Car Accident in Griffin, GA Today

Griffin, GA, is known for mostly good reasons. For example, did you know that the small town, with a population of around 23,600 people, produces more NFL athletes than any small town in the United States?

But, like any other small town in the country, Griffin faces some unique challenges, especially concerning car accidents. To put it into perspective, here are some recent car accident statistics from The Iris City, as the town is fondly referred to by the locals.

In 2021, nearly 4.5% of all Griffin residents were victims of a traffic accident. That is about 1,035 residents, which is relatively high given the city's low population.

In addition, out of the 1,035 victims that year, 455 suffered serious injuries.

Of the total 1,035 traffic accidents witnessed in this city, 23 involved trucks, 17 involved motorcycles, and 7 involved pedestrians.

Rear-end collisions were the most common Griffin in 2021, followed closely by angle collisions.

Looking at the bigger picture shows just how serious the problem of car accidents is in this part of Georgia. One study found that in 2021, the number of motor vehicle crash deaths had risen to 19 per 100,000 people in Spalding County, the home of the city of Griffin. Between 2014 and 2021, the county's death rate was around 0.0283 per 100,000 people.

If the above statistics are anything to go by, it is reasonable to know what to do if you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in this Griffin.

Here are some tips to guide you.

First, check yourself and others involved in the accident for any injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is seriously hurt. If you cannot do so, ask anyone for help.

Second, if the accident is minor and your car is still drivable, move it to the side of the road. This is for your own safety.

Whether or not you need an ambulance, you should call the Griffin Police Department or 911 to report the accident. The police will write an accident report; remember to request a copy of this report. It could prove useful further down the line if you file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Then, exchange crucial information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Specifically, write down their names, phone numbers, addresses, license plate numbers, and insurance information.

If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your car, the other cars involved, and any other property damage. Again, these photos could be useful when you file a car accident claim or lawsuit.

Importantly, you should get checked by an experienced auto accident doctor, even if you don't feel injured. This is because some injuries may not become evident until later. In addition, the doctor will write you a medical report, which can help you in case of any legal disputes.

Lastly, if you were injured in the accident or your car was significantly damaged, consider contacting a Morgan & Morgan car accident lawyer. We can help you navigate the legal process of filing a claim or lawsuit against the other party and protect your rights.

Car accidents in Griffin, Georgia, occur due to various reasons, including but not limited to the following:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Reckless driving
• Poor road conditions
• Weather conditions
• Inexperienced drivers

Georgia is an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents.

Specifically, it is a modified comparative fault state for car accidents. These laws also apply to the city of Griffin. Here is an overview of the state's comparative fault laws, including how they work and an example.

Georgia applies the legal concept of "comparative fault," capped at 50%, when determining liability and damages in car accident cases. Under this legal concept, the amount of damages a party can recover depends on the percentage of their own fault in the accident.

For instance, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault for an accident, you are barred from recovering any damages.

Similarly, you can still recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Here is an example.

Let's say Driver A is found to be 40% at fault for an accident, and their damages are $100,000. In that case, they may recover $60,000, representing 60% of which they are not at fault.

On the other hand, because Driver B is more than 50% at fault (60% in this case), they cannot recover damages.

In Griffin and throughout Georgia, fault is determined using the legal concept of "negligence."

When it comes to car accidents, negligence refers to the failure of a driver to act with reasonable care, leading to an accident. When determining fault after a car accident in Griffin, Georgia, the court generally considers the following factors:

• The police report: This also explains why it is advisable to call the police to the accident scene.
• Eyewitness statements: They can describe what they saw and who they believe was at fault.
• Physical evidence: By examining the physical evidence, accident reconstruction specialists can often determine how the accident happened and who was at fault.
• State traffic laws: The driver who violated a traffic law is usually considered at fault.

In addition, courts will also consider the four basic elements of a personal injury claim. In other words, they will determine whether:

• The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care
• The defendant breached their duty of care
• The plaintiff was injured due to the plaintiff's breach of duty of care
• The plaintiff suffered damages due to the injuries they sustained

That's just a fancy way of saying that the defendant was negligent, and the plaintiff suffered harm due to the defendant's negligence.

However, car accidents are not usually the same; some are more complex than others. So, when fault is debatable, an experienced attorney can help conduct independent investigations on behalf of their client and present crucial facts about the case.

Car accident laws in Griffin, GA, are broad. That said, here are some key things you should know.

Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. In other words, the injured party has two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If they fail to do so, they may lose their right to seek compensation for their injuries.

The Peach State also requires drivers to have liability insurance coverage that meets the following minimum requirements:

• USD 25,000 per person for bodily injury;
• USD 50,000 per accident for bodily injury;
• and USD 25,000 per accident for property damage.

This system is usually referred to as the 25/50/25 insurance rule. Drivers must have proof of insurance with them at all times while driving.

As mentioned earlier, Georgia is a modified comparative fault state, meaning that if you are partially at fault for an accident, your damages may be reduced to match your percentage of fault.

Georgia law requires drivers involved in an accident to stop and provide their contact and insurance information to the other parties involved. Leaving the scene of an accident without providing this information is considered a hit-and-run and a criminal offense.

The punishment for hit and run in Georgia may involve fines of at least $600 and a prison sentence of between one and five years. If you or your beloved is a victim of hit and run, Morgan & Morgan have the right attorneys you need to handle such a case.

Georgia's hands-free driving law prohibits drivers from holding or supporting a phone while driving. Violators of this law can face fines and other penalties.

While finding a skilled and experienced car accident lawyer is important, the kind of attorney you choose could make or break your case. Simply put, you need a lawyer who can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

That said, here are some important things to look for when choosing a car accident lawyer in Griffin or elsewhere in Georgia:

Experience: Look for a lawyer with experience handling car accident cases in Griffin. You need a lawyer who understands local laws, terrains, court systems, insurance companies, people, and more.

Track record: Check the lawyer's track record of success in handling such cases. The best way to do this is by looking for reviews and testimonials from past clients. For example, Morgan & Morgan has recovered over $15 billion for the injured since 1988 and boasts over 28,000 5-star reviews on Google alone.

Resources: You need a lawyer with access to powerful resources to fight for you. This is because car accident cases are usually complex and require thorough investigations, which can be costly. The good news is that Morgan & Morgan is the nation's largest personal injury firm, meaning we have the resources to fight for you or your beloved.

Car accidents in Griffin, Georgia, can be devastating, resulting in significant injuries, property damage, and heavy financial losses. If you have been involved in a car accident, it's essential to seek the advice of an experienced car accident attorney to defend your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

A skilled attorney can also protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the necessary medical care. Remember that time is of the essence when it comes to seeking legal assistance after a car accident. So, don't hesitate to contact Morgan & Morgan car accident attorneys as soon as possible. By letting us fight for your right to compensation, you can focus on your recovery and moving on with your life.

Don't give up on your claim—contact us today for a free case evaluation.