Car accidents occur every day and the consequences are almost impossible to anticipate. Sometimes, the damages caused by an accident are minimal and the vehicle’s occupants may not sustain any injuries. In this scenario, the person responsible for the accident can declare a claim with their insurance company and the matter will be closed.
If an accident results in the injury or the death of a family member, the scenario is different. Car accidents that cause injuries can cause significant financial stress as well as life-changing effects for the victims as well as their families.
In this case, the compensation offered will assist in the recovery process which will allow the person injured and their family members to return to their normal lives as it was prior to the accident.
However, obtaining the rightful compensation will mean properly navigating the maze of Georgia’s personal injury laws. An Atlanta car accident lawyer can provide professional legal assistance to those who are determined to obtain compensation.
Contact one of our personal injury attorneys to set up a FREE consultation if you’ve suffered injuries or damages as a result of an Atlanta auto accident.
How Much Does an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
It’s normal to experience shock after a car accident. There is no need to pay the cost of legal representation to obtain your fair compensation.
Wade Law is sensitive to the needs of those who have been injured. We provide legal services on fees on a contingency basis. We do not charge upfront costs for consultations or other professional legal services. This includes an in-depth investigation of the incident and discussions with insurance firms.
We will not charge you anything unless you succeed in the case or receive your compensation. If we win the case, we will take our share of the money from the party at fault or, in the case of more frequent cases, their insurance providers. As you can see, there is nothing to lose by exercising your right to compensation.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
It’s impossible to plan for what will happen after an accident. However, by maintaining a clear head and acting with a sense of foresight you can take steps to keep the integrity of your argument.
Here are some tips you should remember in the immediate aftermath of an accident.
Contact with Police
A police report is vital in laying the foundations for a convincing claim and case. It is important to note the names along with badge numbers and your precinct for the police that arrive at the scene so that you can get an exact copy of their report later. Don’t leave the site of the incident before the police make their report.
Check on Other Parties in the Crash
If your injuries allow you to move around and you see that it is safe to do so. See to the safety of other persons involved in the accident. Don’t leave the scene until police officers arrive to make their official report.
Exchange Information
Inquire about the other driver in the collision to provide the name of their driver, their contact number as well as the information of their insurance provider. You’ll also need to know the license plate number of the vehicle they were driving.
Record the Scene
Utilize the camera on your smartphone to capture as much proof as you can of the crash scene. One of the most important areas to capture will be the damage to both vehicles, the position of the vehicles relative to one another roads, road debris, skid marks, injuries sustained, and traffic signals within the vicinity.
Never Admit Fault
In the aftermath of an accident be careful about the words you use at the scene. Make sure you are aware that a single word like “sorry” could be interpreted as an admission of fault and weaken the strength of your claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Although your injuries may appear minimal, it’s vital to have them examined by a certified medical professional. Only a trained doctor will be able to determine the severity of injuries sustained during an accident.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer!
To completely recover from an accident you will need to have mental stamina and determination. Make sure you contact a professional Atlanta car accident lawyer who is able to deal with the legal complexities of the case and increase your likelihood of obtaining the settlement you’re entitled to.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia?
While compensation for injuries is your right by law, the legal path for obtaining it can be extremely complicated and adjusters for insurance aren’t always benevolent. Wade Law’s qualified lawyers can assist you in increasing your chances of winning.
Filing a Lawsuit/Case Preparation
Making a convincing case requires considering a myriad of factors and ensuring there are no loopholes that opposing parties could exploit against your case. This isn’t an easy job and requires an in-depth understanding of personal injury law and the expertise that only a skilled Atlanta car accident lawyer can provide.
Settlement Negotiations
Insurance firms will do all they can to safeguard the interests of their businesses and this includes avoiding paying at any cost. Only a skilled Atlanta car accident lawyer will get these fraudulent insurers to agreements and make them reach a satisfactory solution.
Trial Preparation and Representation
The case will be brought to court if there’s no agreement in negotiations. It takes a competent lawyer and a well-prepared case to make justice work in your favor.
What Compensation Can I Expect?
Car accidents can differ greatly and it’s difficult to determine a common value to any claim. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that the more severe the damages and injuries suffered in the crash, the higher the value of the case and the more money that can be recovered.
What Damages Can I Recover?
The available damages are intended in order to bring the victim back to the way their lives was prior to the incident that caused the injury. The victims must assess the severity of their injuries and damages before receiving damages. The State of Georgia has three kinds of compensation that an accident victim could receive.
Economic Damages
The damages are intended to cover out-of-pocket expenses that result from the accident. This can include medical expenses for treatment, medication, procedures, as well as hospitalization. Economic damages may also include time lost wages and reduction in earning capacity. The compensation is intended to cover economic losses in the past, and future.
Non-Economic Damages
In the event of a car crash, victims are also liable for injuries that are difficult to put into an amount. The victims are compensated for mental anguish, loss in the consortium, pain, and other effects of the accident that aren’t easily attributed to a dollar figure.
Punitive Damages
Sometimes, the conduct taken by the defendant could be particularly reprehensible. Punitive damages may be employed to penalize a defendant for specific conduct.
What Are the Criteria for Determining Fault in a Georgia Car Accident?
Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law states that accident victims are not eligible for compensation if they were responsible for less than 50% of the event which caused their injuries.
This means that if injuries suffered by the victim amount to $10,000 but they are additionally found to be responsible for 10% of the accident, perhaps because they were speeding at the time, they will only be eligible for $9,000 in compensation.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Car Crash Claim in Atlanta, Georgia?
The statute of limitations is the legal limit within which a lawsuit or personal injury claim must be filed. The time limit for personal injury cases in Georgia is two years. But there are some exceptions you should be aware of.
- Government Agencies: Claims against government agencies must be filed within 12 months from the date of loss or injury.
- Children Victims: If the victim is underage, the statute of limitation isn’t set to begin counting down until they turn 18 years old.
Other factors could also affect the statute of limitations, such as the type of crime committed during the incident. This may further alter the deadline to file an action. It is essential to consult an Atlanta car accident lawyer as fast as possible in order to ensure your case is handled promptly.
What Do I Do If My Insurance Company Rejects My Claim?
Insurers are reluctant to cover claims on the basis of technicalities or as a way to safeguard their interests. It is not a reason to mean your case is not valid. Wade Law can help you determine the validity of your claim that was denied by insurance companies.
Contact Our Experienced Auto Accident Lawyers
There’s compensation for you and your family if you’ve been impacted by the results of a crash that occurred in Atlanta. If you’re serious about getting the money you deserve the victim, you’ll require an expert lawyer to guide you through the murky legal world.
Contact Wade Law at 770-282-1188 for a free consultation with one of our lawyers. We will review your case and give you instructions on what to do next.
