Drivers in Sandy Springs who violate state passing laws can be responsible for any accident they cause. If you or someone you love were injured in this type of accident, you deserve fair legal representation. A Sandy Springs improper passing accident lawyer can help you seek financial recovery for your costs.
You could have painful injuries, lost income, medical bills, and more losses after the accident. However, you shouldn’t have to pay for another driver’s carelessness. You could be entitled to full compensation for each expense.
The trusted lawyers at John Foy & Associates are here to help. With over two decades of experience, we know how to win cases. Contact us to discuss your options during a free consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
Proving Liability in an Improper Passing Accident
Georgia drivers must drive with reasonable care towards others. If a driver isn’t careful, their actions can cause an accident. And if you suffered injuries from that accident, you can seek money for your damages.
There are four parts to an accident claim:
- The driver owed you a duty of care.
- The driver failed in their duty of care.
- The driver’s actions led to your improper passing accident.
- You have injuries and other damages from the crash.
Improper passing is a type of negligence, which is a legal term for carelessness. To seek compensation, you must prove that the driver was negligent. An experienced lawyer can help you establish the above points for your claim.
All drivers in Sandy Springs must carry auto insurance. If someone causes an accident, their insurance company should pay for the costs. So, you would need to file your claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance.
If the driver was “on the clock” for work, their employer might be liable. That would mean filing a claim with the employer’s insurance. If you’re unsure where to file your case, it’s best to speak with an experienced lawyer first.
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Georgia Laws on Unsafe Passing and Lane Changes
The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §40-6-42 covers state laws on passing other vehicles driving in the same direction:
- Drivers should pass on the left when reaching another vehicle driving in the same direction. The passing driver should stay at a safe distance and only move back to the right when it’s safe.
- When someone is passing them, drivers should stay to the right of the passing vehicle. They shouldn’t increase their speed until the other vehicle has passed.
According to OCGA §40-6-44, drivers shouldn’t move left to pass a vehicle until it’s safe. The lane should be clear and there should be no oncoming traffic nearby. The passing car should also return to a safe lane after passing.
When someone violates these laws, they put everyone at risk. An accident can easily happen, causing severe injuries or deaths. If you or a loved one were victims, it’s important to act quickly.
Accident scenes can get cleaned up and memories can fade fast. The sooner you can get started on your case, the better.
Truck Accidents and Improper Passing
Truckers and other commercial drivers are on the roads for long periods. They are often under-rested, overworked, and stressed. Unfortunately, this is a recipe for driver fatigue.
A tired driver is more likely to make mistakes like incorrect passing. The truck driver might:
- Fail to check their blind spot before changing lanes
- Pass another driver aggressively
- Make an unsafe turn as another driver is passing
- Swerve into same-direction or oncoming traffic
Other drivers can also make mistakes around commercial trucks. For example, trucks must swing out slightly before making right turns. A passenger car driver might think the truck is changing lanes and try to pass them quickly. This can lead to a catastrophic accident.
If you suffered injuries in a truck accident, document what you can. Report the accident to the police, and take pictures of the scene. Then, don’t wait to get medical attention. See a doctor as soon as possible.
Also, consult with an improper passing accident lawyer. You will need to know your full legal options as soon as possible. To learn more during a free, no-risk consultation, call John Foy & Associates at (404) 400-4000.
Types of Improper Passing Crashes
Incorrect passing on Sandy Springs roads can lead to:
- Rollover accidents
- “Phantom vehicle” accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Side-swipe crashes
- Single- or multiple-vehicle accidents
No matter how the accident happened, another driver is probably at fault. Talk to a lawyer today about the details. You’ll need to start gathering information and building a case immediately.
Improper Passing Accident Damages
The damages from an improper passing accident are often huge. You might have losses like:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medication costs
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repair costs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Medical bills can add up quickly. While you get treatment, you’ll probably need to miss work time. If your injuries are severe, you might even have to quit working or adjust to lower-paying jobs. These are all damages for which you can seek recovery.
Consider all of the ways the accident has impacted your life. If you were not at fault, the damages are not your responsibility. You have a right to seek compensation for losses you didn’t cause.
Talk to your lawyer about your accident damages. They can help calculate everything so that you know how a fair settlement looks. If the driver’s insurance company tries to lowball your offer, you’ll know what you truly deserve. Plus, your lawyer will be there to uphold and fight for your rights.
Get Help from a Trusted Sandy Springs Improper Passing Accident Lawyer Today
Improper passing accidents can cause serious injuries, costly bills, and emotional suffering. At John Foy & Associates, our lawyers have been helping accident victims for over 20 years.
Our goal is always to get you the fullest compensation possible. We’re not afraid to stand up to the insurance companies and fight for what you deserve. You also don’t pay us anything unless we win you money. So, you can get started today at no risk.
To schedule a free, no-obligation case review with us today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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