Atlanta Car Accident Legal Guides & Resources
A complete library of legal guides, safety statistics, and insurance tips for Georgia drivers.
After an accident, you have immediate questions, but the answers aren’t always easy to find—especially not while navigating pain, stress, and aggressive insurance adjusters. We believe that an informed client is a protected client.
The team at Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers has compiled this complete library of guides, articles, and data to ensure you have the facts you need. Whether you are seeking to understand Georgia’s laws, file an insurance claim, or simply learn what to do next, your path to recovery starts here.
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Understanding Fault & Georgia Law
Georgia follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule, which means determining fault is rarely simple. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the collision, you cannot recover any damages. This is why understanding the law is critical, even before you speak to an attorney. Browse our guides to understand how state laws—like the Hands-Free Law or the Family Purpose Vehicle Doctrine—impact your case and your right to compensation.
Expert Insight: “Insurance companies don’t just look at the police report; they look for any reason to push your fault percentage toward that 50% mark. Understanding these specific Georgia statutes is your first line of defense.” — Graham Scofield
Being involved in a car accident, no matter the cause, can be frightening and overwhelming. Left-turn car accidents are one of the most common types,…
The family purpose doctrine is a legal principle that applies in some Georgia car accident cases. That doctrine holds that the vehicle owner can be…
Joshua’s Law was passed by Georgia’s General Assembly in 2005. The full effect of the law was enacted on January 1, 2007. Since then, the…
Under Georgia’s Move Over Law, drivers are required to change lanes—if safe to do so—when approaching an emergency vehicle with flashing lights stopped on the…
These days, almost every driver on the road has a mobile device in their vehicle. Many drivers unfortunately pick-up their mobile devices while they’re driving….
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the busiest airport in the world. Each year, hundreds of thousands of travelers pass through it. Many of those travelers…
Insurance Claims & The Legal Process
Insurance companies are businesses first and protectors second. Their goal is always to pay you the minimum amount possible. Before you sign a quick settlement or give a recorded statement, arm yourself with knowledge. Learn how to write a demand letter, what not to say to adjusters, and how the complex legal claims process actually works.
Expert Warning: “Never sign a medical release or a ‘quick check’ settlement until your doctors have cleared you from treatment. Doing so often waives your right to claim future medical costs that haven’t appeared yet.” — Graham Scofield
Atlanta’s congested roadways increase your risk of encountering aggressive drivers. According to the NHTSA, roughly 66% of traffic fatalities involve some form of road rage….
A car accident is a traumatizing and stressful event, leaving victims with serious injuries, financial strain, and legal complications. If you’ve been involved in a…
If you had the misfortune of being involved in a car accident and you are now passed the time of the exchange of information, the…
When a police officer responds to a car accident, they’ll first determine whether anyone is injured. Next, they’ll obtain statements from the drivers. If the…
Personal injury lawyers wish they could settle their client’s insurance claims for top value without filing a lawsuit. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters usually low-ball claims before…
Drivers frequently cause car collisions in non-owned vehicles. Therefore, you may be wondering, “does auto insurance follow the car or the driver?” In Georgia, auto…
Accident Types & Injuries
No two accidents are the same, and neither are the legal strategies needed to address them. A collision involving a commercial vehicle requires a completely different legal approach than a standard fender bender. Explore our specific guides on different collision types and the severe injuries commonly associated with them.
Expert Insight: “Proving the full extent of ‘invisible’ injuries, like internal bleeding or soft tissue damage, often requires expert medical testimony to ensure the insurance company doesn’t undervalue your suffering.” — Graham Scofield
Hit-and-run car accidents in Georgia are far more common than most people realize. When a negligent driver flees the scene, it creates a stressful, often…
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common on Georgia’s roads, so do the complexities surrounding accidents involving them. Understanding how electric car accidents differ from…
When someone loses their life due to a driver’s negligence, it is considered a wrongful death. Surviving family members then have the right to legally…
Truck accidents and car accidents have some similarities, but there are also many significant differences. This blog article addresses the differences between car accidents and…
The blunt trauma from a car accident can cause severe internal damage. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not…
Since large trucks sit higher off the ground, it is possible for other vehicles to slide underneath them in an accident. This is what is…
Atlanta Accident Data & Safety
We believe that informed drivers are safer drivers. We track local collision data, identify Atlanta’s most dangerous intersections, and analyze statewide trends to help our community stay safe on the road.
Community Impact: “Sharing this data isn’t just about legal strategy; it’s about public safety. When drivers know which intersections have the highest crash rates, they can take extra precautions to protect their families.” — Graham Scofield
Motor vehicle collisions are among Georgia’s leading causes of severe injuries and fatalities. In 2020, more than 330,000 accidents and 1,730 people were killed. As…
As an Atlanta driver, you’ve seen firsthand how congested roads increase the frequency of accidents. You probably drive past at least one accident every day….
Fulton County spans 528.7 square miles and is situated in north central Georgia. Fulton County is home to the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Fox…
If you live in the Atlanta metro area, you are well-aware that Atlanta is one of the most traffic congested cities in the United States….
In its report on the disturbing rise in deaths due to motor vehicle crashes from 2014-2016, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution revealed the leading car accident causes…
Still have questions? Let’s talk.
Real Results: What We’ve Recovered for Our Clients
At Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers, we don’t just provide guides—we provide justice. Our track record proves that we know how to hold insurance companies accountable, even when they start with “low-ball” offers.
- $1,475,000 Settlement: For a client who sustained a shoulder injury when an ambulance struck his vehicle.
- $1,100,000 Settlement: For a client requiring neck and back surgery after being struck by a commercial truck.
- $676,800 Settlement: For an auto collision victim who suffered fractured L3 and L5 vertebrae.
- $550,000 Settlement: Against an insurer that acted in bad faith, originally offering just $10,500 for a claim involving neck injections.
- $480,000 Jury Verdict: Secured in Gwinnett County for a “minor impact” crash where State Farm refused to offer more than $10,000.
- $135,000 Settlement: For a client injured in a truck collision on I-285.
“Individual cases depend on unique factors, but these results show one thing: we fight for the maximum value of your injuries.” — Graham Scofield
Meet the Attorney Behind the Expertise: Graham Scofield
Graham Scofield is more than just a trial attorney; he is an advocate dedicated to securing justice and fair compensation for clients across the Atlanta Metro Area. He brings a rare blend of insider knowledge and aggressive, client-focused advocacy to every car accident case.
Key Credentials and Commitment
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum: Member of an exclusive group of trial lawyers who have recovered settlements or verdicts of one million dollars or more for their clients.
- Former Defense Counsel: Knows how insurance adjusters evaluate and defend personal injury claims because he used to be on the other side.
- Super Lawyers Recognition: Named a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2017-2022, an honor earned by no more than 2.5% of attorneys in Georgia.
- Client-First Pledge: He prioritizes direct attorney-client interaction and is committed to ensuring every client receives the detailed attention and compassionate care they deserve.
FAQs : Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Damages, Settlement and Recovery
Who is typically at fault in a Georgia left-turn accident?
Under Georgia’s Left-Turn Right-of-Way Law, the driver making the left turn is generally considered at fault because they must yield to all oncoming traffic. However, exceptions exist if the oncoming driver was speeding, ran a red light, or if the turning vehicle was pushed into the intersection by a rear-end collision.
Can a vehicle owner be held liable for an accident caused by a family member?
Yes. Under Georgia’s Family Purpose Doctrine, a vehicle owner can be held liable for damages caused by a family member if the owner provided the vehicle for family use, had the authority to control its use, and the family member was using the car for a “family purpose” (such as running errands) at the time of the crash.
What are the passenger restrictions for a 17-year-old with a Class D license in Georgia?
For the first six months after receiving a Class D license, only immediate family members may ride as passengers. During the second six months, only one passenger under age 21 (who is not family) is allowed. After 12 months, up to three passengers under the age of 21 are permitted.
Can I recover punitive damages if my accident was caused by road rage?
Yes. If a driver’s road rage involves “willful misconduct” or “malice,” Georgia law may allow the victim to seek punitive damages in addition to standard compensation for medical bills and lost wages. These damages are specifically designed to punish the aggressive driver and deter similar behavior.
How does a car accident lawyer help determine the value of my claim?
An experienced attorney calculates the total value of your claim by investigating the evidence, reviewing medical records to account for future treatment needs, and quantifying non-economic damages like pain and suffering, ensuring you do not settle for a lowball offer from an insurance company.
Should I give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance adjuster?
No. You are not legally required to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Adjusters often use these statements to find inconsistencies or lead you into admitting fault, which can significantly damage your ability to recover compensation.