Car accidents are an everyday occurrence in the US Data shows that the average American has a 1 in 63 chance of being involved in a car accident at some point in their life. The situation is no different in Georgia, which has one of the highest car accident-related fatality rates in the country.
Union City is a part of Fulton County, which has the highest car accident-related fatality rate in Georgia. Between 2017 and 2021, more than 600 people were killed and more than 2,000 people were seriously injured in car accidents in Fulton County. Most of these accidents were caused as a result of driver negligence – including speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Union City, you might be entitled to monetary compensation. At Miller Injury Trial Law, we are dedicated to helping car accident victims and their families get the compensation they need to get back on their feet and rebuild their lives.
Call us today at 855-44MILLER to schedule a free consultation with one of our highly-rated Union City, GA car accident lawyers.
Dangerous Intersections in Union City, GA for Car Accidents
Intersections pose significant risks for drivers as well as other road users due to the convergence of vehicles traveling in different directions and at varying speeds. The complex and dynamic nature of traffic in intersections can cause drivers to engage in risky behaviors or make mistakes that they otherwise might not do, which can increase the risk of accidents greatly.
The most dangerous intersections in Union City, GA are:
- South Fulton Parkway and Stonewall Tell Road
- Jonesboro Road and Shannon Parkway
- Alexander Avenue and Lakeside Drive
- South Fulton Parkway and Majestic Place
- Jonesboro Road and Buffington Road
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident in Union City, GA?
Under Georgia law, a number of parties can be potentially held liable for a car accident – depending on the specific circumstances related to the accident. These include:
- At-Fault Drivers: The driver who caused the accident due to negligence, reckless driving, or violation of traffic laws can be held liable for damages.
- Employers: If the at-fault driver works for a ridesharing service, food delivery service, or any other company and was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident, their employer can be held vicariously liable for the damages.
- Manufacturers: If the accident was caused by a defect in the vehicle or one of its components like faulty brakes or tires, the manufacturer or distributor of the defective product can be held liable under product liability laws.
- Alcohol Establishments: If the driver was visibly intoxicated and caused an accident after being served alcohol at a bar, restaurant, or other establishment, the establishment in question can be held liable for the accident under Georgia’s Dram Shop Act.
- Parents or Legal Guardians: If the at-fault driver is a minor, their parents or legal guardians can be held liable for the accident under Georgia’s parental responsibility laws.
- Government Entities: If the accident was caused by dangerous road conditions, inadequate signage, or other factors related to the design or maintenance of public roads, the government entity responsible for road maintenance can be held liable.
How Georgia’s Parental Responsibility Law Can Be Applied to Car Accident Cases
According to Georgia’s parental responsibility law, parents or legal guardians can be held liable for the actions of their minor children under certain circumstances, including car accidents.
Under the law, if a minor child causes a car accident due to negligence, reckless driving, or other unlawful behavior, their parent or legal guardian can be held liable for the resulting damages.
It’s crucial to note that the law does not hold parents or legal guardians strictly liable for the actions of their minor child. To hold them liable, you need to prove one or more of the following elements.
- The parent or guardian negligently entrusted the minor with a vehicle, meaning they allowed the minor to use a vehicle when they knew or should have known that the minor was not capable of driving safely.
- They permitted the minor to engage in unlawful behavior that resulted in the accident.
- They failed to exercise ordinary care in controlling the minor to prevent them from engaging in unlawful behavior or causing harm to others.
How Our Union City, GA Car Accident Lawyers will Counter the Insurance Company’s Tactics during Settlement Negotiations
Insurance companies often employ various tactics to deny liability or reduce the value of a car accident claim. Here are some common objections they might raise and how our Union City, GA car accident lawyers can counter them:
Pre-Existing Injuries
The insurance company might argue that you had pre-existing injuries or that your injuries are unrelated to the accident. We can counter the claim by presenting medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence to demonstrate that the injuries were indeed caused or exacerbated by the accident.
Comparative Negligence
The insurance company might assert that you bear some degree of fault for the accident in order to reduce their liability. We can challenge the comparative negligence claim by presenting evidence, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction reports to establish the other party’s primary fault.
Questioning Medical Treatment
The insurance company might question the necessity of your medical treatment and argue that you do not need the extent of care that you claim you need. We can counter it by obtaining expert medical opinions to establish a direct link between the treatment and the accident-related injuries and prove why the level of care you received was necessary and reasonable.
Disputing Damages
The insurance company might dispute the extent or valuation of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. We can counter it by providing evidence like medical records, employment records, and expert testimony to support the calculation and valuation of damages.
Compensatory Damages Our Union City, GA Car Accident Lawyers Can Recover for You
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs related to emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, doctor’s visits, medication, physical therapy, and other medical treatments necessary for the injuries caused by the accident.
- Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to your injuries, we can recover compensation for the wages you would have earned during the time missed from work as well as compensation for any loss of future earning capacity.
- Other Financial Losses: Additional economic damages may include property damage, expenses for transportation to medical appointments, home care services, and any other out-of-pocket costs incurred as a result of the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and discomfort resulting from the injuries sustained in the accident.
- Mental Anguish: Damages for psychological trauma like anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the accident and its aftermath.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injuries affect your marital relationship with your spouse, they might be entitled to damages for loss of consortium.
- Disfigurement or Scarring: Compensation for any permanent disfigurement or scarring resulting from the accident.
Punitive Damages
In case of egregious negligence or intentional misconduct by the at-fault party, we can seek punitive damages on top of the aforementioned compensatory damages. It should be noted that punitive damages are awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future and are applicable only for extreme cases.
Our Union City, GA Car Accident Lawyers will Fight to Maximize Your Compensation
A car accident can wreak havoc on your life in more ways than you can imagine. From the physical pain and suffering to the financial burden caused by medical bills, lost earnings, and emotional distress, the consequences can be severe and far-reaching.
At Miller Injury Trial Law, we have extensive experience in handling all types of car accident claims – ranging from head-on collisions to rear-end accidents to multi-vehicle pileups. We can investigate your case, identify all the liable parties, and build a compelling evidence-based case to recover the maximum amount of compensation possible. We have a reputation for handling complex car accident liability claims and no case is too big or too difficult for us to take on.
Call us today at 855-44MILLER or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Union City, GA car accident lawyer at our firm.
