|
|
Last
Modified on
Feb 24, 2026
Driving in Marietta or the surrounding metro areas can be its own challenge. If you have been involved in a car accident, reach out to a car accident lawyer in Marietta, GA. Knowing Georgia’s car accident statistics can help you understand what to expect when you get behind the wheel.
Common Car Accident Causes in Georgia
The common causes of fatal car accidents have not changed. In 2022, there were roughly 15 deaths in car accidents for every 100,000 Georgia residents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Perhaps what’s most unsettling is how preventable such deaths are. Here are some of the most common causes of fatal car accidents:
- Distracted driving. Every time a driver takes their focus off the road. Bad things can happen and often do. While driving, try your hardest to never lose focus and limit distractions. That means no talking on handheld phones, no texting, no eating or drinking, and being aware of your road rage.
- DUIs. Some people continue to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Not only is it highly illegal and could get you thrown in prison as well as cause you to lose your license, but it is also immoral and gets people killed every day. If you have multiple offenses, it could increase your penalty. In 2023, Georgia Highway Safety reported that 28% of fatal crashes in the state involved at least one drunk driver, with 23% involving a driver under the influence of drugs.
- Speeding. Speed limits exist to attempt to dampen how fast drivers should be allowed to go. Not everybody obeys the speed limit. Speeding can reduce your reaction time to a potential accident and put everybody around you at serious risk. 18% of fatal crashes in 2023 involved a driver who was speeding.
- Driver fatigue. 1% of all fatal crashes in Georgia in 2023 involved a drowsy driver. Driving while tired is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Your mind is not focused on the road, you are barely aware of your surroundings, and everyone around you is in danger because of your decision to drive while impaired. If you are feeling drowsy, do not risk it.
- Reckless driving. Some people drive with zero regard for the people around them, pedestrians and drivers alike. They don’t use turn signals, they weave in and out of traffic, and they speed excessively. Reckless driving can quickly turn into a terrible accident, so drive sensibly and with focus.
- Equipment failure. Proper auto maintenance is important not just so your car is running smoothly, but so nothing terrible happens while you are driving. Making sure your car is fully operational and there are no leaks or cracks can be the difference between life and death if an accident occurs.
Georgia is an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents, meaning that to obtain compensation from an accident, you have to prove the other driver was at fault. It’s important to hire a car accident lawyer to help represent your case. An experienced attorney can help you through the process of proving fault and show you the steps you can take toward filing a personal injury claim if it comes to that.
Dangerous areas for Car Accidents
Where car accidents occur varies year-to-year. In 2024, there were 367,523 car crashes throughout Georgia. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the counties with the most car crashes in 2024 include:
- Fulton County, with 51,572 crashes, 944 suspected serious injuries, and 93 fatalities
- DeKalb County, with 35,860 crashes, 574 suspected serious injuries, and 112 fatalities
- Cobb County, with 27,604 crashes, 449 suspected serious injuries, and 57 fatalities
- Chatham County, with 13,593 crashes, 271 suspected serious injuries, and 29 fatalities
- Clayton County, with 12,823 crashes, 340 suspected serious injuries, and 46 fatalities
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, the cities with the most car crashes between 2020 and 2024 include:
- Atlanta, with 33,459 crashes
- Augusta, with 8,671 crashes
- Savannah, with 7,503 crashes
- Columbus, with 6,223 crashes
- Macon, with 6,146 crashes
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Few things are more devastating than a car accident. They can be life-altering for the victims and their families. If you or a loved one is involved in an accident, you deserve the knowledge and experience on your side that will help to make sense of what has happened.
An attorney will help ensure your accident is thoroughly investigated by not only reviewing details provided by you and in police reports, but also by visiting the scene of the accident to ensure they understand the totality of what happened. They will investigate street sign locations, blind spots, interview witnesses, and even evaluate the mechanical functionality of all the vehicles involved. All this on top of accounting for any driver error.
At the Barnes Law Group, our team has decades of experience negotiating with insurance companies and recovering damages for clients who were injured in a car accident because of the negligence of others. With our team, you gain the confidence you deserve to recover damages you may be entitled to.
FAQs
Q: How Many Fatalities Occur Yearly in Georgia Due to Car Crashes?
A: The number of car crash fatalities that occur yearly in Georgia varies. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, in 2020, 1,658 people in Georgia were killed in a motor vehicle accident. In 2021, that number was 1,809. In 2022, that number was 1,796. Fatal accidents occur in Georgia every day, and it’s up to responsible drivers to do whatever they can to reduce those numbers.
Q: What Is the Leading Cause of Fatalities on Georgia Roads?
A: Like nearly every other state, the leading cause of fatalities on Georgia roads is distracted driving. According to the Georgia Highway Safety, 41% of fatal crashes in 2023 were due to a suspected distracted driver. Distracted driving can include texting, talking on the phone, using your phone’s navigational app, eating, or even changing the music on the radio. It is important to know these statistics so that you are thinking about them while you are driving.
Q: What Should I Avoid Doing After Being in a Car Accident in Georgia?
A: After being in a car accident in Georgia, don’t admit fault or apologize to anyone about the accident. Don’t argue with the other driver, as it can escalate things. Instead, wait calmly and quietly while taking photos of the crash site, your injuries, and damage to your vehicle and other personal belongings. If the other driver refuses to give you their information, wait for the police to arrive, and they’ll be able to handle the situation on your behalf.
Q: How Can a Georgia Attorney Help Me After a Car Crash?
A: A Georgia attorney can help throughout all stages of your legal case after a car crash. They’ll help you collect relevant evidence, such as eyewitness and professional testimony, and footage from surveillance cameras of the crash. They’ll assist in filing your claim within the proper deadlines at the correct courthouse. Then, they’ll work with you on your custom legal strategy and represent your case during legal proceedings to help secure the most favorable outcome and the maximum amount of compensation.
Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
At Barnes Law Group, we understand that no matter how carefully you attempt to be while driving, an accident can happen at any time. You may not be at fault, but you may become an accident victim regardless. Through a sudden, unthinkable tragedy, you or your loved one could be seriously injured or killed by the thoughtless actions of a reckless driver. But you don’t have to be alone in your pursuit of justice.
We can help you navigate these uncharted waters and emerge on the other side more informed and compensated. Contact us as soon as you can to schedule a consultation. Driving on the busy highways that surround Marietta shouldn’t mean taking your life in your hands. After a collision that was the result of another’s negligence, you deserve fair compensation.
