Atlanta Intersection Accidents Lawyer

Motor vehicle accidents in the Atlanta area often occur at intersections, in large part due to the fact that the crossing of roads creates potential for decision-making conflict.  The statistics demonstrate how common such incidents are.  According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System data as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in a crash statistic study, in 2008 alone there were 5.8 million crashes nationwide, with nearly 40 percent of crashes occurring at intersections.

Common Intersection-Related Negligence

There are a number of ways in which an Atlanta driver may act negligently at an intersection.  In fact, the NHTSA has studied intersection-related crashes and associated negligence and found that the vast majority (92 percent) can be attributed to driver negligence.  Common forms of driver negligence occurring at intersections include, but are not necessarily limited, to:

• Inadequate surveillance of traffic at the intersection
• False assumption of other driver’s actions at the intersection
• Turning with an obstructed view
• Illegal maneuvers
• Distracted driving from internal factors
• Misjudged gaps and/or speed of other drivers

Of course, intersection accidents are not all caused by driver negligence.  In some cases, the intersection itself may be poorly designed/maintained and may expose drivers to various hazards that include, but are not necessarily limited, to:

• Inadequate lighting
• Non-functioning traffic lights
• Poor sign placement
• Visibility issues (i.e., poorly maintained trees that obstruct vision)
• Potholes
• And more

Negligence Per Se

In Georgia, violating the rules of the road constitutes negligence per se.  Essentially, negligence per se is when a defendant is found negligent on the basis of their violation of statutory law.  The fact that the defendant violated a traffic law and subsequently caused you to suffer injuries is enough to find them negligent.

Suppose, for example, that you are injured by a defendant-driver who ran a red light at an intersection, thus causing a side-impact collision with your vehicle.  When you bring a lawsuit against the defendant, you will likely be able to show that the defendant-driver was per se negligent — you do not have to show that they violated the standard of care, or prove that they were negligent.  You will simply have to show that the defendant’s acts caused you to suffer injuries.

Consult an Atlanta Car Crash Attorney Right Away

Attorney James Ponton has nearly a decade of experience representing clients in car accident litigation.  Previously, he served as an insurance defense attorney.  This unique legal background — as an attorney on both sides of car accident litigation — has given Attorney Ponton a competitive advantage when it comes to pursuing injury litigation, as he is well-aware of the particular strategies and pressures that defense counsel face.

If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident, whether at an intersection or elsewhere, then you may be entitled to recover damages.  Call (404) 902-3154 to connect to an experienced Atlanta car crash attorney here at Ponton Law.  During your free initial consultation, we will fully assess your claims and help you understand the process of litigation.