Marietta is known for its rich history, thriving art scene, and vibrant culinary culture. One of the largest cities in the Metro Atlanta area, Marietta is home to more than 60,000 people and growing. Let’s not forget about how big a sports town Atlanta is as well.
Automobile accidents are among the leading causes of injury-related emergency room visits and deaths in Marietta. Research shows that most of these accidents are caused as a result of unsafe driving behaviors, which are entirely avoidable.
At Miller Injury Trial Law, we believe that negligent drivers should be held strictly accountable for their actions. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in an auto accident, we can help you get the monetary damages you are legally entitled to.
Call us today to talk to one of our experienced Marietta, GA auto accident lawyers about your case.
Auto Accidents in Marietta, GA – What the Numbers Say
Marietta is the largest city in Cobb County and accounts for a significant percentage of auto accidents reported in the county. Data from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety shows that in 2021, more than 27,000 auto accidents were reported in Cobb County – resulting in 66 deaths and more than 400 serious injuries.
Cobb County has one of the highest traffic crash-related fatality rates in Georgia. Between 2016 and 2021, a total of 387 people were killed in auto accidents. Drunk driving and speeding are the most common causes of fatal accidents in Cobb County.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Marietta, GA
The most accident-prone intersections in Marietta include:
- Windy Hill Rd & Cobb Pkwy.
- Bells Ferry Road & Chastain Road / New Chastain Road.
- Roswell Road & Old Canton Road.
- US-41 and Canton Road.
- Veterans Memorial Highway and Floyd Road / Mableton Pkwy
Higher Risk of Auto Accidents at Marietta, GA Intersections
The risk of auto accidents is higher at intersections primarily due to two reasons – driver distraction and driver misjudgment.
Driver Distraction
Driver distraction can take many forms including talking on the phone, reading or sending texts, adjusting the radio, talking to passengers, or eating or drinking something. While distracted driving is always risky, it can be particularly dangerous at intersections due to the high volume of traffic.
Driver Misjudgment
Drivers often tend to misjudge the speed of other vehicles or misjudge the actions of other drivers at intersections, which can increase the risk of accidents significantly.
Apart from this, many drivers – young drivers in particular – tend to run red lights at intersections and turn left without checking for cross-traffic, which can result in serious accidents.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Auto Accident in Marietta, GA?
Depending on the circumstances under which the accident occurred and the factors that contributed to it, one or more parties can be held liable for the resulting property damage, injuries, and deaths. Our Marietta, GA auto accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, and collect evidence against all potentially liable parties to maximize your damages.
The Negligent Driver
If the accident was caused by the other driver’s negligence, reckless behavior, or intentional misconduct, they can be personally held liable for your injuries and other losses.
The Company the Negligent Driver Works For
If the accident was caused by a commercial truck driver or someone who works for a rideshare service, food delivery service, or package delivery service company, you might be able to hold the company liable for your injuries and other losses – as long as you can prove that the driver was on duty or performing a task related to their job while they caused the accident.
The Auto Part Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider
If the accident was caused by a defectively designed or manufactured part, defective tires, or poor inspection and maintenance of auto components, the company that designed or manufactured the part, the tire manufacturer, or the maintenance provider can be held liable.
The Establishment That Served Alcohol to the Other Driver
If the driver was drunk at the time of the accident, the establishment that served alcohol to them can be held liable for your injuries and other losses. Under Georgia’s Dram Shop Act, if an establishment serves alcohol to someone who is visibly drunk, they can be held liable for the accident caused by that person.
The Government Entity Responsible for Road Maintenance
If the accident was caused by a road defect, the government entity which is responsible for road design and maintenance can be held liable.
Actual Cause vs. Proximate Cause in Auto Accident Claims
In order to establish the liability of the at-fault party in an auto accident claim, you need to prove that their negligence or misconduct was the actual or proximate cause of the accident.
Actual cause – also known as ‘cause in fact’ – is the direct cause of an accident. Proximate cause, on the other hand, is the legal cause. For example, if the other driver ran a red light and crashed into you, their actions can be considered the actual cause of the accident.
On the contrary, if their vehicle malfunctioned due to a defective part and caused them to crash into you, the defective part can be considered the proximate cause of the accident, since it is what led to the accident in the first place.
Recoverable Damages in a Marietta Auto Accident Claim
Economic Damages
- Current and future medical expenses
- Cost of physical rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation, and therapy
- Cost of assistive and mobility devices
- Lost earnings
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If the at-fault party is found to have acted willfully or with malicious intent or wanton disregard for the safety of others, you might be entitled to punitive damages as well.
Injured in an Auto Accident? Our Experienced Marietta, GA Auto Accident Lawyers Can Maximize Your Compensation
If you have been injured in an auto accident, the reputable Marietta auto accident lawyers at Miller Injury Trial Law can provide you with the legal support you need to hold the at-fault parties accountable. We bring in-depth legal knowledge, aggressive negotiation skills, and extensive courtroom experience to the table and are prepared to do everything we can to get you the compensation you deserve.
Being a boutique law firm, we can provide you with the individualized, compassionate representation you need. You will not be just another case number to us. Call us today at 855-44MILLER or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.