Atlanta Car Accident Statistics 2024 – Traffic Fatalities

Atlanta is one of the busiest metropolitan areas on the East Coast, and millions of people drive through it daily. Because of its high level of traffic, car accidents happen every day in many different ways. Many government offices and nongovernment organizations collect and report Atlanta car accident statistics each year, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with the latest trends in car accidents to reduce your risk of becoming a statistic.

Important Atlanta Car Accident Statistics

According to a report from the Georgia Electronic Accident Reporting System (GEARS), an average of about 30,000 car accidents occur in the Atlanta area every year. In 2023, the Atlanta Police Department reported more than 28,000 accidents, which was only slightly down from nearly 30,000 crashes in 2022. Accident data for 2024 is continuously collected, but it will be some time before such reports are readily available to the public.

The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety has also reported that while driver negligence is the leading cause of vehicle accidents in the Atlanta area, intoxicated driving is one of the major driving forces behind the number of vehicle accident fatalities reported each year. Accidents from drunk or drugged driving can lead to criminal prosecution of at-fault drivers, and they will also face civil liability for the harm they have inflicted on others.

These statistics can help drivers understand the risks they may face on the road, but it is important for all drivers to know what they can do to reduce their chances of causing accidents and incurring liability for the resulting damages. Georgia law dictates that whoever causes an accident absorbs liability for any damages, and proving fault for an accident can be more challenging than one might assume at first.

Recovering From Car Accidents in Atlanta

The Merritt & Merritt Law Firm regularly assists injured clients in the Atlanta area with their recovery efforts following all types of vehicle accidents. While knowing the most recent Atlanta car accident statistics can help you be more aware of the risks you could face while driving, the reality is that you can never truly predict how others might behave on the road, and you need to know what to do if someone else causes an accident with you.

The first step in recovering from a car accident in Atlanta is proving fault for the accident. You must determine liability for the incident and identify the driver responsible for causing it. Various forms of evidence could come into play in a car accident case, such as a driver’s cell phone records, vehicle computer data, and footage collected by nearby traffic cameras. Witness testimony can also be invaluable if anyone else saw the accident happen.

Your recovery process is likely to begin with an auto insurance claim, as Georgia law requires every driver to have auto insurance. However, insurance alone may not fully cover your losses, and in this situation, you will need to file a personal injury suit to recover any remaining losses that insurance won’t cover. To get help in filling a personal injury suit, you can contact our Atlanta personal injury lawyer.

Atlanta Car Accident Statistics FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Common Cause of Car Accidents in Atlanta?

A: Driver negligence is the most common cause of car accidents in Atlanta, and this can take many forms. “Negligence” refers to any failure to act with reasonable care or a failure to meet a specific duty of care in a given situation. Distracted driving, traffic violations, and speeding are a few of the most common examples of driver negligence responsible for accidents throughout the Atlanta area each year.

Q: Is Georgia a Fault State for Car Accidents?

A: Yes, Georgia is a fault state for car accidents. That means that proving fault will be an essential first step in your recovery process after an accident. Whether you expect to recover with an auto insurance claim, a personal injury claim, or a combination of multiple recovery efforts, you will need to prove fault for your accident before you will be able to recover any compensation for your damages.

Q: What Happens if I Share Fault for a Car Accident in Atlanta?

A: If you share fault for a car accident in Atlanta, you could face a diminished recovery because of Georgia’s modified comparative fault rule. Each liable party has a fault percentage assigned, indicating their degree of liability for the damages in question. If a plaintiff is found partially liable, they can still recover damages so long as they are less than 50% at fault. If they are more than 50% at fault, they lose the ability to claim damages from any other liable party.

Q: What Is a Car Accident Claim Worth in Atlanta?

A: The value of a car accident claim in Atlanta depends on the total value of the damages caused by the accident. Once fault is established, the at-fault driver can be held liable for any and all economic damages they inflicted, and they could also face liability for the victim’s pain and suffering. If you are unsure of the total value of your claim, it is important to consult an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Q: Can a Driver Go to Jail for Causing a Car Accident in Atlanta?

A: Yes, it is possible for a driver to go to jail for causing a car accident in Atlanta if they caused the accident by breaking the law. The most common way for this to occur is drunk or drugged driving. Every year, intoxicated driving is a leading cause of vehicle accidents in the Atlanta area and one of the most commonly prosecuted criminal offenses in the state. Your attorney can advise you as to how a defendant’s illegal actions may influence your recovery.

The team at the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm is ready to help our injured clients in the Atlanta area recover from their accidents. Whether you anticipate a difficult insurance claim filing process, a complex personal injury suit, or a combination of multiple challenging legal proceedings following your recent accident, we can help. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team to learn how we can assist with your recovery.