Auto accidents are one of the major causes of hospitalizations and deaths in Duluth, GA. Despite the efforts of state and local authorities to make our roads safer, auto accidents continue to happen at an alarming rate – largely due to the negligence of motorists.
If you have been injured or have lost a family member in an auto accident, the Duluth auto accident lawyers at Miller Injury Trial Law can help you. We can protect your legal and financial interests, hold the at-fault parties accountable, and fight hard to obtain the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced Duluth auto accident lawyer.
Auto Accidents in Duluth, GA – What the Numbers Say
Data from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety shows that in 2021, a total of 27,285 auto accidents were reported in Gwinnett County. Forty-eight people were killed, 265 people were seriously injured, and thousands of people suffered minor injuries in these accidents.
Data shows that driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding is by far the biggest factor that increases the risk of fatal injuries in auto accidents. Data also shows that close to 50% of people who were killed in auto accidents in 2021 were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
Dangerous Intersections in Duluth, GA
While auto accidents are mostly caused by human error and can happen anywhere, the risk is particularly high at intersections. The most dangerous intersections for motorists in Duluth are:
- Duluth Highway and Satellite Boulevard
- Pleasant Hill Road and Satellite Boulevard
- Steve Reynolds Boulevard and Venture Drive
What Kind of Injuries Can Result from an Auto Accident?
Injuries resulting from an auto accident can range from cuts and lacerations to ligament tears, contusions, broken bones, nerve damage, traumatic amputation, internal organ damage, spinal cord injuries, and brain injuries.
Auto accidents can also be extremely traumatizing for the parties involved. Data shows that close to 40% of auto accident victims tend to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, auto accidents are the leading cause of PTSD among the general population in the US.
Can I Receive Compensation from My Own Auto Insurance Provider for My Injuries?
No. Georgia is a fault state, which means you can receive compensation only from the party that caused the accident. Stemming from this, if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you might be able to recover compensation from your own auto insurance provider under the following circumstances.
- If you are injured by an uninsured driver.
- If you are injured by an insured driver, but their third-party liability insurance is not sufficient to cover your medical expenses and other losses.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Auto Accident in Duluth, GA?
It depends on how the accident happened and what caused it. For example, if the other driver was drunk, distracted, or fatigued at the time of the accident or if they violated traffic laws, they can be held personally liable for the accident.
If the accident was caused by a defective part in your vehicle, the company that designed or manufactured the part can be held liable. If you were injured by a rideshare vehicle, food delivery vehicle, or a commercial truck, the company that the driver works for can be held liable, depending on whether they were on duty at the time of the accident.
If the accident was caused by a defective or dangerous road condition, the local or state government agency responsible for maintaining the road can be held liable.
Deadline for Filing an Auto Accident Claim in Duluth, GA
Under Georgia law, the deadline for filing an injury claim against one or more third-parties – commonly referred to as the statute of limitations – is set at two years. The two-year deadline starts right from the date on which the accident occurred.
If your injuries affect your marital relationship with your spouse, your spouse can bring a loss of consortium claim against the at-fault party. The deadline for filing a loss of consortium claim is four years.
What Kind of Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Duluth Auto Accident Claim?
Depending on how serious your injuries are, you might be able to recover economic as well as non-economic damages from the at-fault party.
The economic damages you can recover include current and future medical expenses, the cost of rehabilitation and therapy, lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, and property damage. The non-economic damages you can recover include pain and suffering, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life.
In addition to this, you might also be awarded punitive damages if the at-fault party in question acted willfully, with malicious intent, or without any regard for the consequences of their actions. You can also be awarded punitive damages if there was an element of fraud or oppression involved in the at-fault party’s actions.
How Georgia’s Fault Law Can Impact Your Compensation
Georgia follows the doctrine of modified comparative negligence, under which you have the right to recover compensatory damages even if you were partially at fault – as long as your share of fault is not equal to or greater than the other party’s share of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, you can recover compensation from the other party, but your compensation will be reduced by 20%. On the other hand, if you are found to be 50% at fault, you cannot recover any compensation from the other party.
Injured in an Auto Accident? Our Duluth, GA Auto Accident Attorneys Will Fight to Maximize Your Compensation
At Miller Injury Trial Law, we know that an auto accident can total your vehicle, leave you physically injured and emotionally traumatized, and cause serious financial problems for your family. We fight aggressively to obtain the best possible settlement offer for our clients.
We have the experience, skills, resources, and dedication needed to get you the maximum injury settlement you rightfully deserve. Call us today at 855-44MILLER or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our seasoned Duluth, GA auto accident lawyers.
