Are Auto Accidents More Common in Rural or Urban Areas?

It is generally assumed that urban areas have a higher incidence of auto accidents compared to rural areas because of a greater number of vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians in urban locations. If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, you should not delay in speaking with an experienced car accident attorney. Your attorney can help you recover the largest possible compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

What Do the Statistics Say?

City streets have a high volume of traffic, traffic signals, high-speed highways, honking cars, and fast-moving public transportation vehicles. It’s not just cars on the street. Urban roads are also bustling with bicyclists and pedestrians that are not as easily visible. It can be easy to assume that more accidents occur in urban areas than in rural settings.

Pertaining to this, if a report by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is to be believed, then a greater number of traffic-related fatalities and injuries occur on rural roads. This is even though only about 19% population of the United States lives in rural areas.

In 2019, over 16,340 people died in car accidents in rural areas. This shows that rural driving has a greater risk of life-threatening injuries in car accidents as compared to urban areas.

Factors Contributing to Car Accidents in Rural Settings

As per the NHTSA report, speeding and alcohol-impaired driving are the top factors that contributed to auto accidents in rural settings in 2019. Speeding-related accidents were responsible for 27% of fatal accidents while alcohol-impaired driving caused 28% of crashes. The layout of rural roads is different from urban areas. They come with their own set of unique challenges.

The widespread notion that there is less traffic in rural settings often makes drivers complacent. They assume that the roads are safer and lower their guard. Long stretches of open roads may tempt motorists to indulge in speeding and illegal traffic maneuvers.

Rural settings usually have two-lane roads. Many motorists don’t think twice before overtaking slow-moving cars and trucks. This can be dangerous on a two-lane road since it can cause a head-on crash. Other factors that make driving in rural settings dangerous include:

• Easy-to-miss road signs
• Low visibility in the evenings
• Poorly maintained roads
• Livestock and wildlife on the road
• Winding roads that create blind spots

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Georgia

You may be able to seek compensation for your damages if your accident was caused by the negligent actions of another, whether it happened in an urban or a rural area. It can be overwhelming to handle a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim. This is especially true when you are still recovering from your injuries and have to deal with mounting medical bills, loss of income, and prolonged pain and suffering.

The good news is that you don’t have to deal with your case alone. The first step you should take is to get an experienced car accident attorney on your side. Your attorney will help you get proper medical attention for your injuries. This is someone who has been through the legal corridors before and knows what can be lurking in the shadows.

Furthermore, there are certain injuries that don’t become apparent readily. You should have a physician assess these and prescribe the necessary treatment. The injuries may worsen if you forego or delay medical treatment.

Your personal injury attorney will need the medical records to file a claim. If possible, make videos and click photographs of the accident scene. You should also get the contact and insurance information from the other driver. Ask eyewitnesses, if any, for recorded statements. Make sure you keep up with all follow-up medical appointments and do everything in your power to get better.

Responsibility for Car Crash in Urban and Rural Settings

As with any auto accident in Georgia, the person responsible for the collision is usually held liable for the damages caused by the accident. In a single-car accident, the driver may be held responsible by the passenger for their injuries and damages. This is only if the driver was reckless or negligent in their driving.

You should report a car accident immediately to the police and seek medical care. You can file a claim for both economic and non-economic damages if the crash was due to the fault of another. Don’t hesitate in seeking legal advice from a qualified attorney if you are unsure about the right steps to take for maximizing financial recovery.

How an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Can Help with Your Claim

An experienced attorney will tackle all the legal legwork to allow you to rest and recover from your injuries. They will take the following steps to strengthen your claim:

• Investigating the accident on your behalf
• Gathering evidence of negligence
• Filing the necessary legal paperwork
• Consulting experts for testimonies
• Meeting all the court deadlines
• Negotiating strongly with the defendants
• Fighting with full preparation if the case goes to trial

Choose a Dedicated Car Accident Lawyer to Protect Your Rights

The seasoned attorneys at the law firm of DuBose Miller can help you obtain the maximum financial compensation you deserve. You can count on us to go above and beyond in securing a fair settlement. Insurance companies and our peers know that we are not afraid to take a case to trial allowing our clients to obtain maximum recovery.

To set up your complimentary consultation, call (404) 720-8111 or reach us online.