If you live or work in Atlanta, GA or the surrounding area then you likely spend a lot of time driving on the freeway. I-20, I-75, I-85, I-285 and Georgia 400 are some of the most heavily-traveled interstates and highways in Georgia. As Atlanta automobile accident lawyers, we also know that they are the location for many serious auto accidents which result in catastrophic injuries. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) there are an estimated 763 serious injuries and 208 fatalities caused by Georgia freeway collisions each year.
Most highway wrecks are the result of some form of reckless driving such as speeding, distracted driving or driving while intoxicated. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common highway car crash scenarios we have handled as Atlanta automobile accident lawyers:
Speeding
Driving faster than the posted speed limit is one of the leading causes of multiple-vehicle wrecks in the nation. Even though traffic on the interstate moves at a quick pace, those drivers who insist on speeding often fail to keep a safe distance between themselves and other vehicles, meaning they pose a huge danger both to themselves and to other road users. If you are speeding, then it is going to take you considerably longer to slow down or stop should the vehicles ahead of you suddenly slow. Unsurprisingly, speeding is the leading cause of rear-end collisions in Atlanta freeway accidents.
Sudden Lane Changes
Speeding motorists are also more likely to make sudden or unexpected lane changes either as a result of trying to avoid a collision with a slower vehicle or simply due to an aggressive attitude. Changing lanes without warning creates a very real hazard to other drivers who are already traveling at significant speeds. Many times, a driver who is suddenly cut in front of by another vehicle will instinctively apply their brakes. This then has the inevitable effect of causing the car, truck or motorcycle behind them to also brake €“ creating the potential for a pile-up accident to occur. Equally dangerous are those drivers who cut across several lanes of traffic to avoid missing their exit.
Merging on to the Freeway
Another common highway car accident scenario involves traffic merging onto the freeway from an entrance ramp as the issue of who has right-of-way can sometimes be confusing. If in doubt, best practice dictates that you get out of the other vehicle’s way whenever possible. Be safe, be polite and be accommodating. If you are driving in the right-most lane on the interstate or highway and you are approaching an entrance ramp, it is a good idea to move over one lane so there is plenty of room for any merging traffic to enter the roadway. Merging vehicles should adjust their speed on approach to the highway to match that of the freeway traffic. It is important that you are not too cautious and do not decelerate as this will make it more difficult for you to safely enter the freeway and it will also create the potential for a rear-end wreck to occur behind you.
Have You Been Injured In A Georgia Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a Georgia car accident you should speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our office directly at (800) 234-9556 to schedule your free consultation.