Accidents can happen even with the best drivers. Whether it’s a fender bender or a more serious car accident, injuries from motor vehicle collisions can be costly. No matter what type of accident you have been involved in, it can be scary and confusing. If you’re involved in any vehicular accident, speak to one of our skilled car accident attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm.
We understand the legal rights of every victim and their family. Our proven and reliable attorneys know what details to dig into so that you can recover damages under Georgia law. We’re here to answer questions and help clients through the aftermath of serious crashes. Call us today at (470) 323-8779 or fill out the online form on our website to set up your free initial consultation.
Understanding the common types of these accidents in Atlanta can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.
Rear End Collisions
Rear end collisions are among the most common types of motor vehicle accidents we help our clients with. These involve one car striking the back end of another vehicle that is stopped or traveling slower than the first vehicle. Rear end crashes are usually caused by drivers who follow too closely to other traffic or who fail to notice traffic stopping ahead in time to stop themselves safely. Other causes include sudden stops, unsafe lane changes, and distracted driving, including texting and driving.
The impact of a rear end collision can be minimized by keeping enough distance between your car and the car ahead. A good rule of thumb is to have at least one car length space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are some of the most dangerous accidents and account for nearly 10% of fatalities. Head-on collisions typically occur when one driver crosses into oncoming traffic, but they can also result from bumper-to-bumper crashes while driving in the same direction or from rear-end accidents that push a driver into an oncoming vehicle. Head-on crashes involve high speeds, as cars often travel toward each other at full speed at impact. The force of head-on collisions often causes severe injuries and fatalities for all parties involved.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Single-vehicle accidents or so-called driveshaft losses happen when a car is driven off the road and hits something or rolls over. These collisions include hitting road barriers, hitting an animal, hitting a fixed object like this pole, losing control and leaving the roadway or off-road, sideswiping another vehicle in a head-on collision, or not paying attention and striking something that was on the side of the road.
These are situations where you may be distracted by other passengers in your vehicle or by cell phones or radio controls. Distractions are also prevalent when people may be drowsy or fatigued. It’s essential to take regular breaks on long trips. And remember to keep control of your vehicle at all times.
Intersection Crashes
Intersections, where two or more roads meet, are the most common spots for accidents. Many accidents occur when drivers are turning left across traffic or making U-turns. Aggressive drivers cause accidents at intersections as well. They race red lights, speed on the green, or tailgate the vehicles in front of them.
The intersection of two major roads may be the site of multiple vehicle accidents at one time as drivers attempt to merge into traffic or avoid other collisions. Even if only a single vehicle is involved in an accident, it may still cause a domino effect that results in additional crashes between other cars entering the intersection.
Backing Collisions
Backing collisions are what they sound like: collisions that happen when you’re reversing your vehicle. Accidents can happen whether you’re backing out of your driveway or a parking spot. Backing collisions are prevalent in parking lots, where it’s easy to damage another car or injure someone walking through the lot. This is why it’s essential to be cautious and watchful when backing up anywhere.
Always look in your mirrors and through your windows when reversing out of a parking space or driveway to ensure that there are no pedestrians or objects behind you that might get struck during the reverse maneuver. Try not to back up any farther than necessary, and don’t put yourself in a situation where you have to turn around while backing up.
Driving with a Damaged Windshield
Vehicle windshields are subject to a lot of abuse. Because auto glass is exposed to the elements, windshields can easily chip, crack, or even shatter. Driving with a damaged windshield can have catastrophic consequences. It’s not just a matter of being visible to other drivers. Any damage that affects the driver’s ability to see gives more opportunities for a crash.
Driving in areas with lots of construction also increases your chances of getting a cracked windshield. Construction workers are often working on the side of the road, which means debris is likely to be flying around. When driving by these sites, slow down if you have to abruptly stop because a rock fell off the back of a truck or someone dropped something. If you do get a chip or crack, head over to an auto glass repair shop as soon as possible to get it fixed before it gets worse.
Ways to Prevent Car Accidents
Even if you know how to drive, there are still some things that you must always do to prevent accidents. Remember these things to avoid accidents:
- Get your car serviced regularly.
- Make sure your tires have good tread.
- Watch your speed, and don’t tailgate.
- Don’t drive tired or while under the influence of alcohol.
- Wear a seatbelt.
- Drive with your headlights on in all weather conditions.
- Check your blind spots before changing lanes or merging.
Our Atlanta Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You
Every driver’s worst nightmare is a collision with another motorist, rider, or pedestrian on the road. Accidents happen even when we take precautions and follow traffic laws. At the CEO Lawyer, we know how scary it can be when you’re involved in a terrible car accident.
The last thing you want to do is deal with insurance agents, submit stacks of paperwork, and waste time on a case that could otherwise be resolved quickly and affordably. If you’re involved in any vehicle collision, call our Atlanta auto accident attorneys at (470) 323-8779 or complete this online form today to initiate the Georgia legal process to protect your rights.
