Car accidents occur all the time and the consequences are impossible to anticipate. Sometimes, the damage that results from a car crash is not significant and the car’s passengers aren’t likely to suffer injuries. In this instance, the person who was at fault could simply submit a claim to their insurance company and the case will be settled.
However, if an incident causes injuries or the death of an individual in the family, things can get very complicated. Accident-related injuries could cause a significant financial burden and even life-changing consequences for the victims and their families. In these instances, there is compensation available to help with the recovery process, and also allow the victim’s family to get back to normal life after the accident.
But obtaining this rightful compensation will mean properly navigating the complexities of Georgia’s personal injury law. Our Jonesboro car accident lawyers provide professional legal assistance to those who are committed to obtaining compensation.
Call one of our Jonesboro personal injury attorneys to schedule a FREE consultation if you’ve suffered injuries or damages in a Jonesboro auto accident.
What Does Hiring a Jonesboro Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
In the wake of an auto accident, it is only natural to experience a significant mental and even emotional shock while trying to understand the significance of what’s occurred. The last thing you will need to do is include the high costs of professional legal aid to secure your fair compensation.
We at Wade Law fully understand the grim situation of victims of accidents and provide important legal assistance on a contingency-fee-basis. That means that we not charge upfront fees for an initial consultation or our expert legal services as well as a thorough inquiry into the accident or negotiations with the insurance companies.
We won’t charge you anything unless you succeed in the case or receive your compensation. If the case is won then we will get our payout from any winnings from the party at fault, or, more commonly, their insurance companies. As you can see, you’ve got nothing to lose by exercising your right to compensation.
What Can I Do Following a Car Accident?
It’s difficult to prepare for what can happen after an accident. However, by maintaining a clear head and acting with foresight, you can take steps to preserve the strength of your case.
Here are some important things you should remember in the immediate aftermath of an accident.
Contact the Police
A police report is crucial in laying the foundation for a successful case and claim. It is important to note the names along with badge numbers and the precincts of the officers who are on the scene so that you will be able to obtain a copy of their report at a later date. Do NOT leave the scene of the incident before the police have completed their report.
Help the Other Parties Involved in the Crash
If your injuries allow you to move about, and you see that it is safe to move about. Make sure you are safe for the others affected by the accident. Do not leave the scene until police arrive to complete their findings.
Exchange Information
Inquire about the other driver in the crash for their name, contact information and the details of their insurance provider. You’ll also require their license number.
Snap Photos of the Scene
Make use of the camera in your smartphone to capture as much evidence as you can from the accident scene. You will need to document the extent of damage to both vehicles, their position in relation to one another as well as road debris, scratches, injuries, as well as traffic signal signals.
Never Admit Fault
At the scene of an accident, you must be mindful of the words you use. Be aware that a casual comment like “sorry” could be interpreted as an admission of guilt which could undermine the validity of your defense.
Take Care of Yourself
It is essential that you have your injuries examined by medical professionals even if they appear minor. Only a doctor who is qualified will be able to measure and evaluate the severity of the injuries sustained in the accident.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer!
To completely recover from an accident you will need to have your mental strength and focus. Contact a Jonesboro lawyer who is skilled in handling car accidents. They will help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Jonesboro, Georgia?
While you are entitled to compensation for your injury under the law the legal process of recovering compensation can be a bit complicated, and the insurance adjusters may not be benevolent. Wade Law’s skilled attorneys can help you improve your chances of winning.
Preparing a Case / Filing the Lawsuit
The process of crafting a compelling case involves covering a wide range of issues and making sure that there aren’t any loopholes opponents could exploit against you. It’s not an easy process and requires an in-depth knowledge of the law governing personal injuries and the legal system, which only an experienced attorney can provide.
Settlement Negotiations
Insurance firms will do everything they can to protect the interests of their clients and this includes avoiding paying at every cost. Only a competent lawyer can bring these unscrupulous insurers to agreement and force them to accept a favorable resolution.
Trial Preparation & Representation
If no resolution can be reached during negotiations and negotiations fail, the case will be brought to court. To turn the wheels in your favor, you will require an experienced lawyer and an argument that is well-crafted.
What Compensation Can I Expect?
Car accidents can differ greatly and it’s difficult to assign a value to any claim. It is safe to claim that the case will be worth more if victims suffer serious injuries or are damaged. This also impacts the amount of damages offered.
What Type of Damages Can I Recover?
The damages available are meant to help the victims return to the life they was before the incident that resulted in the injury. It is the particulars of the damages and injuries suffered that determine the kinds of compensation victims can expect. In the State of Georgia, there are three kinds of damages that a victim of an accident could be awarded.
Economic Damages
These damages are intended to cover out-of-pocket expenses that result from the accident. These damages can help pay for medical costs, like hospitalization, treatment, or even medication. Economic damages can also cover time-loss wages as well as loss of earning capacity. This will compensate for economic losses in the past, as well as in the future.
Non-Economic Damages
Other damages suffered by those who suffer from car accidents include the ones that are harder to quantify financially. The victims will be compensated for their mental trauma, loss of the consortium, pain, and additional effects of the crash that cannot easily be assigned an amount in dollars.
Punitive Damages
Sometimes, the actions undertaken by the defendant can be particularly unjustifiable. Punitive damages are given to punish the defendant in a particular manner.
How Is Fault Determined in Georgia Car Accidents?
Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law provides that victims are not eligible for reimbursement if they’re accountable for less than 50% of the events that caused the injuries. If the victim sustained damages of $10,000, but is also determined to be responsible for 10% for the incident (perhaps due to speeding) Then they’ll only be eligible for $9,000 in compensation.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Car Crash Claim in Jonesboro, Georgia
A statute of limitations is the lawful time limit that a lawsuit or personal injury lawsuit must be filed. There is a two-year time limit in Georgia for personal injury lawsuits. However, there are some limitations you need to be aware of.
- Government entities: If the claim is made against a government entity, it must be made within 12 months of the injury or loss.
- Child Victims: If the victim is underage, the statute of limitations does not begin until they turn 18 years old
Other factors can also affect the statute-of-limitations. For instance, the nature of the offenses committed at the incident. This can also affect the deadline to file an action. To be absolutely sure your case is made promptly, it’s recommended to speak with an attorney as soon as you are able.
What Should I Do If the Insurance Company Denies the Claim?
Insurance companies deny claims based on technicalities simply as a way of protecting their interests. This shouldn’t be taken as a sign of validity of your case. Wade Law can help you determine the validity of you have been denied a claim by insurance companies.
Schedule a Free Case Review With a Jonesboro Car Accident Lawyer
If you or your family members have been affected by the results of a car accident in Jonesboro, Georgia there’s compensation for your healing. A legal professional will help you navigate the confusing legal world if you want to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact Wade Law at 770-282-1188 to schedule a no-cost meeting with one of our lawyers. We will review your case and provide guidance on what to do next.
