- Car Accidents
Home to over 10 million people, Georgia is one of the most populated states in the United States. Its inhabitants commute daily for work, school, etc. Naturally, there are car accidents, and in this article, a car accident lawyer in Carrollton at the Law Office of John B. Jackson explains the kind of damages you can recover after a Carrollton car accident.
What Are the Causes of Car Accidents?
Accidents don’t just happen. There are factors that could trigger a collision. These factors, when neglected, could result in fatal accidents. They include:
Distracted Driving
Any activity that diverts the driver’s attention from driving is distracted driving. This could be talking or texting on the phone, eating and drinking, and talking to people in your vehicle.
Poor Weather Conditions
Snow, rain, sleet, and ice are all weather conditions that require drivers to be more cautious. Unfortunately, sometimes people become so comfortable driving in bad situations that they take chances. For example, driving at top speeds in the rain could cause accidents.
Drunk Driving
There is no excuse for drunk driving, and drivers who do this are putting themselves and other road users at risk.
Bad Driving Habits
Traffic laws guide driving, and they should be followed to avoid crashes. Over speeding and running red lights should be avoided, and seat belts should be used to prevent injuries.
How Do You Avoid a Carrollton Car Accident?
Preventing an accident is always a better option than getting damages. This section looks at some tips that will help you avoid a Carrollton car accident.
Adhere to Road Safety Regulations
It is important to adhere to traffic rules and regulations to prevent a Carrollton car accident. Stop, look, and listen. Note blind spots, including those in rearview mirrors. Don’t be in haste to join the traffic and recognize other road users.
Perform Car Maintenance Regularly
Avoid sudden stalls or other vehicle failures by having your car checked regularly and keeping your tires properly inflated. Additionally, ensure that brakes and other functional parts are intact.
Common Car Accident Injuries
A Carrollton car accident could cause damages both to the individual and the vehicle. The most obvious is the damage to the car. Also, individuals sustain physical injuries, though some may not be visible immediately after the collision.
Two common injuries include:
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Bruises or Contusions
Most car accidents, even minor ones, can result in bruises. For example, while doing its job of holding you in place, a seat belt can slam you into the chair, thereby causing bruises. While they may not be evident initially, it becomes obvious with time. Bruises are rarely severe injuries and most times heal within a week.
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Whiplash
The collision force may throw you around on impact. If you experience pain or discomfort in your neck after a crash, you have likely sustained whiplash. You may also suffer strains on your muscles and ligaments, and it could take a few weeks to heal, depending on the severity of the condition.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Carrollton Car Accident?
If you’ve been in a Carrollton car accident, you may be wondering what kind of damages you can recover. Fortunately, there are options available to you. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may receive medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, etc. After reviewing your case, a lawyer can inform you about what damages you can access.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses after a Carrollton car accident can be significant. If you’ve been injured, you may incur hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and other medical treatment costs.
You may be able to negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to have them cover your medical costs. To receive compensation for medical costs, they must be considered “reasonably necessary.” This means that the expenses must be related to your injuries and be necessary for your treatment.
For example, your medical expenses would likely be covered if you go to the ER to treat a broken arm after the crash. Speak to an experienced Carrollton car accident lawyer if you suffered injuries in a collision.
Property Damage
If your car has been damaged in a Carrollton car accident, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to have them pay for the repairs. If the damage is significant and your automobile is totaled, you may be able to receive compensation for its value.
To receive compensation for your property damage, it helps to have collision coverage on your insurance policy. It is a good idea to have one because it will cover the damages to your car regardless of who is at fault for the collision.
Lost Wages
If you’ve been injured in a Carrollton car accident and cannot work, you may be able to recover lost wages. This can be especially helpful if you cannot work for an extended period. If your wound leaves you permanently unemployed or forces you to take a lower-paying job, you will receive compensation for loss of earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Pain after a Carrollton car accident can be significant. However, it can be challenging to place a monetary value on the experience. This is because pain and suffering are subjective, and there is no clear way to measure them. Some insurance companies use a multiplier to calculate pain and suffering.
For example, they may take your medical expenses and multiply them by two or three. Other insurance companies may use a per diem method, which means they will give you a certain amount of money each day you are in pain.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault driver for their actions. They are typically only awarded in cases where the responsible driver was grossly negligent or committed an intentional act. For example, if the at-fault driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may be ordered to pay punitive damages. This is typically only awarded in cases where the at-fault driver’s actions were particularly irresponsible and are supposed to serve as a deterrent for future actions.
Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Carrollton
Evidently, different types of damages are available to you after a Carrollton car accident. However, the compensation you recover will depend on the specific facts of your case. Consequently, you must speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.
John B. Jackson’s personal injury attorneys in Carrollton, Georgia, are your best bet for a car accident case. Not only are we experienced, we understand the pain that our clients go through and do our best to get them fair compensation. Therefore, if you have been injured in a car accident, contact us for a free consultation today.
