It’s that time of year. People are out and above doing their Christmas shopping. Drivers are getting into arguments over parking spots. When push comes to shove, people get irritated and frustrated. They behave in ways they normally wouldn’t behave. This can lead to rear-end collisions in a mall parking lot.
Atlanta is a busy city. When the holidays roll around, there is a lot more traffic on the road. No matter where you go to shop, you’re going to run into all sorts of traffic. You need to remember to keep your cool. The only thing that can make a frustrating shopping experience worse is getting into a car accident.
If someone does run into your car or crash into you, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to call the police. They’ll come out and try to sort out what happened. They can also get a statement from the drivers and any witnesses. This is the kind of information your Atlanta, Georgia car accident lawyer won’t be able to get later on. The police will create a police report that you can get a copy of and give to your attorney. Your attorney will then use this report to prove the other driver was at fault.
The next thing you need to do is get medical treatment. Don’t wait until the next day. Go right to the hospital from the accident scene. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s important that you get checked out. And, like the police report, your Atlanta car accident lawyer is going to need your medical records to prove your injuries.
Finally, you’ll need to contact an experienced car accident lawyer in Atlanta. They’ll help you file your accident claim. They’ll also work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
Rear-End Collisions are Quite Common in Heavy Traffic
Some of the more common types of accidents that occur in heavy traffic are rear-end collisions. People get so tired of being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, that when they see it clearing, they take off too fast. Or, they’re distracted and not paying attention to the car in front of them. This happens a lot during the holidays. Drivers are texting when they shouldn’t be. They’re dealing with kids howling in the backseat. And, they’re thinking of all the stuff they have left to do.
This is why these types of accidents are so common. If someone hits you from behind, they’re going to be presumed to be at fault. Your attorney in Atlanta shouldn’t have to work too hard to prove they were at fault. However, there are times when you can be deemed at fault instead. This includes the following situations:
- Your brake lights failed
- You slammed on your brakes for no reason
- You stopped without warning
- You did something that made the rear driver think you were not stopping
If the defendant claims you were at fault, your Atlanta car accident will have to show that this isn’t the case. Or, they may try to negotiate a settlement with the other driver’s attorney. Since Georgia is a comparative fault state, your damages will be reduced if you’re found to be partially at fault. Knowing this, your lawyer will try to get a settlement that is fair to all parties.
For example, let’s say that you’re hit from behind and suffer $100,000 in damages. Your brake lights were out and the defendant says the accident was your fault. The court find that you are 25% at fault. This means your damages will be reduced by $25,000. Your attorney will try to get you at least $75,000 in the settlement.
Contact a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer if You Were in a Mall Parking Lot Accident
If someone backs into your car in a mall parking lot, you should be able to get their information. Then it comes down to whether or not your insurance claim will be denied. There should be plenty of witnesses. Now it’s just a matter of calling our office and talking to an injury attorney in Atlanta, Georgia who can help prove your case.
You don’t have to make a decision upfront. You can sit down and see what our lawyers have to say before you move forward. This way, you don’t have to feel rushed into making a choice.