Georgia Car Accident Statistics 2024

Car accidents happen every day for a number of reasons, and it’s important for all drivers to acknowledge the risks they face every time they drive. While it’s not feasible for the average driver to accurately predict the actions of other motorists 100% of the time, there are a few things any driver can do to minimize their risk of having an accident. Knowing the biggest risk factors that you face and the state’s accident statistics can help you be a safer and more defensive driver.

In 2022, Georgia ranked fourth in the nation for the number of fatal accidents reported for any state. The percentage of drivers with an at-fault accident on their record in the state is 10.6%, which is 20% higher than the national average. There were about 15 fatalities in vehicle accidents per every 100,000 residents in 2022, and this number is projected to increase in 2024.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

While you cannot always predict how other drivers will behave, knowing the most common causes of accidents throughout the state each year can help minimize your risk of experiencing an accident. A few of the commonly reported causes of motor vehicle accidents throughout the state each year include:

• Distracted driving, which is responsible for most of the accidents in the United States each year. Whenever the driver takes their eyes, hands, and attention away from operating their vehicle, they dramatically increase their risk of an accident.
• Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. It is illegal for any driver to operate their vehicle while intoxicated, and the penalties for DUI can include fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. Penalties for DUI convictions increase with multiple defenses and when DUI results in bodily harm or death.
• Whenever a driver speeds, they reduce how much time and space they have to avoid a collision if traffic suddenly changes in front of them. Accidents that happen at higher speeds are more likely to result in serious or fatal injuries, and speeding is a top contributing factor to the fatal accident rate in the state.
• Traffic violations. Whether willful or negligent, any disruption of the flow of traffic can potentially cause a serious accident. Failure to yield the right-of-way and running red lights or stop signs are common examples of traffic violations that often result in accidents.

Georgia follows the fault rule for resolving accidents, so if you intend to recover from the damages you recently sustained in an accident, you must prove fault. An experienced attorney can help gather evidence and testimony you may need to firmly establish liability for the damages you suffered. Your attorney can then help file an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver, followed by a personal injury claim if their insurance cannot fully compensate you for your losses.

Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys provides comprehensive legal counsel to victims of car accidents and other personal injuries, and we can help you recover from your recent accident. Navigating the aftermath of any damaging motor vehicle accident can be very difficult without trustworthy legal counsel, and our firm has a solid professional reputation as a leading choice for legal representation.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Common Cause of Car Accidents?

A: Distracted driving is consistently cited as the top reported cause of all car accidents throughout the United States each year. Texting while driving is the most common form of distracted driving responsible for accidents, but any amount of inattention behind the wheel is potentially hazardous to the distracted driver, their passengers, and any other motorists around them.

Q: How Many Car Accidents Happen in the State Each Year?

A: Hundreds of thousands of car accidents occur throughout the state each year, resulting in tens of thousands of injuries and thousands of deaths. According to some of the recent accident data from the past several years across the United States, Georgia ranks in the top five states for the number of accidents and accident fatalities reported each year.

Q: What Are the Chances of Dying in a Car Accident?

A: According to recent accident statistics, there were 1,797 fatal crashes in the state during 2022, and this number is on track to increase in 2024. Ultimately, while one can parse through available accident data and arrive at a percentage fatality rate, there is no real way to accurately predict the chances of dying in an auto accident. Leading contributing causes to fatal accidents include excessive speeding, reckless driving, and DUI.

Q: Can I Sue for a Car Accident?

A: All drivers are required to have auto insurance, and this insurance pays for damages caused by a covered driver. However, if insurance alone cannot repay a victim’s losses, they have the right to file a personal injury claim against the driver who caused their accident. If you are unsure whether you have grounds to sue for a recent car accident, it is essential that you speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Trustworthy legal counsel helps you avoid common mistakes with personal injury claims that can jeopardize your recovery.

Q: Do I Need Legal Representation for an Auto Insurance Claim?

A: There are no laws requiring you to hire a car accident attorney to help with an auto insurance claim, but you have a much better chance of securing a fair and reasonable settlement offer from the insurer when it notices you have legal counsel. Unfortunately, not all insurers handle claims in good faith, and some will actively seek to deny claims unfairly or justify the lowest possible settlements. Your attorney can ensure you do not experience any such treatment and receive a fair settlement offer from the insurance carrier.

Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys can help navigate the aftermath of a damaging car accident with confidence. Our team has represented many past clients through a wide range of difficult accident cases, and whether you anticipate problems with your insurance claim and/or a contested personal injury suit against the at-fault driver, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the legal services we provide.