Types of Atlanta, Georgia, Auto Accidents

Auto accidents in Atlanta, Georgia, frequently cause of injuries, death, and financial hardship. Automobile accidents happen on an hourly basis, and the majority are 100% avoidable. These accidents happen because drivers fail to pay attention and make mistakes. They also happen because of distracted driving, drowsy driving, drunk driving, aggressive driving, and various other forms of human error. The majority of auto accidents involve passenger vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc. Yet, there are also a lot of accidents involving commercial vehicles, buses, motorcycles, pedestrians, bicycles, and even trains. Today, we’ll look at some of the most common types of auto accidents in Atlanta, Georgia, and what you need to do if you are the victim of any kind of motor vehicle collision in the area.

What to Do When Your Atlanta, Georgia Auto Accident Involve a Bus

When you think of vehicle accidents that involve buses, you might automatically think of school buses or buses that are a part of large transit systems within Atlanta, Georgia, such as MARTA. Any time an auto accident involves a bus of any kind the people at greatest risk of injury are those who are not inside the bus. The bus is much larger and heavier than the passenger vehicles that surround it.

One reason that auto accidents involving buses are so common is because of the sheer number of buses that are on the road. Naturally, the more buses that are on the road, the more likely it is that bus accidents are going to occur. These accidents are also more complex than the average motor vehicle accident because there are more companies, insurance policies, and even government agencies that you have to contend with. It can be challenging to sort through the mess and know who to turn to for compensation. These accidents also differ from the typical passenger vehicle accident because the injuries and damages are often more severe and fatalities are more likely.

When Atlanta, Georgia, Auto Accidents Involve Commercial Vehicles

Like bus accidents, commercial vehicle accidents are a serious hazard for those who are traveling in smaller vehicles. Commercial vehicles are often very large semi-trucks, with drivers who have been trained to operate vehicles that are large and cumbersome. Yet, even the best trained commercial driver can make a mistake. One of the most common causes of commercial vehicle accidents is drowsy driving that occurs when truck drivers don’t get enough rest. In the same way that anyone else can become exhausted by odd hours and lack of sleep because of their work schedule, truck drivers are vulnerable to these same issues. The difference is that their jobs involve driving large and dangerous vehicles.

Other common causes of commercial vehicle accidents include speeding, tailgating, improper lane changes, reckless driving, and impaired or intoxicated driving. These accidents can frequently result in serious injuries or even death.  Also, like bus accidents, these incidents can be far more complicated when it comes to recovering compensation.

When Atlanta, Georgia, Auto Accidents Involve Motorcycles

We’ve discussed the serious consequences and challenges of vehicle collision that involve large vehicles, like buses and semi-trucks, but it is equally important to understand the risks associated with the smallest of motor vehicles, the motorcycles. Motorcycles are among the most frequently occurring accidents to result in the death of a driver. Because motorcycles are so much smaller than other vehicles and the riders have so little protection, it is extremely dangerous for anyone on a motorcycle to get into any kind of accident with any other vehicle. When bikers don’t wear a helmet, they are at even greater risk of serious and life altering brain injuries or death. Bikers are also at greater risk for spinal injuries, serious road rash injuries, and broken bones.

The most common causes of auto accidents involving motorcycles include other vehicles making a left hand turn, head on collisions with other vehicles, lane splitting, speeding, intoxicated driving, and various road hazards. Left hand turn accidents cause over 40% of all motorcycle accidents. Head on collisions are even more common and more likely to cause fatalities. When a motorcycle attempts to drive between two lanes of vehicles when traffic is congested, this is called lane splitting, and it is very dangerous. Naturally, when any driver is speeding, driving aggressively, driving distracted or driving impaired, this is an extremely dangerous situation that can result in life altering injuries or fatalities. While everyone is at risk in such situations, motorcyclists are at greatest risk of harm. The same is true when it comes to road hazards, like potholes, debris, or ice.

What Do You Do After an Atlanta, Georgia, Auto Accident?

When any kind of auto accident occurs in Atlanta, Georgia, you need to attend to the wounded, contact the police and emergency services, gather photographic evidence at the scene, exchange contact and insurance information, get the contact information of witnesses, seek medical treatment, get a copy of the police report, and contact an attorney. Naturally, you will not necessarily do things in this order. If you are seriously injured, then your first step is to get medical treatment. If you are not seriously injured, then your first step is to help those who are.

To get the medical treatment you need, you must know where to go. In many cases, you may be transported by ambulance, or even helicopter, depending on the severity of your injuries and the distance between you and the nearest hospital. In other cases, you may be going to the hospital on your own or with someone else driving you there. The major Atlanta, Georgia, hospitals include Emory University Hospital, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, Atlanta Medical Center, Grady Hospital and Northside Hospital.

You will want to make contacting a skilled Atlanta, Georgia, auto accident attorney one of your top priorities. The sooner you can do this, the stronger your case is going to be. Contact Council & Associates to schedule a free consultation and learn more.