Car accidents are inherently traumatic experiences for victims, causing both physical and emotional distress. The aftermath often involves dealing with medical bills, vehicle repairs, and the potential loss of income due to injuries. Additionally, victims may endure long-lasting psychological effects, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress, further exacerbating the challenges they face in rebuilding their lives.
If you suffered a collision in Canton, GA, then you may be entitled to payment for the harm you endured. Thankfully, our legal professionals can review your case for free. We can determine whether you have a strong claim for monetary damages. Moreover, when pursuing your potential claim, we can provide thorough guidance through each step of the legal process.
Seek assistance from our Atlanta car accident attorneys by calling Howe Law today at (844) 876-4357.
Deadline to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Canton, GA
The time limits to file certain types of lawsuits are governed by states’ statutes of limitations. According to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you will usually have two years from the date of a crash to file a car accident lawsuit seeking payment for the injuries you sustained. If you do not act in accordance with this deadline, then your potential claim may be dismissed.
Furthermore, even though you may have a maximum of two years to file, you should begin building your car accident claim as quickly as possible after your crash. As time passes, the evidence required to support your potential lawsuit can become hard to preserve and collect. For instance, a witness may forget a pertinent detail, or a piece of physical evidence may be misplaced. The sooner you connect with our car accident lawyers, the more efficiently we can gather the information needed to win your case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Canton, GA
Unfortunately, a high number of motor vehicle collisions happen as the result of drivers’ negligence. For instance, the following are all common causes of car accidents in Canton:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains a prevalent issue, significantly contributing to car accidents. The use of mobile phones, including texting and talking, as well as distractions from in-car entertainment systems, diverts drivers’ attention from the road. This diversion compromises their ability to react promptly to changing traffic conditions, heightening the risk of collisions.
Speeding
Excessive speed continues to be a major factor in car accidents across Georgia. Drivers who exceed posted speed limits or fail to adjust their speed to accommodate road conditions put themselves and others at risk. The increased speed reduces the time available for drivers to react to unexpected events, making accidents more likely.
Tailgating
Tailgating, or following too closely behind another vehicle, is a persistent issue leading to car accidents. When drivers fail to maintain a safe following distance, it limits their reaction time and makes it challenging to avoid collisions, especially in situations where sudden braking is required.
Illegal Lane Changes
Car accidents frequently occur due to drivers making illegal lane changes. Failing to use turn signals or abruptly switching lanes without checking blind spots can result in collisions, jeopardizing the safety of the driver and other road users.
Improper Left Turns
Improper left turns are a common cause of accidents at intersections. Failure to yield the right of way, misjudging the distance and speed of oncoming vehicles, or executing left turns without proper signaling can lead to collisions with potentially severe consequences.
Running Red Lights
Disregarding traffic signals and running red lights remains a serious traffic violation that often results in accidents. Drivers who ignore these signals put themselves and others at risk, leading to T-bone or side-impact collisions at intersections.
Tired Driving
Fatigue significantly impairs a driver’s ability to focus and react quickly. Tired driving is a leading cause of accidents in Canton, with drowsy drivers exhibiting behaviors such as drifting between lanes, slower reaction times, and struggling to stay alert on the road.
Drunk Driving
Despite efforts to curb it, drunk driving remains a significant contributor to car accidents in Georgia. Alcohol impairs cognitive functions and coordination, leading to impaired judgment and an increased likelihood of accidents. Drivers under the influence pose a severe threat to themselves and others on the road.
Failure to Adjust for Weather Conditions
Canton experiences diverse weather conditions, and drivers failing to adapt their behavior accordingly contribute to accidents. Whether it’s rain, fog, or icy roads, failure to adjust speed and maneuvering to weather conditions increases the risk of accidents.
Common Locations Where Car Accidents Happen in Canton, GA
Car accidents can happen nearly anywhere. Still, there are specific places where crashes are more likely to occur. Being aware of these locations may help you stay safe behind the wheel:
Intersections
Intersections serve as frequent locations for car accidents due to the convergence of vehicles traveling in different directions. Collisions often occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way, run red lights, or make improper turns, emphasizing the need for heightened caution in these areas.
Highways and Freeways
High-speed environments on highways and freeways increase the severity of car accidents. Factors such as speeding, sudden lane changes, and reckless driving contribute to collisions, making these roadways notable locations for accidents that can result in significant damage and injuries.
Parking Lots
Surprisingly, parking lots are common sites for minor accidents, typically involving fender-benders. The confined spaces, combined with the constant movement of vehicles and pedestrians, create conditions conducive to collisions, often attributed to distracted driving or failure to yield.
Construction Zones
Construction zones pose unique challenges for drivers, with altered traffic patterns, reduced lane widths, and the presence of construction equipment. Car accidents frequently occur because of reduced visibility, sudden lane shifts, or drivers failing to adhere to reduced speed limits within these zones.
Residential Areas
Residential areas witness a notable number of car accidents, especially with the presence of parked cars along the streets and the potential for children playing near roadways. Speeding and failure to adhere to posted speed limits contribute to accidents in these neighborhoods.
Contact Our Lawyers for Assistance with Your Car Accident Claim in Canton, GA
Seek help from our car accident attorneys at Howe Law by dialing (844) 876-4357.