Recent Morning Crash in Forsyth County
The morning commute of 2024 in Forsyth County was met by delays due to a multi-vehicle accident. The crash took place at the crossing of Browns Bridge Road and Keith Bridge Road before 6 a.m. on January 2, 2024.
Although no injuries were reported, the crash took place at a popular intersection. In one of Georgia’s fastest-growing communities, a crash can easily turn into a multi-vehicle pile-up.
Keep reading to find out the main causes of multi-vehicle crashes and how Georgia handles negligence claims in car accident cases.
Chain Reaction Accidents
On busy roads and highways, a multi-vehicle crash is more likely to occur during the morning and evening rush hour commute. These crashes are also known as “chain reaction” accidents since they are often caused by a rear driver crashing into a lead vehicle.
A “chain reaction” can easily involve several vehicles. Below, we discuss the reasons that a rear driver may fail to stop in time, causing a multi-vehicle crash.
Causes of Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Adverse Road Conditions
It can be challenging to judge how long it will take your vehicle to stop on icy roads. Every vehicle handles slippery conditions differently. If you fail to slow down in time in dense traffic, the result can be disastrous.
Sun Glare
Sun glare, especially at midday, can obstruct a driver’s view of traffic. A recent study showed that car accidents resulting in serious injuries increased by 16% when sun glare was a factor.
Distracted Drivers
In 2021, over 3,500 people died due to accidents in which there was at least one distracted driver. Distracted driving is any action that takes your attention away from the road, including eating, drinking, changing the road station, speaking on your cell phone, or having a conversation with passengers. Even if traffic seems light, it is in your best interest to keep your eyes on the road.
Drowsy Drivers
Drowsy drivers may be as dangerous as distracted drivers. A recent study revealed that drowsy driving contributed to 20% of all fatal accidents. If you are exhausted, you lack the acuity and reflexes needed to safely operate your vehicle.
Speeding and Risky Behavior
It takes a normal passenger vehicle 316 feet to come to a complete stop driving at 65 miles per hour. That is almost the length of a football field. If someone is traveling ten miles per hour over the posted sixty-five mile per hour speed limit, it will take your vehicle 356 feet (an entire football field) to stop.
Georgia Negligence Laws
Georgia uses modified comparative negligence. This allows each party to receive compensation based on the individual’s degree of fault. According to Georgia Code § 51-12-33, if a plaintiff has some degree of liability for their own injuries, the individual’s compensation will be reduced by his or her degree of fault.
For example, if at trial a jury renders a verdict for $40,000 but are determined to be 40% at fault, your verdict claim will be reduced by $16,000. You will only receive $24,000 of your jury verdict. If you are 50% or more at fault for a crash, you will receive nothing.
“Damages” are compensation for any injury that are intended to make you “whole” again following an accident. In a car accident suit, you may be able to receive damages for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Injured in a Crash? Contact our Forsyth County Car Accident Attorneys
Commuting is a daily part of our lives. When one driver fails to stop in time, no matter the reason, you should be reimbursed for your injuries and losses.
If you have recently been the victim of a multi-vehicle crash, our Forsyth County car accident attorneys are here to offer you assistance. Contact us today online or by calling