When there’s been an accident, Georgia traffic accident laws pertaining to car accidents may be the last thing on your mind. While you may not be in the mood to deal with the details, it’s very important that you do. There are specific rules that apply to how you behave in a car accident, whether you are involved in the crash or simply driving near the scene. Failing to do so may endanger you or others, cause you to be fined or even charged with a crime, or damage a potential personal injury case. An Atlanta personal injury lawyer can offer legal help when navigating the personal injury claim process.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident on a Georgia road, the first law you need to remember is one that most of us learn long before we even learned to drive: Don’t leave the scene of an accident. You are obligated to stick around, exchange insurance information and other relevant information, and wait for help.
Drivers are also obligated by law to “stop and render aid” following an accident. This means helping anyone who is injured, if you are able to do so. In most cases, the best way to help is to call 9-1-1. You shouldn’t attempt to move an injured person unless he or she is in imminent danger. Similarly, you should remove yourself from sources of immediate danger, such as fire, oncoming vehicles or a violent altercation.
Georgia traffic accident laws also apply to when and how to move a vehicle following a car accident. If there have been no serious injuries or deaths resulting from the crash, drivers should attempt to move vehicles out of traffic and to a safe spot on the shoulder of the road. This helps prevent collisions and obstructions. Moving a vehicle should be done only if it is safe to do so. You shouldn’t put your life in danger in order to get to the vehicle, and you shouldn’t try to operate it if it isn’t functioning normally.
Adhering to all of these Georgia traffic accident laws, cooperating with the police, going through all proper insurance channels, and hiring an Atlanta personal injury lawyer may help improve a potential injury claim if you're injured in the accident.
The Move-Over Rule under Georgia Traffic Accident Laws
Georgia’s traffic accident laws do not only pertain to those involved in the accident. They also cover motorists who approach and pass a car accident scene. Some drivers fail to take precautions when passing a crash site and either go too fast or drive too close to the scene, putting first responders and others at the scene at risk.
Georgia’s Move-Over Law was passed to help protect emergency service workers and others from being injured at the scene of a crash. The law states that when approaching the scene of an accident, routine traffic stop or construction on the shoulder of the highway, all drivers must move over one lane when possible. If it is not possible for drivers to move over one lane, he or she must slow down and be prepared to stop.
Seeking Legal Help from an Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer
Behaving properly and lawfully following an automobile accident can have a positive impact on any personal injury lawsuit you decide to file with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer’s help. Be sure to seek medical attention if you feel you are hurt after a crash. If the injury is serious, go to the hospital; if it is not, make an appointment with your doctor/general practitioner as soon as you are able. Not all injuries manifest right away, so it’s a good idea to get checked out.
Some injuries – whether they are immediate or develop over time -- cause serious and lasting complications that can rob you of your income, peace of mind and quality of life. If you’ve been injured in an automobile accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Speak with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer today to learn about your options and be sure to adhere to all Georgia traffic accident laws following your car accident.