Traffic signals help keep Alpharetta drivers safe. When drivers do not follow traffic rules, serious car accidents can happen. If another driver injured you because they disregarded traffic laws, talk to a lawyer today. An Alpharetta failure to obey traffic signals lawyer can help you.
You should not have to pay for the costs of an accident someone else caused. The other driver might be responsible for your damages. An experienced lawyer can help file a personal injury claim to recover your medical bills, lost income, and more.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping car accident victims for over 20 years. Our experienced and compassionate lawyers do not charge a fee unless we win your case. You can work with us and not worry about out-of-pocket costs.
To get a FREE consultation today, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.
Penalties for Failure to Obey Traffic Signals in Alpharetta
Georgia Code section 40-6-20 covers the penalties for disobeying traffic control devices. Examples of traffic control devices include:
- Red, green, and yellow traffic lights
- Stop signs, warning signs, or other road signs
- Symbols, words, lines, or other road markings
Unless a police officer gives other instructions, drivers must follow all traffic signals. A driver can receive a civil violation or misdemeanor charge for not obeying traffic signals.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Civil Penalty
A civil penalty is a financial fine from a government agency. Drivers can receive a civil punishment for wrongdoing. A parking ticket is an excellent example of a civil offense. Traffic violations like running a red light are also usually civil penalties.
If a traffic control device records a driver disobeying a stop signal, the driver may get a civil violation. The driver can face up to a $70 fine. Since this is a civil violation and not a misdemeanor, the driver won’t have points added to their driver’s license.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Misdemeanor
If a driver doesn’t stop at a stop sign or red light, it’s usually a misdemeanor offense. According to Georgia Code Section 40-6-72:
- Drivers must stop when approaching a stop sign.
- After stopping, drivers must yield the right of way to other cars in the intersection or approaching the intersection.
A misdemeanor for running a red light can result in up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to 12 months in jail. Most of the time, the penalty is between $200 and $250, and there is no jail time. A red stop sign or stoplight conviction will probably add three points to a driver’s license.
If a driver gets too many points on their record, they can lose their license. A driver can also get a reckless driving conviction in some situations. If someone dies because of failure to obey traffic signs, a driver can face a vehicular homicide charge.
If another driver’s failure to obey signals caused your accident, you have rights. If the accident hurt you or killed a loved one, you might be entitled to compensation. To learn your rights during a FREE consultation, contact John Foy & Associates at (404) 400-4000 or reach out online.
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Calculating Your Damages for Failure to Obey Traffic Signals
Georgia is a fault state. That means the careless driver in a car accident is legally responsible. If another driver injured you, they must cover your costs. You can seek recovery through a personal injury claim with the driver’s insurance company.
Before filing your claim, you’ll need to know your damages. Damages are costs or losses resulting from your accident injuries. You will also need to include proof of your damages in your claim.
An Alpharetta car accident attorney will determine how much your damages are worth. Here are some of the most common ones.
Medical Costs
Medical expenses make up the bulk of a personal injury claim. The more severe your injuries, the higher your medical costs will be.
Examples of medical damages include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Tests
- Surgeries
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Future medical treatment
It’s best to finish your treatment before filing your claim. You’ll have the most accurate calculation of your medical costs. However, you only have two years to file your claim. If you need treatment for several years, your lawyer will estimate your future losses.
Lost Wages
You will likely have missed income from your job. You’ll need to take time off to recover from your accident. You can claim this missed work as lost wages. Keep track of the days and hours you’ve had to miss because of the car accident.
You can also claim a loss of earning capacity in some situations. Talk to your lawyer if you have disabilities from your injuries that impact your ability to work.
Property Damage
You also probably will have vehicle repairs. You can include car repairs or replacement in your claim.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages are unique. Unlike medical bills and lost wages, you cannot prove pain and suffering with a dollar amount. Examples of pain and suffering include:
- Mental anguish
- Embarrassment or fear
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Talk to your lawyer about how your accident injuries have affected your life. Your lawyer will know how to calculate what these damages are worth.
Speak with an Alpharetta Car Accident Caused by Failure to Obey Traffic Signals Lawyer for Free Today
Don’t wait to get help after a failure to obey traffic signals accident. Our experienced lawyers at John Foy & Associates can help — starting with a FREE consultation.
With over 20 years of experience, we know what it takes to win cases. We are not afraid to stand up to the insurance companies and fight for you. Plus, we do not charge you a fee unless we win you money.
Contact us today to schedule your FREE, no-risk consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
