Collision with Fixed Object Event

Understanding Georgia Motor Vehicle Crash Report Codes

Collisions with fixed objects can cause significant damages, particularly when the accident occurs at high speeds.  While most accidents that involve a crash with a fixed object are the fault of the driver that hit the object, that isn’t always the case. 

One-vehicle accidents with a fixed object can also lead to legal liability, even when it may not seem like it.  For example, if a construction zone has medians improperly placed so that curves are too tight or so that they are directly in the line of traffic, that can lead to legal liability for the construction company or the state in some circumstances. 

It is always a good idea to talk with a car accident lawyer to determine if you have any options to recover damages after an accident, even if the collision was with a fixed object. 

What objects are considered “fixed” on the Georgia motor vehicle crash report?

Generally, anything that is not designed to move is considered “fixed.” This is true even if your collision with the object shifts it slightly.  For example, if you reposition a temporary barrier by hitting it, it is still considered a fixed object. 

The types of fixed objects that can be circled on the crash report include:

• Impact attenuate. The most common form of impact attenuate is a 55-gallon drum that is positioned in front of certain rigid obstacles.  These items are supposed to stop the vehicle before they hit something that would cause a lot more damage.
• Bridge Pier/Abutment. A pier is an upright support for a structure, such as a bridge or arch.  An abutment is similar.  The most common structure of this kind in Georgia is support for a bridge. 
• Bridge parapet end. This object is a safety feature that is on the edge of a bridge.  It is designed to help protect pedestrians, cyclists, and other users from vehicles that run into the bridge.
• Bridge rail. These rails on the edge of the bridge to stop vehicles from going over the side of a bridge.  They, by design, allow the car to bounce off the rails and back on the road, but hitting these rails can still be very damaging. 
• Guardrail face. A guardrail is placed along a roadway at dangerous points, such as when there are drop-offs.  The face is the portion of the rail that runs alongside the road.
• Guardrail end. The end of the guardrail is the portion that is at either end of the guardrail.  It’s often lower than the mid-portion of the rail.
• Median barrier. The median is located in the center portion of the road.  It protects one lane of traffic from the other.
• Highway traffic sign post. Any traffic sign would qualify for this category of fixed objects.
• Overhead sign support. Overhead signs generally signify upcoming roads and intersections.  Hitting a support means striking a pole that braces these structures on either side of the road, often on a highway or interstate. 
• Luminaire light support. These support structures are specifically for light poles and other lighting structures.
• Utility pole. Utility poles include electric poles and any other utility structure.
• Other post. Any post that isn’t considered a utility pole falls under the category of “other post.”
• A culvert is an open drain or stream that often runs under roads and railroads.  It is generally in a tunnel, but not always.
• Cable barrier. A cable barrier is a guard cable or wire rope that forms a safety barrier.  It is designed to keep vehicles from going into dangerous areas, such as drop-offs and opposing lanes.
• Bridge overhead structure. Overhead bridges may also be hit by large trucks or other vehicles.  There is a separate classification for when these rare occasions occur. 

Other fixed objects include things like:

• Curb
• Ditch
• Embankment
• Fence
• Mailbox
• Tree

There is also a catch-all category of “other-fixed object” in case the object you structure is not explicitly listed.  If this is used on your crash report, the officer most likely wrote in a description of the object(s). 

Get Legal Help After Your Accident

The best way to determine if you have legal options after an accident is to make an appointment with a member of the team at John Foy & Associates.  Even if you were involved in a one-vehicle crash, someone else might still be legally responsible for your losses and damages.  In fact, mechanical malfunctions often lead to one-car accidents that can cause severe injuries and property damage.  In that type of situation, you may have a case against the repair shop that maintains your vehicle or even the car’s manufacturer.  Fill out the form to your right or call us at 404-400-4000 to get your FREE consultation today.