Alpharetta Car Accident Attorneys

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can be caused by various factors. In some cases, more than one factor may contribute to the accident. Determining the cause of the accident is an essential part of the claims process. Our Alpharetta car accident attorneys can investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove liability.

Some common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents. This includes any activity that takes your attention away from the road, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or talking to people in your vehicle.
• Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and can result in serious accidents. In Georgia, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% for drivers over the age of 21 and 0.02% for drivers under the age of 21.
• Drowsy driving: Drowsy driving is a serious problem in the United States. Falling asleep at the wheel can result in serious accidents. In Georgia, there are no laws that specifically address drowsy driving.
• Speeding: Speeding is a leading cause of car accidents. When a driver is speeding, they have less time to react to a dangerous situation and are more likely to lose control of their vehicle.
• Reckless driving: Reckless driving is a serious traffic offense in Georgia. It is defined as driving with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
• Aggressive driving: Aggressive driving is a traffic offense in Georgia. It is defined as operating a vehicle intending to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person.
• Defective auto parts can cause serious accidents. In some cases, the vehicle or auto part manufacturer may be held liable for the accident.
• Poor weather conditions: Poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice, can make the roads slippery and increase the risk of an accident.
• Poor road conditions: Poor road conditions, such as potholes, can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and crash.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Some injuries may be minor and heal independently, while others may be more serious and require extensive medical treatment. In some cases, car accident injuries can be life-threatening or fatal.

Some common injuries in car accidents include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury caused by forceful, rapid back-and-forth neck movement. It is common in rear-end car accidents.
• Broken bones: Broken bones can be caused by the force of the impact or by being thrown against the vehicle's interior.
• Head injuries: Head injuries can range from a minor bump on the head to a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Back injuries: Back injuries can range from a minor strain to a severe spinal cord injury.
• Cuts and lacerations: Cuts and lacerations can be caused by broken glass or other objects in the vehicle.
• Burns: Burns can be caused by a fire or by contact with hot surfaces.
• Internal injuries: Internal injuries can be caused by the force of the impact or by being thrown against the interior of the vehicle.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a mental health condition that is triggered by a traumatic event, such as a car accident.

Georgia Car Accident Laws 

Georgia is a state that is at fault for car accidents. This means that the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for the damages caused by the accident. In most cases, the at-fault driver's insurance company will pay for the damages.

Georgia has a modified comparative fault rule. Under this rule, you can still recover compensation for your injuries and losses if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident and your damages total $100,000, you can only recover $80,000. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation.

In Georgia, you have two years from the accident date to file a car accident claim. If you do not file a claim within this time frame, you will lose your right to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.

Understanding Negligence in Car Accident Cases

In Georgia, negligence plays a critical role in determining who is at fault in a car accident. To prove negligence, several factors must be demonstrated:

1. Duty of Care: Every driver must operate their vehicle safely and obey traffic laws.
2. Breach of Duty: A driver may breach this duty through reckless behaviors like speeding, texting while driving, or driving under the influence.
3. Causation: You must show that the driver's actions directly caused the accident and your injuries.
4. Damages: It's necessary to demonstrate that the accident caused real damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Proving negligence is a key part of a car accident claim, and our legal team can help ensure all necessary evidence is gathered to support your case for fair compensation.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Georgia 

Knowing how to react in the moments following a car accident can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Here are the key actions to take if you're involved in a crash:

1. Move to Safety: Move to a secure area if you can, activate your hazard lights, and assess for any injuries.
2. Call Authorities: It's essential to report the incident to the police, as an official accident report is key for your case.
3. Exchange Information: Gather names, insurance details, and driver's license numbers from all drivers involved.
4. Document the Incident: Take detailed photos of the accident site, vehicle damages, and any visible injuries that may help your case.
5. Seek Medical Evaluation: Even if you don’t feel hurt, it’s vital to get a medical exam to identify injuries that may not be immediately apparent.  
6. Avoid Admitting Fault: Be mindful of your language at the scene—do not admit fault, as it could affect your case.

Taking these steps will help protect you legally and medically protected after an accident. 

Contact Morrison & Hughes Law today and let us help you navigate your car accident claim!