Georgia Injury Lawyers Blog
The Atlanta-Journal Constitution is reporting that we can expect an increase in vehicle traffic of almost 3% this year. More cars on the road doesn’t just mean more traffic – it also means that your chances of getting into an accident are higher than normal. Recognizing this fact can help you be prepared so that you can keep your family safe.
The car accident lawyers at Slappey & Sadd have been working with car accident victims in the Atlanta area and across the state of Georgia since 1992. We have the knowledge and experience our clients need to get them the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, we can help. Call us at 888-474-9616 or send us an email to schedule a free consultation about your case.
Drivers Under the Influence
You should be aware that there are likely to be more drivers on the road than usual who have been drinking. Young adults often return home from college and get together with friends, returning home late at night after consuming several drinks. People may be returning home from family dinners, driving home under the influence of alcohol. If you are on the road late at night over the holiday weekend, keep your distance from other vehicles and be on the lookout for erratic drivers.
Drowsy Driving
Speaking of driving late at night, people driving while sleepy is another common problem over the holiday weekend. They may have spent long hours behind the wheel to get home, leaving them drowsy and unalert. They may be driving home sleepy as a result of eating a large meal on Thanksgiving day. No matter the reason, drowsy drivers can pose a definite hazard to other drivers on the road.
Stop and Go Traffic
The increase in traffic volume will almost certainly lead to traffic jams, with traffic suddenly and unexpectedly stopping. This can increase your risk of getting into a rear-end collision. Stay alert, keep your distance from the vehicles in front of you, and regularly check your rearview mirrors to hopefully avoid an accident.
Mechanical Failures
Broken down or disabled cars can also create dangerous driving conditions. People often head out for the weekend without making sure their car is roadworthy. Mechanical failures can cause an accident if the car can’t stop in time or otherwise become unsafe. A disabled vehicle on the road can also cause unpredictable traffic patterns than can lead to an accident.
What to Do if You’re In an Accident
The first thing to do is to stay calm. If you or anyone in your car is injured, you should call 911 and seek immediate medical attention. Otherwise, the next thing you should do is call the non-emergency number for the highway patrol or local police. After that, you should do the following:
- Get the other driver’s contact and insurance information.
- Snap a picture of the other driver’s license plate with your phone.
- Get pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle.
- Get the contact information for any witnesses to the accident.
Contact Slappey & Sadd – Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers
On behalf of all of us here at Slappey & Sadd, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday weekend. However, if you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to help. Contact us at 888-474-9616 or to schedule a free consultation with one of our car accident attorneys to discuss your case.