Alpharetta, GA Car Accident Lawyer
While all car accident cases vary, victims can typically sue negligent drivers for compensatory damages in Alpharetta.
Generally, T-bone and head-on accidents are often more likely to result in serious injury, though rear-end accidents are still dangerous for victims in Alpharetta. No matter the specific type of accident, all victims should take steps to preserve the scene. This includes taking pictures of everything, including the damage to your car and the injuries to your person. You should also call 911 and accept emergency care from paramedics at the scene. Get eyewitnesses’ names and contact information so we can collect their statements soon after the incident.
For a free assessment of your case, call the Alpharetta, GA car accident lawyers of Rice, Murtha & Psoras now at (470) 287-3070.
Common Car Accident Scenarios in Alpharetta, GA
There are several common types of car accidents, including rear-end, T-bone, sideswipe, and head-on collisions. Regardless of the type of accident you were injured in, you may be entitled to compensation from the negligent driver in Alpharetta.
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types. They typically happen when one driver follows another too closely and does not leave enough room to stop safely. Distracted and aggressive driving are some of the top causes of rear-end accidents. These are often viewed as minor collisions compared to others, but that is not always the case.
Soft tissue injuries, especially whiplash, are common in rear-end collisions. Whiplash requires treatment like any other car accident injury. Rear-end accidents that lead to airbag deployment also cause facial injuries, like broken noses. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), injuries from rear-end accidents made up 37.5% of all car accident injuries nationwide in 2022.
T-Bone Accidents
One of the most common types of accidents for serious injuries is a T-bone accident, also known as an angle accident. According to the NSC, 43% of those hurt in car crashes in 2022 were specifically injured during angle accidents.
T-bone accidents often happen at intersections, where one driver enters when another has the right of way. The result is an impact, typically to the side of the victim’s car. When struck perpendicularly from the side, victims could sustain serious crushing injuries, among others. According to the Georgia Department of Highway Safety, 21% of fatal accidents happened at or within 50 feet of an intersection in 2021.
Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents might happen when a negligent driver attempts to merge into another driver’s lane, swiping the side of their car in the process. When attempting to veer out of the way of a negligent driver, a victim might be forced into a fixed object on the road, like a median or telephone pole. Sideswipe accidents might quickly become multi-vehicle accidents involving several other drivers and victims.
Head-on Accidents
Head-on accidents have a high likelihood of serious and fatal injuries. When two vehicles come in contact head-on, even at low speeds, victims could sustain permanent traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and disfiguring injuries.
Head-on accidents can cause cars to flip and roll over, especially at high speeds, possibly worsening victims’ injuries. If you are trapped in your car following a head-on accident in Alpharetta, do not attempt to remove yourself without emergency assistance. If you do, you might unintentionally worsen your injuries.
Preserving Evidence After a Car Accident in Alpharetta, GA
Car accident scenes do not remain intact for long, so it often falls on victims to intentionally preserve them. One of the best and easiest ways to do this is to photograph the accident scene immediately afterward. You should also call the police so that they can gather pertinent information in an accident report.
Take Pictures
Photograph everything. You should do this following any car accident, even if there is minor property damage. Take pictures of damage to your vehicle, the final resting point of both vehicles, the impact point, and any debris on the road. If there are tire marks on the pavement, photograph them. Take pictures of the street itself, as there might be road signs, traffic lights, or potholes that factor into your case somehow.
If you have any visible injuries, try to photograph them as well. This can ultimately help our car accident lawyers demonstrate you were injured at the scene.
Talk to Eyewitnesses
Talking to eyewitnesses at the scene is often necessary. Instead of discussing the accident in detail, ask if they saw what happened. If they did, ask for their contact information and inform them that our lawyers may reach out soon to interview them. Preserving eyewitnesses’ statements soon after an accident is important. Otherwise, you risk their memories fading.
Call the Police
Although police reports may not be admissible evidence in Georgia car accident claims, officers can help document and preserve notable information to aid our lawyers as we prepare your case. Furthermore, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273 sets a legal reporting requirement for car accidents that cause bodily injury, death, or $500 or more in property damage, which also applies to victims. When the police arrive, tell them what happened and that you need medical care.
Accept Emergency Medical Care
You should also accept emergency medical care at the scene. When you do this, you generate medical records our lawyers can use in your case. For example, suppose an ambulance arrives on the scene and takes you to the hospital. In that case, there will be a record of your exact injuries immediately after the accident and any emergency treatment you need at the scene or on the way to the hospital.
Once you leave the emergency room, continue your treatment as necessary. Letting any gaps appear in your medical records could hurt your compensation claim or invite questions about your injuries.
Call Our Car Accident Attorneys in Alpharetta, GA Today
To get a free case evaluation, call the car accident lawyers of Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (470) 287-3070.