Reading about car accident statistics and insights specific to Georgia can be unnerving. However, understanding Georgia’s car accident laws and dwelling on these statistics can help you understand how to deal with a car accident situation better and what you should watch out for while driving.
If you are a car accident victim in Georgia, consider contacting a car accident lawyer to help you out. A lawyer can ensure you receive compensation for your injury, property damage, and more. Click here for further reading. Let’s explore some car accident statistics and insights related to Georgia and what laws you should know about.
Fatalities and Traffic Accidents in Georgia
In 2019, Georgia had the 4th-highest traffic fatalities among all U.S. states, with 1,491 traffic fatalities occurring, resulting in a fatality rate of 67 deaths per 100,000 people.
In 2020, traffic fatalities were even higher, reaching 1,658; in 2021, they reached 1,797; in 2022, traffic fatalities decreased to 1,786, which places Georgia as the 14th highest traffic fatality state. With these numbers in mind, it’s safe to assume that in 2023, Georgia will continue to revolve around 1,500 traffic fatalities, and this might also apply to the following years unless the causes for these traffic accidents aren’t mitigated somehow.
Among the leading causes of fatal traffic accidents in Georgia are attributed to speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and failure to wear seat belts. Regarding alcohol-impaired driving, it accounted for 26% of all traffic fatalities in Georgia in 2019, resulting in 353 traffic fatalities.
Also, in 2019, distracted driving in Georgia contributed to 10% of all fatal crashes. In 2020, the number of traffic accidents attributed to distracted driving decreased by 32%, but since then, distracted driving has become yet again a significant concern for traffic participants, with statistics revealing that one in every three drivers is distracted while driving.
Georgia Car Accidents Laws
Georgia follows some strict laws when it comes to car accidents. For example, if you were involved in a car accident in Georgia and you are equally at fault or more for the accident, you might not be able to receive compensation. This is because Georgia follows the modified comparative fault system.
Each responsible party will be assigned a percentage of fault based on the available evidence following an investigation. If you are under 50% responsible for the accident, you will receive compensation, but the percentage of fault assigned to you will be deducted from your final settlement amount.
Should you pursue a personal injury claim to receive compensation for your traffic accident, you should do so as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for submitting claims is two years from the accident date. Sometimes, the legal timeframe for submitting a claim can be extended.
Georgia law also mandates that all drivers must carry minimum liability insurance coverage. Yet, some drivers are uninsured or underinsured. In these situations, you can pursue compensation from multiple liable parties or through the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Speak with a car accident lawyer to learn more.
As technology evolves and roads become increasingly congested, staying informed about car accident statistics and legal insights becomes crucial in our efforts to reduce accidents and protect the rights of those affected. Whether you’re a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, car accident law touches us all, and being prepared can make a world of difference in the event of an accident.
