Car Accident Overview

Expert Atlanta Car Accident Representation

Car accident victims are often left on the hook for thousands of dollars in medical bills, costly car repairs, lost wages from missed work, and emotional damages that diminish their quality of life. If the other party was at fault in your Atlanta car accident, you don’t have to bear the costs of their mistakes. Each experienced car accident lawyer in Atlanta at Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass understands how overwhelming it can feel to be a victim in a motor vehicle crash. We offer an initial free consultation with our legal team and provide guidance and representation throughout car accident cases.

What Are the Different Types of Car Accidents?

Car accidents are all too common in Georgia.

Many Atlanta collisions could be avoided if all drivers practiced patience and diligence on the roads. The most common car accident cases involve negligence, dangerous weather conditions, poor road conditions, and vehicle defects. Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers handle the following types of accidents:

  • Drunk driver accidents
  • Drugged driving collisions
  • Distracted driving incidents
  • Rear-end collisions
  • Rollover accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents

The effects of a motor vehicle accident can be devastating. Car accident injuries can affect victims physically, emotionally, and financially. Fortunately, Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass provides legal remedies to assist each car accident victim in recovering damages for the losses they’ve incurred.

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Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can happen in an instant, often leaving victims with serious injuries and financial burdens. Understanding the most common causes of these collisions can help drivers stay alert and aware behind the wheel. At Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, we’ve seen how the following factors frequently lead to crashes:

  • Distracted driving (e.g., texting, eating, adjusting controls)
  • Speeding or aggressive driving
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Poor weather or road conditions
  • Driver fatigue
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What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?

Car accidents often result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering. Even low-speed collisions can leave victims with lasting pain and medical complications. We help clients recover compensation for many types of injuries, including:

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Determining who is liable in a car accident is a critical step in recovering compensation. In many cases, more than one party may share responsibility. At Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, we conduct a thorough investigation to identify all potentially liable parties, which may include:

  • The at-fault driver
  • The driver’s employer (if the vehicle was used for work)
  • Vehicle or parts manufacturers (in cases of mechanical failure)
  • Government agencies (for poor road conditions or faulty signage)
  • Bars or restaurants (in drunk driving cases involving over-service)
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What Can You Do to Prepare for a Car Accident?

Before you’re involved in an accident, an experienced car accident lawyer in Atlanta would recommend the following:

  • Carrying your driver’s license with you
  • Purchasing Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
  • Keeping emergency tools like flares and orange cones in your car
  • Keeping proof of your insurance
  • Keeping your registration in the vehicle
  • Making sure your emergency lights work
  • Staying current on your insurance coverage

These tips can help you avoid accidents and ensure that you’re prepared in the event that one occurs.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

To secure compensation for your injuries, you’ll need to begin your car accident case properly. Things you can do to protect your right to compensation after an accident include:

  • Seeking medical help for yourself and other victims
  • Calling the police to make an official accident report
  • Exchanging names, phone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver
  • Taking pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
  • Collecting contact information for any witnesses
  • Scheduling a free consultation with a legal professional

Documenting each step of your injury case, gathering evidence, getting your injuries treated as soon as possible, and seeking legal counsel can help you throughout settlement negotiations and trial. Make sure you adhere to Georgia’s statute of limitations, or you won’t be able to take action against the other driver’s insurance company. 

How Do You Prove Negligence?

Atlanta car wrecks may lead to severe injuries. If those injuries are caused by the other driver’s negligence, Georgia law states that that person is legally responsible. That’s why it’s imperative to launch an investigation into the wreck immediately. A car accident attorney in Atlanta can help.

To prove negligence when pursuing compensation in your car accident or wrongful death claim, you must demonstrate that the defendant:

  • Failed to pay attention to their surroundings
  • Drove while distracted
  • Drove under the influence
  • Violated traffic laws, or
  • Drove without a license

A Fulton County car crash attorney can examine the following when investigating your claim:

  • Police reports
  • Witness statements
  • Photo and video footage of the accident
  • Driving records and accident history
  • Medical reports
  • The scene of the accident
  • They’ll use this information to build a strong case for compensation that addresses all of your losses.
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What Damages Can I Receive for My Injuries?

To determine the amount of compensation to request, our car accident attorneys can work with experts to pinpoint your injuries and project your crash-related expenses. Damages you may be entitled to include, but are not limited to:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of intimacy and support
  • Long-term effects of your physical injuries

Your car accident attorney in Atlanta will review the circumstances of your accident to determine which damages to pursue.

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Why Trust Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass With Your Car Accident Case in Atlanta?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. A car accident attorney in Atlanta at Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass is here to help you pursue the compensation you need to recover.

Our dedicated legal team provides:

  • A deep understanding of Georgia’s car accident and personal injury laws
  • Customized strategies tailored to your specific situation
  • Thorough investigations to uncover the full extent of liability and damages
  • Strategic negotiations with insurance companies to protect your interests
  • Aggressive courtroom representation when needed to fight for what you deserve

Our experienced auto accident attorneys will leave no stone unturned in building a strong case on your behalf. We’ll determine all liable parties and ensure they’re held accountable. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery. Call us at (404) 882-5872 or fill out our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.

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Car Accident FAQs

How is fault determined in a Georgia car accident?

Fault in Georgia is determined based on evidence such as the police report, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage. Georgia is a fault-based state, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is liable for damages.

What is Georgia’s statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit?

The statute of limitations in Georgia is two years for personal injury and wrongful death claims and four years for property damage claims. You must file a lawsuit within these timeframes to preserve your right to compensation.

Do I need to call the police after a car accident in Georgia?

Yes, under Georgia law, you must call the police after an accident if:

  • There are injuries or fatalities
  • The property damage exceeds $500
  • A driver involved is under the influence of drugs or alcohol

What is Georgia’s comparative negligence law, and how does it affect my case?

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, you can only recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault.

What insurance is required for drivers in Georgia?

Georgia law requires drivers to carry liability insurance with the following minimum coverage:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage per accident

What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?

If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you have it. This type of coverage helps protect you when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.

What if I was a passenger in a car accident in Georgia?

As a passenger, you have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver, whether it’s the driver of the vehicle you were in or the other vehicle's driver. If necessary, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance or pursue legal action.

Can I still recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt during the accident?

Yes, you can still recover damages if you weren’t wearing a seatbelt, but not wearing one may reduce your compensation. Georgia law allows the jury to consider your failure to wear a seatbelt as part of the comparative negligence assessment.

Can I sue for pain and suffering after a car accident in Georgia?

Yes, you can sue for pain and suffering, which compensates for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. Georgia law allows you to recover non-economic damages like pain and suffering and economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages.

Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of crashes in Georgia. A distracted driving accident attorney from Pendergrass Law can gather the evidence needed to recover compensation from at-fault drivers and their insurers.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk Driving Accidents

Intoxicated driving can result in significant injuries and property damage. If you’ve been in an accident caused by a drunk driver, reach out to an experienced car accident attorney in Atlanta at Pendergrass Law.

Rear End Collisions

Rear End Collisions

Rear-end collisions often cause injuries and property damage that leave victims with a growing pile of bills. If you’ve been in a rear-end accident that wasn’t your fault, a car accident lawyer in Atlanta from The Pendergrass Law Firm can help.

Speeding Accidents

Speeding Accidents

If you’ve been in an accident because another driver was speeding, it’s essential to consult a car accident attorney in Atlanta, GA. Reach out to Pendergrass Law for help. 

Texting and Driving Accidents

Texting and Driving Accidents

Texting while driving puts everyone on the road at risk. If you’ve been injured because of someone texting and driving, a car accident attorney in Atlanta, GA, can help. 

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