Hasner Law | News | August 26, 2020
Two people were seriously injured in an intersection accident on August 16, 2020, in Marietta. On Sunday evening around 7:30, the Marietta Police Department responded to a traffic accident at the intersection of Cobb Parkway and Marietta.
Allegedly, the driver of a 2000 Toyota 4-Runner failed to stop at a red light. The Toyota was traveling westbound on North Marietta Parkway. The Toyota crashed into a 2016 Toyota Camry traveling northbound on Cobb Park North as it was going through the intersection.
The collision caused the 4-Runner to overturn. The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle.
Both drivers sustained serious injuries from the crash. They were taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital for treatment.
Charges were not immediately filed after the accident. The police continue to investigate the traffic crash.
Intersection Accidents Can Cause Severe Injuries
Accidents at intersections are common. In 2018, the NHTSA reports that 8,245 people died in traffic accidents at intersections. That same year, over 1.8 million people were injured in intersection accidents.
Intersection accidents can result in head-on collisions, but they may also result in rollovers, T-bones, and tail-end collisions. The potential for catastrophic injury is high.
Victims of an intersection accident can suffer:
- Multiple fractures and broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Chest injuries
- Airbag and seat belt injuries
- Back and shoulder injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Death
Immediate medical attention can help reduce the risk of long-term impairments from a traffic accident. Prompt medical attention also helps with a personal injury claim. Insurance companies can use delays in medical care to argue that the car crash did not cause your injury.
It is always best to be checked by a physician after an accident. Injury symptoms may not appear for several hours or days after the accident. Also, the shock of a traffic accident can mask some of the symptoms.
Who is Responsible for an Intersection Accident?
If a driver fails to yield the right of way, that driver is generally liable for the accident. Running a red light or failing to stop for a stop sign are common causes of intersection accidents. Turning left in front of another driver who has the right of way is another common cause of intersection accidents.
Why do people fail to yield the right of way at an intersection?
The reasons people fail to yield the right of way are often related to human error or negligence. Common reasons for intersection accidents include:
- Distractions inside and outside of the vehicle
- Misjudging distance or speed of approaching vehicles
- Turning without an adequate view or with an obstructed view
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Making illegal maneuvers
If a driver is responsible for causing an intersection accident, that driver can be held liable for the damages caused by the accident. For example, if a driver turned left in front of an approaching vehicle that had the green light, the driver turning left could be held liable for any injuries, financial losses, or other damages caused by the accident.
What Damages are Included in an Accident Claim?
Passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists can file an accident claim seeking compensation for a variety of damages. Damages that might be included in an accident claim are:
- Reimbursement for medical expenses
- Reimbursement for the cost of personal care or in-home health care
- Compensation for loss of income, including wages, salaries, overtime pay, commissions, and benefits
- Compensation for pain and suffering damages, including physical, emotional, and mental suffering
- Compensation for permanent impairments and disabilities
The value of a car accident claim depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries and your financial losses. However, it also depends on the percentage of fault assigned to the other driver and the insurance coverage available.
In Georgia, if you contributed to the cause of a car accident, your compensation could be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you for the crash. In other words, you cannot receive full compensation for your damages if you were partially to blame for the case of the crash.
Comparative fault is a common legal argument used by insurance companies for intersection accidents. If an insurance company tries to say that you were partially to blame for the accident, call a car accident lawyer immediately for help.
The amount of insurance the other driver has can also be a factor in the value of your injury claim. Georgia only requires drivers to have a minimum of $25,000 per person in liability insurance for motor vehicle accidents.
If the at-fault driver carries minimum insurance, you may only receive $25,000 for your injury claim, even though the value of the claim is much higher. A car accident attorney can help you explore other potential compensation, such as underinsured motorist coverage or a personal judgment.
Contact An Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Attorney at Hasner Law PC For Help
For more information, please contact the Atlanta car accident law firm of Hasner Law P.C. at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Fulton County, Chatham County, and its surrounding areas:
Hasner Law PC – Atlanta Law Office
2839 Paces Ferry Rd SE #1050
Atlanta, GA 30339
(678) 888-4878
Hasner Law PC – Savannah Law Office
221 W York St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 234-2334
