Car accidents are a common occurrence in Cartersville. While some are minor, many car accidents leave victims with serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment.
Fortunately, our experienced team can provide you with the essential assistance you need to navigate the complex litigation process and identify the best strategies to recover the compensation that is rightfully yours. We have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations governing car accident cases, and we will work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that you receive the full amount of damages you are entitled to. Whether you were involved in a minor fender bender or a serious collision, our team has the knowledge to help you win your case.
Call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 to speak with our car accident attorneys and get a free review of your case.
Typical Causes of Car Accidents in Cartersville, GA
Having a clear understanding of the common reasons behind car accidents in Cartersville and the potential legal implications associated with them is of utmost importance for anyone who has been in a car accident. This knowledge can be extremely helpful in determining the appropriate steps to take after the accident. Our car accident lawyers are here to help you make informed decisions about your case. The following are common causes of car accidents in Cartersville:
Driver Negligence
Car accidents can have devastating consequences, and unfortunately, driver negligence is a common cause of such accidents in Cartersville. Negligent driving can take several forms, including distracted driving, which involves diverting attention from the road to a phone, GPS device, or something else.
Another form of driver negligence is failing to check mirrors and blind spots, which can lead to collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists.
Additionally, straddling two lanes or failing to provide enough space for a lane change can also be classified as driver negligence. When a driver engages in any of these behaviors and causes an accident, they can be held liable for any resulting damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Driving Under the Influence
Car accidents in Cartersville are sometimes caused by drivers who operate their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Such drivers often cannot react quickly or make sound decisions, thereby increasing the chances of accidents.
In such cases, the driver who was impaired at the time of the accident is generally held responsible. However, the state’s dram shop laws hold establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals accountable for accidents that result from their impaired driving. This means that these establishments might also be held partially liable for accidents caused by intoxicated drivers.
Vehicle Issues
Vehicle issues caused by inadequate maintenance or servicing can also potentially lead to accidents. Suppose an accident occurs as a result of equipment failure because of neglecting regular vehicle maintenance, such as worn-out brakes or bald tires. In that case, the vehicle owner might be held liable.
On the other hand, if a poorly maintained and serviced vehicle causes a collision, another potential source of coverage might be through the repair shop. In such cases, it is possible for the repair shop to be held responsible for the accident, as they are expected to have adequately serviced and maintained the vehicle.
Poor Road Conditions
Car accidents might also be caused by poor road conditions. When a road is poorly maintained, it can lead to dangerous situations for drivers and passengers. Potholes, inadequate signage, or lack of proper lighting are some examples of poor road conditions that can contribute to accidents. If someone is injured in such a situation, they might be able to hold the government entity responsible for maintaining the road liable.
However, suing the government for road accidents is not always straightforward. Sovereign immunity laws can create significant hurdles to bringing claims against the government. These laws protect government agencies from lawsuits and limit their liability. In Cartersville, if someone wants to sue the government for an accident caused by poor road conditions, it is best to work with our team to get the best results.
Damages You Can Potentially Get Through a Car Accident Claim in Cartersville, GA
You can pursue a few categories of damages if you are injured in a car accident. These forms of compensation are intended to cover your financial losses as well as your emotional harm.
Economic Damages
Economic damages, also known as special damages, are intended to compensate for financial losses incurred by the accident. These include but are not limited to medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. In the event of a car accident, the liable party, typically the driver whose negligence caused the accident, is usually responsible for these damages.
Medical expenses can encompass emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, and any future medical costs related to the accident. Lost wages cover the income you lost while recovering from your injuries, and if your injuries result in long-term disability, lost earning capacity might also be compensated.
Property damage refers to the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, known as general damages, are intended to compensate for non-monetary losses that are harder to quantify. These can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship or consortium.
Pain and suffering compensation is meant to acknowledge the physical pain and discomfort you have experienced because of the accident. Emotional distress covers the psychological impact, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Loss of enjoyment of life compensates for the inability to enjoy hobbies or activities you once did. In contrast, loss of companionship or consortium applies when the accident adversely affects your relationship with your spouse or family.
The negligent driver is typically liable for these damages, though determining the value of non-economic damages can be complex because of their subjective nature.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages serve a different purpose than economic and non-economic damages. They are not intended to compensate for a loss but rather to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. In Georgia, punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was exceptionally reckless or malicious.
For instance, if a driver caused an accident while driving under the influence, the court might award punitive damages to send a strong message about the unacceptability of such behavior.
However, According to O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1, punitive damages are capped at a maximum of $250,000. This means that in most car accident cases, the most a plaintiff can receive in punitive damages is $250,000.
Our Cartersville, GA Car Accident Lawyers Can Support You and Your Claim
For a free case consultation with our car accident attorneys, contact Howe Law by calling (844) 876-4357.
