Car accidents in Vinings are a common cause of serious injuries, and each one results in unique struggles for victims and their families. Some people will need immediate medical attention at the scene, others may feel pain in the days after a fender-bender, and many will be unable to work for weeks or even months due to the effects of the accident.
However, all car crash victims have one thing in common: they have a right to compensation if the collision was caused by someone else’s negligence.
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Car Accident Lawyer in Vinings: Serving Victims of All Types of Car Accidents
At The Champion Firm, P.C., we have successfully handled many car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, medical malpractice, and many more cases in the Vinings area. We will use that experience to help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve while getting you the help you need after a serious car wreck for your injuries.
We work to identify all parties that may be responsible for your crash and all sources of insurance that can be used to pay for your damages, getting you the maximum amount of compensation possible for your medical bills, time off work, and pain and suffering.
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We can help you recover from many different types of collisions, including:
Head-on crashes.
The impact when two cars strike each other on their front ends can be devastating, and these types of collisions are often fatal.
T-bone accidents.
Side-impact collisions, commonly called T-bone accidents, can cause severe injuries for passengers on the affected side of the vehicle.
Rear-end crashes.
A driver who is following too closely may not have enough room to stop suddenly, leading to whiplash and other injuries for occupants of the car in front.
Hit-and-run accidents.
A hit-and-run collision not only results in extensive injuries but places a burden of identifying and tracking down the at-fault driver on the victim.
Parking lot accidents.
Crashes can result in severe or fatal injuries to children and other pedestrians walking near cars, and collisions between two vehicles in a parking lot can be severe even if they happen at low speeds.
Ridesharing accidents.
Insurance problems often arise after a person is injured in a crash with a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft, as the driver, the rideshare company, and your own insurance provider may all be responsible for damages and compensation.
WATCH: What to do if you are hit by an uninsured driver
Common Causes of Traffic Accidents
Driver negligence is the most common cause of car accidents. However, there could be other factors that made an accident more likely or the injuries it caused more severe, including:
DUI
Alcohol, prescription medications, and illicit substances can all dull a driver’s senses and delay reaction times, making it less likely that the driver will be able to respond quickly to sudden hazards.
DISTRACTED DRIVING
Any action that takes attention from the road can be a distraction, including talking on a cell phone, texting, eating and drinking, or talking to other passengers.
Drowsy Driving
A driver does not have to fall fully asleep for an accident to occur, as even veering out of a lane can cause a crash that pushes the victim’s vehicle off the road.
RECKLESS DRIVING
Speeding, following too closely, changing lanes without signaling, and weaving in and out of traffic are all forms of reckless driving that can lead to accidents.
ELDERLY DRIVERS
Some elderly drivers may face a decline in cognitive or physical function, placing them at risk of causing accidents due to impaired vision, inability to turn their heads to check mirrors, or failing to recognize the dangers of their actions.
Teen Drivers
Teen drivers are more likely to cause a crash than any other age group. Their lack of driving experience makes them less able to recognize and respond to road hazards, and the new-found freedom of driving can lead to distracting or reckless behaviors.
DEFECTIVE CAR PARTS
In some cases, it is the condition of the vehicle that is to blame for an accident. We can help determine whether defective tires or brakes, faulty vehicle design, manufacturer negligence, or another unsafe condition led to the crash.
Types of Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents: Vinings Car Accident Lawyers
Crash injuries that require ongoing medical care can cause significant financial difficulties.
The medical costs of an accident can quickly spiral out of control, especially if the victim is unable to perform any work during his or her recovery.
Car accident victims will commonly suffer:
Brain injuries.
It can take months or even years to recover from a traumatic brain injury, and some people suffer permanent behavioral or cognitive changes.
Spinal injuries.
Injuries to the spinal cord can cause permanent paralysis, while back injuries can result in lifelong physical limitations that prevent the victim from returning to his or her previous employment.
Internal injuries.
High-speed collisions may crumple a vehicle and cause traumatic internal injuries to passengers, such as internal bleeding, ruptured organs, or organ perforation due to broken ribs.
Bone fractures.
Broken bones may require surgery to place screws or remove bone fragments, and the victim’s mobility may be permanently limited.
Limb amputations.
Severe crush injuries may result in excessive bleeding or mangling of a hand, leg, or foot that requires amputation to save the victim’s life.
Face injuries.
Collisions can cause many different injuries to the face from broken lace, steering wheel, seatbelt, and can cause loss of teeth, facial fractures, and burns.
Knee injuries.
Passengers in the front seat may suffer broken kneecaps as their legs are shoved into the dashboard, while those in the back seat may suffer knee injuries as their legs are pinned under seats.
Shoulder injuries.
Drivers may stiffen their arms to brace for a crash, injuring their shoulders as the cars make an impact.
Burn injuries.
Thermal burns, explosions, and road rash may all cause scarring and disfigurement that greatly impacts a victim’s self-esteem and quality of life.
Wrongful death.
When a loved one is killed in a car accident, the family may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Amputations
Car accident amputation can be the result of a body part being crushed under a vehicle or an infection that occurs during the healing process. Amputation can involve the fingers, toes, hands, feet, or an entire limb. Older people are most at risk for this type of car accident injury, while younger people who experience an amputation may have more difficulty adjusting to the changes it poses in their daily routine.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is characterized by abdominal pain, swelling, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting. Signs of internal bleeding aren’t always immediately apparent after a car accident, but this is a serious injury that can result in organ damage or death if left untreated. Victims often need surgery to correct the problem.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are those which cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Common examples of soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, whiplash, and herniated/bulging disks. Braces, splints, and pain medication are the most common treatment for this type of injury. Most victims will fully recover, but some may be left with chronic pain.
Cuts and Scrapes
Cuts and scrapes can occur when your airbag deploys in the collision or if you’re struck by flying glass or objects inside the vehicle. Most cuts and scrapes only require cleaning, antibiotic ointment, and a sterile bandage. However, more serious injuries might need stitches and have the potential for scarring.
Emotional Injuries
Emotional injuries are often viewed as less serious than physical injuries, but they shouldn’t be ignored. Depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other changes in mood or behavior may be signs of accident-related PTSD that requires therapy and/or medication for treatment. Children, those with a past history of mental illness, and people involved in accidents resulting in permanent disability or someone’s death are considered the most vulnerable.
Types of Compensation A Vinings Car Accident Attorney Can Get You For Your Injuries
Georgia car accidents follow the fault-based system, meaning the person who caused the crash—or his insurance company—is responsible for paying the damages. In Georgia, car accident damages may include:
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Economic damages.
Economic damages are the direct financial costs of the accident, such as medical expenses, loss of a vehicle, and loss of income. Victims can collect the full amount of their medical expenses as well as an amount to compensate them for the time off of work they suffered due to injury.
Non-economic damages.
Unlike economic damages, there is no formula for establishing the amount of non-economic damages that may be owed to a victim. These damages may include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost quality of life, and permanent physical limitations.
We understand that the aftermath of a car accident is a confusing and painful time and that each victim has different concerns about the future. At The Champion Firm, P.C., we tailor our services to meet the needs of each individual client. We thoroughly investigate and prepare every case, and we will fight as long and hard as it takes to get you what you deserve for your injuries. If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident in the Vinings area, fill out the quick contact form or download our free book, Georgia Car Accident Guide: What Should You Know If You Are In An Accident.