Marietta sees its fair share of accidents because some of the most dangerous roadways go through the city.
Crash data over a five-year period indicates that most accidents in Marietta happen on these top 10 streets:
- Larry McDonald Memorial Highway (I-75)- 7,142 crashes
- South Marietta Parkway- 5,236 crashes
- Cobb Parkway North- 5,131 crashes
- South Marietta Parkway Southeast- 4,999 crashes
- North Marietta Parkway-3,881 crashes
- Cobb Parkway South- 3,142 crashes
- Cobb Parkway-3,131 crashes
- Roswell Road-3,053 crashes
- Dallas Highway- 2,638 crashes
- Powder Springs Street Southwest- 924 crashes
The same 10 streets appear in the top 10 for the most recent data year as well, though in a slightly different order. Although not in Marietta's top 10 for crashes, the high accident volume led to modifications for safety. If you've been injured, contact a car accident lawyer for legal assistance.
Interstate Highway 75 Is the State’s Most Dangerous Road
Larry McDonald Highway, a portion of I-75 that runs through Marietta, boasts the highest number of crashes of any road in the city. Crash data shows that 1,341 collisions occurred on the highway in the most recent data year.
With increased speeds and heavy traffic, I-75 has many risk factors—some of which increase during the summertime. Additionally, with the rise of e-commerce, many semi-trucks and commercial vehicles are on the highway, increasing the likelihood of serious accidents and injuries.
Interstate 20 is the Second Most Dangerous Highway in the State
Interstate 20 was listed as the second deadliest highway in the state. The state found that 55 people lost their lives during the summer months for the period studied.
Windy Hill Road Once Dubbed a Suicide Lane Due to Car Accidents
Accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence on Windy Hill Road, particularly when crossing Cobb Parkway. Though the street is not in Marietta’s current top 10 for car crashes, due to the high volume of accidents on the road, the local government has modified it for safety.
Between Cobb Parkway and Circle 75 Parkway, the government transformed the dangerous center left-turning lane into a raised median. The center lane was once so prone to car accidents that residents dubbed it a suicide lane.
In fact, many of the streets listed above have undergone or are in the midst of undergoing improvement projects. Pedestrian and motorist safety and enhanced traffic flow are among the chief concerns of the community and government.
Marietta Is in the Top 10 Cities for the Most Crashes in the State
In the most recent year’s crash dataset, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) reported nearly 4,000 car accidents in Marietta. A total of 3,859 collisions took place in the city that year. Over a five-year period, more than 33,000 crashes have occurred.
What Causes Collisions in Marietta?
The U.S. Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wondered the same thing. Together, they conducted the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey (NMVCCS) to collect on-scene information about the events and associated factors leading to accidents involving light vehicles.
The survey found that 94 percent of the crashes that occurred had a driver-related error as the critical reason the crash happened.
Driver-related errors include:
- Recognition errors. Drivers who are inattentive, distracted, or improperly survey their surroundings can cause serious accidents.
- Decision errors. Examples include driving too fast for the conditions, misjudging other drivers’ speed or distance, and making illegal maneuvers.
- Performance errors. This includes improperly merging, misreading road signs, and failing to maintain one’s lane.
- Non-performance errors. This is when a driver fails to respond appropriately to a certain hazard, such as failing to miss a crossing deer.
There are other factors aside from human error that play a role in Marietta's car accidents. Inclement weather conditions, poor roadway conditions, and vehicular malfunction contribute to countless collisions across the country.
When Do Most Car Crashes Happen?
According to the National Safety Council, most fatal car crashes happen on weekends. Saturdays are peak days for fatal car crashes. Weekdays see more non-fatal car accidents, with Friday having the highest number of collisions. Most accidents tend to occur from 4 pm to 7:59 pm, regardless of whether they are fatal or non-fatal.
Peak periods vary throughout the year. In both spring and summer time, fatal car accidents tend to occur between 8 pm and 11:59 pm. However, non-fatal car accidents occur more during the daytime in the summer from noon to 4 pm. From October to March, fatal accidents are higher from 4 pm to 7:59 pm.
Rush hour traffic, decreased visibility, driver fatigue, and alcohol consumption may all play a part in the increased instances of car accidents during the late afternoon and evening. Alcohol consumption plays a key role. The number of fatal drunk driving accidents triples at night.
What Steps Should You Take After a Car Accident in Marietta?
Car crashes are far too common in Marietta. They can happen at the drop of a hat, leaving you shaken and feeling unsure of yourself. On top of that, you may also have suffered bodily injury and damage to your vehicle, which means you may need to file an insurance claim. If you are ever involved in a car accident, you should know what steps can ensure your safety and protect your rights.
Remain at the Accident Scene
After a collision, you must remain at the scene. In general, it is against the law to flee the scene when you are in a crash that results in injuries or property damage. If you flee, this is known as a hit-and-run accident. You have a legal obligation to stay and render aid to anyone who is hurt.
Check on Occupants for Injuries
You should check yourself for injuries first before assisting others. If you are well enough to move and exit the vehicle, check on the other people who were involved in the crash.
Depending on the severity of their condition, you may have to:
- Keep them immobilized until paramedics arrive (crucial if you suspect anyone has a spinal cord injury)
- Perform mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions
- Apply pressure to any bleeding wounds
- Offer emotional support to prevent panic attacks
Call 911
Call 911 immediately after an accident—even if no one suffered apparent injuries. The law requires you to report an accident where someone was injured or property damage exceeds a certain amount.
If anyone is injured, dispatch will send the paramedics and the police. Police will document the accident in a crash report. You may need this report to give to the insurance company when you file a claim for compensation. The crash report will contain useful information on the cause of the crash, who was at fault, where it happened, and the names of the other parties involved. It may also contain the officer’s opinions and a diagram of the crash, which could prove useful later on.
Move Your Car
If it is safe to do so, you should move your car out of the way when it obstructs traffic. Your injuries may prevent you from this, though, or traffic is unsafe or your car is damaged. Your safety is the first priority, so don’t do anything that could put your life or the lives of others at further risk.
Take Photos of the Accident Scene
If you can, take photos of your car and the other cars involved in the crash. Be sure to snap different angles to give a full picture of the damage. You want to have photos that capture the location of the crash, so include any nearby street signs and buildings. You can also take videos.
Take Photos of Your Injuries
If you were hurt, you should take photos of your injuries as well. It may not be possible for you to take them yourself, so you may have to ask someone else to do it. Documentation of your injuries is critical.
You may also have to take photos as your injuries progress. Not all injuries show up immediately, so be vigilant about documenting them. Soft-tissue injuries may not manifest themselves until later. For example, bruises or soreness may not appear until days after.
Do Not Admit or Imply Fault
You may believe that you had a hand in causing the wreck but do not vocalize it. In truth, you do not have a full picture of the crash, and there could have been something you missed. It is not your job to figure out who caused the crash. That’s up to the police and your attorney.
Many factors at play could make other parties responsible for the collision. If you are even partially responsible for the car accident in Marietta, you could end up losing your right to recover compensation, leaving you with out-of-pocket expenses.
Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention even if you feel fine. An EMT can evaluate you at the scene. They may also offer to take you to the hospital for further examination. It’s a good idea to get checked out by a physician to ensure you haven’t sustained any serious or life-threatening injuries.
If you do not accept emergency care, you should schedule an appointment with your physician or visit an urgent care center. That’s because some seemingly minor injuries can turn serious when left untreated. For instance, what may initially appear as a lingering headache could point to a brain injury. You want to do everything possible to promote your health and well-being.
Keep All Accident-Related Documentation
In preparation for filing an insurance claim, you should gather all of your accident-related documentation. Keep your records in a safe location where you can easily access them.
These items include:
- Medical bills
- Treatment records
- Receipts and invoices for out-of-pocket damages
- Car repair estimates
- Any relevant written correspondence
You will need these documents later when you work with an attorney on your car accident claim.
Consider Hiring a Marietta Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident attorney in Marietta can pursue the compensation you deserve by managing many aspects of the claims process.
In addition to investigating the crash, your attorney can:
- Calculate the value of your case
- Compile supporting documents to prove your losses
- Communicate with the insurance company on your behalf
- File your claim for compensation
- Negotiate for the money you deserve
Your legal advocate can take on your case while you focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
What Can You Recover Compensation for in a Car Accident Claim?
If you suffered damages in a car accident, you can recover compensation for them. Damages refer to your injury-related economic and non-economic losses.
Your damages will vary, but in general, you can seek compensation for things like:
- Treatment care costs
- Prescription medications
- Mobility aids
- Travel costs
- Physical therapy
- Lost income and work benefits
- Reduced earning potential
- Vehicle damage expenses
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of activities
- Pain and suffering
The specific amount of money you can recover will depend on the value of your economic losses, the extent of your condition, and your estimated recovery period.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Marietta, GA?
Under state law, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to sue the at-fault party. Failure to meet that deadline will result in you forfeiting your right to recover compensation in court if your case does not settle. There may be an exception in your case. You could contact a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta to understand your rights and options.
With plenty of dangerous roads to travel, it may not be possible to avoid the streets where most car accidents occur in Marietta. Yet, you can protect your rights if you ever find yourself in one of these unfortunate collisions.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today!