotiations
• Your damages are easy to calculate, and the insurance company’s offer is fair
• Your case is otherwise straightforward

However, if any of the following apply to you or your case, you might want to consult with a car accident attorney: 

The Car Accident Accident Caused Serious Injury or Death

The more serious your injuries, the more your case may be worth. It may also make it harder to calculate the full value of your damages. Additionally, the insurance company might invest more time and effort to deny liability, shift blame, or undervalue your claim. 

If your accident caused serious injury or death, the stakes are higher. Your attorney may work with experts to prove who was at fault and the severity of your injuries. They will also assess all the losses you suffered and negotiate a fair settlement agreement. 

You Are Facing Long-Term Complications or High Medical Bills

If you believe your accident will leave you with long-term impairment, or you are already facing substantial medical bills, you may want to consult with a lawyer. Your injuries may be more serious than you think. 

Even a seemingly minor accident can result in chronic pain, limited range of motion, and mobility issues. A lawyer will ensure that the severity of your injuries and the full extent of your losses are known before settling. 

The Insurance Company Denied Your Car Accident Claim

It’s best to speak with a lawyer when your claim is denied or the insurance company argues that your policy, or the at-fault party’s policy, does not cover the accident. Your lawyer can review the policy, appeal an unfair denial, and negotiate on your behalf. 

You Are Being Offered a Lowball Settlement

Insurance companies often try to offer a low initial settlement to save money and hope you’ll accept it quickly. They are more likely to do this when the injured person does not have a lawyer. A lawyer can help you by evaluating the offer and negotiating for you to reach a fair agreement. 

You Are Being Blamed for the Car Accident or Liability Is Disputed

When liability is disputed or the insurer claims you contributed to the accident, consulting with an injury lawyer is crucial. The money you recover may be reduced by your share of fault, or you may be denied any compensation, even if your contribution was slight. How shared liability is handled depends on your state’s contributory or comparative negligence rules. 

A lawyer will help you by gathering evidence to fight back against efforts to blame you and ensuring fault is assigned fairly. Your lawyer will make sure the compensation you receive isn’t reduced unfairly. 

Your Car Accident Is Complex

It’s recommended to speak with a lawyer if your accident involves any of these complicated situations: 

• Multiple parties are involved
• The accident involved a commercial truck
• You have a claim against a government entity
• You were injured in a slip and fall accident or another type of premises liability case
• You believe a negligent medical provider hurt you

Multiple insurance policies, fault shared by several parties, or denial of liability by an insurance company can quickly make a case too complicated to handle without legal help. 

You Were at Fault or You’re Being Sued

If you have minimum insurance coverage, your policy limits can be easily exceeded if someone suffers even a moderately severe injury. When this happens, you may be personally liable for damages that exceed your policy limits. 

Even if you were mostly to blame, someone else may also share fault for your accident. Your lawyer will protect your rights and ensure you are treated fairly. 

Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer After an Accident

If you’re unsure whether you need a car accident lawyer, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation, and they’ll tell you honestly if they think you have a case. There’s no harm in learning your options, but there’s a lot to lose if you don’t.

If you’ve been in an auto accident, you might wonder if hiring an attorney is really necessary. After all, insurance adjusters might call and promise a quick settlement – or you might think the process seems straightforward enough to handle alone. 

However, even “simple” cases can become complicated quickly. Injuries may turn out worse than you realized, or the other driver’s insurance company might fight your claim. That’s where an experienced attorney can help with your car accident case. 

Investigate Your Accident and Collect Strong Evidence

Right after a collision, it’s common to feel disoriented. While you focus on medical care and repairing your vehicle, a lawyer can look into what actually happened. They’ll review any police reports, talk to witnesses, check crash scene photos, and even consult with accident reconstruction experts if needed. 

This step helps establish who caused the collision and whether there are other factors that might also be to blame. Without this thorough investigation, you risk missing critical proof that strengthens your claim.

Handle Insurance Companies and Paperwork

Negotiating with an insurance adjuster can be tough. They are well-trained to settle claims cheaply and quickly, sometimes pressing you to accept a low offer before you understand the full cost of your injuries. 

A lawyer can take over these conversations, working to secure fair compensation for your losses. By doing so, you avoid being pressured into saying things that might reduce or void your claim.

Calculate the Full Value of Your Damages

Not all injuries appear right away. You may need ongoing medical treatment, therapy sessions, or surgeries that won’t happen for months—or even years. If you accept a quick settlement, you might be stuck with bills later if your condition worsens. 

An attorney can help you count every dollar you’re owed, including future procedures, lost earning capacity if you can’t return to the same job, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering or mental distress. By factoring in all these costs, a lawyer will ensure you don’t settle for less than what you need to cover your recovery and live comfortably afterward.

Protect You From Blame

In some states, sharing even a small slice of fault for the accident can hurt your claim severely. Insurance companies may try to argue you did something wrong—like speeding, not paying attention, or failing to brake in time. 

A lawyer can help you fight these allegations of comparative negligence. They’ll gather testimony, surveillance footage, or other proof to show you either weren’t at fault or your part was minimal. By countering blame effectively, your attorney will safeguard your ability to collect damages.

Represent You in Court if Needed

Most car accident claims settle before going to trial. But if the insurer refuses a fair payout or if liability is disputed, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and argue your case before a judge or jury. This courtroom experience can be pivotal if negotiations break down. 

An attorney will know how to present evidence in the best light, question witnesses, and handle unexpected twists during trial. Their ability to threaten or proceed with litigation often pushes insurers to improve their settlement offers, too, since they’d rather not risk losing in court.

Get in Touch With a Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review

Hiring a lawyer after a car accident can help you collect evidence, deal with insurers, and seek the compensation you need to recover. Even seemingly small collisions can turn costly if injuries surface later or the insurance company drags out negotiations. 

If you’re unsure about hiring a lawyer, you can always start with a free case evaluation. That way, you’ll know your legal options and decide what’s best for your situation.