Being injured in a car accident can affect your personal and professional life and disrupt the lives of your loved ones as well. A serious injury can leave you with mounting medical bills, substantial loss of earnings, and immense pain and suffering. It can also adversely impact your earning capacity and reduce your overall quality of life.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Forest Park, it is important for you to get legal representation as soon as you can. At Miller Injury Trial Law, our experienced Forest Park, GA car accident lawyers can represent you, fight for your rights, and help you get the monetary compensation you need to recover from your injuries and get your life back on track.
Car Accidents in Forest Park, GA – What the Numbers Say
Forest Park is located in Clayton County, which is part of the Metro Atlanta area. Data from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety shows that Clayton County has one of the highest car accident-related fatality rates in the state.
In 2021, a total of 15,612 motor vehicle accidents were reported in the county – resulting in 66 fatalities and 316 serious injuries. Between 2017 and 2021, a total of 243 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents.
The most notable part about these accidents is that a vast majority of them are caused as a result of driver negligence. Data shows that in 2022, a total of 116,871 accidents reported in the Metro Atlanta region were caused by distracted driving, aggressive driving, and speeding.
The Most Accident-Prone Intersections in Forest Park, GA
Some of the most accident-prone intersections in Forest Park are:
- The intersection of Forest Parkway and Lake Drive.
- The intersection of Forest Parkway and Jonesboro Road.
- The intersection of Forest Parkway and Kings Highway.
What Kind of Injuries Can Result from a Car Accident?
Depending on the circumstances, the injuries can range from cuts and lacerations to ligament tears, dislocations, broken bones, crush injuries, traumatic amputation, burn injuries, internal organ damage, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
Apart from physical injuries, a car accident can also adversely impact your mental health in several ways. These include:
- Increased levels of stress and anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Phobia of driving or riding in a car
- A tendency to avoid human contact and social events
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
In short, the trauma caused by a car accident can make it difficult for you to lead a normal life and enjoy the things you used to before the accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident in Forest Park, GA?
- If the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence or reckless conduct, you can hold them liable for the accident.
- If the accident was caused by someone who works for a ridesharing service or food delivery service, you can hold the company liable for the accident – as long as the driver in question was on duty at the time of the accident.
- If the accident was caused by a faulty part in your own vehicle, you can hold the manufacturer liable for the accident.
- If the accident was caused by an on-duty government employee or due to a defective road condition, you can hold the government agency liable for the accident.
Is a Car Accident Claim Civil or Criminal?
It depends on the circumstances. Negligent driving is not considered a criminal offense under Georgia law. Victims can only pursue a civil claim and recover compensatory damages from the at-fault party.
In some cases, a car accident can lead to criminal charges. Common examples include:
- If the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time.
- If the driver took part in street racing or any other illegal activity and caused the accident as a result.
- If the accident resulted in one or more deaths.
It should be noted that the criminal charges stemming from a car accident have nothing to do with your civil claim. Even if the at-fault party is found not guilty, you may still be able to recover damages from them. You only need to prove that you were harmed by their negligence – regardless of whether they committed a crime or not.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Forest Park, GA Car Accident Claim
Under Georgia law, the deadline for filing a car accident claim is set at two years. It is important to note that this deadline is applicable only for injury claims that are filed against private individuals or entities. If you intend to sue a government agency, you need to file a notice of legal action within 6 to 12 months – depending on the agency in question.
Types of Compensation Can You Recover in a Car Accident Claim
Georgia law allows you to recover economic damages (also referred to as tangible or special damages) as well as non-economic damages (also referred to as intangible or general damages) in a car accident claim.
The economic damages you can recover include:
- Current and future medical expenses associated with your treatment.
- Cost of physical rehabilitation, psychotherapy, and vocational therapy (if applicable).
- Cost of long-term care (in the event of a permanent disability).
- Lost earnings.
- Loss of earning capacity.
- Cost of repairing your car and other items damaged in the accident.
The non-economic damages you can recover include:
- Pain and suffering.
- Mental anguish.
- Loss of consortium.
- Diminished quality of life.
Get Our Reputable Forest Park, GA Car Accident Attorneys on Your Side Today
If you have been injured in a car accident, you need a skilled lawyer on your side to get the compensation you deserve. At Miller Injury Trial Law, we have extensive experience in representing car accident victims and a successful track record with these types of cases.
We will closely work with you, provide you with the legal counsel, guidance, and support you need at this difficult time, and leave no stone unturned to recover the maximum amount of compensation from the at-fault party.
Call us today at 855-44MILLER or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and case assessment.
