Tucker Car Accident Attorney
If someone’s negligence injured you in a Tucker, Georgia, car accident, Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP can help. We know the unique challenges car accident victims face, and we dedicate ourselves to pursuing justice and fair compensation for our clients. Our skilled team of attorneys has over 20 years of experience with personal injury law and car accident cases. We provide compassionate guidance and unwavering support throughout the entire process of pursuing compensation.
Schedule a free consultation by calling (404) 671-8488 today, and let us be your advocates. We’re available 24/7 to talk with our clients. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if we get money for you. Unexpectedly becoming a victim of a car accident can turn your life upside down. Our Georgia personal injury lawyers want to help you get the compensation and assistance you need to set your life right again.
Georgia Car Accident Statistics
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, motor vehicle crashes were the second leading cause of injury deaths and Georgia emergency room visits in one recent year.
Car accident statistics from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) show that Tucker, Georgia had 16,246 crashes over a recent five-year span. Of that number, 6,616 collisions caused injuries, and 41 accidents were fatal.
Common Causes of Georgia Car Accidents
Like many other places, Georgia car accidents can occur for many reasons, including:
- Distracted driving – One of the leading causes of accidents is distracted driving, including texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car screens. Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can have catastrophic consequences.
- Fatigue –Driver fatigue can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and even lead to falling asleep at the wheel. Long working hours, insufficient rest, and sleep disorders contribute to fatigue-related accidents.
- Impaired driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications significantly contributes to car accidents. Impaired drivers often have reduced reaction times, poor judgment, and decreased coordination, making them a danger to themselves and others on the road.
- Reckless driving – Aggressive and reckless behavior, such as tailgating, frequent lane changes, and ignoring traffic signals, significantly increases the risk of accidents.
- Speeding – Exceeding the speed limit is a common cause of Georgia accidents. Higher speeds make it difficult to control the vehicle, increases required stopping distances, and reduces a driver’s reaction time.
- Weather conditions – Georgia experiences various weather conditions throughout the year, including heavy storms, fog, and even ice storms, which can make roads slippery and reduce visibility. These conditions require heightened vigilance on the part of every driver on the road.
Drivers must remain vigilant, follow traffic laws, and drive according to the conditions. A driver’s failure to do any of these things could cause an accident in which the driver is responsible for any accident victims’ injuries.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Car Accidents
The severity and type of injuries sustained in a vehicle crash depend on various factors, including the speed of impact, the position of occupants in the vehicle, and the use of seat belts and airbags. Here are some common injuries and the reasons behind their occurrence:
- Broken bones – The force of a car accident can cause fractures in various parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, when a driver or passenger impacts the vehicle’s interior or objects within the car.
- Chest injuries – In a crash, the body can suffer chest injuries, including bruising, broken ribs, or damage to internal organs. The steering wheel, seat belt, or airbag deployment can cause these injuries.
- Head injuries – Head injuries range from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). They can occur when the head strikes anything due to the crash. Even with seat belts and airbags, a driver or passenger’s head is still very vulnerable to injury.
- Soft tissue injuries – Sprains, strains, and bruises are common soft tissue injuries in car accidents. They occur due to the sudden jolting movements and forces exerted on the body during a collision.
- Spinal cord injuries – Severe car accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis or loss of motor function. In a collision, the spinal cord can be compressed or damaged, affecting the transmission of signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
- Whiplash – Whiplash is a common injury caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head and neck during a collision.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident?
If you have been involved in a car accident and are considering pursuing a lawsuit for personal injuries, taking specific steps to preserve your case is crucial. Here are some important actions to consider immediately after a car accident:
- Seek medical attention – Your health and well-being should be the top priority. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is essential to seek medical evaluation. Prompt medical attention ensures your well-being and establishes a record of your injuries, which can be valuable evidence in your lawsuit.
- Document the accident scene – If you are physically able, gather evidence at the accident scene. Take photographs of the vehicles involved, the damage sustained, skid marks, and other relevant details. Note down the date, time, and location of the accident.
- Gather witness information – If there were witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information. Witness testimony can provide crucial support for your case. Their statements can corroborate your version of events and help establish liability.
- Preserve evidence – Keep any documents related to the accident, including medical records, bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies. These documents will help demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the financial impact of the accident on your life.
- Report the accident – Contact law enforcement and report the accident. In Georgia, you must report to law enforcement any accident that results in injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage. To be safe, report every accident to local law enforcement. Then, obtain a copy of the police report, which contains important details about the accident and the officer’s assessment of the situation.
- Consult an attorney – Contact a personal injury attorney with experience in car accident cases, such as the experienced Georgia attorneys of Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP. They can provide valuable guidance, assess the strength of your case, and help you navigate the legal process.
Remember, it is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet any filing deadlines and take the appropriate legal steps. They can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and build a strong case for your personal injury lawsuit.
Compensation Available If a Car Accident Injured You
Car accident victims in Georgia may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses, which could include:
- Lost wages – If the accident resulted in the victim being unable to work, they may be owed compensation for lost wages and any potential future loss of earning capacity.
- Medical expenses – Victims can seek money for past, current, and future medical costs related to the accident. This compensation can cover hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation expenses.
- Pain and suffering – Your compensation after an accident could include compensation for the physical and emotional pain you endured due to the accident, including mental anguish, stress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive damages – In egregious cases where the defendant’s behavior is particularly willful, malicious, wanton, or showing a conscious indifference to the consequences, a court may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future. These damages are not available in a settlement.
- Wrongful death – In cases where the accident results in a fatality, surviving family members could file a claim or lawsuit for wrongful death. Compensation from this type of case could include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Georgia Car Accident Lawsuit?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. You have two years from the date of the accident or injury to file such a lawsuit. Failing to file within this timeframe may cause a court to dismiss your case and prevent you from ever pursuing compensation in court. Engaging an attorney for your case could prevent you from missing this critical deadline.
Get In Touch with an Experienced Tucker, Georgia, Car Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in DeKalb County, entrusting your case to Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP is your first step towards getting the compassionate and attentive legal representation you need to obtain the compensation you’re owed. Our team of attorneys has twenty years of experience with these types of cases, and we prioritize establishing trust and rapport with our clients.
When you choose to work with us, rest assured that we are committed to your future as if it were our own. We have obtained over $200 million in settlements and awards for our clients. Contact us at (404) 671-8488 for a complimentary consultation. Let us advocate for justice and zealously pursue the compensation you need to move forward with your life after the accident.