Car Accident Lawyer Lawrenceville, GA

Seeking Compensation After a Car Accident

After a car crash, you should call our Lawrenceville, GA car accident lawyer. While cars have become much safer since they were first invented, around 6 million car crashes occur in the U.S. every year. Unfortunately, car crashes are the leading reason for death in the country, with more than 38,000 people losing their lives every year. We’ll explore why it makes sense to contact an attorney after a crash. Contact our team at Norris Injury Law today.

 

How Our Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You

Ideally, following a crash, the process should be very straightforward. You make a statement, gather evidence like pictures, collect the other driver’s contact information, copy your police report, report the incident to your or the other person’s insurance company, and receive compensation that covers everything. However, often the process can be more complicated, especially when dealing with significant damage. Some problems victims can run into are: 

If the Insurance Company Offers an Unfair Settlement

Following a crash, you may deal with major expenses like expensive medical bills or needing to repair or replace your car. Unfortunately, an insurance company may not always offer enough compensation. Besides compensation for immediate expenses like hospital stays, compensation can also cover factors like: 

• Lost wages, job rehabilitation, or disability benefits 
• Pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress, including the development of PTSD 
• Overall reduced quality of life 
• Loss of reputation 
• In the case of a loved one passing away, wrongful death benefits like paying for funeral expenses

Besides an insurance company not offering a fair settlement, they may also use techniques like not being willing to negotiate, not taking your calls or making it hard to contact them, blaming you for the incident, claiming you had a prior medical issue, etc. A Lawrenceville car accident attorney can help break through these issues and force the insurance company to negotiate by applying legal pressure. An attorney can also help you determine if you’re being offered a fair settlement or if you should hold out for a better offer. 

Taking Your Case to Court

A professional attorney isn’t afraid to go to court if necessary. However, a professional attorney also understands that settling outside of court is often the better solution. The truth is that most car accident cases settle outside the court system simply because they take too much time and money for both parties. Additionally, taking a case to court can be unpredictable. For example, a party may need to pay a higher settlement, or the case can be dismissed. 

U-Turn Accidents

A Lawrenceville, GA car accident lawyer knows that there are many different scenarios that occur that result in car crashes and personal injuries. Common causes include distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence. One scenario that people don’t often associate with car accidents are u-turns.

There are numerous traffic situations where making a u-turn may seem like a good idea. Encountering unexpected traffic conditions, missing your exit ramp on a highway or a turn you needed to make on a city street, or simply realizing you are headed the wrong direction are all common scenarios which could cause you to attempt this type of traffic maneuver.

But are u-turns legal in Georgia and what happens if someone making a u-turn causes a crash?

Georgia Law

When it comes to making a u-turn, many Georgia drivers are unsure what is legal and what isn’t. In fact, in far too many situations, the driver is basically guessing whether the u-turn they are about to take is allowed in the spot they are about to take it at. This can turn into quite the gamble – not only when it comes to being citing for a traffic violation but also causing an accident.

Under Georgia traffic laws, u-turns are forbidden under the following circumstances:

• Where a sign is posted that prohibits u-turns
• Where the turn cannot be made safely and/or interfering with traffic on the other side of the road
• When the driver is approaching a curve
• When approaching a rise in the road making it impossible for drivers approaching in either direction to see your vehicle

Accident Liability

A skilled Lawrenceville car accident lawyer has encountered all kinds of accident causes in the cases he or she works on. When it comes to u-turn accidents, the most frequent reasons car accident happen include:

• The other driver was making the u-turn in a forbidden or unsafe location. There are many locations where it is just too dangerous to make a u-turn, including trying to cross over double lanes or even in a parking lot.
• The other driver filed to the right of way to the oncoming traffic where they are trying to turn. Even if there is signage that allows u-turns at a location, the oncoming drivers have the right of way and a turning driver must wait until the road is clear before turning.
• The other driver attempted to make the turn during bad weather conditions that hampered their ability to see the oncoming traffic
• The other driver was operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and failed to judge the danger in making the turn.

If a driver takes a u-turn and a crash occurs, they will most likely be liable for the accident and any losses that injured victims of the accident sustain. Even if the driver took a u-turn in an area where it is allowed, they are always required to yield the right of way. If you were injured in a u-turn crash, Lawrenceville, GA car accident lawyer from Norris Injury Law could evaluate your case and determine what your legal options are.

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Common Types of Car Accidents

A Lawrenceville, Georgia car accident lawyer from Norris Injury Lawyer knows that Georgia, like any other state, experiences a variety of car accidents on its roads and highways. Understanding the most common types of car accidents that occur in Georgia can help drivers and residents be more aware of potential risks and take appropriate precautions. 

• Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents in Georgia. These accidents occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. They often result from distracted driving, tailgating, sudden stops, or failure to maintain a safe following distance. Rear-end collisions can cause whiplash injuries, soft tissue damage, and damage to the rear vehicle.

• Intersection Accidents

Your Lawrenceville car accident lawyer knows that intersections can be high-risk areas for car accidents in Georgia. Collisions at intersections occur when two or more vehicles cross paths while turning, entering, or exiting the intersection. Factors such as red-light running, failure to yield right-of-way, and distracted driving contribute to these accidents. Intersection accidents can result in severe injuries, particularly if vehicles collide at high speeds.

• Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of accidents in Georgia. They occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide front-to-front. These accidents often happen due to wrong-way driving, crossing the centerline, or drifting into oncoming traffic. Head-on collisions can lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities.

• Side-Impact Collisions (T-Bone Accidents)

Side-impact collisions, commonly known as T-bone accidents, occur when the front end of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape. These accidents often happen at intersections or when a driver fails to yield the right-of-way. T-bone accidents can cause significant injuries, especially to the occupants on the side that is struck.

• Single-Vehicle Accidents

Single-vehicle accidents involve only one vehicle and can occur for various reasons. Factors such as loss of control, speeding, impaired driving, inclement weather, or striking an object on the road can lead to these accidents. Single-vehicle accidents can result in injuries or fatalities, particularly if the vehicle rolls over or crashes into a fixed object.

• Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents involve a vehicle flipping over onto its side or roof. These accidents often occur when a driver loses control, overcorrects, or when a vehicle’s stability is compromised (e.g., top-heavy vehicles, abrupt maneuvers). Rollover accidents have a higher risk of severe injuries and fatalities due to the potential for vehicle ejection and roof collapse.

• Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Multi-vehicle pileups, also known as chain-reaction accidents, involve multiple vehicles colliding with one another in a chain of events. These accidents typically occur on highways, especially during inclement weather, low visibility, or when drivers fail to adjust to changing traffic conditions. Multi-vehicle pileups can cause extensive property damage, severe injuries, and fatalities.

It is important for drivers in Georgia to remain vigilant, practice defensive driving, and follow traffic laws to reduce the occurrence of these common types of car accidents. Additionally, staying attentive, avoiding distractions, maintaining a safe distance, and obeying traffic rules can significantly reduce the likelihood of being involved in a car accident.

Lawrenceville Car Accident Infographic

Lawrenceville Car Accident Statistics

According to NHTSA, more than 1,500 people are killed in car accidents each year in the state of Georgia. Many victims who do survive crashes are left with serious injuries and long-term or permanent disabilities.

If you have been injured in an accident caused by another party, make sure you have a skilled Lawrenceville car accident lawyer advocating for you to get you the financial compensation you may be entitled to for the losses your injuries have caused.

Lawrenceville Car Accident FAQs

If you have been in a car accident, a Lawrenceville, GA car accident lawyer understands you may have some questions regarding filing a claim. The following are some of the more frequent ones that we hear from our clients. For more detailed information, contact Norris Injury Law.

Is It Necessary to Involve the Police In All Car Accidents?

Generally, it is advisable to involve the police in any car accident, even if the other party tries to talk you out of calling them. The police report provides an official documentation of the incident, which can be crucial when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action. Under Georgia law, drivers are required to report any accident that result in injury or death to anyone or if there is more than $500 in property damage.

How Is Fault Determined In a Car Crash?

Fault in a car accident is determined by law enforcement and/or insurance companies using evidence, witness statements and applicable traffic laws. It is important to gather as much evidence as possible, including photos, witness accounts, and the police report. However, it is important to note that the other driver’s insurance company will do all they can to try to deny the claim so make sure to consult with a car accident lawyer.

What Should I Do If the Other Driver Involved In the Accident Does Not Have Insurance?

The state of Georgia mandates that every driver have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability. Unfortunately, despite it being the law, there are drivers who fail to purchase auto insurance.

If the other driver does not have insurance, you may be able to rely on your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to help cover the damages. Contact your insurance company to understand the specific coverage and requirements for making a claim in such situations and/or speak to a a Lawrenceville car accident lawyer.

Do I Need to Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident If I Don’t Think I’m Hurt?

It is recommended that anyone involved in a crash get evaluated by a medical professional following the accident, even if you do not feel injured at the moment. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not present immediate symptoms. A medical exam can help identify and treat any hidden injuries and document them for insurance purposes.

How Long Do I Have to File an Insurance Claim After a Car Accident?

The time limit to file an insurance claim after a car accident, referred to as the statute of limitation. varies depending on the state the accident lives in. In Georgia, that time frame is two years. It is crucial to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible to avoid potential complications. Contact your insurance provider to understand the specific deadlines and requirements for filing a claim.

Norris Injury Law, Lawrenceville Car Accident Lawyer

440 Perry Street, Suite 102, Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Contact Our Lawrenceville Car Accident Lawyer Today

At Norris Injury Law, we take pride in being your partners in justice in Lawrenceville. Our team of seasoned car accident lawyers is dedicated to providing the expertise, support, and personalized attention you need during this challenging time. If you’ve experienced a car accident, remember that you have a steadfast partner in us, and you can work with a Lawrenceville car accident lawyer today.

Reach out to our Lawrenceville car accident lawyers today for a consultation. Let us stand by your side, navigate the legal complexities, and work towards the resolution you deserve. Your recovery is our priority, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.