Augusta Car Accident Lawyer

Augusta Car Accident Attorney

Have you or loved one been involved in a car accident in Augusta? Call our Augusta accident attorneys at 706-955-1559. Interstate 20 is one of the busiest interstates in Georgia running from Atlanta through Augusta  into South Carolina. In 2012, Richmond-County Augusta had 40 traffic fatalities; 2,624 auto injuries; and 8,451 crashes.

At Merritt & Merritt our Augusta Injury and Accident Attorneys specialize in helping accident victims regain a normal life.  A car accident can suddenly send a victim into financial ruin if proper steps are not taken.  That is why it’s important to hire experienced lawyers to assist you with your auto accident case.  Our attorneys have over 40 years of experience with accident and injury cases ranging from: catastrophic injuries to a loss of a limb to stubborn back and neck pain that never seems to go away.

Call us today at 706-955-1559.

We offer free consultations and you pay us only at the completion of the case; put another way, you don’t owe us anything unless we get you favorable results. Often accident victims try to handle their own cases but quickly find out that the insurance company will not treat them fairly unless they have an attorney.  It’s important to understand that the insurance company is responsible for its driver and will not pay a penny more than they have to.

Our Augusta Injury and Accident Attorneys are aggressive when representing clients.  When you contact us, from that point forward we do all of the investigative work; handle all communications with the insurance company; and assist you with getting adequate medical treatment.  And lastly, our attorneys will get you maximum compensation for your injuries.

Here are a few legal tips:

• Seek medical treatment immediately
• File a police report
• Be aware of what you say at the scene
• Keep an accurate record of expenses related to the accident
• Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company
• Do not sign anything unless your attorney has reviewed the documents
• Do not attempt to settle on your own
• Be aware of any filing deadlines

Car Accidents Impact Every Motorist in Georgia

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality on our Georgia roadways. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, in 2021, there were nearly 10,000 car accidents, 45 of those result in a death. At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we represent clients in all types of car accidents, including, ridesharing accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents and accidents involving distracted drivers. Car accidents can cause serious injuries- we see it everyday. If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident, contact an Augusta car accident attorney at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm today for a free consultation and to learn about your legal rights for compensation. Phone us at 706-955-1559.

Augusta Car Accident Statistics

In 2021, the latest year with data available, the top reason for fatal car accidents in Richmond County was speeding, which is responsible for 17 fatalities. Alcohol is the second leading cause of fatal car accidents in the county.

In the same year 53% of drivers involved in fatal car accidents with passenger vehicles were not using a seatbelt. While that number is down from 67% in 2020, it still remains high and a core contributing factor to serious, catastrophic, and deadly vehicle accidents.

Augusta Truck Accident Statistics

The Georgia Department of Transportation tracks motor vehicle accidents and compiles various annual statistics. For the years 2017 through 2021, Augusta saw the following statistics:

• There were 810 tractor trailer accidents which included 260 injuries and 7 fatalities
• There were 758 single unit truck accidents which included 273 injuries and 3 fatalities
• There were 272 panel truck accidents which included 95 injuries

Predictably, 2020 saw the fewest tractor trailer accidents (149), but there were actually fewer in 2017 (147). The other years are as follows:

• 2018 – 160 tractor trailer accidents
• 2019 – 178 tractor trailer accidents
• 2021 – 176 tractor trailer accidents

Another interesting statistic to note is that 3 of the 7 tractor trailer fatalities occurred in 2021. Overall, the statistics indicate that truck accidents in the area are on the rise. At a minimum, these statistics remind us that hundreds of people face serious injuries every year as a result of truck accidents. If you have been involved in a truck accident, you need an Augusta truck accident attorney who can help you rebuild your life.

Types of Car Accidents

There are many different types of car accidents. Some of the most common that our Augusta truck accident attorney team sees in Richmond County include ridesharing accidents, distracted driving accidents, car vs. truck collisions, and crashes happening on rural roads.

If you have suffered injuries due to a motor vehicle accident, contact a motor vehicle accident lawyer at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm today for help. We’ll handle your insurance and/or legal claims so you can focus on your recovery.

Augusta Ridesharing Accidents

Uber and Lyft are household names now. These, and other popular ridesharing apps, act as a taxi service, picking you up and dropping you off at designated points. Though these companies claim to vet drivers to help ensure your safety, riders still face the risk of an automobile accident while on an Uber or Lyft trip. If you are in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver be sure you or someone else is taking the insurance information from the Uber or Lyft driver, including the insurance company, policy number, phone number, and address.

Distracted Driving Accidents in Augusta

Distracted driving might include texting or eating while driving. Some Georgia motorists also apply makeup while driving, or attempt to reach for something on the floor or passenger seat. These types of distractions behind the wheel can have serious consequences. If you have been injured by a distracted driver, contact Merritt & Merritt Law Firm to discuss your legal rights.

Car vs. Truck Accidents in Richmond County

Accidents involving semi-trucks often lead to severe injury due to the size and weight of the truck. No matter where the impact happened, a motorist in a vehicle will likely sustain a serious injury after a collision with any type of truck, including semis, 18-wheelers, dump, flatbed, garbage, and tanker trucks.

Georgia Car vs. Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are exposed to significant dangers when they are riding, and unfortunately, too many drivers do not understand how to operate their vehicle safely around a motorcycle. Often with motorcycle accidents, motorists tend to blame the motorcycle rider, which is why it is important to have a knowledgeable and experienced motorcycle injury lawyer on your side. Our Augusta truck accident attorney team will immediately investigate the scene, gather all the facts and fight for your legal rights.

Accidents on Rural Roads

Most people are surprised to learn that many accidents do not occur on crowded urban streets but rather on rural two-lane roadways. In fact, reliable data indicates that as many as 57 percent of all fatal car crashes nationwide occur on rural roads. Most fatal accidents occur on straightaways, especially at night, rather than on curvy roads.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

A hit-and-run accident is considered a serious offense and is punishable by law in most countries. Hit-and-run accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities for those involved. In addition to the physical harm, hit-and-run accidents can also have a significant emotional impact on the victims and their families. It can be especially difficult to cope with the situation when the driver who caused the accident does not take responsibility for their actions.

DUI Car Accidents in Augusta

DUI accidents are one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in our county. Driving while impaired significantly impacts a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to control their vehicle, which results in swerving, sudden stops, or other erratic driving behaviors that increase the risk of a collision. We should also note that driving while under the influence also includes driving while high. If you are the victim of an accident that was caused by a drunk or high driver, you have rights. We encourage you to reach out to an Augusta truck accident attorney to learn how we can help you fight for compensation.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident call us today at 706-955-1559.

Remember: Post-Accident Injuries Don’t Always Show Immediately

Too often, persons involved in a car accident assume they are not injured because they cannot see any injury or do not feel any pain immediately after the accident occurs. This can be a huge mistake as some post-accident injuries are not seen or felt immediately. Our Augusta injury and car accident attorneys see it happen all the time.

When a person is involved in an accident, their body produces extra adrenaline and endorphins in response to the stress caused by the accident. The adrenaline and endorphins can cause the injured person to not notice their injuries immediately, but only after some time has passed. Also, some injuries do not begin to swell or cause pain until some time after the injury occurs. Because of these reasons, it is crucial that a person that has been injured in a car accident have themselves checked by a medical professional even if they do not feel as though they have been injured.

The most common types of injuries that do not show as soon as they happen are back injuries such as a pinched nerve or herniated disc. Also, concussions, soft tissue injuries, and shoulder pain may not present themselves until some time has passed.

Additional Information

For more August-Richmond County Car Accident Statistics view link:
https://www.gahighwaysafety.org/fullpanel/uploads/files/richmond.pdf

Emergency Contact Information:

Augusta-Richmond County Police Department
400 Walton Way
Augusta, Georgia 30901
Ph: 706-821-1000
Fax: 706-821-1064

University Hospital
1350 Walton Way
Augusta, GA 30901
706-722-9011

Augusta University Medical Center
1120 15th St.
Augusta, GA 30912
706-721-2273