Wrong-way accidents often lead to serious or deadly injuries in Sandy Springs. If you were injured or a loved one was killed, you probably have a right to seek compensation. Talk to a Sandy Springs wrong-way accident lawyer to know your options today.
Wrong-way driving often leads to crashes like head-on collisions or T-bone accidents. The impact of a collision like this can be devastating, especially if you were not at fault. At John Foy & Associates, we can help you bring a strong injury case against the other driver.
Our lawyers have been helping accident victims for over two decades. To discuss your options during a free consultation, contact us today. Call (404) 400-4000 or reach out to us online.
Common Causes of Wrong-Way Accidents
Driving the wrong way on the road is, of course, dangerous. If a wrong-way driver causes an accident, the results are often terrible and tragic.
It’s normal to wonder what could lead someone to drive the wrong way. Common reasons for wrong-way accidents include:
- Drunk driving, or driving while otherwise impaired
- Distracted driving, such as texting while driving
- Aggressive driving, such as speeding
- Confusing road signs or signals
- Disobeying traffic rules
- Unsafely passing someone on a two-way road
- Extreme emotional distress
Most wrong-way accidents happen when someone has been negligent. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-2, negligence is a lack of care that a reasonable person would otherwise have in a similar situation. For example, distracted or drunk driving is a type of negligence.
If a driver’s negligence leads to an accident, that driver is liable for the damages. If the driver hadn’t been careless, your accident wouldn’t have happened. You have a legal right to file a claim for financial compensation.
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Damages to Recover from a Wrong-Way Accident
The at-fault driver in an accident is responsible for the costs associated with that accident. Therefore, if a wrong-way driver caused your accident, you can seek compensation. Most of the time, you’ll need to file a personal injury claim with the driver’s insurance company.
Your insurance claim will need to outline your damages, such as:
Medical Expenses
Medical bills can increase quickly after an accident. Since wrong-way accidents often cause significant damage, you may have enormous medical costs. However, you shouldn’t have to cover any damages you didn’t cause.
Examples of medical costs you can claim are:
- Doctor and emergency room (ER) bills
- Hospital bills
- Prescription medication costs
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitative equipment
Don’t assume your total medical costs until you’ve completed your treatment or know whether you may need to receive additional treatment in the future. Talk to a wrong-way accident lawyer about your condition. Your lawyer can help estimate future costs you may incur based on your treatment needs.
Ideally, you shouldn’t have to pay a dime of your accident costs if you were not at fault. An experienced lawyer will know how to account for and prove your medical expenses when seeking compensation.
Lost Work Wages
Wrong-way accident injuries are often severe. Many times, victims must take significant time off work to recover. They might even lose their job or have to take a lesser paying job if their physical injuries mean they can no longer do the same work.
Your claim can include lost income from:
- Wages
- Tips
- Bonuses
- Raise opportunities
If your injuries have affected your future work options, talk to a lawyer immediately. You might deserve even more than lost wages at your normal rate of pay.
Property Damage
Auto accidents can result in terrible vehicle damage. Even small damages can be incredibly expensive to fix. In some cases, an accident can total your vehicle entirely.
Keep track of all repairs or replacement parts you need. Your lawyer will know how to include these costs in your claim.
Pain and Suffering
Some injuries are mental or emotional. While these may be harder to prove, don’t ignore these losses. Your lawyer can help you calculate a damage amount for any pain and suffering you may have suffered from the crash.
Don’t Wait Too Long to File a Claim
The statute of limitations in Sandy Springs is usually two years. This means you must seek compensation within two years of your accident. In some situations, you may have even less time.
Don’t miss the deadline. If you do, you might not be able to recover anything from your accident. At John Foy & Associates, we can help you get started.
To get a free, no-risk consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. There is no charge unless we win your case.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Accident
If another driver caused your accident after driving the wrong way, you have rights. Start building your personal injury claim immediately after the accident in the following ways.
Report the Accident
Call the police to report the accident. You will need a record of the crash, and the responding officer should create a report. You’ll need to secure a copy of the accident report for your records.
Get Medical Attention
Wrong-way accident injuries are often severe and/or fatal. If you need emergency medical care, call for help immediately.
If you don’t receive treatment at the scene, see a doctor as soon as possible. Not getting prompt medical treatment will hurt your case and can cause your injuries to worsen.
Document the Scene
If you can, take pictures of your injuries and vehicle damage. Be sure to snap photos of the entire accident scene and from multiple angles. Talk to any witnesses who are present at the accident. Ask for their names and contact information so if your lawyer needs to contact them later for more information, they can.
Be Careful About What You Say
Do not admit to blame or fault in the accident. Even if you’re worried about being partially at fault, talk to your lawyer first. The other driver or insurance company can and will use anything you say against you, so be careful.
It’s best to consult with a lawyer before discussing the accident, especially with the other driver’s insurance company. The insurance adjuster will look for ways to reduce what they have to pay you—even if you suffered severe injuries and/or damage.
Protect your rights by talking to a wrong-way accident lawyer today. Your lawyer can help you build a case and can handle the insurance company for you.
Get Legal Help from a Sandy Springs Wrong-Way Accident Lawyer
After a wrong-way accident, it’s normal to have a lot of questions. You may feel stressed and worried about your injuries and bills. If you lost a loved one, you may wonder if your family has a legal case to recover for what you’ve lost.
John Foy & Associates can answer all of these questions and more. We’re not afraid to fight for what you deserve. To learn more, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
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