Car accidents happen every day across the state. Many of these crashes are preventable and occur because a driver failed to follow traffic laws or drive safely. Understanding what causes most car accidents is important for both safety and legal reasons. If you were injured in one of the many car accidents Georgia sees each year, liability will often depend on the cause of the crash. Here, our Marietta car accident lawyer explains the most common cause of car accidents and how negligence is determined under Georgia law.
Driver Negligence Is the Leading Cause of Car Accidents
Most car accidents are caused by driver negligence. Under Georgia law, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws. When a driver fails to use ordinary care and causes an accident, they may be held legally responsible for damages. To be sure, Georgia law defines negligence as the failure to exercise ordinary care under the circumstances.
In many car accidents in Georgia, the crash is caused by a driver making a careless decision behind the wheel. Proving negligence requires showing that the driver breached their duty of care and caused the accident and injuries.
Distracted Driving Is One of the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
Distracted driving is widely considered one of the biggest answers to the question, “What causes most car accidents?”. Distractions can include texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting navigation, talking to passengers, or anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road.
Georgia has a Hands-Free Law that makes it illegal to hold a phone while driving. Texting and driving, dialing numbers, and holding a phone while driving are illegal in Georgia. Violating this law can be used as evidence of negligence in a car accident case. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of crashes each year involve distracted driving. Sadly, distracted driving remains one of the most common causes of car accidents nationwide and in Georgia.
Speeding Causes Many Serious Car Accidents
Speeding is another major factor in car accidents in Georgia. Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance. Speeding also increases the severity of crashes.
Georgia law requires drivers to obey posted speed limits and drive at a reasonable speed for conditions under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-180. Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations involved in serious injury crashes. Ultimately, faster speeds lead to more severe injuries and higher property damage.
Following Too Closely (Rear-End Accidents)
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of crashes. Many people ask what causes most car accidents, and rear-end collisions are near the top of the list. Georgia law specifically prohibits following another vehicle too closely under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-49. Drivers must maintain a safe following distance so they can stop safely if traffic slows or stops. Following too closely often leads to rear-end crashes, which frequently cause neck injuries, back injuries, and soft tissue injuries. That said, demonstration of this type of negligence by the other driver can be used to seek compensation in a personal injury claim.
Failure to Yield the Right of Way
Failure to yield is another common cause of car accidents in Georgia. Many intersection accidents happen when a driver fails to yield when turning left, entering traffic, or approaching a stop sign or yield sign. Georgia law requires drivers to yield the right of way in certain situations under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-71. Failure to yield often causes:
- Intersection accidents
- Left-turn accidents
- T-bone collisions
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
These accidents can be very serious because they often involve side-impact collisions.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is another major cause of car accidents. DUI is illegal in Georgia under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391.
Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, slow reaction time, and reduce coordination. DUI accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities. In some DUI accident cases, punitive damages may be available because drunk driving can be considered reckless behavior.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Unsafe lane changes and improper merging are also common causes of accidents. Drivers must ensure that a lane change can be made safely before moving into another lane. Georgia law addresses lane changes under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-48. Unsafe lane changes often cause sideswipe accidents and multi-vehicle collisions.
Weather and Road Conditions
Not all accidents are caused by driver behavior alone. Weather and road conditions can also contribute to accidents. Rain, fog, ice, and poor road maintenance can increase accident risk. However, drivers are still required to operate their vehicles safely under the conditions.
Georgia law requires drivers to maintain control of their vehicles and drive at a safe speed for conditions. Even if the weather contributed to the accident, a driver may still be considered negligent if they were driving too fast for conditions.
Georgia Is a Fault-Based Car Accident State
Georgia is a fault-based state for car accidents. This means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for the damages. Georgia also follows a modified comparative negligence rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. Under this law:
- You can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
- If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages
Insurance companies often try to argue that injury victims were partially at fault to reduce settlements.
Damages Available After a Car Accident in Georgia
If you were injured in one of the many car accidents Georgia experiences each year, you may be able to recover compensation for damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death damages
The value of a car accident claim depends on the severity of the injuries, liability, and available insurance coverage.
Contact Our Marietta Car Accident Lawyer Today
Understanding what causes most car accidents, the most common cause of car accidents, and how liability works in car accidents in Georgia can help you protect your rights after a crash.
At The Persons Firm, LLC, our Marietta car accident lawyer helps injured victims investigate accidents, prove negligence, deal with insurance companies, and pursue full financial compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation if you were injured in a car accident in Georgia. We serve clients in the 30060 zip code.