The United States Interstate system allows for efficient travel, whether drivers are moving from one state to another or from one part of a state to another. The lack of traffic lights and high speed limits make interstates time savers. However, these fast roads are prime sites for high-speed motor vehicle accidents that can leave victims with potentially life-changing consequences.
John Foy & Associates is here to help if you or a loved one has experienced an interstate accident in Atlanta. With an Atlanta interstate accident lawyer fighting for you, you are in the best position to receive substantial compensation for your losses.
Interstate Travel
Interstates are part of the United States Highway System that covers the nation. Almost all Interstates must comply with specific standards, which include controlled access through on and off-ramps, median strips or barriers separating lines of opposite traffic, and breakdown lanes. Interstates have no traffic lights and must comply with federal traffic sign standards.
Though the interstate system was created by the federal government, states own and control the interstates running through their territory. Fifteen interstate roads run through the state of Georgia and allow drivers to travel at 70 miles per hour (MPH).
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Common Dangers on Interstates
Interstate characteristics make for speedier interstate travel but also pose significant dangers.
High-Speed Travel
It is easier to lose control of a vehicle, and it takes longer to come to a stop when traveling at high rates of speed. Couple high speeds with lane changes or reckless driving and the possibility for serious accidents increases.
Entering and Exiting
Interstates are only accessible through on-ramps and can only be exited through an off-ramp. Cars merging into traffic can misjudge their entrance and either collide with other vehicles or cause them to swerve into traffic. In addition, interstate accidents can be caused when cars speed through an exit or wait too long to get into an exit lane.
Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicles are permitted on interstates. Their massive size, weight, and heavy cargo make them more difficult to control and bring to a stop. Flying debris from improperly secured loads can put obstacles on the roads or crash into other vehicles.
Distracted, Fatigued, or Impaired Drivers
Those driving on interstates often travel far distances and can become distracted or fatigued. A moment of distraction or shortened response times can have tragic outcomes.
Drivers who operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are a danger to drivers on all roads. On roads designed for high-speed travel, these drivers are especially dangerous.
Congestion
Heavy traffic increases the chances of interstate accidents. According to TRIP, A National Transportation Research NonProfit, Georgia’s interstates are the 12th most congested in the nation.
An Atlanta Interstate Accident Lawyer Can Help
Securing compensation for losses incurred by an interstate accident is a complex undertaking. For the best outcome, trust this undertaking with an interstate accident lawyer in Atlanta.
Finding Fault
Identifying the party responsible for the accident is crucial to the success of your case. You can only collect a settlement if negligence can be established against the alleged at-fault party.
Attorneys from John Foy & Associates are skilled investigators with the resources and connections you need. Whether your accident was caused by driver error, inadequate road maintenance, vehicle malfunction, or any other factor, your attorney will work tirelessly to discover the liable party or parties.
Preparing and Submitting Documentation
Georgia’s legal deadline for filing an accident claim is two years. If you fail to file by the two-year anniversary of your accident, your case will almost definitely be dismissed. If your case is against a state entity, perhaps the offices responsible for maintaining the interstate or a government-owned vehicle driver, that deadline shrinks considerably and the legal proceedings overall follow different rules.
By partnering with an interstate accident attorney in Atlanta as soon as possible, you allow your attorney time to conduct a thorough investigation within the filing deadline.
Your attorney will also collect and present evidence supporting your claim, accessing medical bills and reports, witness statements, vehicle inspections, and any other documentation useful to prove your losses and the negligent party’s fault.
Negotiating and Representing
You need a savvy representative to handle negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance adjusters. Insurance companies want to protect their profits and to do that they find ways to avoid making payouts.
You can expect the insurance company to offer you a fast, lowball settlement, claiming it is the best you can hope for, or use unethical practices to deflect blame from the at-fault party and put in on you or someone else in the attempt to deny or delay payments. Your lawyer will not be surprised or intimidated by these strategies and will use their extensive legal knowledge and sharp negotiating skills to get you a just settlement.
In some situations, the at-fault party simply refuses to negotiate fairly. Your Atlanta interstate accident attorney will advise you of your options and, should you decide to go to trial, will represent you in all court proceedings.
What You Can Recover Through a Settlement
The aftermath of an interstate accident involves physical, financial, and emotional suffering. A fair settlement will relieve much of that suffering. Though each case is different, most injury settlements provide compensation for:
- Medical costs, both current and future expenses
- Income loss for days missed at work and lost potential earnings should you be unable to return to work
- Emotional distress caused by the trauma of the accident and the consequences of your injuries
- Property damaged in the accident
- Physical suffering you have and may continue to endure
- Any additional accident-incurred expenses or losses
Trust the Strong Arm of Georgia to Secure Your Settlement
The easiest step in your recovery is contacting an Atlanta interstate accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates. You can call or leave us a message to schedule a free consultation at any time, any day of the week. Your attorney will treat you with respect and compassion and fight tirelessly for justice and a fair settlement.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form