According to research by the American Automobile Association (AAA), in 2017 alone, approximately 939 people were killed in accidents in which drivers ran a red light. Sadly, many other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are injured each year when negligent drivers fail to stop when the law requires them.
Thankfully, if you have suffered losses after a driver ran a stop signal, you may be entitled to recover damages. If the other party is found liable, you may be able to receive compensation for several unique losses you have endured.
Recoverable damages can include, but may not be limited to:
- Medical expenses
- Mental anguish
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Diminished income potential
- Ongoing care and accommodations for disabilities
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium and companionship if you have lost a loved one
- Funeral and burial costs
- And possibly more
When you retain a Johns Creek running a stop signal accident lawyer at our law firm, we can be there to represent your case and fight for your rights. Ideally, we hope our services can allow you to focus on your loved ones and your recovery while we work on your legal proceedings. After all, life does not stop after you are involved in a negligent accident.
For more information, contact a representative at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today at (404) 888-8888 to receive your free consultation.
Statistics About Running Stop Signals
According to AAA data on the fatalities resulting from running stop signals, 28% are drivers running a red light. Of those fatalities, 46% were the passengers in other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists represented more than 5%, and the negligent drivers themselves made up 35%.
For a free legal consultation with a running a stop signal lawyer serving Johns Creek, call (404) 888-8888
Understanding How Punitive Damages Work in Georgia
Damages like mental anguish, financial losses, and physical suffering fall under the category of economic and non-economic damages. However, Georgia also allows some victims to recover punitive damages.
Punitive damages are unique in that they are solely designed to punish severe offenders. To qualify for these damages, you must show that the offender displayed some form of malice or disregard for the safety of others. The presiding judge or jury will determine your eligibility. If they rule that you qualify for punitive damages, they will decide the appropriate amount of compensation.
Further, in accordance with the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 51-12-5.1, there is a $250,000 cap placed on punitive damages. No matter how much you are awarded, 75% must be paid into the state treasury. As for other forms of damages, there is no mandatory limit.
Johns Creek Running a Stop Signal Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Common Reasons Drivers Run Stop Signals
Excluding instances of mechanical failure, driver error causes the vast majority of stop-signal accidents. These errors include cognitive, physical, and mental mistakes.
Common causes of accidents at red lights include:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Speeding, thereby making the driver incapable of stopping in time
- Tailgating, or following too closely
- Improper lane changes
- Attempting to make illegal passes
- Accidentally pressing the gas pedal instead of the brake
- Attempting to run the red light
- Failure to yield
- And more
With so much going on in your life when an accident happens, it may seem difficult to prove negligence in your accident. Fortunately, a Johns Creek running a stop signal accident lawyer at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help. Our attorneys can investigate your accident and attempt to prove liability. Additionally, we can call upon third-party experts to shed light on your crash.
To learn more about proving liability in Georgia car accidents, contact a representative with Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today at (404) 888-8888 to receive your free consultation.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Injuries Commonly Seen in Stop Signal Accidents
The severity of your physical injuries can affect the amount of compensation you receive. Further, the extent of your psychological suffering can also affect your case value.
Common stop-signal accident injuries include, but may not be limited to:
- Injuries to the chest, midsection, or upper body from seat belts and airbags
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Tissue damage
- Burns
- Cuts from broken glass
- Wrongful death
- And more
A stop signal accident attorney may be able to help you better understand how these damages are calculated. Economic damages are sometimes multiplied to assign a monetary value to your intangible suffering.
Click to contact our Johns Creek Car Accident Lawyers today
Stop Signal Accident Lawyers Fighting for Victims in Johns Creek
When you retain a Johns Creek running a stop signal accident lawyer at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, our attorneys can offer a number of legal services to meet your specific needs.
Our services include:
- Settlement negotiations
- Communicating with the accused parties, their legal representation, and insurance companies
- Reviewing insurance policies
- Taking your case to trial
- Investigating your accident and attempting to prove liability
- Assigning a value to your case
- Proving legal guidance and educating you about relevant laws
- And more
Lastly, you should know that OCGA § 9-3-33 places a two-year statute of limitations on most personal injury claims. If you do not file a claim within two years of your injuries occurring, you may be unable to recover damages.
To get started with your free consultation today, contact a team member with Bader Scott Injury Lawyers at (404) 888-8888.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form