Gainesville, GA Car Accident Attorneys You Can Count On

We can demand the compensation you deserve after your collision

Dealing with a crash in Gainesville caused by another driver? Perhaps a distracted driver slammed into your car on the John W. Morrow Jr. Parkway? Or maybe you’re dealing with a rear-end accident caused by a speeding driver on the Queen City Parkway?

Whatever the circumstances of your collision, it’s critical that you take strong legal action to protect your rights. Otherwise, you might not get the compensation you need and deserve for your accident-related expenses. That’s why we want to meet with you right away.

Our experienced, Gainesville car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays can help you every step of the way. We know how the legal system works in Hall County. We know what evidence matters. Most importantly, we’re prepared to do the work that needs to be done to do the job right. You can count on us to fight for the car accident compensation you deserve.

What type of collision are you dealing with?

Accidents caused by other drivers can cover a wide range. Most likely, you may be dealing with one of the following types caused by a reckless or negligent driver:

Rear-end accident – The most common type of crash, rear-end car accidents often result in serious injuries, including whiplash, concussions, and other types of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Head-on collision – The damage caused by two vehicles crashing head-on into each other can be severe. Spinal cord injuries, head injuries, and other catastrophic injuries are common. That’s why it’s important to take these cases seriously right from the start.
Hit-and-run – Among the most frustrating collisions, hit-and-runs often involve uninsured drivers, unlicensed drivers, or motorists who are breaking the law and trying to avoid being apprehended after their crash.
Fatal accident – Unfortunately, too many crashes result in fatalities. When they do, it’s important for family members to fully understand their rights and the legal options available to them.

Whatever type of accident you or your family is dealing with, it’s critical that you have an attorney investigate your crash as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could end up having to pay for your injury-related expenses, even if you didn’t do anything wrong.

How did your crash happen?

Collisions caused by other drivers happen for many different reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

Distracted driving – Drivers need to pay attention at all times on the road. Unfortunately, some drivers do the exact opposite and end up causing serious crashes. Whether it’s texting while driving, eating while driving, or doing something else that diverts their attention, distracted driving has become one of the most common causes of crashes in recent years.
Speeding – Speed limits exist for a reason. When drivers ignore them, they often cause collisions because they don’t have time to slow down or avoid crashing into another car. This is especially true on busy streets or rural roads like the ones in and around Gainesville.
Drunk driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious crime. If another driver had too much to drink and crashed into your car, it’s critical that you contact the police immediately and make sure your collision gets the attention it deserves. Talk to an attorney right away and learn more about your legal rights.
Asleep at the wheel – Tired driving might not seem like a serious crime, but drivers have a choice when they feel tired. They can choose to pull over and rest or keep driving and put everyone on the road at risk.

Is this what happened to you? Or are you dealing with a different type of accident in Gainesville? Whatever the circumstances of your crash, make sure it gets the attention it deserves. Make sure you talk to a lawyer who will thoroughly investigate what happened.

What should I do after my crash?

If you have been in a car accident in Gainesville caused by another driver, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your rights and build the strongest possible legal case:

Call the police – Tell them you have been in a crash caused by another driver and ask the police to respond. Having an official police report for your crash can be a critical piece of evidence.
Seek medical attention – Don’t try to diagnose yourself. Even if you feel fine, you could have a life-threatening internal injury. Have a medical professional examine you and diagnose exactly what’s wrong.
Gather information – Make sure you get the other driver’s personal information – name, address, phone number, and insurance information. Feel free to give the same information to the driver.
Don’t discuss – While it’s fine to give the other driver your insurance information, do not discuss what happened. Anything you say could be used later by the at-fault driver’s insurance company to deny your claim.
Take pictures – If you’re healthy enough to do so, take pictures of the crash scene. The more pictures you have, the better. Make sure in particular to take pictures of where the two vehicles collided into each other.
Talk to witnesses – If someone saw what happened, get their full name and phone number. Ask them to talk to the police as well. Eyewitness testimony can be a critical piece of evidence.
Call a lawyer – The sooner you talk to an attorney, the better. Your lawyer can investigate your crash and make sure your rights are respected. They can also demand the compensation you rightfully deserve for your injury-related expenses.

How much is my claim worth?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions people often have after a serious accident. The answer to this question often depends on many different factors, including:

The seriousness of your injuries
The length of your recovery time
The severity of the damage to your vehicle

Based on these factors and many others, the value of your claim could vary widely, from a few thousand to millions of dollars. What matters is that you should be financially compensated for all your injury-related expenses.

Many insurance companies often only take into account expenses immediately after someone sustains a serious injury. You should be compensated for all your expenses, however, even if they occur years from now. These expenses can include:

Emergency medical care
Diagnostic testing
Surgical procedures
Follow-up testing
Vehicle repair or replacement costs
Physical therapy
Follow-up doctor’s appointments
In-home medical care
Replacement income during your recovery
Lost future income if you cannot work

Remember, you didn’t do anything wrong, so you shouldn’t have to pay for another driver’s reckless or negligent behavior. Demand the compensation you deserve. Talk to an experienced attorney today.

Who can I file a lawsuit against?

The law is clear when it comes to who you have the right to take legal action against after an accident. If you believe someone or a business was at fault, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. In the case of a motor vehicle accident, this could include:

The at-fault driver
The at-fault driver’s insurance company
A bar, restaurant, or liquor store owner who sold alcohol to someone who was already intoxicated and then caused your accident
The vehicle manufacturer, especially if a mechanical defect caused your crash

Don’t wait to take legal action. In Georgia, you only have two years from the date of your collision to file a lawsuit. If you miss the statute of limitations, you could miss your opportunity to obtain the compensation you deserve.

Also, Georgia has a modified comparative fault insurance system. That means the amount of money you could receive depends on how much you were at fault in the accident. For example, if you were found to be 20 percent liable and your accident expenses added up to $100,000, you would only receive $80,000 under Georgia’s comparative fault system.

Why should I hire a car accident lawyer?

Motor vehicle accidents can be complicated. Your attorney can help make sure your crash gets the attention it rightfully deserves. Specifically, your legal team can:

Thoroughly investigate your collision, including:
- Review your official accident report
- Track down witnesses if possible
- Consult with experts if necessary
Help you fill out official forms related to your case
Deal directly with insurance companies on your behalf
Negotiate a settlement offer on your behalf
File a lawsuit if necessary, in pursuit of maximum financial compensation
Represent you in all court proceedings

You have suffered enough. If another driver caused your collision, you deserve justice. Contact our law firm and schedule your free case evaluation with a Gainesville car accident lawyer you can count on to fight for you. Contact Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C.