Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Car Accident Lawyers

Airport Car Accidents

Since 1998, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport has held the record for the world’s busiest airport, and the airport gets busier year after year. In 2016, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport saw approximately 104.2 million travelers, an astounding number that demonstrates just how essential Atlanta’s airport is for travelers worldwide. Because Atlanta’s airport is filled to the brim with travelers on a daily basis, the traffic surrounding the airport is likewise quite heavy.

The sheer size of Hartsfield-Jackson Airport demonstrates that traffic will be bad at times and that accidents can happen. The airport houses more than 30,000 parking spots for public use, and these parking spots do not represent the high flow of traffic from buses, shuttles, taxi cabs, ride share vehicles, and private citizens dropping off and picking up passengers. While high traffic certainly contributes to the high incidence of airport traffic accidents, many accidents that happen at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (and other Georgia airports) are preventable.

Why Do Airport Car Accidents Happen?

In addition to a high traffic flow, airport car accidents happen for many of the same reasons that car accidents happen on our streets and highways, but there are some factors present in an airport setting that may contribute to the number of accidents. Examples of reasons why airport car accidents happen include the following:

Distracted driving (texting, talking on the phone, or using social media apps, among others);
Confusion as to where to park and drop off or pick up passengers;
Failing to signal when changing lanes;
Failing to follow posted airport traffic signs (i.e., parking in a spot that says “no parking or standing,”);
Driving in the wrong lane or in the wrong direction;
Speeding;
Failing to stop at stop signs and crosswalks;
Driving under the influence; and
Abruptly stopping or slamming on the brakes.

Common Types of Airport Car Accidents in Georgia

While many causes of airport car accidents are the same for car accidents on streets and highways, there are certain airport car accidents that happen more than others, which include the following:

Fender-benders – As stated above, many vehicles abruptly stop at airports, whether to take evasive action to change lanes or possibly to avoid hitting a car that has just pulled out in front. While fender-benders are typically not initially considered to be severe accidents, especially at low speeds, the consequential injuries can be debilitating and permanent. For example, if a large bus is the vehicle to strike a car that has abruptly stopped in front, the injuries have the potential to be significant.
Parking lot accidents – With 30,000 public parking spaces at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, and hundreds of millions of travelers each year, it is no surprise that fighting for a parking spot can be a tough task. When drivers become eager and anxious to find a parking spot, they are less likely to be paying attention to other vehicles and pedestrians, creating a situation where accidents can happen.
Pedestrian accidents – There are numerous crosswalks at airports that help to control the flow of traffic and protect pedestrians, many of whom are traveling with heavy luggage. While many vehicles adhere to the crosswalks, there are times when drivers do not stop to allow a pedestrian to pass. On the flip side, there have been pedestrian accidents where a pedestrian has not been paying attention and walks when he or she should not.

Who is to Blame for an Airport Car Accident?

Because airports are not private property, there is always a chance, albeit rare, that the airport itself may become a party to an injury claim. However, when an airport car accident is caused by another driver whom has no direct relationship with the airport, the accident can be treated as any other car accident. Because all accidents are different, if you have been involved in an airport accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our Georgia Car Accident Attorneys at Montlick & Associates can examine the facts and circumstances of what happened to you and advise you on what steps can be taken to protect your rights.

Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years of Legal Experience to Work For Your Case!

If you have been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else's negligence, contact Montlick & Associates today for your free consultation with an experienced Accident Attorney in Georgia. Montlick & Associates has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.

Your Time to File a Claim is Limited by Georgia Law

There are time limitations for bringing a claim. Be sure to read our "Georgia Statute of Limitations" page for more information about important deadlines that effect your ability to file an injury claim. We also provide a "A Guide to Personal Injury Law in Georgia" that will help you better understand the laws the affect your case.

No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Sources:

https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/airport/?locationId=54

http://www.atl.com/about-atl/atl-factsheet/

Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
17 Executive Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Telephone: 1 (800) LAW-NEED
Telephone: 1 (404) 529-6333