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Car accidents continue to be an unfortunate reality in Midtown and across the state of Georgia, despite the advances in safety technology. Even the safest, most responsible driver can be involved in a serious car accident if other motorists are not following the rules of the road or they engage in unsafe behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and tailgating, to name a few. Depending on the nature and severity of the collision, a car accident can cause injuries ranging from minor cuts and scrapes to broken bones, organ damage, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In extreme cases, they can cause tragic fatalities. If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

The Midtown car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law will assist you with the claims process, protect your legal rights, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

If you understand some of the most common causes of car accidents, you can take proactive steps to avoid them by making safety a top priority. The following are examples of the most common causes of car accidents in Georgia and across the country:

Distracted Driving: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety A dministration (NHTSA), a staggering 850,000 drivers in the United States are texting or talking on the phone at any given time during the day while operating a motor vehicle. Whether texting or talking on the phone, reaching for something in the back seat, or adjusting the radio station, any behavior that takes your attention away from the road for even a matter of a few seconds can cause a devastating – yet preventable – car accident involving serious injuries and fatalities.
Speeding: All motorists are expected to obey the rules of the road, including following the posted speed limits. When motorists are driving too fast, they may be unable to slow down in time to avoid hitting another vehicle, changing lanes, or merging into traffic. In addition, speeding-related accidents tend to be much more serious due to the extreme force of impact caused by the crash.
Drunk and Drugged Driving: Driving while under the influence is not only irresponsible and dangerous, but it is also illegal. Drugs and alcohol can cause a range of impairments, including reduced coordination, poor judgment, and slower reaction times, all of which can increase the risk of a serious car accident.
Reckless Driving: Speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, cutting off other drivers, and making rude gestures are all examples of reckless driving. If this type of behavior causes a car accident, the reckless driver may be liable for the accident and the resulting injuries.
Drowsy Driving: While drowsy driving is not considered as dangerous as drunk driving, drowsiness can cause some of the same impairments. In fact, according to the NHTSA, if a motorist has gone without sleep for more than 20 consecutive hours, they may experience impairments comparable to having a 0.08 percent blood alcohol content (BAC), which is the legal limit in most states.
Inclement Weather: You cannot control the weather, but you can take steps to either avoid driving if the weather conditions are severe or use extreme caution when driving. For example, reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and use your headlights properly. If another driver causes an accident because they were driving too fast for the conditions, they may be liable for the accident.

What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?

You may walk away without a scratch if you are involved in a minor fender-bender. However, more serious accidents can cause a range of injuries that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. The following are examples of common car accident injuries:

Soft Tissue Injuries: These apply to injuries that affect the muscles, tendons, or ligaments and can range from minor discomfort to severe pain that may require multiple surgeries and ongoing treatment.
Back Injuries: The force of impact involved in a car accident can cause back injuries ranging from muscle strain and compression of nerves to slipped vertebrae or fractures.
Neck Injuries: Whiplash is the most common neck injury, which is often caused by the sudden impact of a rear-end accident. More severe accidents can cause damage to the cervical spine, which can result in paralysis.
Broken Bones: The extreme force of impact can cause broken arms, hands, legs, and other parts of the body, depending on the nature of the accident.
Head Injuries: Airbags and other safety technology have reduced the severity of car accident injuries. However, they do still occur. Concussions can range in severity from minor to more debilitating. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are more serious head injuries that can cause a range of physical and cognitive impairments, depending on the severity of the injury.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): In some cases, the trauma from the accident can have a debilitating impact on a person’s mental health.

What Steps Do I Take After a Car Accident in Midtown?

The moments immediately following a car accident can be extremely stressful and overwhelming, particularly if there are injuries involved. It is essential that you take the following steps:

Call 911. If you are able to do so, call 911 and report the accident. Notify dispatch of injuries so they can send an ambulance to the accident scene.
Get immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, a healthcare professional must examine you. The shock of the accident can cause adrenaline to course through your body, masking pain and other symptoms associated with your injuries. If you avoid getting medical attention, your injury could progress and become more difficult to treat. This will also have a negative impact on your claim.
Collect evidence. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, the make, model, and color of the other vehicle involved, skid marks or debris on the road, traffic signals, current weather conditions, and any other evidence that may help prove fault.
Exchange information. Exchange contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance information with the other driver. Avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as an apology, even if you are simply trying to be nice. The other driver’s insurance company can use your own words against you, arguing that you were apologizing for causing the accident.
Notify your insurance company that you were injured in a car accident. Your insurance agent will ask you questions about the accident and start the claims process. Keep in mind that insurance companies are in the business of making money, so they may present an initial offer that seems like a large sum of money. However, this rarely covers all of the expenses related to your injuries.
Contact an experienced Midtown car accident lawyer. A dedicated car accident lawyer will guide you through every step of the claims process, ensure that your legal rights are protected, and help you recover the damages you are entitled to.

What Damages Can I Get if I am Injured in a Car Accident?

If you were injured in a car accident that another motorist caused, a successful personal injury claim might include the following damages:

Medical expenses associated with your injuries
Lost wages
Loss of future earning capacity
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life

Keep in mind that Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state, which means that you can recover damages if you were partly to blame for causing the accident. However, your total damages will be reduced by the percentage of your share of liability. A dedicated car accident lawyer will help you maximize your potential compensation.