Atlanta’s traffic is notorious, often ranking among the worst in the United States. Booming business development, rapid population growth, inadequate public transportation, and geographic challenges all contribute to Atlanta’s position as the 19th most congested city in the world. When the worst happens and your daily commute leads to a crash, a car accident lawyer should be one of the first people you call.
What Are Some Reasons for Atlanta’s Traffic Congestion?
One of the primary reasons for Atlanta’s traffic problems is how the city developed. Like many metropolitan areas, Atlanta’s growth was driven by suburbanization, where people moved to the outskirts while maintaining jobs in the city center. Unlike older cities like New York City, which has dense urban cores and centralized planning (also known as the grid structure), Atlanta — a relatively young city by comparison — grew in a sprawling and decentralized way. This growth led to a heavy reliance on cars because public transit options were limited or non-existent in the outlying areas.
The Atlanta metropolitan area and suburbs have grown by over a million residents since 2010. This influx has outpaced infrastructure development, leaving the city’s roadways struggling to accommodate the volume of vehicles.
Moreover, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) provides limited service, primarily focused on the city center and nearby suburbs. This means that much of the sprawling metro area is reliant on cars. Political resistance to expanding MARTA into suburban counties has further hampered regional transit solutions.
How Does Atlanta Rank for Traffic Compared to Other U.S. Cities?
Atlanta consistently ranks among the cities with the worst traffic in the United States. According to the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard (via The Street), Atlanta frequently appears near the top 10 for hours lost in congestion per driver annually. While it may not always top the list — with cities like Los Angeles and New York often surpassing it — Atlanta’s unique combination of sprawl and car dependency makes its traffic particularly challenging for residents and visitors alike, and there seems to be no relief in sight.
Are Some Roads in Atlanta Worse for Traffic?
A study released by Fox 5 Atlanta found that Georgia’s most dangerous roads are concentrated in the metro Atlanta area. Interstates like I-285 (the Perimeter) and sections of I-75, I-85, and I-20 are particularly problematic. These highways serve as vital arteries for commuters and freight traffic. Still, their heavy usage leads to frequent delays and a higher risk of accidents, especially for those who are inexperienced in driving in such conditions. Construction also hampers many Atlanta roadways, causing bottlenecks and increasing the likelihood of collisions.
Are There Certain Times of the Day When Atlanta Traffic is Worse?
Like most major cities, Atlanta’s traffic follows predictable patterns, with rush hours being the worst. Morning rush hour typically peaks between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. as commuters enter the city. Evening rush hour, which runs from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., often sees even worse congestion as people leave work and head home. Fridays, summertime, and special holidays like Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Christmas make traffic even more painful.
Does This Traffic Lead to a Higher Number of Car Accidents?
Yes, the heavy traffic in Atlanta does contribute to a higher number of car accidents. Georgia Department of Transportation data shows that Fulton County (home to Atlanta) leads the state in the number of car crashes, injuries, and fatalities it experiences yearly. Other data indicates that high-traffic areas like I-285 and I-75 experience disproportionate collisions. Other factors that lead to accidents, including rear-end collisions and multi-vehicle pileups, include road rage, stop-and-go traffic, distracted driving, and drunk driving/DUI.
Atlanta’s highways are also congested due to the freight traffic. Commercial trucks come from all over the country to deliver consumer goods. These beasts of the road increase the likelihood of serious auto accidents.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been in an Atlanta Car Accident?
Being in a car accident can be overwhelming, but taking the following steps to secure your rights is imperative.
- Ensure your safety – Move to a safe location away from oncoming traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
- Check for injuries – Assess yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 even if everyone looks okay. They may not be, especially in a serious accident.
- Get the police report – The report will contain essential information to help build your car accident claim.
- Gather information – Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver(s). Collect names, phone numbers, and license plate numbers.
- Document the accident scene – Take photos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Collect witness information – If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details so they can share what they know with your attorney.
- Seek medical attention – Even if you didn’t need emergency treatment at the crash site, visit a doctor anyway. Some serious injuries have a delayed onset, and a quick diagnosis can save your life. A medical record also links your injuries to the car accident, which forms the basis for any personal injury claim.
- Consult a car accident lawyer – Contact a personal injury attorney in Atlanta, GA who can help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
The legal process can be complex, but the right car accident attorney can handle everything to relieve your stress and demand maximum compensation.
Contact an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer
With over 50 years of experience working for car accident victims in greater Atlanta, the battle-tested trial lawyers at Bayuk Pratt take a no-holds-barred approach to personal injury cases. Our legal team has recovered more than $300 million for our satisfied clients to date, and we have extensive experience going up against the biggest insurance companies in the country — and winning. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our Atlanta car accident attorneys.
