Traffic in Smyrna cannot flow correctly without traffic signals. At the same time, drivers must follow official signs, or the roads become dangerous. If you suffered injuries in an accident where the driver failed to obey traffic signals, talk to a lawyer today.
At John Foy & Associates, Smyrna car accident lawyer can help. Our lawyers have been helping accident victims for over 20 years. We know what it takes to win cases.
Contact us today for a FREE consultation. There is no fee unless we win you a settlement. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your FREE consultation.
Georgia’s Laws on Obeying Traffic Signals
According to Georgia Code Section 40-6-20, all drivers should obey the instruction of traffic-control devices. It’s only okay to ignore traffic signals if a police officer gives different directions.
You can find traffic signals at intersections throughout Smyrna. These signals control the flow of traffic, and they also prevent accidents. Besides drivers, pedestrians and cyclists must follow signs, too.
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Different Types of Traffic Signals
Let’s look at what each traffic signal means, according to the Georgia Driver’s Manual:
- A red light requires you to make a complete stop. Stop before the road’s intersection or crosswalk. Wait until the signal turns green to go.
- A flashing red light means make a full stop. Only continue after yielding the right of way.
- A yellow light is a warning that the light will change from green to red. Slow your vehicle down, and get ready to stop.
- A flashing yellow light means slow down and look before crossing the intersection.
- A green light means it’s safe to continue driving. However, you should yield to any pedestrians or cars still at the intersection first.
You might also come across traffic signal arrows. Here’s what they mean:
- A green arrow indicates you can travel in the arrow’s direction. Yield to any pedestrians or cars on the road first.
- A yellow arrow indicates a red arrow or light is coming. All drivers should clear the intersection.
If a driver fails to obey traffic signals, it’s a violation. They can receive a ticket and other penalties. However, the worst outcome is a severe accident.
If your accident happened because someone didn’t follow traffic signals, you have options. You might be entitled to compensation. Talk to a car accident lawyer to seek recovery today.
What You Need for a Valid Car Accident Claim
If another driver was at fault for your accident, you have a case. You can seek compensation through a personal injury claim.
In Georgia, the responsible party in an accident must pay the costs. If the driver has auto insurance, their insurance should cover the damages. You will need to file an insurance claim that proves:
- The driver owed you a duty of care.
- The driver breached their duty of care.
- The driver’s negligence caused your accident.
- You have damages from your accident injuries.
A lawyer can help you prove all of the above. Your lawyer can also help you handle the insurance company. Insurers will look for any way to pay you less. But they are more likely to take you seriously if you have an attorney.
If you don’t know what to do after your crash, John Foy & Associates can help. There’s a reason our founder is known as the “Strong Arm.” We are not afraid to stand up against the insurance companies.
To get a FREE consultation with the best lawyer for you, call us today. Call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Building Evidence Against the Other Driver
You will need to show that the other driver was at fault for your accident. Proving fault is not always straightforward.
The other driver might deny that they ignored traffic signals. Or, their insurance company might try to blame you. You might have trouble providing proof of the driver’s fault.
Talk to a lawyer about building your case. You might be able to gather evidence like:
- Traffic surveillance footage
- Traffic signal data from the crash date
- Witness statements
- Proof of your damages
When a driver doesn’t obey a traffic signal, it’s apparent negligence. You will just need to show that the driver’s negligence led to your injuries. A car accident lawyer will know the best place to start.
Damages You Can Claim from Your Accident
If someone else caused your collision, they are responsible for your damages. There are two main types of damages:
- Special damages
- General damages
Special Damages
Special damages are demonstrable through documents:
- Medical bills
- Medication receipts
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repair costs
These damages have precise dollar amounts. You’ll need to prove they happened when you file your claim. Your lawyer will also estimate possible future special costs. For example, you might need ongoing medical treatment for your injuries.
General Damages
General damages are more complicated. You do not need to provide monetary proof. That’s because general damages are more about “emotional” injuries like:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental trauma
- Anxiety or depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
A car accident can impact you in many ways. General damages help compensate you for how the incident has affected your life. Your car accident lawyer will use a formula to determine these damages.
You must know all of your damages. You will need to know what type of settlement is fair. Otherwise, you could accept an insurance settlement that is far below what you’ve suffered.
Don’t get stuck paying for expenses you didn’t cause. If the other driver was negligent, they are responsible. Talk to an experienced lawyer about holding the other driver accountable. Most of all, it’s about getting you the compensation you deserve.
Talk to a Smyrna Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today
John Foy & Associates has over 20 years of experience helping accident victims. We are not afraid to stand up to the insurance companies. We work exclusively for injury victims.
Contact us today to get a FREE, no-risk consultation. We’ll discuss your case and how we can help. Plus, we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
To schedule your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
