Stephen Hasner | News | July 10, 2020
Last month a vehicle drove into one of the buildings at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital on Peachtree Road. According to news reports, one person died as a result of the crash, and four people were injured.
John Manasso, a public relations manager at Piedmont Hospital, released a statement shortly after the car accident. Mr. Manasso stated that not too long before 8:00 a.m., the car smashed into the emergency room door at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital. The hospital staff immediately began treating the people injured in the crash.
The Atlanta Police Department and Atlanta Fire Department responded to the accident. Because of the car crash, people were being diverted from the emergency room until further notice.
An update to the story identified the victim killed in the accident as a 55-year old woman. A spokesman for the Atlanta Police Department said that a woman in her 70s was driving the vehicle that crashed into the building. She lost control of the vehicle and struck another vehicle before driving through the glass entrance to the waiting area of the emergency room.
Atlanta PD continues to investigate why the woman lost control of the vehicle. It appears that she was coming to the hospital for an appointment. It does not appear that the crash was intentional.
Liability When a Motor Vehicle Crash is an “Accident”
The majority of car accidents occur because of mistakes or errors made by drivers. Even most drunk drivers that get behind the wheel do not intend to cause an accident.
Common factors that lead to car accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drowsy driving
- Impaired driving
- Following too closely
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Poor weather conditions
- Hazardous road conditions
- Inexperienced drivers
- Defective vehicles and parts
Even though the crash may have been an “accident,” that does not relieve the driver’s responsibility for damages caused by the accident. Georgia personal injury laws require that a victim prove that a driver was responsible for the cause of the crash to recover compensation for the accident.
Therefore, if you can prove that the driver’s actions led to the crash, you may receive compensation for your injuries, even though the driver did not intend to cause the accident.
What Damages are Recoverable in an Atlanta Car Accident?
The amount of money you may receive for a car accident claim in Atlanta depends on the damages caused by the crash. Factors that impact the value of your accident claim include, but are not limited to:
- The severity and type of injuries caused by the crash
- The duration of your recovery
- Your total financial losses
- Whether you were partially at fault for the cause of the accident
- If you sustained a disability or permanent impairment
- The amount of insurance coverage available to pay your claim
A personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence to prove fault and liability. Damages in a car accident claim include, but might not be limited to:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future loss of income and benefits
- Decreases in earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring, disability, and impairments
- Loss of quality of life
In many cases, your injuries have a significant impact on how much a car accident claim is worth. The value of the claim generally increases as the severity of the injuries increase. However, other factors could lower the value of the claim, even in catastrophic injury claims.
For instance, if you were partially at fault for the cause of the crash, the money you receive for your claim could be reduced. Also, if the other driver has minimum car insurance coverage and very little property, there may not be enough money to pay a large claim.
Working with an experienced lawyer who can identify all potential sources of compensation is in your best interest.
Injuries People Sustain in Car Accidents in Atlanta
The injuries you might sustain in a car crash depend on the circumstances of the accident. However, it is important to remember that people can be severely injured and sustain permanent disabilities in seemingly minor crashes.
Common car accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Whiplash
- Neck and back injuries
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Concussions
- Skull fractures
- Airbag and seat belt injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Chest injuries
Being checked by a physician after a car accident is usually a good idea. Some car accident injuries may not cause any symptoms for a few hours or days following an accident. Prompt medical treatment after a crash is good for your health and helps increase your chance of recovering maximum compensation for a personal injury claim.
Contact the Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers at Hasner Law PC For Help
Have you recently been injured in a car accident in Atlanta, GA? Our experienced attorneys at Hasner Law PC can help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.
For more information, please contact the Atlanta car accident law firm of Hasner Law PC at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Fulton County, Chatham County, and its surrounding areas:
Hasner Law PC – Atlanta Law Office
2839 Paces Ferry Rd SE #1050
Atlanta, GA 30339
(678) 888-4878
Hasner Law PC – Savannah Law Office
221 W York St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 234-2334
