With the chaotic traffic that bustles through Atlanta, car accidents inevitably happen. When you’re in a car accident, you may consider hiring an experienced auto accident attorney to handle settlements and recover compensation. However, you may wonder if it’s worth getting one.
Getting an attorney after a car accident is more helpful than you may think. As you prioritize your health, an Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you navigate your case and pursue the maximum compensation.
Car Accident Claims in Georgia
Georgia is an At-Fault State
Georgia follows an at-fault system for car accidents, which means the driver who is responsible for causing the accident is financially liable for the damages. This includes paying for the other driver’s medical bills, property repairs, and other costs resulting from the accident. If you are not at fault, you have the right to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or your own, depending on the circumstances.
You must prove the other driver was at fault to recover compensation.
Types of Compensation After a Car Accident
After a car accident, you can seek compensation for financial losses and your pain and suffering.
- Medical expenses: Costs for treatment, surgeries, prescriptions, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: Compensation for the income you lost if you had to take time off work due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Future medical care: Compensation for any long-term or future treatments you may need due to the accident.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, additional compensation may be awarded to punish the at-fault party for especially reckless behavior.
Deadline to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Georgia
Under Georgia law (GA Code § 9-3-33), the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, and missing it can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
Why Getting an Attorney After a Car Accident is Important
Leveling the Playing Field
Insurance companies have all the resources and adjusters to minimize their payouts. Without getting an attorney after a car accident, you may find yourself at a disadvantage when dealing with them. A lawyer can level the playing field so your interests are represented and you get a fair settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Investigating the Accident
A thorough investigation is key to building a strong case. A lawyer will get all the evidence, police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos. They will also work with experts to reconstruct the accident if needed. This will help prove liability and support your damages claim. Getting an attorney after a car accident plays a crucial role in untangling legal issues related to a car accident lawsuit.
Calculating Your Total Damages
Calculating your total damages is crucial. A lawyer will calculate both economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering). They will make sure nothing is missed, so you get the most money. Getting an attorney after a car accident is essential to seeking compensation for damages from a car accident, and having legal assistance can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Dealing with Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies will delay, devalue, or deny claims. A lawyer can counter these tactics, appeal denied claims, and negotiate higher settlements. They know how to deal with insurance companies so your claim is handled properly and fairly.
Understanding one’s insurance coverage is crucial when processing claims to ensure all entitled benefits are received.
Legal Issues
Car accident cases can be complicated, especially when liability is disputed or there are multiple parties involved. A lawyer knows traffic laws, insurance regulations, and court procedures to navigate these complexities. They will walk you through the process and make sure you meet all the requirements and deadlines.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Georgia
Safety First and Call 911
Your priority after an accident is safety. Check for injuries and move to a safe location if you can. Call 911 to report the accident and get medical help if needed. Even if it seems like a minor car accident, get a police report.
Get Info and Document the Scene
Get contact and insurance info from the other driver. Document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, any visible injuries, and the area. Get contact info from witnesses. This will be important when you file your claim.
Get Medical Help
Even if you feel fine, get medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be apparent right away. A medical evaluation will make sure any injuries are documented and treated promptly, which is good for your health and your claim.
File the Accident
Georgia law requires you to report car accidents to the police. This will be an official record of the accident. Get a copy of the police report for your records and your insurance claim.
Talk to a Lawyer
Before you talk to your insurance company, consult an auto accident lawyer who is communicative and capable of winning compensation for damages to know your rights and options. A lawyer can give you valuable advice on what to do next so you don’t inadvertently hurt your case by making statements that can be used against you.
Tell Your Insurance Company
Tell your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Give them the necessary info and documentation, but don’t discuss fault or make detailed statements until you talk to your lawyer. Your lawyer will guide you through this process to protect you.
Common Mistakes Car Accident Victims Make
Underestimating Your Claim
Without a lawyer, you may underestimate the value of your claim. Calculating damages is more than just adding up medical bills and repair costs. An experienced lawyer considers future medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Misjudging these can result in a settlement that doesn’t cover all your losses.
Miscommunicate with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies will use every trick in the book to pay out as little as possible. Without legal guidance, you may say something that can be used against you. A lawyer will handle all communication so your statements are crafted to protect you and your claim from being taken advantage of by the other driver’s insurance company.
Not Gathering Enough Evidence
A strong case requires thorough evidence gathering. You may miss important details like witness statements, accident scene photos, or expert testimony. Car accident attorneys know what evidence is needed and how to get it, as well as handle communication with clients, so your case is well documented.
Missing Deadlines
Personal injury claims have deadlines, known as statutes of limitations. In Georgia, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing these deadlines can mean you lose your right to be compensated. A car accident attorney helps to keep track of these deadlines and files all paperwork on time.
Not Understanding the Legal Process
The legal system can be confusing. You may struggle with procedural requirements like filing motions, following court rules, and negotiating settlements. This lack of knowledge can result in procedural errors that hurt your case or delay the process.
Accepting Low Ball Offers
Insurance companies will offer you quick settlements that are way below the value of your claim. Without a lawyer to advise you, you may be tempted to take those offers, not realizing you deserve more.
Not Considering Long-Term Consequences
Some injuries have long-term effects that may not be apparent right away. You may not consider the future consequences of your injuries, like ongoing medical treatment or diminished earning capacity. Getting an attorney after a car accident will make sure those factors are included in your claim.
Our Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help
At The Weinstein Firm, we understand that getting into a car accident is incredibly frustrating. Additionally, we know that getting an attorney after a car accident is worth its value. While you recover from the physical and emotional tolls of your accident, an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney can guide you through your claim.
New clients get a free case consultation, so don’t hesitate to contact us at 770-HELP-NOW!
