Car Accident Types

Car accidents can take many forms. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that a car accident fatality involving a driver impaired by alcohol occurred once every 51 minutes in 2016. In the same year, 840 bicyclists and other cyclists were killed in car accidents, and 71% of these fatalities occurred in urban areas. Moreover, 4,317 people were killed in accidents involving large trucks, and 72% of those fatalities that year were occupants of other vehicles, not trucks.

All of these accidents are different and have different fact patterns, and each type of accident requires a different legal strategy. As such, an experienced car accident lawyer needs to have a thorough understanding of the legal intricacies of each type of accident in order to obtain the best possible resolution to their client’s case. Moreover, if you have been involved in a car accident, there are various elements of law that you should know in order to gain a thorough understanding of your legal rights.

DUI Car Accidents in Georgia

An accident caused by a drunk or intoxicated driver is unique in many ways from other accidents caused due to a driver’s mistakes. First, a drunk or intoxicated driver is engaging in an illegal activity under O.C.G.A. §40-6-391 by operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. As such, the driver will normally face criminal charges in addition to a civil claim against them.

Furthermore, in a case involving a drunk driver, your attorney can seek not only the normal civil damages that would typically be sought in a car accident case but also, punitive damages, which are awarded to punish the drunk driver and deter the driver from committing the same violation in the future.

Dram Shop Liability Laws in Georgia

It is also possible for the business that served or sold the drunk driver the alcohol to be held liable for that driver’s actions under O.C.G.A. §50-1-40, which is commonly referred to as Georgia’s “Dram Shop Liability” law. There are a few scenarios where a dram shop liability case can be initiated. For example, in one instance, your attorney would have to demonstrate that the driver was in a noticeable state of intoxication and that the business sold or served them alcohol while knowing that the driver would soon be operating a vehicle.

When successful, dram shop liability claims can provide you with an additional source of recovery for your damages, but these cases are complex and require the assistance of a car accident attorney with legal expertise in this area of law.

Semi Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Georgia

Semi trucks and other commercial vehicles fall under a different insurance standard than their non-commercial counterparts. Commercial vehicles engaging in intrastate transport, transporting goods within the state only, are required to carry:

  • $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
  • $300,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
  • $50,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident

Moreover, commercial vehicles transporting passengers are required to meet the following minimum insurance requirements:

Vehicle with the capacity to transport 12 passengers or less

  • $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
  • $300,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
  • $50,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident

Vehicle with the capacity to transport more than 12 passengers

  • $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
  • $500,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
  • $50,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident

Commercial Vehicle Accidents vs. Non-Commercial Vehicle Accidents

One of the main differences between an accident involving a commercial vehicle and a non-commercial vehicle is the way the case is handled by the insurance carrier. Accidents involving a commercial vehicle are usually defended aggressively by insurance companies due the amount of coverage carried on the vehicle. These cases need to be carefully executed to maximize your recovery and to break through any defenses an insurance company might raise.

Auto Accident Lawyer in Atlanta, GA

Every car accident is unique and requires a particular legal skillset. At Cambre and Associates, our team of car accident lawyers are well versed in all types of car accident cases. We pride ourselves on having a detailed intimate understanding of the applicable laws that govern each type of car accident case, and we use those skills to maximize the value each claim. If you or a loved one have been involved in an auto accident, give our office a call today for a free confidential consultation to find out how an experienced car accident attorney can help you.

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