More than 372,000 Atlanta residents commute daily, facing frequent congestion and accidents, especially on I-285—which ranks in the nation’s top 10 deadliest interstates. Therefore, you must be vigilant against reckless drivers running late and stuck in traffic.
Other parties’ negligence could also lead to highway accidents, such as government agencies responsible for roadway construction. For example, in 2017, a fire during the evening rush hour engulfed parts of I-85 and collapsed it. During this event, officials diverted traffic from I-85 and Georgia 400 to Georgia 13, fortunately, without any casualties. However, a national safety agency blamed the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) due to their employees storing flammable construction material under the roadway.
When you are injured while driving on a local highway, contact a seasoned car crash attorney immediately. An Atlanta interstate accident lawyer could get you an insurance settlement or damage award to cover your losses while you focus on recovering.
Interstate accidents involve every type of vehicle, from behemoth commercial trucks to vulnerable motorcycles. Several interstate collisions in Atlanta have also been caused by GDOT employees speeding to interstate or bridge construction sites. Because the speed limit is much higher on interstates, crashes cause catastrophic damage, like the series of deadly wrecks that plagued I-75 in April 2023.
Injuries common in high-speed interstate accidents include:
These injuries require immediate medical attention and will likely cause extended hospital stays, leaving you out of work and emotionally exhausted. Fortunately, compensation may be available if the other driver caused the crash. Consult with a knowledgeable Atlanta interstate accident attorney to discuss your viable legal options.
Georgia drivers must carry accident insurance that pays claims made by injured drivers when the insured driver is at-fault for the collision. Drivers must be insured for at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage for each claimant and $50,000 for each accident. Drivers are also liable for $25,000 in property damage, which insurers would pay.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses; they often lowball settlement offers and ignore attorney demand letters. A diligent interstate accident lawyer in Atlanta could negotiate aggressively for a large settlement. Still, if the insurer does not budge, a dedicated legal professional could file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
To prevail in an interstate accident lawsuit, an attorney must prove the defendant negligently, intentionally, or recklessly breached their obligation to behave reasonably, leading to your injuries. Whether the defendant is a private citizen or a GDOT employee, compensation is available for your physical and emotional damages as well as other losses.
Although the government has sovereign immunity and, in most cases, cannot be sued if someone is hurt because of an affiliate’s negligence, Georgia waives that right. The process is not the same as against private citizens, though. For instance, you must notify the government entity of your intent to file suit within a certain timeframe, or you could lose your right to demand compensation. A lawyer experienced in litigating against government defendants could guide you through these legal obstacles and ensure all filing deadlines are met.
The interstate system serving Atlanta continues to grow as the population grows. With many construction projects slated for these public highways and bridges, accidents will increase between drivers navigating the detours and slowdowns and with the GDOT employees rushing from one construction site to the next.
Our attorneys understand that interstate crashes are some of the deadliest because of speed and the higher probability of colliding with a commercial truck. When you are involved in this type of wreck, you need adequate compensation to recover from its devastating effects on your life. An Atlanta interstate accident lawyer is prepared to fight for your rights. Call today to speak with one of our compassionate attorneys.
