Atlanta Speeding Accident Lawyer

Excessive speed can be a significant catalyst for collisions that inflict devastating consequences on individuals and families across the state. Often a similar accident where the driver wasn’t speeding would result in much less severe injuries.

The decision by a driver to exceed posted limits or to travel at unsafe speeds for prevailing conditions transforms a motor vehicle from a tool of transportation into a potential instrument of harm. The repercussions often result in serious injuries, long-term disabilities, significant financial burdens, and profound emotional distress for those caught in the wake of these incidents.

For anyone who has become a victim of an accident caused by a speeding driver, understanding the gravity of this issue and the legal pathways available for recourse is paramount. That is why the attorneys at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm are here for you when. Call us at 404-975-1775 today for a free case evaluation.

Speeding Statistics: Deadly Accidents in Georgia

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) shows that speeding stands as one of the most common factors leading to traffic crashes. In 2020 alone, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) reported a staggering 380 fatalities on Georgia roads that were directly linked to speeding. This stark figure paints a grim picture of the deadly consequences that can arise when drivers choose to disregard speed limits. The data from both state and national sources both show that speeding is a pervasive and deadly issue on Georgia’s roadways that lead to far more severe accidents than anything else. The fact that a significant portion of these crashes happens on roads with moderate speed limits highlights that the risk is ever-present, demanding constant vigilance from all road users.

Injuries Resulting from High-Speed Car Accidents

The sheer force generated in high-speed car accidents often leads to a variety of severe and debilitating injuries, many of which can have long-lasting repercussions on the lives of victims.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a frequent and serious consequence, ranging from mild concussions to severe forms of brain damage. Spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, broken bones, emotional distress, and severe bleeding are all common injuries that can result from accidents caused by speeding.

The injuries from speeding accidents often extend far beyond the immediate aftermath, leaving victims to grapple with chronic pain, physical limitations, emotional trauma, and significant disruptions to their lives. This is why it is imperative to seek medical attention after a speeding accident in our city even if you think your injuries are initially minor. A severe injury may not be immediately noticeable to you, and a medical professional will be able to assess your injuries better.

Common Scenarios for Speeding-Related Accidents in Georgia

Speeding contributes to accidents across a variety of locations and circumstances in Georgia. Intersections are particularly susceptible and one of the most common areas for accidents that are caused by speeding. Speeding drivers may also run red lights or stop signs, misjudge the timing of turns, or fail to yield the right of way, leading to dangerous broadside or angle collisions.

On highways and interstates, where higher speed limits prevail, exceeding those limits or driving too fast for the flow of traffic can lead to rear-end collisions, especially when traffic slows suddenly. Speeding also increases the risk of losing control during lane changes or when encountering unexpected congestion. Georgia’s “Super Speeder” law, which imposes additional penalties for driving at 85 mph or more on any road or 75 mph or more on a two-lane road, highlights the state’s concern with extreme speeding on these thoroughfares and recognizes that speeding is a common concern that everyone driving on the road has.

Essential Steps After a Speeding-Related Accident in Georgia

If you find yourself involved in a car accident in Georgia where you believe the other driver was speeding, taking the right steps immediately can significantly impact your health, safety, and any potential legal claims.

• First and foremost, ensure your safety and seek medical attention.
• If your vehicle is still operational and in a dangerous location, move it to a safer spot off the roadway, if possible.
• If you are able to document your accident safely, take as many pictures of the accident as you can. Use your phone or a camera to take photos of all vehicles involved, capturing the damage from various angles, their final positions on the road, any skid marks or debris, traffic signals, and any visible injuries you or others have sustained.
• It is also vital to exchange names with the drivers involved, including your name, contact information, driver’s license details, and insurance information with the other driver. If there were any individuals who witnessed the accident, especially if they saw the other driver speeding, you should try and get their information as well as any statements they wish to provide.
• A police report should also be obtained, even if the accident seemed minor.

It is true that the more evidence you gather initially will help you and your Atlanta speeding accident lawyer exponentially when it comes time to seek compensation.

Understanding Your Rights After a Speeding Accident

In Georgia, if you have been injured in a car accident caused by a speeding driver, you have the right to seek financial compensation for your losses. This can be done by proving that the other driver was negligent in causing the accident. Your Atlanta speeding accident lawyer at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm will work with you to prove the negligence of the other party – that’s our job, not yours.

After you show that the other party was negligent, then you can pursue various types of damages for your injuries.

• Economic damages are usually financial losses that can be documented, such as medical bills from the past and future, lost wages, and property damage. Additionally, you can claim other out-of-pocket expenses that are directly related to the accident.
• Non-economic damages address the more subjective losses you have experienced, which are usually things such as emotional distress and anxiety or depression that was caused by the accident.
• Punitive damages may also be available in certain circumstances. These are awarded in cases where the speeding driver’s conduct was particularly egregious, demonstrating willful misconduct or a reckless disregard for the safety of others.

It is important to understand that Georgia works on a comparative negligence standard when determining fault. The state follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation, but the amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are determined to be 50% or more at fault, you will be barred from recovering any damages from this accident.

It is also extremely important to note the statute of limitations in Georgia, which sets a time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Georgia is generally two years from the date of the accident.

Understanding these aspects of Georgia law is crucial for navigating the process of seeking compensation and ensuring your rights are protected, as well as hiring an experienced attorney who can handle your case so you don’t have to worry about missing deadlines and proving liability.

Why Choose Merritt & Merritt Law Firm?

For individuals seeking legal representation after a car accident caused by a speeding driver in Georgia, Merritt & Merritt Law Firm offers a wealth of experience and a strong reputation for advocating for injury victims.

Established in 1973, our Atlanta-based personal injury law firm has been a trusted name in Georgia for more than 45 years, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to helping those who have been injured due to the negligence of others.

Merritt & Merritt Law Firm attorneys are recognized as leading car accident attorneys, with a proven track record of representing injury victims throughout Georgia and even on a national scale. Recognizing the challenges faced by injury victims, our firm offers 24/7 service and can even arrange to meet clients at their home, office, or hospital, providing added convenience and support during a difficult time.

By choosing Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, you are partnering with a team of experienced and reputable attorneys who are deeply committed to advocating for the rights of car accident victims in Georgia.

Finding Justice and Healing After a Speeding Accident. Yes, it’s Possible.

The statistics and consequences clearly illustrate the profound dangers posed by speeding on Georgia’s roads. If you have been injured in a car accident due to the reckless actions of a speeding driver, it is crucial to understand that you have rights and avenues for seeking justice and fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial burdens you have endured.

Remember to prioritize your safety and seek immediate medical attention, meticulously document the accident scene and gather all pertinent information, and be cautious in your interactions with insurance companies. The journey to recovery and rightful compensation can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We don’t want you to. We are here for you and your family when you need it most.

Talk with an Atlanta Speeding Accident Lawyer Today for Free to Learn More

Our experienced lawyers provide the expert guidance, dedicated advocacy, and unwavering support you need during this challenging time. Reaching out to a reputable legal professional can be the first step toward understanding your options and beginning the path toward healing and obtaining the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us at 404-975-1775 today for your free consultation and see what we can do for you.