The accidents that occur on Georgia roadways can result in devastating injuries for drivers and their passengers. Pedestrians can also be at risk when reckless or negligent drivers cause collisions to happen.
In Fulton County alone, there were approximately 56,000 automobile accidents that occurred in 2014 according to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS).
Almost 14,400 of those accidents resulted in injuries or fatalities, including the deaths of pedestrians. Many of the fatalities were alcohol-, speed-, and motorcycle-related.
What Causes Accidents in Fulton County and the U.S.?
Failure to use seatbelts was seen among 42 percent of vehicle occupants, highlighting the importance of buckling up when traveling on Georgia roadways.
Other factors that contribute to car accidents include distracted driving and road rage. In 2015, 2.5 million people were injured in car accidents.
This includes 1.6 million drivers and 624,000 passengers as well as 70,000 pedestrians, 88,000 motorcycle riders, and 45,000 cyclists, according to crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov.
There were also 35,000 deaths in the country resulting from car accidents that same year.
Protecting Yourself When You’ve Been Involved in a Car Accident in Fulton County
If you’ve been involved in an accident, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and hold responsible drivers accountable for their reckless or negligent behavior.
The first thing to do after an accident is to make sure you or anyone else hasn’t been injured. Calling 911 or directing others to do so can ensure that drivers, passengers, and pedestrians get the care they need.
Calling the police makes it possible for you to file a report with the responding officer. This can be an invaluable piece of evidence used when seeking compensation for your injuries and other damages.
If you or anyone else has been injured, it’s important not to refuse medical attention or an evaluation from first responders. They can document injuries, making it more likely for you to prove the need for medical treatments.
It’s important to remember that the long-term effects of an accident-related injury may not show up until weeks or years down the line. Don’t assume injuries are minor until you’ve been treated by a professional healthcare provider.
Take photographs and videos of the accident scene and the vehicles involved. You can document the damage done to your vehicle and other property, making it harder for others to refute your claims.
Gather statements from anyone who witnessed the accident or get their contact information so that you can reach out to them later.
Getting Compensated for Your Injuries
A personal injury attorney can give you the legal advice and resources you need to get the compensation you deserve after an auto accident in Fulton County.
Your attorney can evaluate the circumstances and evidence related to your accident, and they can help you determine the true value of your claim.
Personal injury attorneys can deal with insurance companies when they try to minimize the compensation they have to pay or refuse to be held responsible for your damages.
An attorney can help you recover financial losses related to immediate and ongoing medical expenses, the loss of income, and the inability to earn future income.
They can help you repair or replace damaged property and help you make sure that you get compensated for your pain and suffering or the loss of a spouse.
Having a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney by your side can help you protect the wellbeing of you and your family.
