Car Accidents

When someone is seriously injured in a motor vehicle collision in Georgia, they’re immediately forced into a legal and financial situation they didn’t choose. They’re expected to respond to insurers, track medical treatment, and protect their legal rights—all while recovering from trauma that may take months or years to resolve. The reality is that insurance companies begin building their defense from day one, and if the injured person doesn’t have legal representation, the balance of power tilts heavily against them. That’s why experience matters. McArthur Law Firm has handled thousands of personal injury cases across Georgia, including complex car accident litigation involving catastrophic injury and wrongful death.

Georgia Car Accident Lawyer

Georgia law gives injured individuals the right to pursue financial compensation from the at-fault party, but the law alone doesn’t make the system fair. It takes legal pressure to compel a full evaluation of the harm done, and that process must be grounded in the evidence, not guesswork. Under Georgia law, victims may seek damages for both economic losses and the lasting human impact of the crash.

McArthur Law Firm serves Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and other counties in Georgia. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your personal injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.

• Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
• Macon Office: 478-238-6600
• Warner Robins: (478) 551-9901

Types of Car Accidents in Georgia

Rear-End Collisions — one of the most common types of car accidents in Georgia, these usually happen when a driver follows another car too closely or fails to stop in time. These accidents frequently occur in heavy traffic areas like I-285 in Atlanta or busy local streets in Macon and Warner Robins. Under Georgia law, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-49 requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance. If a driver fails to do so and hits the vehicle in front, they’re typically found at fault.

Head-On Collisions — among the deadliest types of crashes, they occur when two vehicles strike each other front to front, often because one driver crosses the center line or drives the wrong way. These are more frequent on rural highways and undivided roads in Georgia. According to O.C.G.A. § 40-6-40, drivers must stay on the right side of the road unless safely passing. Violating this law often leads to severe injuries and clear legal consequences.

T-Bone or Side-Impact Accidents — a dangerous situation where the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, often caused by a driver running a red light or stop sign. Georgia law O.C.G.A. § 40-6-20 mandates obeying traffic-control devices, while O.C.G.A. § 40-6-71 requires yielding at intersections. These crashes are especially hazardous for passengers seated on the side of impact.

Sideswipe Accidents — these happen when two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite directions brush against each other, often during lane changes on highways like I-75 or I-16. Many result from failing to check blind spots or signal intentions. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-123 requires signaling before lane changes, and O.C.G.A. § 40-6-48 mandates staying in a single lane unless it’s safe to move.

Rollover Accidents — particularly common with SUVs and trucks, this type involves a vehicle flipping onto its side or roof due to speeding, sharp turns, or poor road conditions. While Georgia law lacks a specific rollover statute, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-180, which addresses driving too fast for conditions, generally applies. These incidents can involve a single vehicle or lead to multi-car pileups.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups — often occurring on highways during high-speed travel or low-visibility weather like fog or rain, these complex collisions involve multiple vehicles and multiple parties at fault. Georgia’s modified comparative fault rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33 examines each driver’s percentage of fault to determine liability. Drivers over 49% at fault can’t recover compensation.

Hit-And-Run Accidents — defined by a driver fleeing the scene without stopping, exchanging information, or assisting. Illegal under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270, the law requires involvement and support after a crash. Victims may still seek compensation via uninsured motorist coverage. Police reports and witness statements are crucial in such cases.

Drunk Driving (DUI) Crashes — a preventable yet major cause of fatal car accidents, these incidents often involve high speed and reckless behavior. Georgia law O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391 prohibits driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher. Offenders face criminal penalties and civil liability for damages caused.

Distracted Driving Accidents — a growing concern in Georgia, these accidents are often linked to texting or phone use without hands-free technology. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241, it’s illegal to hold a phone while driving. Such distractions frequently cause rear-end, sideswipe, or even head-on collisions. Proving distraction may require phone records or witness accounts.

Car Accidents Involving Commercial Trucks — collisions with large trucks such as 18-wheelers often lead to serious injury due to their size and weight. Causes include driver fatigue, speeding, and poor cargo loading. Georgia enforces both Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and local laws like O.C.G.A. § 40-1-8. Trucking companies may also bear responsibility under vicarious liability.

Accidents in Rainy Weather — Collisions during rainy weather are often caused by reduced visibility, slippery roads, and hydroplaning. Water buildup on the roadway can compromise tire traction, making it harder to stop or steer, especially at high speeds. Drivers who fail to adjust their driving—by slowing down, increasing following distance, or turning on headlights—greatly increase the risk of accidents.

Taxi and Rideshare Accidents — Collisions involving taxis and rideshare vehicles (such as Uber and Lyft) have become increasingly common with the rise of on-demand transportation. These accidents can be caused by distracted driving, fatigue from long shifts, or navigating unfamiliar areas. Since rideshare drivers rely heavily on apps for directions and ride management, screen interaction can divert their attention from the road. Liability in these cases can be complex, often involving the driver, the rideshare company, and third parties.

Rental Car Accidents — These must be reported quickly to both the rental company and police. Rental agreements often include specific steps for documentation. Insurance—whether personal, through a credit card, or purchased from the rental agency—can help cover damages. Keep records like photos, reports, and the rental contract to support any claims.

Move-Over Law Violations and Accidents — Georgia’s Move-Over Law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-16) requires drivers to change lanes or slow down for stopped emergency, utility, or tow vehicles with flashing lights. Ignoring this law puts roadside workers and other drivers at serious risk. Accidents often happen when motorists fail to move over, drive too fast near stopped vehicles, or aren’t paying attention. These crashes can cause severe injuries and are entirely preventable with proper caution and compliance.

Real Results: What McArthur Law Firm Has Recovered for Car Crash Victims

We don’t just talk about results—we deliver them. Some of our notable Georgia car accident recoveries include:

• $1.3 million for a client who sustained a spinal injury after being rear-ended in Macon.
• $2.75 million verdict for a victim of a head-on collision involving a commercial truck.
• $900,000 settlement for a crash victim with a traumatic brain injury from a T-bone collision in Atlanta.
• $15 million verdict for a fatal car crash after a wedding in Atlanta.

Injuries Sustained by Car Accident Victims

Traumatic Brain Injuries — A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when the head hits something hard during a crash or is violently shaken. Brain injuries are common in high-impact accidents like head-on or rollover collisions. A TBI can range from a mild concussion to permanent brain damage. Georgia law allows a person to sue for bodily injury under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-2, which includes both general and special damages, and O.C.G.A. § 51-12-3, which covers direct and consequential damages.

Spinal Cord And Back Injuries — Car accidents often cause damage to the spine or back, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Even lower-impact crashes can result in herniated discs or chronic back pain. These injuries are especially serious because they can require long-term care or surgery.

Whiplash And Neck Injuries — Whiplash is one of the most common injuries from rear-end crashes. It happens when the head jerks backward and forward quickly, which strains the ligaments and muscles. Neck injuries may not show symptoms right away but can lead to lasting pain.

Broken Bones And Fractures — Car accidents often result in broken arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis bones. These injuries can be extremely painful and may take weeks or months to heal. Severe fractures may require surgery or leave long-term effects.

Internal Bleeding And Organ Damage — Internal injuries are harder to detect but just as dangerous. The force of a crash can damage organs such as the lungs, kidneys, liver, or spleen. Internal bleeding may not be obvious at the scene, which is why it’s important to get checked by a doctor right after the accident.

Severe Burns And Lacerations — Some crashes lead to fires or explosions that cause serious burns. Others result in deep cuts from broken glass or metal. These injuries are not only painful but can also cause scarring, nerve damage, or infection.

Psychological Injuries — Emotional trauma from a car crash is often overlooked, but many victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. These mental injuries may develop after witnessing a fatal crash or experiencing extreme fear during the accident. Georgia law recognizes emotional distress under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-6. A victim may recover damages for emotional harm if the distress is linked to the accident and supported by medical proof.

Where Car Accidents Commonly Happen

Atlanta — In Atlanta, car accidents often happen on busy highways like I-285, I-75, and the Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85). These roads carry large amounts of traffic every day and are known for frequent congestion, speeding, and lane changes. Accidents are also common at major intersections like Northside Drive and 14th Street or Memorial Drive and Moreland Avenue. Distracted driving, tailgating, and failure to yield the right of way also play a role in crashes throughout metro Atlanta. In 2023, Fulton County alone accounted for 52,997 crashes, in which 1,010 resulted in a suspected serious injury.

Macon — In Macon, car crashes often occur along Eisenhower Parkway, Pio Nono Avenue, and I-475. These roads have a mix of local and through traffic, increasing the risk of side-impact and rear-end collisions. Areas near shopping centers, schools, and downtown also see frequent crashes due to stop-and-go traffic and drivers ignoring traffic signals.

Augusta — In Augusta, accidents frequently occur on Gordon Highway, Bobby Jones Expressway, and Washington Road. These roads see heavy traffic from both local and out-of-town drivers, especially during peak hours. Intersections near shopping centers and entertainment venues are also common trouble spots, with speeding and inattentive driving contributing to many collisions.

Savannah — Savannah experiences a high number of crashes on Abercorn Street, I-516, and Victory Drive. These routes connect major parts of the city and see constant activity from commuters, tourists, and commercial vehicles. Crashes are often caused by abrupt lane changes, distracted driving, and failure to obey traffic signals, especially in densely populated or touristic zones.

Alpharetta — In Alpharetta, accident-prone areas include GA-400, Old Milton Parkway, and Windward Parkway. These roads are major arteries for both corporate commuters and local traffic, and they often become congested during rush hours. Accidents are frequently the result of rear-end collisions in slow-moving traffic and drivers misjudging gaps when merging or turning at busy intersections.

Warner Robins — In Warner Robins, accident hotspots include Watson Boulevard, Russell Parkway, and Highway 247. These areas are busy commercial and commuter routes with frequent stops, multiple intersections, and high traffic volume. Accidents often involve drivers turning left without yielding or rear-end crashes in heavy traffic.

Georgia’s rural roads have a higher fatality rate per mile than city streets or major highways. Even though urban areas like Atlanta have more crashes overall, rural areas like parts of Bibb and Houston counties see more deaths relative to the number of crashes. Factors like limited lighting, higher speeds, fewer medians, and longer emergency response times all contribute. This risk is especially high at night and in areas without guardrails or marked lanes.

Determining Liability in Car Accidents

At-Fault Drivers — The driver who caused the crash is usually held responsible under Georgia law. Most car accident cases involve claims based on negligence. O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6 allows a person to recover damages when another party fails to exercise reasonable care. If a driver was speeding, distracted, or under the influence, they can be held liable for any injuries or property damage caused.

Employers Of Commercial Drivers — When a commercial driver, such as a truck or delivery driver, causes an accident while working, their employer may also be held responsible. This falls under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. Georgia courts recognize this principle when an employee was acting within the scope of employment at the time of the crash. O.C.G.A. § 51-2-2 outlines employer liability for the actions of employees under certain conditions.

Car Manufacturers — If a car accident was caused by a defective vehicle part, such as brakes or airbags, the manufacturer may be liable. These cases fall under Georgia’s product liability laws. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11, manufacturers are held strictly liable for injuries caused by products that are not reasonably safe for their intended use.

Government Entities — In some cases, poor road design, broken traffic signals, or unsafe construction zones may contribute to a car accident. Government agencies may be held liable, but the process is different from suing a private party. Georgia’s sovereign immunity laws apply, but certain exceptions exist. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-21-23, the state may be liable for negligence in maintaining roads, bridges, or traffic control devices, but the victim must follow strict notice requirements and deadlines.

Georgia’s Comparative Fault Rule — Sometimes more than one person is at fault in a crash. Georgia uses a modified comparative fault rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. This means that if the victim is less than 50% at fault, they can still recover damages, but the amount is reduced based on their share of the blame. If the victim is 50% or more at fault, they cannot recover damages.

Time Limits For Filing A Claim — Victims must file a lawsuit within two years of the accident date under Georgia’s statute of limitations. This deadline is set by O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. If a claim is filed after that, the court will likely dismiss the case, even if the other party was clearly at fault. Shorter time limits may apply in claims involving government agencies.

Accident Reconstruction in Car Crashes — Accident reconstruction uses physical evidence—like skid marks, vehicle damage, and black box data—to determine how a crash happened and who was at fault. Experts recreate the collision to clarify speed, impact angles, and driver actions. This process is especially helpful in complex or disputed cases where liability is unclear.

Filing an Insurance Claim or Lawsuit After a Georgia Car Accident

Filing an insurance claim—or if needed, a personal injury lawsuit—is often the only way a Georgia car accident victim can get compensated for the full impact of the crash. After a serious collision, the costs begin immediately: ambulance fees, ER visits, surgeries, lost time from work, and pain that can last for months or even years. Some victims are left permanently disabled. Others can’t return to the same line of work again. For many, the stress isn’t just physical—it’s financial and emotional.

Under Georgia law, a person has the right to seek compensation when someone else causes them harm through negligent or reckless driving. This legal right is set out in O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6. A victim must prove that the other driver broke a traffic law, drove carelessly, or failed to act with reasonable caution. Filing a claim—first with insurance and, if necessary, in court—is how victims assert those rights and avoid paying for another driver’s mistake out of their own pocket.

Damages that may be recovered in a Georgia personal injury car accident case include:

• Emergency medical care, hospital bills, and follow-up treatment
• Physical therapy, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation
• Lost wages during recovery and loss of future income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress or trauma
• Costs to repair or replace the vehicle
• Permanent injury, disfigurement, or disability
• Punitive damages if the driver acted with extreme recklessness (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1)

Insurance companies are not required to pay what is fair—they are trained to pay as little as possible. Adjusters often look for ways to reduce or deny claims. Without a lawyer’s help, victims may accept a settlement that doesn’t begin to cover the full cost of their injuries.

Filing a lawsuit also ensures compliance with Georgia’s legal deadlines. According to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, a personal injury claim must be filed within two years of the accident. If the deadline is missed, the case is likely to be dismissed—no matter how clear the facts are.

Filing a claim is not about being aggressive or taking advantage of the system. It’s about making sure the victim—or their family—is not left paying for someone else’s mistake.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits After a Fatal Car Accident

When someone dies in a Georgia car accident, their family faces more than grief—they often lose the emotional, financial, and practical support that person provided. A wrongful death lawsuit gives surviving family members a way to hold the at-fault party accountable and to seek justice for the life that was cut short.

Under Georgia law, wrongful death claims are authorized by O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2. The law gives specific family members—the surviving spouse, children, or parents—the right to file the claim. If no eligible family member is available, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can bring the case on behalf of the next of kin.

The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to recover the full value of the person’s life, both in financial and intangible terms. That includes:

• The income the person would have earned if they had lived
• The value of services the person provided to their family
• The loss of companionship, guidance, and care
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Any medical bills and pain the person suffered before passing (claimed separately by the estate)

As with injury claims, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of death (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). Failing to act in time can permanently bar the family from pursuing justice.

What a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Does for the Victim

A Georgia car accident lawyer protects the victim’s rights, deals with insurance companies, and makes sure the victim isn’t left paying for someone else’s mistake. Their role is focused entirely on getting justice and securing full compensation under Georgia law.

• Investigates the Accident
  The lawyer gathers critical evidence—like police reports, witness statements, and medical records—to prove who was at fault and how serious the injuries are.
• Handles the Insurance Companies
  Insurance adjusters work for the company, not the victim. The lawyer takes over all communication to avoid mistakes and fight back against low settlement offers.
• Calculates the Full Value of the Case
  A lawyer looks beyond the immediate bills and considers future medical care, lost earnings, pain, suffering, and emotional harm.
• Meets All Legal Deadlines
  Most car accident lawsuits in Georgia must be filed within two years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). A lawyer ensures nothing is missed.
• Fights Blame-Shifting and Builds a Strong Case
  Georgia’s comparative fault rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) can reduce or block recovery if the victim is blamed. A lawyer pushes back with facts and law.

What Victims Should Do Right After a Car Accident

After a car accident in Georgia, the most important thing is to stay safe and follow the law. If anyone is injured or if there is property damage, the driver must stop at the scene, check on others, and call 911. The driver should also give their name, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration to the other party and to the police officer on the scene.

Next, anyone involved should seek medical attention right away, even if they feel fine. Injuries like whiplash or internal damage may not show symptoms immediately. Getting medical care helps protect their health and creates a medical record, which can be important in a legal claim.

Victims should take photos of the vehicles, the road, and any injuries if they are able. They should also gather names and contact information from any witnesses. While it’s okay to speak with police officers, they should not admit fault or guess about what happened.

It’s important to report the accident to their insurance company but avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer without first talking to a lawyer. Georgia drivers must file a crash report with the Georgia Department of Driver Services if the crash results in injury, death, or $500 or more in damage, as required by O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273.

Finally, they should contact a Georgia car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Legal advice can help protect their rights and ensure deadlines, like the two-year time limit to file a lawsuit under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, are not missed. Acting quickly helps build a stronger case and can make a major difference in the outcome.

Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage Matters in Georgia

Many Georgia drivers wrongly assume their “full coverage” insurance includes protection against uninsured or underinsured motorists (UM/UIM). Unfortunately, it often doesn’t—and the consequences can be financially devastating after a crash. Georgia law requires insurers to offer UM coverage, but many policyholders unknowingly waive it, putting themselves and passengers at risk. If you’re injured by a driver with little or no insurance, and you don’t have UM coverage, you may be left without compensation for medical bills or serious injuries.

Using Black Box Data After a Car Accident

Modern vehicles often include a “black box” or event data recorder (EDR) that captures key crash details like speed, braking, seatbelt use, and airbag deployment. This data can help prove fault and support insurance or injury claims. Since EDRs only store information for a short time—typically about 200 ignition cycles—it’s important to retrieve it quickly after a crash. In disputed or serious accidents, black box data can be crucial in establishing what really happened.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does someone have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in Georgia?
Two years from the date of the accident. (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33)

What if the other driver didn’t have insurance?
The victim can use their uninsured motorist coverage, if they have it. (O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11)

Can someone still get money if they were partly at fault?
Yes, as long as they were less than 50% at fault. (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33)

What if injuries weren’t obvious right after the crash?
The person can still file a claim once the injuries are discovered.

Will insurance pay for a rental car?
It depends on the insurance policy’s rental coverage.

Should someone talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
No, not without a lawyer. Insurance adjusters can use statements against them.

What if the crash happened while driving for work?
It may involve both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury case.

How much is a car accident case worth?
It depends on the injury, lost income, and other damages.

Do people really need a lawyer for a minor accident?
If there are injuries, it’s always safer to talk to a lawyer.

Additional Resources

• Georgia Department of Driver Services – If You Are Involved In A Crash — This page outlines what drivers in Georgia should do after a crash, including stopping safely, contacting law
  enforcement, and helping any injured individuals. It also includes rules about moving vehicles after a crash, legal obligations, and what to do in cases involving deer.
• Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety – County Data Sheets — This resource offers crash and injury data broken down by county in Georgia. It includes statistics on types of crashes, restraint use, and trends in traffic fatalities from recent years.
• Georgia Department of Transportation – GDOT Crash Data Dashboard — This source provides crash data from public roads in Georgia through an interactive dashboard. Users can filter crash data by region, crash type, and time period. It also includes information on obtaining crash reports, submitting crash data, and accessing technical support through the GEARS system.
• NHTSA – Overview of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes in 2022 — This research note from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides national traffic crash data for 2022. It covers fatalities, injuries, contributing factors like speeding and alcohol, and trends across different vehicle types and demographics.
• United States Department of Transportation – The Roadway Safety Problem — This source explains the current state of roadway safety in the United States. It includes data on vehicle fatalities, historical trends, and safety challenges. Readers can learn about contributing factors to traffic deaths, improvements in road safety efforts, and government strategies for reducing crash-related injuries and fatalities.
• CDC – About Transportation Safety — This source provides an overview of transportation safety in the U.S. It includes facts and statistics on crash-related deaths, injuries, and economic costs. Readers can also explore CDC topics like child passenger safety, impaired driving, distracted driving, and pedestrian safety, along with tools for improving road safety outcomes.
• National Library of Medicine – Causes of Fatalities in Motor Vehicle Occupants: An Overview — This source gives a detailed overview of causes of death in motor vehicle collisions based on forensic analysis. It covers types of trauma like blunt force, sharp force, asphyxia, and incineration. The article also discusses medical conditions that may lead to crashes and complications that cause death after initial injuries.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Car Accidents in Houston County, Georgia

McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.

Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.

• Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
• Macon Office: 478-238-6600
• Warner Robins: (478) 551-9901