Car accidents are a major issue in Georgia, with thousands injured and many fatalities annually. Despite traffic safety efforts by the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, fatal crash numbers remain alarming.

For victims and their families, these crashes lead to tremendous challenges, including medical expenses, missed work, long-term health complications, and the overwhelming stress of dealing with insurance claims. Understanding Georgia’s most recent crash data gives you a clearer picture of how often these incidents occur and highlights why having an experienced car accident lawyer can make a meaningful difference after a serious accident.

How Common Are Car Accidents in Georgia?

Georgia continues to rank among the nation’s most dangerous states for traffic-related injuries and deaths. Based on state and federal sources, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, and GDOT’s statewide reporting, Georgia has experienced consistently high numbers of traffic fatalities.

Georgia Traffic Fatalities (2019–2023)

(Most recent complete and preliminary information)

• 2019: 1,491 motor vehicle crash deaths
• 2020: 1,664 fatalities
• 2021: 1,797 fatalities
• 2022: 1,829 fatalities, one of the highest totals in state history
• 2023: Approximately 1,800+ (preliminary)

Georgia’s fatality rates remain elevated even when adjusting for vehicle miles traveled, with urban regions like Fulton County, Cobb County, Gwinnett County, and DeKalb County reporting some of the highest numbers of motor vehicle crashes in the state. Rural areas also experience a high rate of single-vehicle crashes, often linked to speeding, poor roadway conditions, and limited emergency care.

Atlanta Crash Data Snapshot

As the state’s largest metro area, Atlanta consistently reports some of the highest crash volumes in Georgia. Heavy traffic on major routes such as the Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85), I-20, GA 400, and I-285 contributes to elevated rates of severe collisions.

Areas like Buford Highway, Moreland Avenue, and Memorial Drive also remain high-risk corridors for pedestrian and bicycle incidents due to dense traffic and limited walkability. These patterns make Atlanta a central focus in statewide discussions about traffic safety and crash prevention.

What Causes Fatal Car Accidents in Georgia?

Crash reports from the Georgia Department of Transportation, the US Department of Transportation, and local law enforcement, including the Atlanta Police Department, point to several key causes behind Georgia’s high rate of crashes:

Leading Causes of Georgia Crashes

• Distracted driving, often involving a distracted driver using a phone
• Drunk driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or substances
• Speeding and aggressive maneuvers
• Failure to yield or improper lane changes
• Seat belt use failure
• Hit-and-run driver incidents in urban corridors
• Multiple-vehicle crashes on interstates like GA 400 and Interstate 20
• Land use patterns that create pedestrian conflict zones

Safety officials also note that pedestrian and cyclist risks have increased on high-volume roads such as Covington Highway, where walkability is limited.

Georgia’s Rising Pedestrian & Cyclist Fatalities

Georgia has seen a troubling rise in pedestrian deaths and bicycle-involved crashes. In 2022 alone:

• 345 pedestrian deaths
• 29 bicyclist fatalities

Many of these incidents occur in neighborhoods with high-speed traffic, limited sidewalks, or inadequate lighting. Despite ongoing safety campaigns, the state continues to struggle with protecting vulnerable road users.

Types of Crashes Reported

Using tools like the GDOT Crash Data Dashboard, crash type filters, and crash mapping, researchers have identified several key crash categories:

• Rear-end collisions
• Side-impact crashes
• Head-on crashes
• Vehicle rollover incidents
• Multiple-vehicle crashes on interstates
• Highway-rail grade crossing events
• Single-vehicle crashes involving loss of control

Many severe collisions result in head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other life-altering trauma requiring long-term care.

Georgia Vehicle & Fatality Breakdown

The latest statewide data highlights which road users face the greatest risks in Georgia. While GDOT does not publicly break down every fatal crash by vehicle subtype, the major categories below represent the clearest, most reliable trends.

Most Impacted Groups in Fatal Crashes

• Passenger vehicles & light trucks
•  
  • Make up the largest share of fatalities statewide
  • Includes sedans, SUVs, pickups, and vans
  • Most common in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties
• Motorcyclists
•  
  • Small share of licensed drivers but large share of severe injuries
  • Nearly $270 million in hospital and ER charges linked to motorcycle crashes in 2022
• Pedestrians & bicyclists
•  
  • 345 pedestrian deaths in 2022
  • 29 bicyclist fatalities, one of Georgia’s highest totals ever
  • Many crashes occur on high-speed, low-walkability roads such as Covington Highway

What the Data Shows

• Georgia recorded 1,829 total traffic fatalities in 2022, the highest in recent years.
• Serious crashes affect drivers, riders, and non-motorists across both urban and rural areas.
• These patterns underscore why victims often need legal protection after a collision. Serious injuries bring long-term medical care, lost wages, and significant financial strain.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Georgia

Taking the right steps after a crash can significantly affect your personal injury claim. Here’s what victims should do:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even minor crashes can cause hidden injuries. Documentation from the Georgia Department of Public Health and local hospitals helps protect your claim.

2. Follow All Medical Advice

Specialists, physical therapists, and emergency physicians track your recovery and support your case.

3. Document the Scene & Injuries

Use your phone to capture property damage, injuries, and roadway conditions.

4. Obtain Official Crash Reports

You can request them using:

• GDOT Request Form
• BuyCrash Help Guide

5. Notify Your Insurance Company Carefully

Stick to basic facts, never admit fault, and avoid detailed statements until you consult an attorney.

Learn More: Should I Accept the Insurance Company's Settlement Offer?

6. Avoid Posting on Social Media

Insurance carriers monitor online activity to reduce payouts.

7. Speak With a Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer

Experienced personal injury attorneys understand the complexities of motor vehicle crashes and help protect your rights.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Helps Your Case

A skilled attorney examines every aspect of your case to prove negligence and secure compensation. This includes:

• Reviewing crash reports and witness statements
• Analyzing vehicle data and roadway conditions
• Consulting experts on head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and long-term medical impacts
• Calculating medical expenses, lost wages, and the cost of ongoing treatment
• Seeking punitive damages in cases involving extreme misconduct
• Ensuring compliance with Georgia’s traffic laws and statutes of limitations

A lawyer also evaluates the circumstances of single-vehicle crashes or multiple-vehicle collisions to determine liability and pursue justice.

Learn More: How to Prove Punitive Damages in a Car Accident

Georgia’s Safety Initiatives

Georgia continues to invest in improving roadway safety, supported by organizations such as:

• Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety
• GA Core SIPP (State Injury Prevention Program)
• Child Passenger Safety Technicians (helping improve Child Passenger Safety Seat use)

Officials emphasize the importance of proper auto maintenance, improved road design, and public education campaigns to reduce risks.

Speak With a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Georgia crash, you don’t have to face insurance companies or legal challenges alone. Marks Law Group provides compassionate representation for victims throughout Atlanta, Fulton County, DeKalb County, Cobb County, Gwinnett County, and surrounding communities.

We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights, estimate your damages, and begin the path toward recovery. Call (678) 251-9309 today to speak with an experienced car accident attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Common Are Car Accidents in Atlanta?

Car accidents are extremely common in Atlanta due to heavy traffic, dense road networks, and high-speed interstates. The Atlanta metro area consistently reports some of the highest crash totals in Georgia, particularly along the Downtown Connector, I-20, I-285, and GA 400.

2. What Are the Leading Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Atlanta?

The most serious car accidents in Atlanta, GA are often linked to distracted driving, drunk or impaired driving, speeding, aggressive lane changes, and failure to yield. Many fatal crashes also occur in areas with high pedestrian activity or limited visibility.

3. What Georgia Cities Have the Most Car Accidents?

Atlanta leads the state in overall crash volume, followed by high-population cities like Sandy Springs, Marietta, Decatur, and Lawrenceville. These areas see more daily traffic, more commuters, and more multi-lane highways, all of which increase the likelihood of collisions.

4. How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Georgia?

Most car accident injury claims in Georgia must be filed within two years from the date of the crash. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation entirely. Because evidence can fade quickly, speaking with an attorney early is always recommended.

5. What Types of Damages Occur From Atlanta Car Accidents?

Common damages include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and long-term care needs. Many victims also experience pain and suffering, emotional stress, and financial strain from ongoing treatment. In severe cases, permanent disabilities or wrongful death may occur.