At the scene of your car accident, there are probably a million things running through your head. Your car might be damaged, you might be injured, your insurance premiums are probably going to skyrocket, and it’s all going to be costly. The most frustrating thing about this is that you were doing everything you were supposed to when someone hit you.
Maybe the other driver was speeding or distracted, but whatever the reason, they weren’t doing what they were supposed to, and now you’re suffering. Car accidents are sadly common in Georgia.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Dunwoody
Unfortunately, driving laws are not universal. One of the risks of driving is being on the road with drivers of various levels of skills and desire to be responsible. Part of what keeps everyone safe on the road is drivers being able to anticipate each other’s moves. When other drivers act recklessly, it conflicts with the road system and endangers everyone on the road.
Various careless acts can cause a car accident, but the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Driving while intoxicated
- Tailgating cars and trucks
- Not signaling when changing lanes
Traffic laws are broken far more frequently than anyone would wish. Irresponsible drivers run red lights, fail to yield when required, and speed. Many car accidents happen because of distracted drivers. Distractions make it tough to stay focused while driving. Being prepared to react appropriately to any unforeseen situations on the road necessitates vigilance. Using a cell phone while behind the wheel is one of the most common examples of distracted driving. People are also frequently involved in accidents when they fail to use crucial safety features such as their vehicle’s turn signal.
What to Do at the Scene of a Car Accident in Dunwoody
A car accident can be a discombobulating experience, but you must stay clear-headed and aware when you are still at the scene. The scene of an accident will have a lot of valuable information that will be useful for your case. At the scene of your car accident, you should make sure you do the following:
- Seek medical attention: Always prioritize your health. Seeking medical care will protect your health and create a paper trail documenting your injuries.
- Get the other driver’s information: Having access to the other driver’s insurance information and a way to contact them facilitates the claim process.
- Report the accident to the police: In Georgia, you are legally required to report a car accident if there were injuries, fatalities, or property damage totaling more than $500.
- Gather witness statements: Witness statements are good tools for establishing the events and corroborating stories.
While you are still at the scene, you should protect yourself and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
Factors That Can Affect the Success of Your Dunwoody Car Accident Claim
Your car accident claim may not be as straightforward as you think it is. The court and your insurance company will consider many factors when determining if your case is viable and how much it’s worth. Getting these things together by yourself can be a hassle, and you don’t want to risk missing something in the shuffle. It’s best to rely on guidance from an experienced Dunwoody car accident lawyer who can guide you through everything and build a strong case for you.
Who Is At Fault for the Accident
For car accident lawsuits, the issue of liability is crucial. You may think the other party is entirely to blame for your accident, but you can be found at fault as well. If you’re deemed partially at fault, your compensation may be adjusted to compensate for your proportion of the liability.
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system. Georgia’s modified comparative fault law allows people to file a claim to recover damages if they were less at fault for the car accident than the other parties involved in the accident. According to Georgia law, if a jury finds you to be 49 percent at fault, you are entitled to compensation equivalent to 51 percent of the damages.
What Do Witness Statements Say
Statements are an important aspect of building a case for a car accident claim. They are instrumental in constructing a narrative for the events surrounding the accident. When witnesses and those involved in the accident present conflicting versions of the story, it can skew liability assessment, making it difficult to accurately determine who was the most at fault.
Medical Treatment Timing
Interestingly, the time it takes you to seek medical treatment can impact your case. Whether you believe you’ve been injured or not, it’s critical to seek medical attention right away following a car collision. Receiving medical treatment soon after your accident is essential for two reasons:
- Testing may reveal injuries that you aren’t aware of.
- Waiting might make it more difficult to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident, which can hurt your settlement.
Keep a paper trail of your doctor’s statements regarding your injuries, as this may be vital in your claim.
Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
A consultation with an expert vehicle accident lawyer will help you understand what kind of damages you may be able to pursue and how to show their value. A car accident lawyer can also help you negotiate with your insurance company to acquire funds to pay for a rental car, have your current vehicle repaired, or purchase a new vehicle.
A skilled personal injury attorney will not settle your claim until the responsible party has been held accountable for their acts and ordered to pay you the greatest amount possible.
Contact a Dunwoody Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents can change your life forever, especially if you are seriously injured. Physical, mental, and financial challenges are common consequences of an accident, and they can affect you and your loved ones for a long time. Anyone who has been injured in a car accident should get legal counsel from a qualified personal injury attorney.
Attorney Tabbaa of Tabbaa Law is a seasoned personal injury lawyer who knows how to navigate the legal system to effectively defend your claim and secure fair compensation. Sami Tabbaa is well-versed in personal injury litigation and dedicated to securing maximum compensation for his clients. Thousands of accident victims have entrusted him with their cases, and he has proven to be an asset to those who seek his guidance. You can schedule your free consultation now by calling us at (770) 370-7881 or submitting our contact form.
