Driving is a privilege, not a right. It is important for your teen to understand the responsibility they have behind their wheel, not only for their own sake, but for the sake of their passengers and other drivers as well. In the event a car accident does occur, contact the Law Offices of Roger Ghai right away. Our car accident attorney in Acworth can advise you on the best course of action, so that you can get compensation for the injuries and damages you suffer. With five offices to serve you in Acworth and the surrounding Georgia area, we provide professional legal representation you can count on in every situation. Call or contact our office online today to request your free consultation.
The Most Common Types and Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents generally occur suddenly and with little advance warning, and can happen to even the safest and most cautious of drivers. Our car accident attorney in Acworth understands the serious impact these accidents can have on your health and financial security, and while you cannot always prevent an accident from occurring, it helps to be prepared. Understanding the common types and causes of most car accidents that occur can help you take the necessary precautions to keep both you and your loved ones safe when on the road.
For a free legal consultation, call (770) 792-1000
Common Types of Car Accidents
Highway safety studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate more than six million car accidents occur in the U.S. each year. Based on traffic accident reports filed by law enforcement officials and the insurance industry, the NHTSA aims at identifying not only what causes car accidents, but exactly how they occur. While some collisions involve cars and fixed objects, such as guardrails, telephone poles, or parked cars, the most frequent accidents involve collisions between two moving vehicles. These accidents result in serious injuries for close to two million people each year, and common types of collisions include the following:
- Rear end collisions: Accidents in which one driver slams into another are the most common type of accident, injuring more than 550,000 people each year. They generally occur when one driver is stopped or has slammed on their brakes, and can happen at stop signs and traffic lights, in heavy traffic conditions, and in places where roadway construction results in delays.
- Angle accidents: These accidents involve one driver hitting head first into either the driver or passenger front, back, or side of another vehicle, and often occur in intersections or when making turns. Angle accidents are the second most common type of collision, and result in more than 450,000 injuries each year.
- Sideswipe accidents: These generally occur when one vehicle attempts to pass another, cutting too close and hitting either the passenger or driver side. Resulting in more than 100,000 injuries each year, these accidents can occur on local roads and highways, as well as on interstates.
- Head-on collisions: While these are the least common type of motor vehicle accident, they are also the type that results in the most deaths. Head-on collisions can occur when a vehicle is traveling the wrong way on a one-way road or on highway entrance and exit ramps, or when a driver veers from their own lane and into oncoming traffic.
Drunk Driving Accidents In Georgia
The latest statistics from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety indicate that more than 112,000 drivers and passengers are injured each year as the result of traffic accidents in our state, while as many as 2,000 others die as the result of their injuries. Sadly, alcohol use is a contributing factor in roughly 23 percent of these fatalities. This rate has dropped by nearly five percent over the last 10 years, thanks largely to the efforts of law enforcement and public awareness campaigns. Georgia DUI laws address not only alcohol but other substances which can impair a driver’s reflexes, reasoning, and judgment, making car accidents more likely to occur. Among the penalties drivers face for being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain prescription medications in Georgia include:
- Fines and court costs;
- Suspension of driver’s license;
- Mandatory minimum sentencing;
- Drug and alcohol counseling;
- Community service requirements
While the rate for drunk driving accidents in Georgia is significantly lower than in the surrounding states of South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee, these accidents continue to be a serious concern, claiming as many as 500 lives each year.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Additional Causes Of Car Accidents and Injuries
NHTSA highway safety reports indicate that road construction, heavy traffic, and weather conditions such as rain, fog, or ice are common contributing factors in car accidents, but the most common causes are the negligent and often illegal actions on the part of other drivers. In addition to driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances, the NHTSA reports that the following are among the most dangerous driving behaviors:
- Speeding and driving too fast for conditions: As one of the leading causes of car accidents and injuries, speed related accidents account for close to 20 percent of all U.S. traffic fatalities.
- Reckless driving: Weaving between lanes, running red lights, and engaging in other reckless behaviors are responsible for roughly 11 percent of all motor vehicle accidents.
- Aggressive driving: Driving behaviors such as failing to yield, improper passing, and tailgating are responsible for nearly 10 of all car accident deaths.
- Distracted driving: While many states now have hands free or ‘no texting’ laws, using cellphones, texting behind the wheel, and other types of distracted driving behaviors account for roughly seven percent of all accidents.
- Drowsy driving: Drowsy driving is reported to be responsible for roughly three percent of all traffic fatalities, but the actual number of injuries or property damages caused by drivers who fall asleep behind the wheel or driving while excessively fatigued is thought to be much higher.If you are on the road and encounter someone driving in an erratic, reckless, or aggressive manner, it is important to protect yourself by putting plenty of space between you and them. Slow your own speed and allow them to pass if possible, take the nearest exit, or pull over to a safe location, such as a parking lot or gas station. Be careful not to engage with the other driver as this will likely only escalate the situation and make a car accident more likely to occur.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
How Our Car Accident Attorney In Acworth Can Help
If you suffer serious injuries due to the reckless or negligent actions of other drivers, get the professional legal representation you need and contact the Law Offices of Roger Ghai. Our car accident attorney in Acworth understands how your injuries can impact you now and in the years to come, and can advise you on how to get the compensation you need to recover. We have five offices to serve you, in Acworth and the surrounding Georgia area. Before you accept an insurance settlement that may be lower than what you deserve, call or contact our office online to request a free consultation.
Call or text (770) 792-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form