Marietta Auto Accident Attorneys
Georgia is a “car culture” state so it is not surprising that Marietta is the location of many severe vehicle accidents since this city boasts a mix of both commuter and tourist traffic. This rather volatile mix of local residents rushing to beat the traffic and tourists unfamiliar with the roadways often results in confusion, annoyance and, unfortunately, some quite horrific accidents.
According to information obtained from the Georgia Department of Transportation, there are over 340,000 car accidents annually in the state, resulting in more than 133,000 people being injured and more than 1,700 fatalities. These accidents affect everyone using state highways and local roadways, including motorcyclists, bicyclists, public transportation patrons and even pedestrians. These traffic accidents not only seriously impact the accident victim but also the families and loved ones of those who are injured or killed.
The process of negotiating with insurance companies after an accident can be difficult and requires the expertise of experts familiar with the legal system and its many hurdles. The experienced Marietta auto accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates have been providing effective legal representation to Marietta car accident victims since 1984. Because of our long tenure and experience representing car accident victims in Marietta we can often negotiate a settlement or utilize some form of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) to obtain a settlement to avoid trial. However, we will not hesitate to aggressively litigate your Marietta car accident case when the other insurance company refuses to pay what you deserve.
Risk Factors Involved in Marietta Car Accidents
Most accidents in Marietta are caused by inattentive driving or drivers who do not exercise reasonable caution in an attempt to avoid an accident. Failing to engage in safe driving practices, including complying with Georgia’s “Rules of the Road,” may be construed as negligence on the part of the inattentive driver and may provide a basis for imposing liability for the accident on that same driver.
The following is a list of driving practices that might constitute negligent driving:
- Failure to observe right of way laws
- Excessive speed and/or a failure to adjust speed according to road conditions
- Distractions that lead to inattentive driving
- Illegal turns or U-turns
- Executing unsafe lane changes
- Inclement weather and adverse road conditions
- Failing to check a “blind spot”
- Accidents occurring while backing up
- Intoxicated drivers
- Failing to check tire pressure or age
Motorists injured by a driver committing any of the above forms of negligence may be entitled to compensation for personal injuries or property loss – this includes accidents caused by a driver who is texting, talking on the phone or performing any other activity that could be construed as negligent.
Although negligence on the part of the driver is the most common cause of accidents in the Marietta area, some accidents may be caused by a third party. These include:
- Vehicle owners lending their vehicle to unsafe drivers
- Employers who knowingly allow employees to talk on cell phones while conducting company business in a company owned vehicle
- Government agencies that disregard a known hazard area
- Companies producing defective airbags, seatbelts, tires, or brake and fuel systems
- A driver other than the one with whom the collision took place
- Independent repair shops that do not properly maintain buses, tractor-trailers or other vehicles
These examples constitute a few examples of the types of negligence that our Marietta accident attorneys may rely on to develop a strong legal position. Although Georgia state law requires that drivers carry a minimum of liability insurance, data reveals that more than 1 in 7 of drivers violate the requirement to carry liability insurance. For every uninsured driver, there are many more drivers who are underinsured, resulting in insufficient compensation for accident victims. In a struggling economy, drivers often allow their insurance policies to lapse without renewal. The Insurance Research Council indicates there is approximately a 1% increase in uninsured drivers for every percentage increase in the unemployment rate.
Many drivers who are involved in accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers often feel they are left with little or no recourse, a devastating prospect when faced with expensive medical bills and partial or full disability. Our Marietta car accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates can seek the compensation required to alleviate financial worries, even in the event that there is no third party to supplement the available insurance coverage. Further, our Marietta car accident lawyers may be able to pursue a claim against one’s own insurance company where there is no driver or third party with insurance or assets to pay your Marietta car accident claim.
What Monetary Compensation is Recoverable for Serious Injuries in Marietta Car Accidents?
If you are the victim of an accident involving a drunk or fatigued driver, you may suffer devastating injuries that affect your ability to work, maintain a healthy marital or other relationship, parenting ability, or general quality of your life, including brain or head trauma, spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis, amputation of a limb or even death. Other, non-life threatening injuries, such as broken bones or torn ligaments, may result in severe pain and long periods of recovery time for the victim.
The value of your accident claim may be affected by a variety of factors, including the seriousness of the injury sustained, the period of disability, the total medical costs, the wrongfulness of the act, and the earning capacity of the accident victim. In general, the more serious the injury, the greater the amount of financial compensation that may be available through the accident settlement or the personal injury judgment. The maximum compensation level is typically reserved for those who receive injuries of a catastrophic nature such as those resulting in permanent physical or cognitive disabilities. However, our Marietta car accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates may be able to pursue compensation for the following:
- Replacement of lost income
- Impaired quality of life
- Partial or full disability
- Diminished companionship in a marital relationship
- Property damage or loss
- Pain and suffering
- Financial obligations resulting from the accident, such as medical expenses
If you are the victim of an automobile accident which results in injuries of a devastating or life altering nature, our Georgia car accident attorneys may be able to answer your questions, advise you of your legal rights and assist you in recovering your losses. Know your legal rights! Whether you are injured by the negligent, reckless or intentional misconduct of a third party, we invite you to speak to an experienced Marietta auto accident attorney at Montlick and Associates. Call us today for your Free Consultation.
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.