Georgia Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Motor vehicle accidents happen to even the most careful drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 32,719 people were killed and 2,313,000 were injured in traffic crashes on U.S. roadways in a single recent year.
But you’re not here for the statistics. The chances are that you or a loved one was injured in a car, truck or motorcycle accident. Hasner Law can help with your accident claim throughout Georgia.
Our attorneys have more than 60 years of combined experience handling Georgia accident cases. Our Atlanta motor vehicle accident lawyers take pride in going above and beyond in client service. When you work with our firm, we will keep you informed and provide one-on-one personal attention to your case.
Types of Motor Vehicle Accident Cases We Handle in Georgia
Our firm provides legal representation to injured victims in all types of motor vehicle accidents. We can assist you in a claim for compensation. Damages you may be entitled to claim include medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning potential, physical and mental pain and suffering, and other losses.
Accident cases we handle include:
- Car accidents: NHTSA reports that 21,132 people in passenger vehicles were killed and 2,046,000 were injured in traffic accidents in a recent year.
- Motorcycle accidents: Motorcycle riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle. In a single recent year, 88,000 motorcyclists were injured and 4,668 were killed in traffic collisions.
- Truck accidents: Collisions with large commercial trucks can have devastating consequences for passenger vehicle occupants. Of the 3,964 fatalities from large truck collisions in a recent year, only 691 were occupants of the large trucks.
- Bicycle accidents: Motor vehicle drivers sometimes fail to see bicyclists, fail to yield the right-of-way, and cause accidents. According to NHTSA, in a recent year, 48,000 bicyclists were injured and 743 were killed in traffic accidents in the U.S.
- Pedestrian accidents: Pedestrians are completely vulnerable to injury in collisions with motor vehicles. Recently, the NHTSA reported that, on average, every day in the U.S., 181 pedestrians were injured and 13 were killed in traffic crashes.
Common Injury Types Resulting from Motor Vehicle Crashes in Georgia
All types of injuries are possible in motor vehicle accidents. They can be minor, serious, catastrophic, or even fatal. We have experience with a range of injuries, including:
- Soft tissue injuries: Damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons is the most common injury suffered in vehicle accidents. Whiplash is a type of soft-tissue injury which is named for the whip-like motion of the head and neck that occurs in rear-end collisions.
- Lacerations and abrasions: Loose items in the vehicle can fly around in a collision and hit the body, causing cuts and other damage. Cuts and scrapes can also happen when air bags deploy, or from broken glass in the vehicle.
- Head and brain injuries: Impact with a side window, steering wheel, or other object in the vehicle can cause serious head and brain injuries. The unnatural motion of the head and the body from the force of a collision and sudden stop of the vehicle can also jostle the brain inside the skull and cause injury.
- Chest injuries: As drivers are confined behind the steering wheel, the chest can collide with the steering wheel in a crash. Even when there is no impact with the dash or the steering wheel, the force of the body being thrown forward in a collision can cause injury to the chest area from the shoulder harness or seat belt.
- Arm and leg injuries: Knees can be injured when they hit the dashboard or the seat in front in a crash. Arms and legs can be thrown hard against the door in a T-bone collision. Arms and legs can be sprained, bruised, or fractured.
If you are suffering serious injuries due to a motor vehicle accident, contact our trusted motor vehicle accident attorneys in Georgia for legal help.
Traffic Laws You Need to Know When Driving in Atlanta, Georgia
Driving in Atlanta, like any major city, comes with its unique challenges due to heavy traffic and complex road systems. Understanding local traffic laws is crucial for both your safety and compliance.
The following are some essential traffic laws that you need to be aware of when navigating the streets of Atlanta, Georgia:
1. Hands-Free Law
Georgia is a hands-free state, meaning it is illegal to hold a phone or stand-alone electronic device while driving. All phone calls must be conducted through Bluetooth or other hands-free technology. Texting, emailing, and browsing on a device are strictly prohibited while driving, except through voice-to-text technology.
2. Move Over Law
The Move Over Law requires drivers to move over one lane when approaching an emergency vehicle, tow truck, or sanitation vehicle that is stopped on the side of the road with its emergency lights on. If it is unsafe or impossible to move over, drivers must slow down to a speed below the posted speed limit and attempt to stop, if necessary.
3. Speed Limits
In Atlanta, speed limits are strictly enforced to enhance road safety. The maximum speed limit on urban interstates is 55 miles per hour unless otherwise posted. Residential areas generally have speed limits of 25-35 miles per hour. Always observe posted speed limits, especially in school zones and construction areas, where penalties for speeding can be more severe.
4. DUI Laws
Georgia has stringent laws against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.08% for motorists over 21 years old, 0.02% for drivers under 21, and 0.04% for commercial drivers. Penalties for DUI offenses can include fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges.
5. Seat Belt Laws
Seat belt usage is mandatory for all motorists and passengers in both front and rear seats in Georgia. Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a proper child safety seat or booster seat that is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Right of Way Laws
Motorists must yield the right of way to pedestrians using crosswalks and at intersections where traffic signals are not in place or are inoperative. When turning left, motorists must yield to oncoming traffic that is straight or turning right.
7. Bicycle Laws
Bicyclists sharing the road have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers in Georgia. Motorists are required to keep a safe distance of at least three feet when passing a bicycle. Additionally, bicyclists are allowed to ride on the roadway, and when doing so, must follow the same traffic laws as vehicles.
8. Headlight Laws
Headlights must be turned on between sunset and sunrise, during rain, fog, or snow, or at any other time when it is difficult to see the road ahead for a distance of 500 feet.
9. School Bus Laws
All drivers are required to stop for school buses that are loading or unloading children and displaying a stop sign or flashing lights. Traffic in both directions on undivided roads are required to stop.
10. Inspection Laws
Most of the state of Georgia does not mandate that vehicles must pass an annual emissions test. However, there are 13 counties in the Atlanta metro area that requires vehicles to go through an emissions inspection on a yearly basis.
Understanding and adhering to these traffic laws will help ensure your safety and that of others while driving in Atlanta. If you find yourself involved in a traffic incident, knowing these laws can also support your case in any legal proceedings. For further advice or legal assistance, feel free to contact Hasner Law; we are here to help navigate any issues you encounter on the road.
How Can Our Georgia Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys Help You?
Our motor vehicle accident lawyers in Georgia will thoroughly investigate your accident to establish who was at fault. We will also gather and preserve evidence, determine the full extent of your injuries, and carefully construct a claim for compensation.
We can skillfully negotiate with insurance companies for a fair auto accident settlement on your behalf. However, we are not afraid to go to trial if it is in your best interests. Our team has the skills, resources, and experience you need for dealing with insurance companies.
When you work with our firm in a motor vehicle accident matter, there is no fee until we recover compensation for you. Contact us online or give us a call at 678-888-4878 for a free case consultation. You can have confidence that our Georgia personal injury lawyers will represent you with honesty, integrity and commitment to your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Motor Vehicle Accidents
At Hasner Law, we understand that dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. To help clarify common concerns and provide you with immediate answers, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions our clients often have:
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
First, ensure the safety of all parties involved and call emergency services if there are any injuries. Next, document the scene by taking photos and gathering witness information if possible. Report the accident to the police to obtain a police report. Seek medical treatment, even if you feel okay. Finally, contact a car accident lawyer to discuss your rights and the next steps.
How quickly should I contact an attorney after an accident?
It is advisable to contact an attorney as soon as possible following an accident. An early consultation can help protect your rights and ensure that crucial evidence is preserved. Attorneys can also handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Will my case go to trial?
Most car accident claims are settled out of court. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached during the negotiation process, it may be necessary to go to trial to seek adequate compensation. At Hasner Law, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring that we are ready if that step is required.
How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, this time frame can vary depending on specific circumstances, so consulting with an attorney to understand the deadlines applicable to your case is crucial.
What type of compensation can I expect to receive?
Compensation can vary widely based on the specifics of the accident and the injuries incurred. Generally, you may be entitled to recover costs for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded.
How is fault determined in a car accident?
Determining fault involves establishing who was negligent or careless in causing the accident. This is typically achieved through evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and expert testimony. Our experienced attorneys can help gather and analyze this evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
Do I need a lawyer if the accident was minor?
Even if an accident appears minor, complications can arise, such as latent injuries or disputes over fault. Consulting with a lawyer can provide you with an understanding of your legal options and help ensure that your rights are protected, regardless of the accident’s severity.
Can I still receive compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, Georgia operates under a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover damages if you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What should I not do after an accident?
Avoid admitting fault or making any definitive statements about the accident to insurance adjusters or other parties involved. It’s also advisable not to accept any initial settlement offers from insurance companies without consulting with an attorney.
How does Hasner Law charge for its services?
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, and you only pay if we win your case.
If you have more specific questions or need detailed advice tailored to your situation, please don’t hesitate to contact Hasner Law. We are here to help you navigate through this challenging time with skilled legal guidance.
