Category: Personal Injury

Whether you are a newly licensed driver or you have years or even decades of experience behind the wheel, all motorists are responsible for understanding and following the rules of the road. In addition to following the speed limit, using your signal when necessary, and avoiding unsafe driving behaviors like distracted or drowsy driving, motorists are expected to understand the merging laws, particularly when driving on a busy highway. Failure to do so can result in a severe car accident. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, certain merging accidents can be difficult to prove since they often happen quickly and at high speeds. If you are injured in a merging accident, and the other driver was at fault, contacting an experienced car wreck lawyer is highly recommended.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Merging Accidents?

A merging accident can happen when you least expect it, particularly if you drive on a highway where motorists travel at 65 miles per hour or faster speeds. The consequences of these accidents can be devastating and may include severe injuries and fatalities. The following are examples of some of the most common causes of merging accidents:

• Failure to check the side and rearview mirror before merging or changing lanes.
• Failure to check blind spots.
• Failure to signal when merging.
• Not matching the speed of other vehicles already in the flow of traffic.
• Talking or texting on the phone or engaging in other distracted driving behavior that takes your attention off the road.

Proving Fault for a Merging Accident

To prove that the other motorist involved in the merging accident was at fault, you will have to demonstrate that the driver was negligent and that their negligence caused the accident. The following evidence can help prove that the other driver caused the accident and help your car wreck lawyer negotiate the outcome of a successful claim:

• Copy of the police report.
• Photos and video footage from the scene of the accident.
• Copies of medical records.
• Statement from witnesses who saw the accident happen.
• Report from a forensic accident reconstructionist.

There are many different types of merging accidents, most of which are caused by motorists who are not paying attention, are distracted, or drive recklessly. Depending on the nature of the accident, it can be challenging to prove which driver was at fault. The following are examples of merging accident scenarios and how to determine fault:

• Another driver hits you while trying to merge. If you were already in the traffic flow, and the other driver attempted to merge when they hit you, that driver will likely be considered at fault because you had the right of way. The other driver was responsible for ensuring that it was safe to move into another lane before merging. While the at-fault driver is responsible for following the rules of the road, you will need to provide evidence supporting your claim to recover compensation, including whether the motorist was distracted, failed to use their signal, or did not check their rear or side view mirror. A copy of the police report may also provide valuable evidence and may identify the at-fault driver.
• You were sideswiped by a driver who failed to merge. A sideswipe accident can occur when one or both drivers drive at a high speed and attempt to merge simultaneously. In most cases, however, one driver is either at fault or considered more responsible for the sideswipe accident. The merging driver is usually considered at fault in a sideswipe accident.
• Another driver hits you while changing lanes. Motorists must ensure that there are no vehicles in the direct vicinity and that it is safe to change lanes before doing so. If they proceed to change lanes without checking their mirrors and their blind spots, they will likely be considered at fault for a merging accident. The driver changing lanes at the time of the accident is almost always at fault for a resulting accident. Additional evidence that can help prove fault includes photos from the accident scene, witness statements, and police reports.

Is the Merging Driver Always at Fault?

In most cases, when a merging accident occurs, the merging driver is usually at fault. However, there are situations where the driver who is already in the flow of traffic may be at fault, including:

• Driving too fast to prevent the merging driver from entering the lane.
• Driving too slowly to block the merging driving.
• Tailgating to avoid a merge.
• Brake checking the merging driver.
• Failing to adjust their speed.

What Damages Am I Entitled to If I Am Injured in a Merging Accident?

If you were seriously injured in a merging accident that another motorist caused, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit. It is highly recommended that you contact a highly skilled car accident lawyer who will assist you with the claims process and help you recover the damages you are entitled to, which may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Reduced quality of life
• Mental anguish

Keep in mind that Georgia is a comparative negligence state, which means that if you were partially responsible for causing the accident, you may still recover damages. However, your total recovery will be reduced by the percentage of your share of liability. You cannot recover damages if you are 50 percent or more at fault.

Our Savannah Car Wreck Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Victims of Merging Accidents

If you or a loved one suffered a severe injury in a merging accident that another motorist caused, contact our Savannah car wreck lawyers at Kicklighter Law as soon as possible. We will thoroughly review the accident details, determine who is responsible for causing the accident, and assist you with every step of the claims process. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas. 

If you are injured in a car accident, the expenses will start to accumulate very quickly, from the cost of repairing your vehicle to the hospital bills and other medical expenses, as well as lost wages if your injury prevents you from being able to return to work. However, if the other motorist was at fault, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. An experienced car accident lawyer will assist you.

If you suffered serious injuries, property damage, and other losses in a car accident that the other motorist caused, you may be entitled to financial compensation if you can prove that the other motorist was negligent, that their negligence caused the accident, and that you suffered losses as a result. A successful claim may include the following damages:

• All medical expenses associated with the accident
• Future medical expenses
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Trauma associated with the accident and the losses you suffered
• Reduced quality of life

When you are involved in a car accident in Georgia, the moments following the accident can be overwhelming and chaotic, particularly if you suffered serious injuries. If the other motorist was at fault, you will likely be able to recover damages from their insurance company. However, Georgia is a modified comparative fault state, which means that if you are partly at fault for causing the accident, your total damages will be reduced by the percentage of your share of liability. You cannot recover any damages if you are more than 50 percent at fault.

The following tips can help you maximize your car accident settlement.

Call 911

Whenever a car accident involves injuries, the police must be notified as soon as possible. When the officer arrives at the scene, they will make a report about the accident, which may include details that will validate your claim in court, including whether the other driver was responsible for causing the accident. Notify dispatch that injuries are involved so they can send an ambulance to the scene.

Seek Medical Treatment

Even if your injuries seem relatively minor, it is extremely important that you are examined by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be obvious right away, or your symptoms may be masked by the adrenaline coursing through your body in the moments following the accident. A medical professional will be able to diagnose and treat your injuries. In addition, if you fail to seek medical attention, the other motorist’s insurance company may argue that your injuries must not be very serious if you do not find it necessary to seek treatment. This will likely hurt your claim.

Collect Evidence

If you are physically able to do so after the accident, collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photos of the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, the position of the other vehicle, and any skid marks or debris on the road. In addition, obtain a copy of the police report, and if witnesses saw the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and ask for your contact information. The more evidence you can provide, the more likely you will be able to prove that the other driver was at fault.

Do Not Make a Statement to the Insurance Company

The other motorist’s insurance company will likely contact you and ask questions about the accident and may even present a settlement offer. Insurance companies are making money, so they will use a range of tactics to avoid paying you the settlement you deserve. They may use your own words against you, making it seem you were partially to blame for causing the accident. Often, insurance companies make a lowball settlement offer that may seem like a lot of money. However, this rarely covers the total costs of the accident, particularly if you suffered a serious injury and have substantial medical expenses.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

It is highly recommended that you have a dedicated car accident lawyer who will protect your legal rights, assist you with every step of the claims process, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and pursue the maximum financial settlement you deserve. The following are additional examples of how a car accident lawyer can help you with your case:

• Determine the maximum value of your case.
• Address any questions and concerns.
• File paperwork.
• Ensure that you file your claim within the statute of limitations.
• Hire expert witnesses and accident reconstructionists when necessary.
• Communicate with your medical team to gain a comprehensive understanding of your injuries and their effect on your case.
• Help you avoid common mistakes that can have a negative impact on your case.

Our Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Pursue Maximum Settlement Outcomes for Car Accident Victims

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact our Savannah car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law. Our skilled legal team will help you navigate the claims process, ensure that your legal rights are protected, and help you recover the maximum damages you are entitled to. We will address your questions and concerns. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

Speeding is one of the most common causes of serious, yet preventable, car accidents. In addition to being a traffic violation, speeding can increase the severity of a car accident due to the extreme force of impact. All motorists are responsible for obeying the rules of the road, which includes following the speed limit at all times. Unfortunately, too many motorists routinely exceed the speed limit despite the known dangers, including the increased risk of a high-speed collision. If you or someone you know suffered a serious injury in a car accident that was caused by another motorist who was speeding at the time of the accident, do not hesitate to contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Why Is Speeding So Dangerous?

Speed limits are in place to protect you, the other passengers in your vehicle, and other motorists on the road. Motorists have a duty of care to obey the speed limit and avoid other negligent driving behaviors. Exceeding the speed limit, even by five or 10 miles per hour, increases the risk of a car accident and the severity. The faster a car travels, the greater the risk of a serious, potentially fatal car accident.

In addition to the force of impact associated with a speeding-related accident, if a driver is speeding, they have significantly less time to react to other vehicles, sudden changes on the road, or an animal running across the road. Vehicles also need time and adequate road space to safely slow down or come to a complete stop. If a driver is speeding, they may be unable to slow down or stop in time to avoid hitting another vehicle. They may have to slam the brakes, which could cause them to skid and lose control of the car.

What Are the Consequences of Speeding?

All car accidents have the potential to cause injuries and property damage. However, the faster the collision, the more likely it is to result in devastating injuries and fatalities. High-speed car accidents involve extreme force of impact, which can cause severe injuries, including the following:

• Broken bones
• Whiplash and other serious neck injuries
• Arm and chest injuries from the airbags deploying at full force
• Severe lacerations
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Crush injuries
• Paralysis
• Loss of limb or amputation
• Burns from exploding airbags or fires
• Internal organ damage or internal bleeding

If you were seriously injured in a speeding accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the speeding driver. To reach the best possible outcome, there are steps you should take immediately following the accident, including:

• Call 911 to report the accident and request an ambulance if you are injured.
• Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to your vehicle, injuries, and debris or skid marks on the road.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
• If there are witnesses who saw the accident, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and get their contact information.
• Seek immediate medical attention. High-speed car accidents can cause serious injuries, so it is imperative that you are examined by a healthcare professional as soon as possible, even if your injuries do not seem severe or life-threatening. Avoiding or delaying medical attention can cause an undiagnosed injury to become worse. In addition, this can hurt your claim, as the insurance company may argue that your injury must not be severe if you do not find it necessary to seek treatment.
• Contact an experienced car accident lawyer at your earliest convenience.

Our Springfield Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Victims of High-Speed Car Accidents

If you were severely injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact our Springfield car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law. To schedule a confidential consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

If you were involved in a car accident and your vehicle was damaged, you will need to have your car repaired. In extreme cases, you may need to replace your vehicle if it was totaled in the accident. Either way, in the days or weeks it takes to get an estimate and have the repairs completed, you will need an alternate mode of transportation to get around.

Depending on the number of days or weeks that your car is in the shop, the costs of a rental vehicle can accumulate quickly. Fortunately, if the other motorist involved in the accident was at fault, you will not have to pay the costs of your rental car. An experienced car accident lawyer will assist you.

How Do I Get My Rental Car Paid for After an Accident?

In the state of Georgia, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for covering the costs of your rental vehicle. The rental company will usually bill the at-fault driver’s insurance company directly. Your insurance adjuster can explain the daily rate approved for coverage and if there is an overall limit. If your rental costs exceed your policy’s limits, you will likely be responsible for covering the difference out of your pocket.

If your auto insurance policy does not include rental insurance, you can still seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, the process is a bit more complicated. If you can do so, you will have to cover the costs of the rental vehicle and file a claim against the at-fault driver seeking reimbursement from their insurance company. Unfortunately, these claims are often delayed or denied. Hiring a skilled car accident lawyer to help you navigate the claims process is highly recommended.

Do I Need to Purchase Insurance for a Rental Car?

Rental car companies often encourage customers to purchase insurance to cover the car when they use the vehicle. This is an added expense that is generally optional. If you have collision insurance through your auto insurance policy, this generally covers rental cars with the same coverage limits and deductible as your policy. If your rental car is damaged in an accident, your collision insurance will pay for the repairs if you need to file a car insurance claim.

What Steps Do I Need to Take to Get Reimbursed for a Car Rental?

To make the process of getting reimbursed for your rental vehicle as seamless and uncomplicated as possible, you will need to take the following steps:

• Keep copies of receipts. To be reimbursed in a timely manner for the costs associated with your rental, it is important that you keep copies of all receipts and records of your rental car expenses. This will provide proof of the costs you incurred as a result of the accident.
• File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance. If you can prove that the other driver was responsible for causing the accident, you can file a claim with their insurance company and seek reimbursement for your rental car expenses. The total amount you can recover will depend on the at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy.
• Use your insurance. If your policy has rental coverage, you can file an initial claim through your insurance company. Your insurance agent can seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurer. This process is called subrogation.

A Savannah Car Accident Lawyer at Kicklighter Law Will Help You if You Were in a Crash

If you were involved in a car accident that caused damage to your vehicle or severe injuries, do not hesitate to contact a Savannah car accident lawyer at Kicklighter Law. We will assist you and pursue the financial compensation you deserve, including rental vehicle costs. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas. 

Sitting in heavy traffic, getting cut off by another driver, or being stuck behind a motorist driving well below the speed limit can be frustrating, but it is not an excuse to engage in aggressive driving behaviors. Unlike other examples of negligent driving, aggressive driving is considered a criminal offense in Georgia. According to law, anyone who commits the offense of aggressive driving is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor, which can have severe legal consequences. If you were injured in a car accident that involved an aggressive driver, you may seek financial compensation. A dedicated car accident lawyer will assist you with this process.

What Is Considered Aggressive Driving in Georgia?

Aggressive driving occurs when a motorist operates a motor vehicle with the intent to annoy, harass, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person. Common examples of aggressive driving include the following:

• Excessive speeding
• Weaving in and out of lanes of traffic
• Blaring the horn
• Failing to yield to the right of way
• Cutting off other drivers
• Forceful merging
• Ignoring traffic signals and signs
• Making rude gestures to other motorists
• Flashing high beams excessively
• Suddenly applying the brakes to force another driver to stop tailgating

How Do I Prove Another Motorist Was Driving Aggressively?

In order to pursue a lawsuit against the other driver, and recover the damages that you are entitled to, you will need to prove that the other motorist was driving aggressively by proving the following evidence:

• Witness statements: This can also support your claim if there were people who saw the accident happen and can provide a statement that the other driver was tailgating, making rude gestures, or engaging in other types of aggressive driving.
• Photographs from the accident scene: This can help establish the severity of the accident and support aggressive driving allegations.
• Video footage: If surveillance cameras, dash cams, or other footage captured the at-fault motorist driving aggressively, this will provide valuable evidence for your case.
• Report from an accident reconstruction expert: If necessary, your lawyer may hire an accident reconstruction expert, who will evaluate the physical evidence and perform a forensic analysis to determine the cause of the accident.

What Type of Damages am I Entitled for an Aggressive Driving Accident?

If you can prove that the other motorist was driving aggressively at the time of the accident, you may awarded the following damages:

• All medical expenses associated with your injuries
• Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from being able to return to work
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

How Can I Avoid an Aggressive Driving Accident?

You cannot control how other people drive, but you can avoid drivers engaging in unsafe and potentially dangerous behavior. You can protect yourself from aggressive drivers by keeping the following tips in mind:

• Put distance between you and the aggressive driver.
• Ignore rude gestures.
• Stay calm and keep your attention focused on the road.
• Report aggressive, severe behavior or road rage to the authorities.

Our Springfield Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Victims of Car Accidents Caused by Aggressive Drivers

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident that an aggressive driver caused, do not hesitate to contact our Springfield car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law. We will conduct a thorough investigation, help determine who is responsible for causing the accident, and assist you with every step of the claims process. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

Car accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers, which is a sobering statistic for parents of newly licensed teen drivers. Inexperience, coupled with the fact that teens are more likely to engage in risky behavior like speeding and reading or sending a text message, make teens more likely to be involved in a severe car accident. Fortunately, you can do several things to ensure your teen driver understands some of the leading causes of car accidents and the steps they should take to avoid them.

What Are the Main Causes of Car Accidents Involving Teen Drivers?

In Georgia, you have to be 16 years old to get a driver’s license. Unfortunately, many 16-year-olds are not mature enough to handle the responsibility of having a driver’s license. The following are some of the most common causes of car accidents involving a newly licensed teen driver:

• Inexperience: This is the number one cause of teen car accidents. Teen drivers do not have the experience necessary to maintain their driving speed while paying attention to other drivers in the vicinity and knowing how to react to sudden, unexpected hazards. This makes them more likely to speed and engage in reckless driving.
• Distracted driving: One of the most common distractions for teen drivers is their cell phones. Despite being taught that talking and texting while driving is hazardous, they are easily distracted by a text Snapchat notification or a phone call. Other common distractions include eating and drinking, putting on makeup, and interacting with other passengers in the vehicle.
• Risky behaviors: Teen drivers have often not yet developed the maturity to operate a motor vehicle. They also tend to feel as though they are invincible. This can lead to risk-taking behavior, including speeding, driving while impaired, and failing to wear a seat belt.

Keeping Teen Drivers Safe

While teen drivers can get their driver’s license when they are 16, their driving privileges are limited until they turn 18. When they reach their license at age 16, they may not be on the road between midnight and 5:00 a.m., with no exceptions. Only immediate family members may ride in the vehicle during the first six months. During the second six months, only one passenger under 21 who is not a family member may ride in the vehicle. After one year, only three passengers under 21 who are not family members may ride in the vehicle. Once your teen driver turns 18, they can have full driving privileges. These rules are in place to ensure that teen drivers gain experience behind the wheel with certain restrictions in place. As a parent, there are additional steps you can take to make sure that your child understands the responsibility of having a driver’s license and that certain behaviors can have very serious consequences:

• Talk to your teen. Discuss the responsibilities of having a driver’s license and that operating a motor vehicle requires their full attention. Talk about the risks of distracted driving and other unsafe driving behaviors like speeding and reckless driving.
• Set an example. If you consistently put your phone away while driving, maintain a safe driving speed, and follow the road rules, your teen is likelier to model that behavior.
• Set consequences. If your teen driver is caught texting or talking on the phone while driving, speeding, or breaking any other rules, consider suspending their driving privileges and ensure they understand why you are imposing the punishment.

Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Victims of Car Accidents

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact our Savannah car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law. We will conduct a thorough investigation, determine who is responsible for causing the accident, and ensure your legal rights are protected. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients throughout Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

Parking lot car accidents are fairly common, particularly in busy lots or garages. While these accidents are often relatively minor fender-benders, they can cause serious injuries, especially if a pedestrian is involved.

Depending on the details of the accident, it may or may not be clear who is liable. Determining liability will depend on whether both vehicles were moving at the time of the accident and which car had the right of way. For example, if a driver hits a stationary vehicle, and the stationary car is legally parked, the driver that hit the parked car would be at fault. If two vehicles were moving at the time of the accident, liability will depend on who had the right of way. If a distracted motorist hits a pedestrian or is not paying attention to their surroundings, they would be liable for the pedestrian’s injuries.

What Are the Different Types of Parking Lot Accidents?

Parking lot accidents may not be high-speed collisions that cause extensive property damage and severe, life-threatening injuries. Still, victims of parking lot accidents do not always walk away without a scratch. Certain types of parking lot accidents can be more severe than others. The following are examples of some of the most common types of parking lot accidents:

• Rear-end accidents: These accidents occur when one driver hits another vehicle from behind. Often, rear-end accidents are caused by distracted driving, including talking or texting on the phone, eating, programming the GPS, or behavior that takes the driver’s attention away from the road. In most cases, the person who did the rear-ending is considered at fault.
• Entering and exiting parking spaces: When backing out of a parking space, motorists are responsible for ensuring no vehicles or pedestrians are approaching before continuing to back out of the spot. If drivers fail to look both ways before exiting a parking space, they could hit another vehicle or a pedestrian. An accident can also occur if two cars collide after exiting a parking space simultaneously.
• Failure to yield accidents: When exiting a parking space, motorists must yield to vehicles with the right of way. For example, drivers exiting a parking space must yield to cars in feeder lanes, which are the lanes that guide drivers up and down the lot with spaces on either side. Drivers exiting the feeder lanes must yield to cars in the thoroughfare lanes, which are the wider lanes that surround the parking lot and connect to the road.
• Left-turn accidents: These occur when a driver turns left into a parking space and crashes into a vehicle going the opposite direction. In most cases, the at-fault party would be the left-turn driver.

A Springfield Car Accident Lawyer at Kicklighter Law Can Help After a Parking Lot Accident

If you were injured in a parking lot accident that another motorist caused, it is recommended that you contact a Springfield car accident lawyer at Kicklighter Law as soon as possible. Call us at 912-754-6003 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

If you suffered an injury in a car accident, the moments immediately following the crash can be very stressful and chaotic. This is particularly true if your injuries require immediate medical care at the nearest hospital. However, while it is essential to understand the steps to take at the accident scene, it is also extremely important that you know what to do – and what not to do – once you arrive at the hospital.

The costs associated with a serious car accident injury can accumulate quickly. If the other motorist involved in the accident was negligent, you may be eligible for financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

It is important that you take the following steps following a car accident:

• Call 911 to report the accident and request an ambulance.
• Exchange information with the other driver, but do not say anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
• Collect evidence, including pictures of your injuries, damage to your vehicle, skid marks on the road, and the location of the accident.
• Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.
• Notify your insurance company that you were injured in a car accident.

Whether you are transported to the emergency room in an ambulance or you were able to get to the hospital on your own, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself. Some steps you can take include:

• Do contact an experienced car accident lawyer. It is important to have a dedicated lawyer who will protect your legal rights, negotiate with the insurance company, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve.
• Do not give the hospital your auto insurance information. If the hospital administrator asks for your auto insurance information, tell them you would prefer to go through your health insurance.
• Do not give the hospital a copy of the police report. The police report will have your auto insurance information, so the hospital may try to use this to try to collect directly from your auto insurance rather than your health insurance. Ultimately, this may leave you with less money to collect upon settling your case.

Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Protect the Legal Rights of Car Accident Victims

If you were injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact our Savannah car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law. To schedule a confidential consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients throughout Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft continue to be a prevalent and convenient mode of transportation. However, when you accept a ride from an Uber or Lyft driver, there is no way of knowing whether the driver got little to no sleep before starting their shift, is prone to aggressive driving, or is unfamiliar with the area. Even if the driver has a stellar driving record, keeps their attention focused on the road at all times, and knows the area well, an Uber or Lyft accident can occur if another motorist crashes into the rideshare vehicle.

Whether the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault or the other motorist involved in the accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation if you suffered any injuries. An experienced car accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation, help you obtain the evidence necessary to prove your claim, and negotiate the best possible settlement outcome.

As with any car accident claim, you should collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. This is just as important if you are injured in a car accident while a passenger is in an Uber or Lyft. If you can move around safely, take pictures of the accident scene, including the position of both vehicles involved, debris or skid marks on the road, and the location of the accident.

If you have cuts, lacerations, or any other visible injuries, take pictures of those. If there were witnesses who saw the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and get their contact information.

It is also extremely important that you seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. This will ensure that your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. In addition, your medical records can provide valuable evidence for your claim.

What Are the Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Like all motorists, Uber and Lyft drivers are responsible for making safety a priority and obeying the rules of the road, particularly when they have passengers in the vehicle. If rideshare drivers engage in careless, unsafe driving behaviors, there is an increased risk of a severe car accident. The following are examples of common causes of rideshare car accidents:

• Distracted driving: If a Lyft or Uber driver constantly checks their phone or adjusts the radio or temperature, they can cause a distracted driving accident. Depending on a range of factors, like how fast the driver was going and the nature of the accident, this can cause a severe accident.
• Speeding: Uber and Lyft drivers are responsible for obeying the rules of the road, including driving within the speed limit. When a car accident is caused by speeding, the resulting injuries and property damages are often significant or fatal due to the force of impact.
• Drowsy driving: If you accept a ride from a driver who has gotten little to no sleep over the past 24 hours, there is an increased risk of a serious drowsy driving accident. Many Lyft and Uber drivers have multiple jobs, so drowsy driving is a common problem.
• Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal. If a rideshare driver gets behind the wheel while impaired, this can lead to a catastrophic accident.

Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Clients Injured in Rideshare Car Accidents

If you were injured in a car accident while a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, do not hesitate to contact our Savannah car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law. To schedule a confidential consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that older drivers have higher rates of car accident fatalities than any other age group. While this does not mean that every senior driver should have their license taken away, there are limitations that older drivers should be aware of that can increase the risk of a car accident. In addition, there are proactive steps that they can take to stay safe.

According to the CDC, in 2020, there were close to 48 million licensed drivers over 65 in the United States. However, that same year, approximately 7,500 older adults were fatally injured in car accidents, and nearly 200,000 suffered injuries that required treatment in an emergency department. This statistic does not include the injuries suffered by the other motorists involved in the accident. The following are examples of common causes of car accidents involving older motorists:

• Slower reflexes: Older drivers have slower reflexes, which means they are less able to react quickly to avoid a potentially hazardous situation, like being cut off by another driver or another vehicle changing lanes without signaling.
• Confusing the pedals: Older drivers are more likely to become confused and mistake the gas and the brake pedals.
• Vision loss: Deteriorating vision is common. However, if an older driver starts to have trouble seeing things when driving at night, cannot read road signs, or sees objects on the road, this can lead to a severe accident.
• Memory loss: This can cause older drivers to become confused about certain driving operations like using signals, how to navigate a traffic circle, or turning the wrong way down a one-way street.
• Medications: Older drivers often take medication for various health issues. Certain medications cause drowsiness or other side effects that can impair one’s driving ability.
• General health problems: Poor health can affect older drivers’ ability to concentrate, physically operate a vehicle, and safely navigate traffic.

How Can Accidents Involving Older Drivers Be Prevented?

If you have an older family member or loved one who is showing signs of aging that you think may be impacting their ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, it may be time to address the issue and discuss steps that can be taken, including:

• Schedule an appointment to have their eyesight checked. Sometimes, an older driver’s prescription simply needs to be updated. More serious conditions, like macular degeneration, may warrant a discussion about driving privileges.
• Get regular physicals. This will ensure your loved one’s physical and mental health is monitored closely.
• Talk to a healthcare provider about medications. A doctor or a pharmacist can review the medications that a loved one is taking and determine whether there are any potentially unsafe side effects, like drowsiness, confusion, or nausea, that could affect their ability to drive.
• Avoid driving at night or during inclement weather. Visibility becomes an issue at night, and inclement weather can cause diving conditions to become hazardous. For older drivers, this can be highly hazardous and increase the risk of a car accident.

Savannah Car Wreck Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Victims of Car Accidents

Contact our Savannah car wreck lawyers at Kicklighter Law if you were involved in a car accident. To schedule a consultation, call 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.