What Augusta Drivers Need to Know After a Car Accident
Car accidents happen without warning and often leave drivers overwhelmed, injured, or facing costly damage. In Augusta and across Georgia, many crashes are caused by distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and poor weather conditions. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes and days after a crash can protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights.
In this blog, we cover the most common causes of car accidents in Georgia, the immediate steps to take after a crash in Augusta, and how working with an experienced Augusta car accident lawyer can help you recover damages and protect your legal rights.
The Top Causes of Car Accidents in Georgia
Car accidents occur daily across Georgia. Many result in serious injuries, vehicle damage, and lost wages. Understanding the top causes of car accidents can help drivers prevent crashes and stay safe on the road.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes in Georgia. Many drivers use mobile phones, adjust radios, eat, or engage with GPS systems while driving. Taking eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, increases the chance of rear end collisions and unsafe lane changes. Distracted drivers are responsible for a growing number of serious crashes involving both vehicle occupants and other road users.
Impaired Driving
Drunk driving and drug use lead to many fatal car accidents each year. Impaired driving affects reaction time, decision-making, and the ability to control the vehicle. Georgia law sets strict penalties for driving under the influence. Many fatal crashes happen when drivers lose control or drift into oncoming traffic due to driver impairment.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Driving above the posted speed limit reduces a driver’s ability to stop safely. Speeding is often combined with aggressive behavior such as tailgating, unsafe lane changes, or sudden swerving. These actions increase the chance of a road traffic crash, especially in heavy traffic or near intersections. Excessive speeds are linked to many fatal crashes in both rural and urban areas.
Driver Fatigue
Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving. Fatigued drivers may fall asleep or react too slowly to avoid a hazard. Long hours behind the wheel and lack of rest are major risk factors. Driver fatigue is a common issue among long-distance drivers and can result in severe injuries or road traffic fatalities.
Poor Weather Conditions
Rain, fog, and other poor weather conditions reduce visibility and tire grip. Slippery roads make it harder to stop in time or stay in the correct lane. Drivers who fail to adjust speed and use fog lights in low visibility increase the risk of serious crashes. Poor weather is a key factor in many road accidents during Georgia’s rainy seasons.
Vehicle Malfunctions
Brake failure, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can lead to loss of control. Many road traffic injuries result from poorly maintained vehicles. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent car crashes caused by equipment failure.
Inexperienced and Teen Drivers
New drivers often misjudge distances, make improper turns, or ignore road signs. Teen drivers are more likely to be involved in car accidents due to inexperience and risky behavior. Safe driving habits and proper training are essential to reduce crash rates in this group.
Failure to Obey Traffic Laws
Ignoring traffic signals, running red lights, and not yielding the right of way are frequent causes of road traffic injuries. Many fatal car accidents occur at intersections where one or more drivers break the law. Obeying traffic laws helps reduce the risk of car crashes and keeps roads safer for all users.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Augusta
Knowing what to do after a car accident helps protect your health, legal rights, and financial recovery. Each step matters, especially when dealing with serious injuries, vehicle damage, or traffic law violations.
Check for Injuries and Move to Safety
Start by checking yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. If the vehicles can be moved safely, pull over to the side of the road to avoid oncoming traffic. Staying in active lanes can lead to more serious crashes.
Call Law Enforcement
Georgia law requires drivers to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $500. Contact local police or the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office to report the accident. An official report helps document the scene and protects your legal interests.
Exchange Information With Other Drivers
Share your name, contact details, license number, insurance policy, and vehicle registration with the other driver. Get the same information from them. This step is important for insurance claims and any legal action that may follow.
Document the Scene
Take clear photos of the vehicles, road signs, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Capture tire marks, lane positions, and weather conditions if possible. This evidence supports your version of events and helps prevent false claims from other drivers.
Talk to Witnesses
If other road users or pedestrians saw the crash, ask for their contact information. Witness statements can help confirm what caused the accident and who was at fault. This is especially important in serious crashes or when distracted driving or unsafe lane changes are involved.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries from car crashes do not appear right away. A medical record links your injuries to the accident and supports your claim for medical costs and lost wages.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the crash to your insurance provider. Give them the basic facts but avoid admitting fault. Georgia is an at-fault state, so determining who caused the crash affects how costs are covered. Do not speak to the other driver’s insurer without first speaking to a car accident lawyer.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
If the accident caused serious injuries or major damage, consult a car accident attorney. An attorney can help protect your rights, gather evidence, and recover losses like medical bills, lost productivity, and vehicle repair costs. Horst Shewmaker offers legal guidance to drivers across Augusta and surrounding areas.
Stay Calm and Follow Legal Requirements
Stay at the scene until law enforcement clears you to leave. Cooperate with officers, but keep statements brief and factual. Failing to follow Georgia traffic laws after a crash can result in penalties or reduced compensation.
When to Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Augusta
Some car accidents can be resolved with insurance. Others require legal help. Knowing when to contact a car accident attorney can make a major difference in your outcome.
You Suffered Serious Injuries
If you or a passenger has serious injuries, medical costs can rise quickly. You may also miss work or need long-term care. Our attorneys at Horst Shewmaker work to recover full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain from the accident.
The Crash Was Caused by Another Driver’s Negligence
Accidents involving distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, or other dangerous behavior often lead to severe injuries. We help prove fault using police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. This is key in Georgia, where the at-fault driver is responsible for damages.
The Insurance Company Offers a Low Settlement
Insurance companies often make quick offers that do not cover full losses. We review all offers and negotiate for a fair result. If needed, we build your case for court. You do not have to accept less than your claim is worth.
There Is a Dispute About Who Caused the Accident
Disagreements over fault are common, especially in rear end collisions or unsafe lane changes. We investigate the crash and use evidence to defend your rights. Our attorneys know how to challenge false claims and protect your record.
A Commercial Vehicle or Multiple Parties Are Involved
Crashes with trucks, buses, or rideshare vehicles often involve multiple parties and complex liability. We handle communication with all parties and insurers to keep your case on track.
You Lost a Loved One in a Fatal Crash
If you lost a family member in a fatal car accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. We guide families through this process with focus and respect. These cases deserve clear answers and full accountability.
You Want a Local Team With Experience
At Horst Shewmaker, we are focused on results. We bring experience, clarity, and commitment to every car accident case. Our team helps drivers in Augusta hold others accountable and recover what they are owed.
Contact an Experienced Augusta Car Accident Attorney Today!
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. Our team at Horst Shewmaker is here to help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation for your losses.
Contact us at (404) 400-1175 for a free case consultation today!
