In Georgia, motor vehicle wrecks are one of the leading causes of serious injury and death—and the legal issues that follow are rarely simple. These cases often involve disputed liability, complex insurance questions, and injuries that can permanently alter a person’s ability to work or care for themselves. Insurance carriers are trained to minimize payouts from the beginning, and they frequently delay, deny, or devalue claims even when their driver is clearly at fault.
Georgia Motor Vehicle Wreck Lawyer
McArthur Law Firm represents victims in these situations with a clear focus: building a case that holds the responsible party accountable under Georgia law. That includes identifying all sources of recovery, preserving critical evidence, and demanding full compensation for the harm done. These are fact-specific, law-intensive cases, and they are not handled the same way as minor personal injury claims.
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
Types of Motor Vehicle Wrecks
Rear-End Collisions — Some of the most common types of wrecks in Georgia, these usually happen when one driver follows another too closely or gets distracted and fails to stop in time. These wrecks often occur in stop-and-go traffic, at red lights, or in heavy congestion. Under Georgia law, drivers must keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them. If they don’t and a crash happens, they can be held legally responsible.
Head-On Collisions — Among the most dangerous wrecks, these often result in severe injuries or death because both vehicles usually hit each other at high speeds. These wrecks may happen when a driver crosses the center line, drives the wrong way on a divided road, or swerves into oncoming traffic. Common causes include drunk driving, distracted driving, or falling asleep at the wheel.
Side-Impact (T-Bone) Crashes — Typically occurring at intersections, these wrecks happen when one vehicle runs a red light or stop sign and crashes into the side of another vehicle. These crashes are especially dangerous because the sides of vehicles offer less protection than the front or rear.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups — Frequently happening on highways or interstates, especially when visibility is low or traffic is moving fast, these wrecks involve several cars and can lead to a complicated legal situation. Determining who caused the initial crash and whether other drivers reacted properly can take time and require accident reconstruction.
Rollover Accidents — Caused by speeding, sharp turns, vehicle design issues, or road hazards, these are especially dangerous. SUVs and trucks are more likely to roll over due to their higher center of gravity. These wrecks are particularly hazardous because of the risk of ejection and roof crush injuries.
Airbag Accidents — While designed to protect passengers during collisions, malfunctioning or improperly deployed airbags can cause serious injuries. Common issues include airbags that deploy too forcefully, fail to deploy, or deploy unexpectedly. Injuries may include facial fractures, burns, hearing damage, and in some cases, fatal trauma.
Drunk Driving Crashes — One of the most dangerous causes of traffic collisions, these crashes occur when alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time, and motor skills. Victims of drunk driving accidents often suffer catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Commercial Vehicle Or Semi-Truck Wrecks — Due to the size and weight of these vehicles, such wrecks often cause serious injuries. These cases may involve multiple layers of liability, including the driver, the trucking company, and possibly a maintenance provider.
Hit And Run Wrecks — These occur when a driver causes a crash and leaves the scene without stopping. Such cases can be very upsetting for victims because they often face uncertainty about how to get help. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270, drivers involved in a crash causing injury or death must stop, provide information, and help the injured.
Types of Injuries Caused by Motor Vehicle Wrecks
Whiplash And Neck Injuries — When the head suddenly jerks forward and backward, it can strain the neck muscles and ligaments. People with whiplash often feel pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Rear-end collisions are a common cause.
Traumatic Brain Injuries — A blow to the head or a strong jolt can cause this type of injury, which is especially dangerous because symptoms aren’t always obvious right away. TBIs range from concussions to serious brain damage that may affect memory, speech, and movement. Victims might need long-term rehabilitation or permanent care.
Spinal Cord Injuries — Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or full paralysis, depending on its severity and location. These injuries often come from high-impact wrecks like rollovers or head-on collisions. A spinal injury can change every part of a person’s life—mobility, independence, and overall health.
Internal Injuries And Organ Damage — Life-threatening harm can occur to internal organs like the liver, lungs, or spleen, especially when internal bleeding goes unnoticed. These injuries may not show visible signs but can lead to serious complications. High-speed crashes and collisions with large vehicles are more likely to cause internal injuries.
Burns And Lacerations — Exposure to hot surfaces, fire, or chemicals in a crash may cause burns, while deep cuts can result from broken glass or sharp metal. These injuries may lead to infection, permanent scarring, or the need for reconstructive surgery.
Amputations And Crush Injuries — Victims of severe collisions may suffer injuries so severe that limbs are crushed or must be amputated. These injuries usually happen in wrecks involving trucks, rollovers, or high-speed impacts. Recovery is long and often requires surgery, prosthetics, and therapy.
Psychological Trauma — Mental and emotional aftereffects are often neglected, even though many crash victims deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. This can interfere with daily life, sleep, work, and relationships.
Where Georgia Motor Vehicle Wrecks Often Happen
Macon — In Macon, several roads are known for heavy traffic and frequent wrecks. I-75 runs directly through the city and often sees high-speed collisions, especially during peak travel times. Eisenhower Parkway is another busy route where car crashes such as rear-end and side-impact collisions regularly occur due to congestion and stop-and-go traffic. Auto accidents also happen near shopping centers and large intersections where visibility is limited and drivers may ignore traffic signals.
Atlanta — The city of Atlanta is one of the busiest locations in the Southeast, and its roads reflect that. The Downtown Connector, which combines I-75 and I-85, is a known trouble spot for wrecks, especially during rush hour. I-285, often called “The Perimeter,” circles the city and is known for fast-moving traffic, merging issues, and multi-car pileups. Roads like Buford Highway and Peachtree Street are also frequent sites of pedestrian accidents and motor vehicle crashes caused by aggressive lane changes or distracted driving.
Warner Robins Hotspots — In Warner Robins, Watson Boulevard and Russell Parkway are two of the most traveled roads and common sites for motor vehicle wrecks. These roads have a mix of fast-moving traffic, turning vehicles, and busy intersections, all of which increase the risk of accidents. Areas near Robins Air Force Base also see a high number of crashes due to heavy daily commuting traffic and multiple entry points.
Identifying Who May Be Liable in a Motor Vehicle Wreck
At-Fault Drivers — In most motor vehicle wrecks, the at-fault driver is legally responsible for the damages. Georgia follows a fault-based system, meaning the driver who caused the wreck is required to pay for injuries and losses. O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6 allows the injured person to recover damages if the other driver broke a legal duty, such as speeding or failing to yield, and that led to the crash.
Employers Of Commercial Drivers — When the driver who caused the wreck was operating a commercial vehicle, like a truck or delivery van, their employer may also be responsible. This is allowed under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-2, which says that an employer can be held liable for the actions of an employee if the employee was acting within the scope of their job at the time of the wreck.
Vehicle Manufacturers — A defective vehicle part or system—like brakes, steering, or airbags—that caused or contributed to the wreck may make the company that made or sold the vehicle responsible. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11, a manufacturer can be held strictly liable if the product was not reasonably safe for its intended use and caused injury.
Government Entities — The condition of the road itself can sometimes contribute to a wreck. Poor lighting, lack of signage, potholes, or dangerous curves that are not properly marked can all create hazards. If a city, county, or state agency was responsible for constructing and maintaining that part of the road and failed to do so, they may be held liable under O.C.G.A. § 32-4-93.
Georgia’s Comparative Fault Rule — A modified comparative fault system is used in Georgia. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, if a person is found to be partly at fault for a wreck, they can still recover damages—but only if they were less than 50% responsible. The total amount of money they receive will be reduced by their percentage of fault. This law often comes into play in multi-car wrecks or when both drivers made errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much compensation does a person usually get after a car accident in Georgia?
It depends on the injuries, damages, and who’s at fault.
Does the at-fault driver’s insurance have to pay for medical bills?
Yes, if that driver is found responsible and has insurance coverage.
Can someone file a lawsuit if the driver who caused the wreck fled the scene?
Yes, and uninsured motorist insurance may also help with the claim.
What happens if the injured person wasn’t wearing a seatbelt during the wreck?
They can still recover damages, but the amount may be reduced.
How long does someone have to sue after a motor vehicle accident in Georgia?
Two years from the date of the wreck, under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
Can a person still file a claim if they were partly at fault?
Yes, as long as they were less than 50% at fault for the crash.
Is it necessary to hire a lawyer to handle a motor vehicle accident claim?
It’s not required, but a lawyer can help protect legal rights and recover damages.
Can someone get money for pain and suffering after a wreck?
Yes, Georgia law allows for recovery of non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Will insurance rates go up even if the driver was not at fault?
Possibly. That depends on the insurance company’s policies and risk assessment.
What happens when a company vehicle is involved in the wreck?
The employer may be held responsible under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-2 if the driver was working.
Additional Resources
- CDC: Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths — This source from the CDC outlines the cost and impact of motor vehicle crash deaths in Georgia and other states. It includes 2018 data on fatalities, associated medical and work loss costs, and prevention strategies such as seat belt laws and ignition interlocks. It also offers tools for calculating the impact of crash prevention policies at the state level.
- NHTSA: Distracted Driving in 2023 — This report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides national statistics on distraction-affected crashes for 2023. It includes data on fatalities, injuries, age group trends, cellphone use, and economic costs. It also explains the limitations in data collection and how distraction is categorized in federal traffic crash data systems.
- Macon County Georgia: Private Property Accident Report — This page from Macon County, Georgia, explains how to report vehicle accidents that happen on private property. It outlines when police reports are required, how to exchange information after a crash, and how to obtain and complete the SR 13 form. It also lists legal circumstances where a full state crash report must be filed.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Motor Vehicle Wrecks in Fulton County, Georgia
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of 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 Dogherty 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
