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A Guide to Shoulder of the Road Accidents in Atlanta

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Although it may appear to be a safer place to pull over at times, the shoulder of the road is one of the most dangerous places for a driver. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to pull over on the road, it is critical to remain alert during your time on the shoulder. It should never be used for parking or transportation. Hitting the shoulder of the road is risky and can lead to an increased possibility of accidents that could make it more difficult for other drivers to navigate your vehicle.

If an accident occurs on the shoulder of a road, many factors can affect how liability is determined. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our skilled Atlanta personal injury attorneys make it their business to represent those who have been injured by the negligence of others. Our long history of successful personal injury cases has given us a wealth of knowledge and experience — which we use to get our clients the compensation they deserve.

Call us today at (833) 254-2923 or complete our online form on our website to request a free case review with one of our injury and accident attorneys.

Causes of Shoulder Of The Road Accidents

The shoulder is used to provide space for emergency stop and road maintenance operations. Although shoulder run-off accidents are not as common as standard sideswipe or head-on collisions, they can be severe and deadly. Many drivers do not take precautionary measures when pulling over on the side of the road, leading to catastrophic accidents. The most common causes of shoulder road accidents are:

  • Vehicle overheating: When driving, it’s imperative to keep an eye on your car’s temperature gauge. If it goes up toward the red line, drivers pull over to ensure their engine is operational before continuing.
  • Brakes fail or Flat tire: These can happen due to improper maintenance of a vehicle and when it happens, drivers have little but no choice but to pull over the shoulder.
  • Unfamiliar roads: Drivers who don’t know where they’re going may find themselves on the shoulder without realizing it because they don’t know where they’re supposed to be going in the first place
  • Pulling over during an emergency is another common cause of shoulder road accidents. While this may seem like a good idea at the time, it’s actually much safer to slow down gradually and then use your turn signal well in advance of any exit or lane change.

Other reasons include car accidents, dead battery, mechanical failure (such as an alternator or starter), running out of gas, driver illness or injury, distracted driving, and exhaustion or drowsiness. Any of these reasons for stopping a vehicle can be justifiable. Still, parking on the shoulder of a road is hazardous due to its increased risk of collision with other vehicles and its obstruction of the shoulder lane.

How Do I Prevent a Shoulder of The Road Accidents?

Shoulder of road accidents can be prevented by reducing driver negligence and making sure all vehicles are in good working order. Some steps that drivers can take to avoid a shoulder of the road accident include:

  •     Maintaining awareness at all times and avoiding distractions such as cell phones
  •     Inspecting tires regularly to make sure they are properly inflated
  •     Getting regular tune-ups and oil changes to prevent mechanical issues while driving
  •     Observe the speed limit and follow signs
  •     Drive at an appropriate speed to suit the conditions.
  •     Be aware of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists and anticipate their movements
  •     Be aware of any blind spots when maneuvering your vehicle
  •     Use your mirrors so that you know what is behind you
  •     Look all around before emerging from a junction – across the pavement and over the brow of hills if necessary

Establishing the Liability in a Shoulder of the Road Accidents in Atlanta

Georgia has laws that dictate what drivers can and cannot do when pulling onto the shoulder of the road. Whether you are the driver who hit the other vehicle or the driver who was hit, it is crucial to understand how fault is determined in a shoulder of the road accident.

  •     If the other driver was driving recklessly or disregarding others on the road.
  •     Whether there were any mechanical failures with any vehicles involved in the accident.
  •     If any of the drivers were distracted while operating their vehicles.
  •     Whether any of the drivers were intoxicated or under the influence of drugs while driving.
  •     The weather conditions at the time of the accident and whether they contributed to it.
  •     Any hazards on or near the shoulder of the road before and at the time of the accident contributed to it.

In almost all shoulder the road accidents in Atlanta, the injured party will be able to pursue compensation from the negligent driver. For a monetary claim to take place, however, it must be proven that the driver at fault had a duty of care to the other party and breached that duty. Even if a driver properly drives on the right side of the road in their own lane, they can still be found liable for accidents involving those legally driving on road shoulders.

Speak with Experienced Shoulder of the Road Accident Attorneys in Atlanta

Many accidents happen when a driver pulls onto the shoulder of the road and remains in the lane. Failure to properly pull over can increase the likelihood of an accident occurring as oncoming traffic may mistake your vehicle for a vehicle traveling in another lane.

At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we dedicate our practice to fighting for the rights of those injured by someone else’s negligence. We understand that you may be overwhelmed, confused, or afraid after an accident. That is why we want to help you fully understand your legal options to make the best decisions for you and your loved ones. Our attorneys are committed to seeing you through the legal process as we help you find justice and recover the compensation you need to begin recovering from your injuries.

We have successfully helped clients recover millions of dollars for their injuries and losses. Call us today at (833) 254-2923 or complete this online form and let us provide you with a free case consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

After a personal injury, you're bound to have legal questions. The CEO Lawyer Ali Awad can provide you with answers to these questions, just as he's given answers to his millions of curious social media followers. Take a look at some of the most common personal injury law questions for general information, and then reach out to one of our seasoned attorneys for specific guidance on your case!

Contact us now (833) 254-2923.

Help Negotiating with Insurance Carriers

To quickly resolve matters following an accident, insurance companies will offer you less than you deserve in compensation for your injuries. Many victims feel pressured to accept these offers as the bills begin to pile up, but that is rarely a good idea. The insurance company is looking to protect its bottom line; and will offer injured victims less than they deserve. An experienced personal injury attorney understands how to negotiate with the insurance company and can look out for your best interests by getting you the compensation you deserve after an injury. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, it is important to avoid negotiating or providing recorded statements to the insurance company without first seeking help from a qualified personal injury attorney.

Do You Have a Personal Injury Case?

The best way to determine if you have a personal injury case is to speak with a knowledgeable attorney. Our legal professionals have the expertise to evaluate your case and determine a strong legal strategy so that you can obtain the greatest amount of compensation possible under the law. We will enlist investigators, assistants, and other specialists to collect accident reports, speak with witnesses to your accident, and put together a plan. While you focus on your physical recovery, we will remain committed to fighting for the compensation that you deserve.

Georgia's Personal Injury & Accident Firm

Accident victims have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time period is referred to as the statute of limitations, and in Atlanta, it lasts only two years. This means that if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, you have only two years to pursue a personal injury suit. If you wait too long to reach out to an experienced attorney, you might be forever barred from seeking the compensation you deserve.

What to Expect From Your Initial Consultation With a Personal Injury Attorney?

During your initial consultation with CEO Lawyer team, we will go over the important details of your personal injury accident, which include the nature and extent of your injuries, how your injuries have impacted your ability to earn a paycheck, the cost of your medical treatment, and whether further medical treatment will be required. We will answer any questions you might have, as well, in regards to our experience, our track record of success, and what to expect from the legal process. Many personal injury victims wonder if they will be able to afford the legal fees required to pursue a lawsuit. CEO Lawyer injury and accident attorneys will not ask for any type of upfront fee unless we are successful in obtaining compensation for you. That means that if you have been harmed in a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall accident, defective product accident, or any other type of personal injury accident, you can absolutely afford to contact our law office today for assistance. In fact, you cannot afford to wait. Reach out today. We understand that some accident victims might have already obtained the assistance of an attorney but may be dissatisfied with the services provided. We are standing by and prepared to help you change legal representation, regardless of where you are in the process.

Speak to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of personal injury accident, you should not hesitate to speak with the experienced attorneys at CEO Lawyer personal injury law firm. Call, email, or fill out our online contact form today so that we can begin helping you pursue the compensation you deserve.