During the pandemic, many people worked from home and avoided large crowds. They embraced the great outdoors and sheltered in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. As a result, many safety experts hoped car accident injuries and fatalities would decrease during this time. Unfortunately, that has proven not to be the case.
A recent GDOT review showed that traffic fatalities were actually higher in 2020 than in 2019. This was despite the pandemic-induced 40-50 percent reduction in traffic. Through the first half of 2020, 1202 people died on Georgia roads according to the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Why did car accident fatalities increase? Experts and GDOT professionals believe that the increase in fatalities was due to drivers being able to exceed the speed limit more frequently. With fewer cars on the road, motorists began to drive faster and more recklessly. They failed to slow down in construction zones and at intersections. Where there would have normally been a bottleneck of traffic, drivers cruised through traveling in excess of 75mph. This makes crashes more deadly.
This trend was evident when the WSB Traffic Team counted accidents. They noted far fewer fender benders and more horrific high-speed crashes. Drag racers also increased during this time, which can put other motorists and bystanders in danger.
One shocking realization was the fact that during the pandemic, more people were simply not wearing their seatbelts. This made high-speed car accidents on Georgia roads even more dangerous.
Where are the Most Dangerous Roads in Georgia?
Accidents can occur on any road in the state of Georgia. However, some roads and highways are simply more dangerous than others. Whether it is the design of the road or its frequent usage, these roads make the list of the most dangerous roads in the state.
- I-20 in Atlanta
- Mike Padgett Highway in Augusta
- I-75 in Kennesaw and Atlanta
- Lee St SW in Atlanta
- I-85 in Atlanta
- Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur
- I-16, connecting Savannah and Macon
- Martin Luther King Jr. Dr in Atlanta
- Old National Highway in Atlanta
- Houston Road in Macon
These are just a few of the deadly roads located in Georgia. In fact, the Peach State is ranked 15th on the list of the worst drivers. Atlanta, in particular, is known for its high accident rate due to the number of cars on the road at all time. In fact, according to INRIX’s 2016 Global Traffic Scorecard, Atlanta ranked eighth in the world for congestion. The average driver in Atlanta spent 70 hours in traffic each year.
What To Do If You Are Injured in a Georgia Car Accident
When you suffer an injury in a car accident, it can be difficult to know what to do next. In the immediate hours and days after the accident, the steps you take can have a significant impact on the outcome of your injury case. Here are some of the steps you should take after a car accident in Georgia.
- Call 911
- Speak to police so they can fill out police report
- Seek medical help
- Take pictures of accident scene if able
- Obtain contact information for “at fault” driver
- Follow doctor’s orders and treatment plan
- Report accident to your insurance company
- Do not speak to other driver’s insurance company
- Do not give recorded statement
- Contact an attorney
If you cannot complete all of these steps – do not worry! Simply call an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer from the start, and they can help protect your rights. While you focus on your recovery, your lawyer will gather the evidence needed, talk to insurance companies for you, and work to get your car repaired quickly.
They will also make sure you do not miss any critical deadlines for filing a claim. In the state of Georgia, you only have two years to file an injury claim. In some cases, you may have even less time. This is especially true if your accident involved a government vehicle.
For this reason alone, it is important not to wait to contact an experienced Georgia car accident attorney.
Contact Our Georgia Car Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you love suffered an injury in an accident in Atlanta or anywhere in the state of Georgia, you need a compassionate and aggressive team of personal injury lawyers on your side. The Kim Law Team is dedicated to protecting and safeguarding the rights of all car accident victims. From rear-end car accidents in Buckhead to deadly head-on collisions in College Park, we are there for you. Call 404-587-8946 or fill out our confidential contact form. Just call and JUST WIN.
back to news
