Everyone has the right to expect that other drivers will behave safely and reasonably as they navigate Atlanta’s busy roads and highways. However, when someone fails to do this because of negligence, it’s highly likely that a car accident will soon follow. This can cause a victim to incur serious and sometimes fatal injuries.

If you or a loved one were involved in a car crash in Atlanta, you can be sure that the lawyers and insurers representing the at-fault party will fight to deny you the compensation that you deserve. Who’s fighting for your rights and interests? Find out why so many accident victims trust Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm.

Why Do Car Accidents Happen?

After being in a car crash, the victim will have the burden of proving that the at-fault driver (or some other party) negligently caused it. For this reason, it helps to understand a few of the most common causes of Atlanta car accidents, including:

  • Driving under the influence: Drunk driving is illegal, but it’s also against the law to drive under the influence of drugs. This includes prescription medications that can interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle.
  • Distracted driving: Now more than ever, distractions abound for drivers. Cell phone use, including texting while driving, is a prime example of distracted driving. But anything that detracts from a driver’s focus on safe driving can be considered a distraction.
  • Fatigued driving: Before a driver gets behind the wheel, they must have sufficient sleep. Fatigued driving leads to decreased reaction times and inability to focus, which increases the likelihood of an accident.
  • Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit is one of the leading causes of car accidents, and higher speeds correspond with more severe and fatal collisions. However, a driver can also be considered negligent if they drive too fast for the conditions (e.g. during rain).
  • Traffic law violations: Some examples include running a stop sign or red light, following too closely, and failure to yield. Violating any traffic law is a strong indication of negligence.
  • Poor weather: When there is bad weather, a driver should adjust their behavior by slowing down and using more caution. If they fail to do so, they could cause a severe accident with major injuries.
  • Road defects: Government entities and construction crews can be held liable for poor road designs and improper maintenance. However, suing the government is more complicated, so speak with an experienced Atlanta car crash lawyer.
  • Vehicle defects: The at-fault party could be a manufacturer or parts supplier who designed and built a defective automobile or vehicle component. Shoddy repair work on the part of a mechanic or auto shop may also be to blame.

Who Is Responsible For a Car Accident?

Another key step in winning compensation is identifying the parties who were at fault for the accident. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to name the following parties as defendants in a car accident lawsuit:

  • Other motorists
  • Passengers
  • Pedestrians
  • Bicyclists
  • Motorcyclists
  • Truck drivers and trucking companies
  • Bus drivers
  • Public transportation entities
  • Local and state governments
  • Road construction crews
  • Vehicle manufacturers and parts suppliers
  • Repair shops
  • Mechanics
  • Bars or restaurants that served a drunk driver too much alcohol

In some cases, there is more than one party who could be held liable for causing an accident. The more defendants, the greater your chances of recovering the maximum amount of available compensation for your losses.

Available Damages in Atlanta Car Crash Cases

Although the nature and amount of available damages will vary from one car accident lawsuit to another, in most cases the victims can request compensation for:

  • Medical expenses: These include current costs such as ambulance care, hospitalization, surgery, prescription medication, and more.
  • Future medical expenses: Damages also include reasonably projected future medical costs like physical therapy, rehabilitation, adaptive medical equipment, and follow-up treatments.
  • Lost wages: During the time that the victim is recovering from their injuries, they will lose money from work which may be included in the damages calculation.
  • Lost earning capacity: If the victim is unable to work at the same level of productivity as before the accident, then they can request compensation for future lost income and benefits.
  • General damages: Georgia also recognizes so-called general damages such as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and permanent disability.
  • Property damage: Damaged or destroyed personal property, including the vehicle and items inside it, are also eligible for compensation.

Tragically, many Atlanta car accidents claim the lives of their victims. If this has happened to your family, let our compassionate and dedicated wrongful death attorney help you seek justice and fair compensation for your losses.

How Can Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm Help Me?

When you retain our personal injury law firm, you have a trusted ally that will walk with you from start to finish and tirelessly advocate for your rights and best interests. We serve our clients by doing the following:

  • Fully investigating how the accident occurred and who was responsible for it
  • Gathering evidence of fault, both informally and through the formal discovery process
  • Speaking with witnesses and expert witnesses who can substantiate your claims
  • Determining a fair and reasonable dollar value for your damages
  • Filing and serving all court paperwork in accordance with applicable statutes and rules
  • Handling all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies and lawyers
  • Representing you during mediation as we attempt to settle your case
  • Taking your case to trial if a reasonable out-of-court settlement cannot be reached

Contact Our Atlanta Car Accident Attorney

Nobody deserves to be injured because a driver chose to act irresponsibly. But if this has happened to you or a loved one, Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm is ready to get to work for you. Get started now by completing our online contact form or giving us a call.