Car accidents can occur at any moment, and it’s nearly impossible to predict the outcome. In some instances, the damages that result from a car crash are minimal and the vehicle’s passengers aren’t likely to suffer injuries. In such a case the claim is simple and can be made to the insurance firm of the at-fault driver and the issue can be settled.
However, if an incident results in injuries or even the death of a family member, things can get very complicated. The injuries resulting from an accident could cause a significant financial burden and even life-changing consequences for the victims as well as their families. In these situations, there is compensation available to help in the healing process and allow the victim and their family members to return to their normal life as it was prior to the incident.
But, getting the proper settlement requires that you be adept at navigating the confusing laws that govern personal injuries in Georgia. Our Jeffersonville car accident lawyers provide expert legal representation to those who are serious about obtaining compensation.
Contact one of our Jeffersonville personal injury experts for a FREE consultation if you’ve sustained injuries or damages in the course of an automobile accident.
How Much Does a Jeffersonville Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
It’s normal to experience shock following a car accident. The last thing you will need to do is include the cost of legal help from an expert to obtain your fair compensation.
We at Wade Lawvfully understand the grim situation of victims of accidents and provide valuable legal services on a contingency-fee-basis. This means that we cost you nothing upfront for an initial consultation or our expert legal services and a thorough investigation into the incident or discussions with the insurance companies.
In reality, we will not charge you anything at all until we win the case and recover the compensation you owed. If the case is won the company will be able to receive a settlement from any winnings derived from the person who was at fault or, more often their insurance companies. There is nothing to lose by seeking compensation.
What Should I Do Following an Auto Accident?
It’s not possible to fully prepare yourself for the effects of an accident. However, by maintaining a clear head and acting with foresight, you can make a difference to protect the strength of your argument.
Here are a few tips to consider during the aftermath of an auto accident.
Get in Touch With the Police
Making a police report is essential in laying the groundwork for a strong claim and case. Be sure to record the names along with badge numbers and the precinct of the officers who are on the scene, so that you can obtain the report later. Don’t leave the area until the police have finished their report.
See If Other Parties Involved in the Crash Are Hurt
If your injuries allow you to move around, and you see that it is safe to move about. It is your responsibility to ensure your safety for all other people affected by the accident. Do not leave the scene until police arrive to complete their report.
Exchange Information
In the event of an accident, drivers need to provide their names and contact details. You will also need the license plate number of their vehicle.
Record the Scene
With the camera on your mobile device, collect as much visual evidence of the scene of the accident as you can. Some important subjects to record include the extent of damage to both vehicles, the positions of the vehicles with respect to one another, road debris and the marks of skids, injuries as well as traffic signs in the area.
Never Admit Fault
Be careful about the things you say and do at the scene of the accident. An innocent “sorry” phrase could be seen as an admission of guilt and can weaken your argument.
Seek Medical Attention
It is vital to have your injuries examined by a medical professional even if they appear to be minor. Only a licensed doctor is able to assess the severity of injuries sustained as a result of an accident.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer!
To fully recuperate from an accident, you’ll need mental power and concentration. So, call in a professional car accident attorney who will handle the legal issues and offer you a better chance of receiving the damages you deserve.
Why Should I Hire a Jeffersonville Car Accident Lawyer?
While compensation for injuries is your right under the law, the procedure for recovering compensation can be very complicated, and insurance adjusters are not benevolent. Wade Law’s experienced lawyers can assist you in increasing your chances of success.
Case Preparation and Filing a Lawsuit
Making a convincing case requires considering a myriad of factors and ensuring there are no loopholes that the opposition could use against you. It’s not an easy process and requires a deep knowledge of the law governing personal injuries and the expertise that only a skilled lawyer can offer.
Settlement Negotiation
Insurance companies will do everything to safeguard their interests, and this means that they’ll avoid making any charges. Only a knowledgeable lawyer can get these fraudulent insurers to agree and force them to agree to a positive resolution.
Preparation for the Trial and Representation
The matter will be taken to court in the event of an inconsistency in negotiations. It takes a competent attorney and a well-constructed case to get justice to work to your advantage.
How Much Can I Expect to Receive in Damages?
Car accidents can be quite different from each other and it is impossible to assign a common amount to a car accident claim. But, it is safe to claim that the case will be more valuable if victims suffer severe injuries or are damaged. This also impacts the amount of damages available.
What Are the Damages I Can Recover?
The compensation available is designed to restore the victims to their normal lives as it was prior to the incident that caused the injury. The injured party must determine the extent of their injuries as well as the damage before they are eligible to receive the compensation they deserve. In Georgia, there are three categories of damages that a victim of an accident could be awarded.
Economic Damages
These damages are designed to cover the costs of out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the accident. These could include medical costs for medication, treatments, or procedures as well as hospitalization. Furthermore, the economic damages could include lost wages or loss of earning ability. The compensation is intended to cover economic damages in the past, as well as in the future.
Non-Economic Damages
Car accident victims also face injuries that are difficult to put into an amount. Damages that are not economic will compensate victims for emotional trauma, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, and other injuries resulting from the accident that are difficult to quantify with any financial value.
Punitive Damages
In certain cases, the actions of the defendant can be thought to be particularly reprehensible. Punitive damages may be used to penalize a person for specific conduct.
What Are the Criteria for Determining Fault in a Georgia Car Accident?
Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law says that accident victims aren’t eligible for compensation if they’re responsible for less than 50% of the events which caused their injuries. If the victim suffers damages in the amount of $10,000 but is also found to be responsible for 10% of the incident (perhaps due to driving too fast), they will only be entitled to $9,000 in compensation.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Car Wreck Claim in Jeffersonville, Georgia?
As with most states, Georgia has the statute of limitations which is a legal limit within which the personal injury claim or lawsuit must be filed. The statute of limitations for Georgia personal injury cases is two years. There are some exceptions to this law that are worth knowing about.
- Government Entities: In the event that you are making a claim against a government entity it must be made within 12 months of the injury or loss.
- Minor Victims: If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations will not start to count down until they reach their 18th birthday.
Other factors could also affect the statute of limitations, for instance, the nature of the offenses committed at the time of the incident. This could further affect the time limit for filing the claim. It is crucial to talk with a lawyer as early as you can in order to ensure that the case gets handled swiftly.
What Should I Do If My Insurer Rejects My Claim?
Insurers are reluctant to cover claims based on technicalities, or in order to safeguard their own interests. This should not be interpreted as an indication of the credibility of your claim. If your case has been rejected by an insurance company contact the car accident experts at Wade Law to get an accurate legal assessment of the case.
Contact Our Expert Jeffersonville Car Accident Lawyers
If you or your family members have been impacted by the effects of a vehicle accident in Jeffersonville, Georgia, you can seek compensation for your recovery. A legal professional will help you navigate the complex legal world if you want to get the compensation you deserve.
Contact Wade Law at 770-282-1188 to schedule a no-cost consultation with one of our attorneys. We will examine your situation and provide directions on what to do next.
