Motor Vehicle Traffic Collisions
A traffic collision, also called a motor vehicle collision, car accident, or car crash occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, road debris, or other stationary obstruction, such as a tree, pole, or building. Traffic collisions often result in injury, disability, death, and property damage as well as financial costs to both society and the individuals involved. Road transport is the most dangerous situation people deal with on a daily basis, but casualty figures from such incidents attract less media attention than other, less frequent types of tragedy.
At Spaulding Injury Law, we have more than 25 years of legal experience. We fight for the rights of auto accident victims. We work to hold negligent drivers and other parties accountable for the harm they have caused. Our firm has a proven track record of success. We have secured millions in compensation for our clients, and our attorneys have been recognized for their work. They have been named to the National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers list and have been named to Expertise.com’s Best Car Accident Lawyers in Atlanta in 2021 list.
If you have been injured in a traffic collision in Atlanta contact Spaulding Injury Law today. We will schedule a free consultation with one of our Atlanta traffic collision attorneys. We will discuss the details of your case and your rights to financial compensation.
The Different Types of Collisions
Road traffic collisions generally fall into one of four common types:
HEAD-ON COLLISIONS
A head-on collision is a traffic collision where the front ends of two vehicles hit each other when traveling in opposite directions, as opposed to a side collision or rear-end collision.
COLLISIONS INVOLVING PEDESTRIANS
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatal traffic accidents involving pedestrians are on the rise, with 6,283 pedestrian deaths in 2018—a 3 percent increase from 2017. When a vehicle hits a pedestrian at higher speeds, it’s no surprise that serious injuries and fatalities can result.
SINGLE-VEHICLE COLLISIONS
A single-vehicle collision is when a single road vehicle has a collision without involving any other vehicle. They usually have similar root causes as head-on collisions, but no other vehicle happened to be in the path of the vehicle leaving its lane. Severe collisions of this type can happen on highways, since speeds are extra high, increasing the severity.
INTERSECTION COLLISIONS
Crashes at intersections (road junctions) are a very common type of road collision types. Collisions may involve head-on impact when one vehicle crosses an opposing lane of traffic to turn at an intersection, or side impacts when one vehicle crosses the path of an adjoining vehicle at an intersection.
Recoverable Damages from a Collision
Property damage: Most likely your vehicle was damaged in the car accident. These damages would help pay to restore or replace that vehicle. If you had other property in the car that was damaged, those costs may also be figured into this award.
Medical expenses: If you have proof of your medical expenses, the court may order the defendant to pay those back. If you’re expecting to have to pay for more treatments in the future, the court may figure an estimated cost for these as well.
Lost wages: If your injuries left you unable to work, you could be compensated for lost wages. If you can’t return to work in the future, your future lost wages may also be recoverable.
Pain and suffering: This refers to any physical pain and discomfort that you suffered during and after the accident, but it may also include emotional suffering as well, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Loss of consortium: This is a legal term used to describe the loss of a partner or spouse’s physical companionship, including a sexual relationship. If you or a passenger in your vehicle was injured in such a way that it affects your relationship, you could be eligible for these damages.
Loss of enjoyment: A car accident can change your life. You may find that your injuries make it more difficult to enjoy the activities you once enjoyed, or to go about your life as you did before. If you can no longer take part in your day-to-day activities you may be entitled to compensation for these losses.
What are the Most Common Types of Auto Accidents?
Auto accidents can involve any kind of vehicle or even pedestrians walking alongside the street. Some motor vehicle accidents, such as truck accidents, often result in more serious injuries than other types of crashes. However, all collisions can cause permanent, disabling injuries or even death. Some of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents we handle at our law firm include: