Georgia does not require routine vehicle safety inspections to identify equipment problems before they cause a car accident. Since there are no car inspection laws in Georgia, drivers in Marietta, GA, and elsewhere in the state are responsible for identifying and fixing any vehicle problems.
According to a query on the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Crash Portal, about 5% of the state’s crashes are caused by equipment faults. This number might seem small, but over 87,000 traffic crashes resulted from vehicle malfunctions from 2019 to 2023. If you were injured by a driver who put a dangerous vehicle on the road, a Marietta car accident attorney with The Auto Accident Attorneys Group can help you. Contact us today at (866) 220-1490.
How The Auto Accident Attorneys Group Can Help After An Accident In Marietta, GA
The Auto Accident Attorneys Group was founded six years ago to represent injured clients in Marietta, Georgia. Our Marietta personal injury attorneys have successfully recovered hundreds of millions in settlements and verdicts for crash victims.
After you get injured, we can offer the following services:
- Evaluate your case and discuss your legal options for seeking compensation
- Collect evidence, such as medical records and police reports
- Prepare your insurance claim and discuss settlement with the other party’s insurer
- File a lawsuit against the at-fault party if settlement discussions fail
A car accident can result in physical, mental, and financial trauma. Contact The Auto Accident Attorneys Group for a free consultation to discuss your crash and the compensation we can recover for your injuries.
What Is An Equipment-Based Car Accident Case Worth?
Although equipment failures only cause about 5% of Georgia’s crashes, these collisions can still lead to severe injuries. One of the primary factors in determining the value of a car accident case resulting from an equipment malfunction is whether the driver knew about the problems with their vehicle.
Georgia repealed its annual inspection law. As a result, there is no system in place to identify dangerous vehicles. This means you must rely on the other driver to do all of the following:
- Reasonably maintain their vehicle
- Identify when problems arise
- Take reasonable steps, like refraining from driving the car until it’s been repaired
If your car accident lawyer has evidence that the driver or vehicle owner failed to take any of these measures, you may have a claim against them.
What Compensation Is Available to Accident Victims After An Equipment Failure?
This compensation after a car crash can cover economic and non-economic losses, such as:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past income losses
- Diminished future earning ability
Thus, the compensation you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries. Family members can also pursue wrongful death claims after a fatal car accident.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Car Accident Lawyer?
Injury lawyers typically charge a contingency fee. This means that what you pay will depend on the compensation the lawyer recovers. If the lawyer settles or wins your case, you will pay a percentage of the compensation as a legal fee.
Can I Recover Compensation If The Other Driver Blames Me For A Car Accident In Georgia?
Georgia uses comparative fault when multiple parties are responsible for causing an injury. Specifically, if a crash victim was partly at fault, the claims adjuster or jury can assign them a share of the blame. Their compensation will be reduced proportionally. However, if they are assigned 50% or more blame, they will be barred from recovery.
For example, suppose that a rideshare driver ran a red light, and you were unable to stop in time because your brakes failed. If the insurer’s lawyer can prove you knew you needed new brake pads but neglected to replace them, you might be partially at fault. If you get 15% of the blame, you can only recover 85% of your losses. If you are assigned 55% of the blame, you will not be able to recover anything.
Recovering Compensation For All Your Car Accident Injuries
Crashes that result from equipment failures cause the same injuries as other collisions, including the following:
- Fractures
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Chest bruises
Catastrophic injuries can happen as well. For example, if a semi truck’s trailer hitch malfunctions, the resulting truck accident could injure the head and spine.
What Causes Equipment-Related Car Accidents In Marietta, GA?
According to the GDOT Crash Portal, the most common equipment faults that result in car accidents include the following:
- Brake failure
- Blown tire
- Worn or slick tire
- Steering failure
- Broken or malfunctioning lights
Before it repealed its inspection law, a mechanic would have identified these problems during the safety check.
How Long Do I Have to File A Lawsuit After A Car Accident In Georgia?
Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should act promptly after an injury because a judge can dismiss a case if a victim misses the deadline without a legally recognized excuse.
What Should I Do After A Car Accident?
When a crash results from an equipment failure, documentation of the accident is critical. Report the accident so the police can investigate and photograph the malfunctioning vehicle if possible. Finally, get contact information from any witnesses who can verify what happened. Once you have done so, it is always a good idea to contact a personal injury lawyer who has experience with equipment failure crashes.
Contact Our Marietta Car Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
Since Georgia repealed its car inspection laws, drivers must be vigilant for any equipment problems. When you get hit by a faulty vehicle, contact The Auto Accident Attorneys Group for a free consultation to discuss your case with a Marietta car accident lawyer.
