Marietta Injury Lawyer Blog
Are you dealing with the experience of a car crash, tractor-trailer incident, or collision? For many drivers, dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be nearly as emotional as the incident itself.
If you have been involved in a tractor-trailer accident, an SUV collision, or an incident involving a truck, talking with an experienced Marietta personal injury lawyer may help in evaluating the legal options.
Tractor Trailer and SUV Crash in Cobb County
According to a recent report on Fox 5 Atlanta, a section of Canton Road in Marietta was shut down due to a crash involving an SUV and a tractor-trailer. The incident occurred between Sandy Plains Road and Ruby Street on October 24, 2023.
This location is where the road merges with the Canton Connector, and the area was closed for several hours because of the accident. The tractor-trailer was blocking both lanes, and the roadway reopened several hours after the incident.
While the crash is still under investigation, the Marietta Police say the driver of the SUV suffered life-threatening injuries.
While every crash or collision occurs in unique circumstances, it may be useful to understand key concepts in Georgia law regarding collisions.
Comparative Negligence in Georgia Accident Cases
In the United States, different states follow various approaches to determine who is at fault in a car or truck accident.
Comparative fault is the concept that more than one party is at least partially at fault for an accident.
In Georgia, the legal term you are likely to hear is “modified comparative negligence.”
This means that in Georgia, you can recover compensation for damages, but the amount will be reduced by the percentage that corresponds with your share of liability.
However, if your share of fault is 50% or more, you will not be able to recover anything.
Let’s look at a fictional instance, say a collision while merging.
Imagine that you are driving into a merging lane, but you are driving a few miles over the speed limit. The driver in front of you suddenly makes a left turn without signaling. Rather than being able to stop, your car collides with the front one.
The other driver is found to be 75% at fault. As You were speeding the jury or insurance adjuster found that you were 25% at fault for the accident. If you were otherwise entitled to a settlement of $10,000, the amount would be reduced by 25% to $7,500 based on your share of the fault.
Figuring out who is at fault can be a challenging process.
Reporting a Vehicle Accident in Georgia
According to Georgia Code section 40-6-273, drivers in the state must report any vehicle accident that results in injury or death of any person. Reporting accidents is required for any accident resulting in property damage of $500 or more.
Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney in Marietta
Truck accidents can be complicated and involve settlement negotiations, establishing responsibility, gathering evidence, and determining the monetary value of claims.
A truck accident can be traumatizing and may require ongoing advocacy. An experienced personal injury attorney is skilled in how to advocate for fair compensation.