Common Types of Car Accidents in Atlanta

• Rear-End Collisions: These are the kings of rush-hour wrecks. When traffic stalls on the Downtown Connector or I-285, one distracted driver slams into the back of another. Rear-end crashes often lead to soft tissue injuries.
• Head-On Collisions: Less frequent, but far more deadly. These usually happen when someone crosses the centerline on two-lane roads like Moreland Avenue or Highway 78. The force doubles when two cars slam into each other head-first, leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
• Side-Impact Crashes (T-Bone Collisions): These wrecks are a common sight at intersections where someone runs a red light—think Peachtree Street or Buford Highway. When one car plows into the side of another, the driver and passengers sitting on the impact side take the worst of it. Modern cars have side airbags, but they only do so much.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollovers tend to involve taller vehicles like SUVs and pickups. A sharp turn or a collision at speed can tip these vehicles, sending them rolling. The risk of ejection increases if passengers aren’t wearing seatbelts.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: These chain-reaction crashes are more common on Atlanta’s interstates, where high speeds and tailgating make stopping in time almost impossible. Sorting out who’s at fault is messy, and insurance companies love to point fingers.
• Single-Vehicle Accidents: Sometimes, it’s a solo act. A car hits a guardrail, a tree, or flips into a ditch. Bad weather, road hazards, or reckless driving might all play a role.

Injuries That Happen in Car Accidents

Even low-speed crashes can leave you hurting in ways you never expected. Here’s a breakdown of common injuries that people deal with after Atlanta car accidents:

• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: This is the classic neck snap from a rear-end hit. Soft tissue damage can linger for months and limit movement.
• Broken Bones: Arms, legs, ribs—fractures are common in all types of crashes. Some heal with a cast, others need surgery and rehab.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A hard hit to the head—whether from an airbag or the window—can leave someone with a concussion or more severe brain damage. TBIs affect memory, focus, and personality.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: A spinal cord injury might mean partial or total paralysis, depending on where the damage happens.
• Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage: Seatbelt injuries, steering wheel impacts, or blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding. You might not even realize it at first, which is why getting checked out after a crash is non-negotiable.
• Facial Injuries and Scarring: Glass shards, dashboard impacts, or airbag abrasions can cause permanent disfigurement.

The Laws That Control How Car Accident Cases Work in Georgia

• Georgia Is an At-Fault State: Under Georgia Code § 51-1-6, the driver who caused the accident is on the hook for paying damages. Their insurance should cover medical bills, car repairs, and more.
• Modified Comparative Negligence Rule: Georgia follows Georgia Code § 51-12-33. If you share part of the blame for the crash, you can still recover compensation—as long as you’re less than 50% responsible. If you’re 49% at fault, your compensation gets reduced by that percentage. Go over 50%, and you’re out of luck.
• Statute of Limitations: You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Georgia Code § 9-3-33. Wait too long, and the court will throw out your case.
• Mandatory Auto Insurance Requirements: Georgia requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance under Georgia Code § 33-7-11. The minimums are:
  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage