Over the last few years, Georgia has seen an increase in serious car accidents. In 2021, more than 1,800 people died on Georgia’s roads, and many more were seriously injured. The majority of these accidents were caused by drivers engaging in unsafe and reckless behavior, like speeding.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident that was caused by a speeding driver, you’re entitled to compensation. Jamie Ballard has more than eight years of legal experience and can help to ensure that the at-fault driver is held responsible for the damages they caused.
Jamie specializes in personal injury cases and can provide you with the high-quality representation that you need. With a skilled and experienced Smyrna speeding accident lawyer on your side, you can expect support and results.
How Does Speeding Increase the Odds of Causing an Accident?
Speed limits exist for a reason. When a driver goes above the posted limit, they’re at increased risk of losing control of their vehicle. According to a study conducted by the University of California at Berkeley, a 1% increase in speed increases the risk of an accident by 2%.
Not only does speeding make accidents more likely to occur, but it also increases the risk of serious injuries. High-speed collisions have a greater impact, which means injuries are more likely to be severe or even fatal. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 26% of all fatal motor accidents in 2019 involved speeding.
While vehicles are equipped with safety features designed to protect passengers, such as airbags and safety belts, these features aren’t always tested at high speeds. When someone chooses to speed, they put themselves and others on the road at risk.
Georgia Statute O.C.G.A. §40-6-180 says that no driver should operate a vehicle at speeds higher than what is “reasonable and prudent” under road conditions. If you’ve been involved in an accident, and the other driver was speeding, they are in violation of that statute, making them liable for the accident.
How Can I Show That the Other Driver Was Speeding When They Hit Me?
In some cases, there’s airtight evidence of speeding. For example, a speeding driver may have been captured by dashcam footage or a traffic camera. There may also be witnesses, including police, that can testify that the other driver was speeding. However, even if a case doesn’t have this kind of clear-cut evidence, it’s still possible to prove that the other motorist was driving above the speed limit.
Many claims rely on evidence collected at the scene of the accident, such as skid marks, road debris, and the damage done to both vehicles. Car manufacturers have collision ratings for their vehicles. If one or both cars sustained significant damage, that could help to establish that the at-fault driver was speeding.
Your attorney can enlist expert witnesses to testify on your behalf, strengthening your claim. In addition, they can work to preserve and collect other valuable pieces of evidence, including GPS data and data from a vehicle’s electronic data recorder (EDR). Showing that the other driver was speeding isn’t always easy, but a skilled lawyer can secure the proof you need for a successful claim.
How Much Time Do I Have to Make an Accident Claim in Smyrna, GA?
The amount of time you have to file a speeding accident claim in Georgia varies based on the type of damage that the accident caused. For accidents that resulted in bodily injury or death, claims must be made within two years of the date of the accident. If a criminal investigation takes place, this limit can be paused for up to six years.
If the victim of an accident is a minor, the clock does not begin to run until after the victim reaches the age of majority. The time limit may also be extended if injuries caused by the accident are not discovered until a later date. In these cases, the victim has two years from the date of discovery to make a claim.
For accidents that caused property damage but no bodily injury, claims must be filed within four years of the date of the accident. If the claim is being made against a government vehicle, however, that limit is shortened to one year.
It’s important to remember that these limits on claims refer to Georgia state laws, not insurance company policies. Insurers may have their own limits outlined in their policy. You’ll want to make sure you comply with the terms outlined in your insurance policy if you want to be compensated.
In virtually all cases, it’s best to start the claims process as soon as possible. When a claim is filed early on, it’s easier to collect evidence that supports your claim. Reach out to an experienced speeding accident lawyer right away so that you can get the process started.
Why Do I Need a Smyrna Speeding Accident Lawyer?
Hiring an attorney after a speeding accident can help you in countless ways. The claims-filing process can be overwhelming, especially if you’re recovering from an injury. Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible and may pressure you to accept a settlement that’s much lower than the true value of your claim.
When you work with a lawyer that specializes in speeding accidents, you’ll have support and guidance from a professional throughout this process. Your attorney can review your case, collect evidence, and determine what your claim is actually worth. They can handle negotiations with the insurance company, making sure that your interests are represented.
In addition, an attorney can complete forms and paperwork, ensuring that all necessary documents are submitted in a timely manner. They can provide advice and insight, helping you to make the right decisions about how your claim should proceed. An attorney will fight to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. If the insurance company refuses to offer a suitable settlement, they can even prepare your case for trial.
The financial toll of a speeding car accident can be devastating. These accidents often result in significant property damage and severe bodily injuries. This makes it all the more important to work with someone that can advocate for you without this process. Having proper representation can give you peace of mind during a difficult time.
How Much Will a Smyrna Speeding Accident Lawyer Cost?
Many accident victims avoid talking to a lawyer because they have concerns about cost. If you’re in this position, you should know that it’s possible to get the representation you need without paying expensive legal fees.
Jamie Ballard works on contingency, which means you won’t have to pay anything until after you’re awarded a settlement. Instead of paying bills upfront, your lawyer will take a percentage of the settlement you receive. You have nothing to lose by talking to an attorney, but you do have a lot to gain.
Contact Jamie Ballard Law for a Free Case Review!
Speeding is reckless, negligent behavior that has severe consequences. If you were in an accident caused by a speeding motorist, that driver should be held liable for the harm they caused to you.
A Smyrna speeding accident lawyer at Jamie Ballard Law will assess your claim and determine what you’re owed. We’ll investigate your case and will work hard to collect compensation for you while you focus on your recovery.
To schedule a free consultation, contact our firm at 404-301-1687. Remember, there are no fees and no obligations. You won’t owe us anything unless we get you the money you’re owed. Reach out to us today so that we can get to work for you.
