Atlanta Improper Turns Accident Lawyer

Imagine the frustration and pain of being involved in a car accident when you were obeying all traffic laws, only to be struck by a driver who failed to make a proper turn. These incidents, seemingly simple in their cause, can lead to significant injuries, financial hardship, and emotional distress.

At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm in Georgia, we understand the complexities and challenges that arise from such accidents. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to those who have been injured due to the negligence of others, including drivers who cause collisions by making improper turns. Call an Atlanta improper turns accident lawyer today at 404-975-1775 if you find yourself injured in an accident caused by a driver who made an improper turn today to get a free consultation.

Georgia Traffic Accident Statistics and Improper Turns

Traffic accidents in Georgia are a daily occurrence, and unfortunately not going away any time soon. Data shows that in Georgia, 1,910,055 traffic crashes occurred across the state in a year, resulting in 7,974 fatal crashes and injuries to 740,159 people. The large number of traffic accidents in the state show the critical need for drivers to exercise caution and adhere to all traffic regulations, including those governing turns.

Within this context of frequent traffic incidents, left-turn accidents stand out as a particularly common occurrence. Nearly 61% of all crashes that happen at an intersection involve a left-hand turn. This significant statistic strongly suggests that improper left turns are a major contributing factor to car accidents and resulting injuries in Georgia. Beyond left turns, other forms of improper turns also contribute to traffic accidents. These can include making right turns from the wrong lane, failing to properly signal before turning, or executing illegal U-turns in prohibited areas or without ensuring sufficient visibility.

This data shows that there is a high chance that you may become a victim of an accident caused by a driver who makes an improper turn. If you do, you should call an Atlanta improper turns accident lawyer from the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm as soon as you can to get the compensation you need. By calling Merritt & Merritt Law Firm at 404-975-1775 immediately after your accident, you can be sure we will make sure to file your claim on time and that you will get your compensation as soon as possible.

Establishing Negligence in Improper Turn Accident Cases

In Georgia, like many other states, the legal concept of negligence forms the basis for most personal injury claims arising from car accidents. To establish negligence, a plaintiff must prove four key elements:

• Duty of care – The at-fault driver had a legal responsibility to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws. All drivers in Georgia are required to show a duty of care on the roads to follow traffic laws and signs.
• Breach of duty – The at-fault driver failed to uphold this responsibility. In the context of an improper turn accident, this could involve violating a traffic law related to turning, failing to signal, failing to yield, or turning from the wrong lane.
• Causation – There must be a direct link between the at-fault driver’s breach of duty (the improper turn) and the resulting accident and the plaintiff’s injuries. This means that your injuries were not caused by anything else but the accident that the other driver caused.
• Damages – The plaintiff must have suffered actual harm and losses as a result of the accident, such as physical injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and property damage.

Georgia Modified Comparative Negligence

It is important to note that Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if an injured party is also found to be partially at fault for the accident, they can still recover damages as long as their percentage of fault is less than 50%. However, the amount of compensation they receive will be reduced by their degree of fault. For example, if a pedestrian is struck by a car making an improper turn but is found to be 20% responsible for the accident, their total recoverable damages will be reduced by 20%. This rule underscores the importance of carefully assessing all the factors that contributed to an accident when determining liability and potential compensation. Having an Atlanta improper turns accident lawyer by your side to determine liability is imperative to get your maximum compensation.

Your Rights to Recover Damages After an Improper Turn Accident

If you have been injured in Georgia due to another driver’s improper turn, you may have the right to seek compensation for the losses you have incurred. The types of damages that can typically be recovered in a personal injury lawsuit could include medical expenses, lost income past or present, out of pocket expenses, emotional distress, and if the driver was extremely negligent, such as driving while intoxicated, then punitive damages may be added to your recovery amount. The specific amount of compensation you may be able to recover will depend on the unique circumstances of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the strength of the evidence proving the other driver’s fault. At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we will make sure to get you the most out of your compensation so you can focus on recovery.

The Time Limit for Filing Your Injury Claim in Georgia

It is crucial to be aware of the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia, which is known as the statute of limitations. In most car accident cases, including those involving improper turns, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you do not file a lawsuit within this two-year period, you will likely be barred from pursuing your claim and recovering compensation for your injuries.

The Crucial Role of Evidence in Your Claim

In any car accident case, and especially in those involving improper turns, the strength of your claim hinges on the quality and quantity of evidence you can gather and present. Evidence is essential for proving the other driver’s negligence and the extent of your damages.

Key pieces of evidence that can be crucial in an improper turn accident case include:

• The official police report documenting the accident, which often contains valuable information such as the investigating officer’s observations, statements from the drivers and witnesses, and potentially a determination of fault.
• Eyewitness statements from anyone who saw the accident occur. These unbiased accounts can be invaluable in establishing what happened and who was at fault.
• Photographs and videos of the accident scene, including the positions of the vehicles, any visible damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions. Photos of your injuries can also be important. Make sure to not put yourself in any danger by trying to obtain pictures. Your safety is paramount.
• Your medical records and bills, which provide documented proof of the injuries you sustained and the medical treatment you have received and will need in the future.
• If available, traffic camera footage or dashcam footage that may have captured the accident as it occurred.
• In some cases, data from the vehicles’ event data recorders (black boxes) can provide valuable information about the vehicles’ speed and braking patterns before the crash.
• The contact and insurance information of the at-fault driver.
• Documentation of any lost wages or income due to your injuries.
• Receipts and records of any other accident-related expenses you have incurred.

At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, an Atlanta improper turns accident lawyer understands the critical importance of gathering and preserving all relevant evidence in your case. Our experienced team will conduct a thorough investigation of your accident, which may include obtaining the police report, interviewing witnesses, collecting medical records, and exploring the possibility of obtaining any available video footage. We have the resources and expertise to build a strong and compelling case on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the best possible chance of recovering the compensation you deserve.

How An Atlanta Improper Turns Accident Lawyer from Merritt & Merritt Law Firm Can Help You

If you or a loved one has been injured in Georgia due to another driver’s improper turn, you don’t have to navigate the complexities of the legal process alone. At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, an Atlanta improper turns accident lawyer is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to those who have been harmed by the negligence of others.

We have a deep understanding of Georgia traffic laws and extensive experience in handling personal injury cases arising from car accidents. Our dedicated team will thoroughly investigate your case, gather the necessary evidence, and build a strong legal strategy to fight for your rights. We are dedicated to pursuing the full and fair compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.

We encourage you to contact Merritt & Merritt Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the details of your case. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you, so you can focus on your recovery. Call us at 404-975-1775 and get your free consultation today.