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Car Accident

Can Tesla be held liable for a car accident caused by the Autopilot?

The advent of autonomous and semi-autonomous driving technology has revolutionized the automotive industry, bringing both incredible advancements and complex legal questions. One of the most high-profile examples is Tesla’s Autopilot, a driver assistance system designed to make auto driving safer and more convenient.  However, this technology has also been at the center of numerous accidents and subsequent legal battles. Can Tesla be held liable for an Autopilot car accident? The legal answer is complex and rapidly evolving. While Tesla has prevailed in some recent court cases, a wave of investigations, lawsuits, and mounting evidence suggests the tide may be turning.  Contact us if you had an accident involving a Tesla.  Autopilot: Advanced Assistance, Not Full Self-Driving Technology Tesla Autopilot is a sophisticated driver-assistance system (ADAS) that can manage steering, acceleration, and braking on highways under certain conditions. It’s important to remember, however, (and as Tesla emphasizes), that Autopilot does not make vehicles autonomous..

Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury

What Do You Do When the Insurance Company Takes Too Long?

When you suffer a personal injury in an auto accident, you understandably expect your insurance company will pay your claim promptly. Of course, that is often not how the system actually works. Insurance companies are not exactly in business to make your life better. They are in business to make money for their shareholders. This provides a substantial incentive to minimize the amount of benefits paid out to policyholders. But an insurance company cannot simply string you along indefinitely. The State of Georgia actually has fairly strict laws that set a series of deadlines that insurance companies must follow when presented with a claim. If the insurer simply ignores these rules, you may have the right to take the insurance company to court and seek additional compensation. Georgia's TImeline for Paying Insurance Claims Basically, once you file a first-party claim with your insurance company, that starts a 40-day timeline. There are several stages to this timeline, which can be broken down as follows: The process begins when you file a notification of your claim. This can be done by..

Car Accident, Negligence, Personal Injury

If Someone Borrows Your Car and Gets in an Accident, Who Is Responsible?

If you own a car, you know that Georgia law requires you to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. This provides coverage in the event you get into an accident and someone is injured. Since Georgia follows an "at-fault" rule in such cases, your insurance coverage applies to any accident you cause due to negligence. And if the victim's injuries exceed your insurance coverage, you could be held personally liable for any remaining damages. But what if you were not driving your car when the accident happened? Say you loaned your car to a friend. Your friend then ran a red light and plowed into another vehicle, seriously injuring its occupants. Does your liability insurance cover the accident? And can you still be held personally responsible even though you were not even in the car at the time? Insurance Follows the Car Let's start with the question of insurance coverage. As a general rule, an auto insurance policy "follows the car" and not the driver. In other words, if you purchase insurance to cover your vehicle, that coverage applies to any accident involving that vehicle. You do not personally have to be at the wheel when an accident occurs...

Car Accident, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury

How Lawyers Help You Get Higher Car Accident Settlements

When a car accident happens, the shock, the confusion, the immediate concern for everyone’s safety—these are overwhelming enough. But soon after, you’re hit with another wave of stress: dealing with the insurance company. You start to wonder if hiring a car accident lawyer near you is worth it. Can they really help you get a higher settlement? Is it necessary to involve legal help? These questions are common, and the hesitation is understandable. However, understanding the significant benefits a car accident lawyer can offer might just change your perspective. To learn more about car accidents’ legal process, contact Ponton Law today. The Common Challenge: Dealing with Insurance Companies Alone One of the biggest challenges accident victims face is negotiating with insurance companies. These companies have one primary goal: to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line. Without expert negotiation skills and a thorough understanding of legal processes, you might find yourself accepting a settlement far less than what you deserve. This is where t..

Articles

Are You Being Sued for a Car Accident in Georgia? What Could They Take from You?

A car accident can be a traumatic event even when you are able to walk away without serious injury. Of course, that does not mean you will necessarily escape the crash without consequence. The other driver, or even a passenger who was involved, may turn around and file a personal injury lawsuit against you. If you have been served with a lawsuit--or even suspect that such a lawsuit is forthcoming--you need to take the matter seriously. You also need to be proactive. The first thing you need to do is contact an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer who can take a look at the situation, advise you on a course of action, and help you learn more about car accidents in Atlanta, Georgia. A personal injury lawsuit is not the sort of thing you should try to deal with on your own. Nor can you necessarily rely on your auto insurance company to take care of things for you. What Do You Stand to Lose? Understandably, the first thing on your mind when someone sues you is, "What can they take?" Even if you believe that you were not legally responsible for the car accident, a judge or jury might not believ..

Car Accident

Tips for Choosing an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer

If you have recently been involved in a car accident, there are no doubt a number of things on your mind. First and foremost, you probably need to seek medical attention for any injuries that you sustained in the crash. This often means taking time away from your job and other daily activities. Then you have to deal with any damage to your car or other personal property. This usually involves dealing with insurance companies and repair shops. In addition, if your accident was caused by another driver, you may need to pursue a claim against their insurance company--or even potentially file a personal injury lawsuit. Obviously, that is a big step, one that you probably do not want to take without first speaking to a qualified Atlanta car accident lawyer. But how do you know who to hire? After all, most people do not have a personal injury attorney readily accessible in their contacts list. And hiring an attorney is often the most critical step in successfully obtaining full and fair compensation for a car accident. So how do you go about finding a lawyer--and when you find one, how do you know they are the right fit for you and your case?..

Car Accident

Why Is Atlanta Traffic So Bad?

Anyone who has lived in the Atlanta metro region for any length of time will tell you how bad the traffic is on a day-to-day basis. This is not just a matter of opinion, either. Numerous studies of traffic congestion have shown Atlanta is one of the worst cities in the United States when it comes to traffic. So just how bad is the traffic in Atlanta? And what are some of the reasons that is the case? Is Atlanta Really the Third-Worst Commuter City in the United States? Clever Real Estate, a leading national real estate information services company, published a survey in 2023 of the "Best and Worst Cities for Commuters" in the United States. This survey looked at the 50 most populated metropolitan areas in the United States based on a number of criteria, including the "annual hours lost to traffic," the availability of public transit, and the average costs of maintaining auto insurance. It probably will not surprise any native Atlantan to learn that their city did not excel in any of these areas. Indeed, Atlanta finished in 48th p..

Articles

When Is a Rear-End Collision Not Your Fault?

The most common type of motor vehicle accident in Georgia is a rear-end collision. Often described as a "fender bender," this is a crash where one vehicle strikes the vehicle directly in front of it on the road. In many cases, a rear-end collision starts a chain reaction that leads to a multi-vehicle accident. Fortunately, many rear-end crashes do not result in life-threatening or catastrophic injuries. This is because the impact from bumper damage is generally less severe than, say, a head-on or side-impact collision. That said, any vehicle collision can lead to personal injury and property damage to the vehicles involved. So it may be necessary to assign legal fault for the accident when it comes to filing an insurance claim or even a rear-end collision lawsuit. The Myth of Rear End Crash Responsibility At some point, you have probably read or heard from someone else that in a rear-end accident, the trailing driver is always at-fault. This is simply untrue. In any personal injury case, the plaintiff has the burden of proving the defendant was negligent. The mere fact that the plaintiff was the leading driver in a rear collision does not, in and of itself,..

Articles

What Happens if an Amazon Driver Gets in an Accident?

Amazon's fast and convenient home delivery service has led to a rise in the number of delivery trucks on the roads, which raises the potential for accidents involving these drivers. If you find yourself in such an unfortunate situation, whether as a bystander or the driver, understanding your legal rights and the steps to take is crucial. An Atlanta motor vehicle lawyer can be your right legal partner, helping you confidently address the situation and ensuring justice and fair compensation are achieved. Dealing with Amazon Flex Driver at Fault If you're involved in an accident with an Amazon Flex driver at fault, Amazon's insurance, offering up to $1 million in liability protection, should cover your damages. This coverage ensures protection for both the driver and any third parties involved in an Amazon Flex driver accident. For more specific information about Amazon's insurance policy, visit their safety page. Immediately collect evidence, such as photos and witness statements, and consult an Amazon Flex insurance lawyer. They can efficiently handle the claims process, protecting your rights. It's important to understand that ev..

Articles

What Are the Punitive Damages in a Car Accident?

When you got into an accident that was not your fault, you are entitled to general compensatory damages. Compensatory damages aim to “make you whole again” after an accident. However, in addition to compensatory damages, there are also punitive damages that take a completely different approach toward such accidents. Punitive damages exist as a separate category to punish drivers who exhibit truly egregious behavior behind the wheel. In this blog, we will explore what qualifies for punitive damages in Georgia car accidents, the evidence needed to claim them, and the specific laws that govern them. If you believe the at-fault driver's actions warrant such punishment in your case, consulting with a seasoned punitive damages attorney at Ponton Law can help you navigate the legal process. Punitive Damages Definition: What Is It Exactly? Let’s begin with the basics and define punitive damages. Compensatory damages reimburse you for the losses caused by the accident, while punitive damages aim at the driver's behavior. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are not awarded based on your injuries. Instead, they are reserved for..