Auto Accidents Can Happen to Anyone in Duluth

Duluth personal injury lawyer and accident attorney, David Brauns, and his paralegal discussing an injury claim in the law office's lobby

Did you suffer injuries in a car accident in Duluth, Georgia? Are you struggling to recover while your medical bills pile up, and you’re too hurt to work? If someone else is to blame for your injuries, they could owe you compensation for these and other losses. And while navigating the legal system to seek the financial relief you need can be challenging, you don’t have to do it alone. Our Duluth car accident lawyers are here to help.

At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, we have secured millions of dollars in settlements and trial verdicts for injury victims in Duluth, GA and surrounding areas. Our personal injury law firm is committed to providing compassionate, personalized service to every client as we pursue the best possible outcome for their case. Let us handle the legal details, so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us now for a free initial case review to learn more about how our Duluth car accident lawyer can help you.

Types of Car Accidents We Handle Near Duluth, GA

Our Duluth car wreck attorneys are knowledgeable about all types of car accident cases, including:

  • Head-on collisions – A head-on collision occurs when the front end of one vehicle collides with the front end of another. Many head-on wrecks occur at intersections and on undivided highways.
  • Sideswipe crashes – Sideswipe crashes occur when the broadside of one vehicle scrapes or swipes against the side of another vehicle. Sideswipe accidents commonly occur when drivers are distracted or impaired.
  • T-bone accidents – A T-bone accident is one in which the front end of one vehicle collides with the broadside of another vehicle, resembling the shape of a capital letter “T.” These crashes often occur at intersections when one car is turning.
  • Rear-end collisions – A rear-end collision happens when the front end of one vehicle collides with the rear end of the car in front of it. Many rear-end collisions occur at intersections and on congested roads with stop-and-go traffic.
  • Angle-impact crashes – An angle-impact crash occurs when two vehicles collide at an angle. Angle-impact collisions are often devastating because vehicle occupants have less protection than they do in straight-on or side-impact wrecks.
  • Rideshare crashes – Ride sharing companies, such as Uber and Lyft, have been giving traditional taxicab companies a run for their money over the past decade. This competition is especially evident in metropolitan areas like downtown Duluth, GA. Passengers injured in these collisions are innocent victims. They can suffer debilitating injuries and may have to undergo certain medical procedures, treatment, and therapy, all the while incurring significant medical bills and losing time from work in the process.

Some of the Results We Have Obtained For Our Duluth Car Accident Clients

Since the formation of Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC in February 2008, our experienced professionals have secured millions of dollars in compensation for our motor vehicle accident clients through both jury awards and settlements. Some of our representative successful cases include a $3.5 million jury verdict for a client who was rear-ended by an ambulance and a settlement of nearly $400,000 in another accident involving a rear-end collision at a traffic light.

Our Duluth accident lawyer focuses the practice exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death litigation, and that is all that we do. We are devoted to helping people get the help that they need after they were harmed through no fault of their own and who are now stuck dealing with insurance companies who are trying to take advantage of the situation.

Our legal team pride ourselves on furnishing the best customer service to our clients. Our car accident lawyers take care of all of it. You need to focus on healing from your injuries and taking care of your loved ones. You shouldn’t feel alone, and you shouldn’t have to deal with adjusters who are trained to handle your claim to the insurance companies’ advantage. Let us help you. Call us or contact us online today to set up your free consultation.

How Our Duluth Car Accident Attorneys Can Help

At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, our auto accident lawyers take the harm that you have suffered because of the negligence or recklessness of other parties, personally. Located in Duluth, we care too much about your future to think of your case as just one of many that we have to work on. We take pride in the fact that we are a relatively small law firm because it allows us to work efficiently and dedicate ourselves to every one of our clients. We know what you have gone through, and we pledge to diligently work on your behalf to not only help you obtain the compensation you need, but also give you the attention and service that you deserve.

Before devoting his practice exclusively to the representation of people who have suffered injuries, David Brauns, the founder of our law firm, spent several years as an insurance defense attorney, and this experience allows him to anticipate the tactics that his trial opponents might raise in the courtroom.

Our auto accident lawyers have helped families and loved ones recover from many types of traffic collisions in Duluth, GA including;

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What Our Clients Say

“We asked if we can see him as soon as possible and he said how about today; from that day on he hit the ground running. He took the time to listen and answered any questions. He explained the process. I thank him for restoring what someone took from us. A peace of mind.”

- Lisa C.

“Mr. Brauns is the BEST!! He and his staff are CARING, UNDERSTANDING, AND THOROUGH!! I would recommend him to anyone!!!! I absolutely love his service!!!!”

- Latonya W.

“This is the most professional firm I have ever worked with. David answers my calls and e mails quickly. I chose David because I learned more about the process of a claim from his website than I did from my former attorney. I knew every step along the way what to expect and felt totally prepared through the entire process. If you want great customer service and to be treated fairly and honestly, I suggest you call David Brauns.”

- D. Campbell

Traffic Accidents Are a Common Occurrence in Duluth, GA

More than 35,000 traffic accident fatalities took place in the United States in one recent year—an increase from almost 33,000 the previous year, a 7.2 percent increase in fatalities. That was the largest percentage increase in deaths since, a rise of 8.1 percent from 1965 to 1966. The federal government estimates that nearly 2.5 million people suffered injuries in traffic accidents in 2015.

Think a traffic accident can’t happen to you? You might want to rethink that:

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4.8 Million
Injuries in 2020
17%
Speeding involved crashes increased in 2020

Injuries Typically Sustained in Car Accidents

Drivers, passengers, and other road users can suffer various injuries in car crashes. The blunt-force trauma from the initial impact of the collision can be dangerous. Slamming into airbags, dashboards, and other interior surfaces can result in catastrophic injuries.

Some examples of the car wreck injuries that victims typically suffer include:

  • Dislocated or broken bones
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • Amputation injuries
  • Bruises, lacerations, and puncture wounds
  • Soft tissue strains, sprains, and tears
  • Leg, knee, ankle, and foot injuries
  • “Road rash” and other burns
  • Emotional and psychological injuries
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

What to Do After an Auto Accident That Was Someone Else’s Fault

If you get hurt in a car accident through no fault of your own, the actions you take in the days and weeks that follow are crucial. You can protect your legal rights and lay a solid foundation for your claim by:

  • Seeking medical care to have your injuries diagnosed, treated, and documented
  • Following your doctor’s care plan to support your body’s ability to heal
  • Gathering evidence from the crash scene, including photos of the wreckage, contact information and insurance details from the other driver, and witness statements
  • Keeping medical bills, proof of income, and other crash-related documents
  • Creating a “pain journal” to record regular observations about the pain and personal limitations you endure as a result of the accident
  • Watching what you say to the other driver, the insurance company, and any other third parties
  • Refraining from sharing information or photos online while your claim is pending
  • Contacting a knowledgeable, local car accident lawyer in Duluth, GA for guidance

What to Know About Fatal Duluth Car Accidents

Unfortunately, many motor vehicle accidents, including those involving pedestrians, resulting in fatal injuries. In fact, according to the most recently reported statistics from the Governors Highway Safety Association, the number of pedestrian deaths around the country increased by approximately 5 percent over the previous year, and it has seen a steady increase since 2009.

The reasons for this include the greater number of light trucks and sports utility vehicles on the road. These vehicles have demonstrated that they are more likely to cause pedestrian fatalities because they are heavier and higher off the ground than smaller passenger vehicles. The GHSA report noted that Georgia was one of five states that collectively accounted for 47 percent of those fatalities that year, even though those states comprise only one-third of the nation’s population.

In Duluth and its surrounding areas, dozens of reported traffic fatalities occur yearly. Many attributed it to speeding, alcohol, or drugs. While it is not easy to prove, distracted drivers may cause many others. However, the technology in many newer vehicles can often show whether a driver braked or slowed down immediately before the crash. Areas like Pleasant Hill Road and Duluth Highway experience high numbers of fatal crashes, especially during rush hour. A Duluth car accident lawyer can help you file a lawsuit under the state’s wrongful death statute if you have lost a loved one in such an accident.

Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Duluth, GA

Car accidents occur for various reasons, but most are due to driver error. Common causes of traffic collisions in Duluth include:

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Driving under the influence

The cognitive effects of alcohol, recreational drugs, and some prescription medications can severely impair safe driving abilities like depth perception, reaction time, and short-term memory recall, increasing the likelihood of a crash.

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Distracted driving

Operating a motor vehicle is complex and requires a driver’s full attention. Motorists who text, talk on the phone, or are otherwise distracted are more likely to crash.

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Driver fatigue

A severely sleep-deprived motorist is often just as dangerous behind the wheel as a driver who is under the influence of alcohol. Fatigued drivers commonly have difficulty staying within designated lanes and sometimes even fall asleep at the wheel.

 

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Defective car parts

Problems in the manufacturing process can result in dangerous defects. Poor maintenance can cause the failure of critical components. When defective parts fail while a car is on the road, a driver can lose control of the vehicle and crash.

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Bad road conditions

Some car accidents occur due to poor road conditions, such as inadequate drainage, low lighting, large or excessive potholes, and damaged or missing traffic control signs. The government agency responsible for maintaining the roadway may be responsible for these types of accidents.

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Driving errors

Drivers who are inexperienced, forgetful, or confused often commit dangerous driving errors, such as failing to yield the right-of-way or going the wrong way down a one-way road, putting themselves and others at risk.

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Reckless driving

Drivers who are impatient or aggressive often drive recklessly by tailgating and lane-weaving, significantly increasing the risk of catastrophic accidents.

How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?

Insurance companies and lawyers investigate the accident to determine who is at fault. They may gather evidence such as:

  • Accident reports – Accident reports from the police typically include details like the contact information for all parties involved, relevant insurance policies, road conditions at the time of the crash, diagrams of the collision, and law enforcement’s initial opinions regarding fault.
  • Photos – Clear, good-quality photos show investigators precisely what everything looked like in the moments after the collision. This includes the orientation of the wreckage, weather, vehicle damage, and visible injuries.
  • Video footage – Video footage from traffic cameras, dash cams, and security cameras might show what happened in the moments just before and during the collision, which can reduce uncertainty surrounding fault.
  • Witness statements – Statements from reliable witnesses are often a valuable source of evidence because they are unbiased and have no stake in the outcome of your injury claim.
  • Expert testimony – Experts like medical providers and accident reconstruction specialists can use their professional experience to provide compelling testimony about the causes and effects of the wreck.

Duluth, GA Car Accident FAQs

Car accidents in and around Duluth take place because of many reasons. In many cases, these accidents occur due to an error on the part of a motor vehicle driver. Driver negligence, however, is not the only cause of a Duluth car accident.

Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:

  • Distracted driving

    Motor vehicle operators owe a duty of care to other drivers. More to the point, they must operate their vehicle in a careful, safe, and prudent manner at all times. This duty of care includes refraining from distracted driving. Distracted driving usually involves paying attention to some electronic devices, such as cell phones or tablets, while driving. The driver may be trying to send a text message or email, for example. At other times, young children in the car (who might be engaging in horseplay, for instance) or loud music from the car stereo may distract the driver. According to statistics provided by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving accounted for approximately 2,841 deaths nationwide back in 2018. Therefore, when drivers operate their vehicles with not all of their attention on the road, they significantly increase the likelihood that they will bring about a collision with another vehicle.

  • Negligent motor vehicle operation

    Just as motor vehicle drivers owe a duty to refrain from distracted driving, they also have a responsibility to follow all Georgia state traffic laws and regulations. Specifically, they must watch their speeds, obey traffic control devices (including traffic lights, stop signs, and yield signs), and make safe lane changes (for example, by giving other drivers advanced warning of a lane change by using a turn signal properly). When drivers disregard traffic laws, they put other drivers in serious danger. In cases where driver negligence led to an accident, the at-fault driver (and indirectly that driver’s insurance company) can be held accountable.

  • Negligent repair work

    Motor vehicle accidents can occur even when drivers are operating their vehicles safely and carefully. When motor vehicle owners take their vehicles in for maintenance or repair, the repair facility owes the owner a duty to perform the repair work in a safe, careful, and professional manner at all times. When poorly performed repair work leads to a serious motor vehicle accident, the repair facility may be held accountable.

  • Defective motor vehicle parts

    Just like with repair work, motor vehicle owners and drivers expect that replacement parts for their vehicle will function the way they are supposed to operate while the vehicle is in operation. When motor vehicle parts, such as steering or braking mechanisms, are defective and lead to an accident while the vehicle is in operation, the manufacturer or distributor of the parts may be on the line for negligence.

An experienced Duluth car accident attorney at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, to determine if negligence likely played a part. If it did, our legal team could help you pursue the monetary compensation you deserve for the injuries that you sustained in the accident.

Since Georgia is an at-fault state, any person or entity can be liable if they caused or contributed to the accident that led to your personal injuries and damages. In cases that involved irresponsible or distracted driving, you can file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver of the vehicle. If, at the time the accident occurred, the driver was on the job or was otherwise acting within the scope of their employment (such as driving a delivery truck), you may also bring a personal injury claim against the driver’s employer on an agency theory of recovery.

If you allege that defective repair work was a factor in causing your accident, you may file a claim against the repair facility that performed the most recent work on your vehicle. On the other hand, if a defective motor vehicle part contributed to your accident, you may file a claim against the product manufacturer, distributor, or another person or entity in the chain of product distribution.

The knowledgeable Duluth car accident lawyers at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can investigate your accident and determine all potential causes. We can then file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf against all individuals or entities that were potentially responsible for the accident.

The type of injury an accident victim sustains in a car accident depends upon many different factors. These factors include the type of impact (such as rear-end, side, or head-on), the force of the impact (including the speeds of the vehicle), and the accident victim’s movement inside the vehicle (such as whether the accident victim struck their head, neck, shoulder, or back on something in the vehicle). Cases involving vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed tend to produce more serious injuries than in accidents involving low-speed collisions.

While significant property damage is sometimes indicative of substantial injuries, it is not always the case. Even in relatively low-impact cases (such as in a rear-end collision), the accident victim can still receive painful injuries, including soft tissue contusions, as well as serious head and brain injuries.

In addition to soft tissue and traumatic brain injuries, victims of car accidents can also sustain a broken bone, internal injury (such as internal bleeding), spinal cord injury, or death.

Injuries sustained in a car accident can lead to lengthy and expensive medical treatment. The accident victim may need to go to the emergency room, attend doctor visits and physical therapy sessions, or undergo various procedures, such as injections or surgeries. All of the medical treatment and care costs money. An accident victim can file a claim for medical damages as part of the personal injury claim or lawsuit that the accident victim files against the at-fault driver.

The experienced Duluth car accident attorneys at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can assist you in pursuing the monetary compensation for the injuries that you sustained in a serious car accident.

The good news about car accident cases is that many of them settle long before their scheduled date in court. The negotiation process typically begins when the accident victim’s lawyer prepares and submits a settlement demand. The demand package includes copies of all of the accident victim’s medical records and bills. Also included in the demand package are relevant documentation, including the police report, photographs of property damage, and photographs of the personal injuries the accident victim received.

Once the insurance company adjuster reviews the settlement demand package, and provided the insurance company accepts liability, the adjuster will likely make an introductory settlement offer on the case. In most instances, these introductory settlement offers are low and do not represent the case’s full value.

Your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to see if the adjuster will offer up a reasonable settlement number. Suppose the adjuster is dragging their feet or refusing to offer you the compensation that you deserve. In that case, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf in the court system and work to litigate your car accident case to a successful conclusion.

As stated above, insurance companies will, at times, refuse to offer full and fair monetary compensation to settle a personal injury car accident case. After all, it is in the insurance company’s own interest to try to settle an accident case as cheaply as possible. By doing so, the insurance company can keep more of the money it collects from customer premiums in-house.

However, if you and your attorney decide that filing suit is the best option, your lawyer can file a lawsuit against the at-fault person or entity in the state court. Just because your attorney files a lawsuit, however, does not necessarily mean that your case will go all the way to trial. In fact, many cases settle at some point along the way. Should a settlement take place, a case is effectively over.

It would be best if you kept in mind that when it comes to personal injury claims, the state of Georgia has a short, two-year statute of limitations. Absent exceptional circumstances, that statute states that you only have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit arising out of your injuries. If you do not file your lawsuit within that time period, you will likely waive your ability to do so at any point in the future. Similarly, you can’t then file a claim for monetary damages at any point in the future.

You can count on the experienced Duluth car accident lawyers at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC to promptly file a lawsuit on your behalf against all potentially responsible individuals or entities. Your lawyer can then continue to negotiate a settlement offer on your behalf or litigate your case to a satisfactory conclusion.

If you have been in a Duluth car accident that resulted from another person’s negligence, you may bring a claim for monetary compensation and damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

The amount of damages for which you are eligible depends upon a variety of factors, including the extent of your injuries and the amount of medical treatment that you underwent for your injuries. Moreover, if you sustained a permanent injury in your accident, you may be eligible to recover monetary compensation for permanency.

Monetary damages following a Duluth car accident can include compensation for:

  • Medical treatment, medical procedures, and physical and occupational therapy costs
  • Lost earnings from missed work time
  • Pain and suffering due to the injuries you sustained in the accident
  • Inconvenience
  • Lost earning capacity from the inability to work at the same job or in the same position due to injuries sustained in the accident
  • Future medical treatment and procedures, such as surgeries or injections
  • Loss of spousal or family support
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish resulting from the accident, including conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

If you received injuries in a Duluth car accident that was not your fault, the experienced Duluth car accident attorneys at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC could help you pursue the economic recovery that you deserve, either by a successful settlement in your case or litigating your case to a successful conclusion.

Compensation Available in Duluth Car Accident Claims

A successful car accident claim could provide you with compensation for various losses. Depending on the circumstances, car accident compensation may include money for:

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Duluth, Georgia

When you know or suspect that you have grounds for a car accident claim in Georgia, it is important you take prompt legal action. Personal injury claims, including those stemming from car accidents, are subject to Georgia’s two-year statute of limitations. Under Georgia Code §9-3-33, you have just two years from when the accident occurred to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.

When you hire Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, you can count on our Duluth accident lawyers to help you by identifying critical case deadlines, handling your claim efficiently, and promptly filing any necessary paperwork.

Talk to an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Duluth, GA Today

If you have questions about your car accident case or simply wish to speak with a knowledgeable attorney, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC. Our compassionate team can help you seek justice and fair compensation. Contact our experienced Duluth car wreck lawyers today for a free consultation.