In Atlanta, highways often offer the quickest route from point A to point B. Yet, these stretches of road can also be the backdrop for some of the most harrowing moments in a person’s life. Highway car crashes, often caused by driver negligence, can lead to Atlanta car accident lawsuits, serious injuries, and even death. Below are some of the most common factors that contribute to these dangerous accidents.
Alcohol and Drug Impairment
Despite strict laws against driving under the influence, alcohol and drug impairment continue to be a leading cause of highway accidents. These substances can blur a driver’s focus, making it difficult to navigate the high-speed and often congested conditions typical of highway driving. When a driver is impaired, they can lack good judgment, have a slower reaction time, be less likely to stay awake, and overall be unable to operate a vehicle safely.
Distracted Driving
On highways, where vehicles travel at high speeds and situations evolve rapidly, even a momentary lapse in concentration can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Distracted driving reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden stops, lane changes, or obstacles on the road. Any activity that takes a driver’s mind, hands, or eyes off the act of driving can lead to an accident, such as texting, using a navigation app, or even changing the music.
Driving Over the Speed Limit
Speeding is a prevalent issue on Atlanta highways. Traveling at excessively high speeds not only increases the chance of losing control of the vehicle but also extends the distance required to come to a complete stop.
In the event of an unexpected traffic slow-down or debris on the highway, a speeding driver has less time to react, raising the likelihood of a crash. Furthermore, accidents at higher speeds tend to result in more severe injuries and damages.
Merging without Checking
Merging onto a highway or changing lanes without proper caution is a common cause of accidents. Failing to check for vehicles in blind spots or misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic can lead to side-impact collisions or force other drivers to swerve unpredictably, potentially causing multi-vehicle pile-ups. Proper signaling and ensuring it is safe to merge or change lanes are critical to prevent these types of accidents.
Aggressive or Reckless Driving
Aggressive or reckless driving reflects a disregard for the safety of all road users, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. These actions can provoke chain-reaction crashes, as other drivers may not have sufficient time to respond to sudden moves. Examples of dangerous driving include tailgating, weaving through traffic, or brake-checking other drivers.
Speak to an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney
If you were involved in a car accident while traversing Atlanta’s highways, it’s important to know that you have options for compensation. Victims of car accidents in Georgia have the right to file insurance claims or lawsuits against the people responsible for their collisions. To ensure that you build the strongest possible claim for compensation, it’s essential to work with a lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases.
A car accident lawyer can provide invaluable guidance throughout the legal process, helping protect your rights and fighting for the compensation that you deserve. After seeking medical care for any injuries, contact an attorney right away to discuss your next steps.