Injured In An Atlanta Car Wreck?
An Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you
A car accident can change your life in a matter of seconds. You can sustain serious injuries that require surgery or other extensive medical care.
You’re undergoing MRIs and X-rays and looking at a long road to recovery. The medical bills start adding up and your regular bills keep coming in, but you can’t go back to work because of your injury, so you’re losing income. You deserve compensation for your injuries, but getting it won’t be easy.
The car accident attorneys at Gary Martin Hays & Associates can help. We’ve handled countless cases for injury victims in Atlanta and throughout Georgia, and our car accident lawyers know how to deal with insurance companies to get you the compensation you’re entitled to.
Put our aggressive representation to work for you so you can maximize the value of your claim and pay your bills. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Get an Edge With an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
Our Atlanta car accident attorneys handle cases involving many different scenarios. We take on work-related car accidents and collisions involving uninsured drivers. We’re familiar with railroad crossing accidents and all the issues associated with them. We can help you sort through the insurance company’s process of filing a claim.
Don’t let another day go by wondering if the insurance company will finally offer you a fair settlement. Contact an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer from Gary Martin Hays & Associates today. Experience matters. Discover how our law firm can get to work for you. Call 1-800-898-HAYS to get the wheels of justice turning in your favor.
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FAQs for Atlanta Car Accidents
Find answers to frequently asked questions about car accidents in Atlanta. Use the links below to navigate:
- What are the most common causes of car accidents in Atlanta?
- What should I do after a car accident in Atlanta?
- What are the most common car accident injuries?
- What if the car accident wasn’t my fault?
- Do I need a car accident lawyer?
- How can a lawyer prove negligence in a car accident case?
- What is the statute of limitations on personal injury in Georgia?
- Is Georgia a comparative negligence state?
- What types of damages can I recover after a car accident in Atlanta?
- What should I do if the insurance company offers me a quick settlement?
- How do insurance companies minimize payouts?
- What can I expect when I file a car accident claim?
- How much does an Atlanta car accident lawyer cost?
- How long does it take to settle a car accident claim in Atlanta?
- What is the average car accident settlement in Atlanta?
- Can I file a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one in a car accident in Atlanta?
What are the most common causes of car accidents in Atlanta?
Car accidents in Georgia can happen anywhere at any time. You could be traveling north on I-75 when you’re hit by a drunk driver. A distracted driver who's paying more attention to a text message than to the road ahead could rear-end you while you're stopped at a red light. Gary Martin Hays & Associates handles these types of cases and more, including the following:
What should I do after a car accident in Atlanta?
- The first thing you should do after a collision is to see if anyone needs medical attention. If you, your passengers, or anyone else involved in the crash are injured, call 911 right away and tell them you need an ambulance. Don’t try to move anyone who’s been injured unless they’re in immediate danger or you’re trained to do so.
- If you can still drive your car, you may need to move it to make sure you aren't blocking traffic. Otherwise, it’s best to leave the crash scene as is until police arrive to fill out a crash report.
- Get the names and contact information of everyone involved in the accident, along with any witnesses. Exchange insurance and contact information with others involved in the crash, but try not to talk about the collision.
- Stick to the facts of what happened and never say anything that could be construed as admitting fault. Determining fault for a car wreck can be complex, and you're not in a good position to make that call at the scene of the crash. When the police arrive, ask them how you can obtain a copy of the official police report.
- If you have a smartphone or camera with you, take pictures of the crash scene, damage to the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Be sure to also take pictures of tire marks, relevant street signs, and traffic signals.
- Write down what details you can remember from the car wreck, including the approximate time it happened, where it happened, and if weather or road conditions were a factor in the crash.
- See a medical professional as soon as possible and let them know that you were in a car accident. Go to the emergency room, urgent care, or your primary care physician. Make sure you tell your doctor about all your symptoms, from the top of your head to the tips of your toes, even if they seem minor (such as stiffness, headaches, or dull pain). Car accidents sometimes cause internal damage that has delayed onset symptoms, so getting checked out by a doctor is important for your health. If your doctor doesn’t take your injuries seriously, get a second opinion.
- Notify your insurance company of the car accident promptly, but again, stick to the facts of what happened. Don't say anything regarding fault.
- Finally, contact our legal team right away. Retaining a car accident attorney from our Atlanta law firm early in the process will give you the best chance of resolving your case successfully.
What are the most common car accident injuries?
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening, many of which can significantly impact your daily life and finances. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: These often result from rear-end collisions and can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Though they might seem minor at first, untreated soft tissue injuries can lead to chronic pain.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: From arms and legs to ribs and collarbones, broken bones are common in high-impact crashes and may require surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery time.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Concussions: Head injuries are often caused by the force of the collision or objects striking the head. Symptoms can range from headaches and memory loss to long-term cognitive or emotional issues.
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering a victim’s quality of life and creating lifelong medical needs.
- Internal Injuries and Organ Damage: These injuries are not always immediately visible but can be life-threatening. Internal bleeding or organ damage often requires emergency surgery.
Even minor injuries like stiffness, headaches, or cuts can become more serious if untreated. That’s why seeking medical attention right after an accident is crucial — not just for your health but also for documenting your injuries for any future claims.
What if the car accident wasn’t my fault?
Georgia is an “at-fault” car insurance state. This means that the driver who caused your collision is generally responsible for paying damages. What it means for you as a victim is that you have different options for seeking compensation.
In Georgia, all drivers are required to carry car insurance. Drivers must carry minimum amounts of liability coverage, a legal term used to describe insurance coverage designed to pay for accident-related expenses in the event of a car accident.
All drivers in Georgia are required to have minimum amounts of liability coverage for injuries and property damage caused in a car crash. The minimum coverage is:
- $25,000 for the injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for the injury or death of more than one person in a single accident
- $25,000 for property damage
The cost of a car accident often exceeds these limits. That’s why it’s a good idea to buy additional coverage on your insurance policy.
You can add several different types of optional coverage to your policy. For example, med-pay (also known as personal injury protection) can help pay the cost of your medical expenses. Collision coverage can help pay for the damage to your vehicle from the accident. And UM/UIM coverage can help pay damages if you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Do I need a car accident lawyer?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, hiring a lawyer is usually a good idea. While you are not required to have legal representation, an experienced attorney can investigate your accident and look for evidence to prove negligence. A car accident lawyer will know how to build a strong case and can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to get you maximum compensation.
How can a lawyer prove negligence in a car accident case?
Proving negligence is key to securing compensation after a car accident. A skilled lawyer can gather and present the evidence needed to establish fault. Here are some key ways a lawyer can prove negligence:
- Reviewing Police Reports: Police reports often detail fault and key observations from the scene, which lawyers use to support your claim.
- Analyzing Accident Scene Evidence: Photos, videos, and road conditions help lawyers reconstruct the crash and demonstrate fault.
- Interviewing Witnesses: Witness accounts provide third-party support for your version of events.
- Obtaining Surveillance Footage: Traffic or security camera footage often shows critical moments leading up to the collision.
- Consulting Expert Witnesses: Experts like accident reconstructionists or doctors provide professional insight to strengthen your case.
- Examining Driver Behavior: Evidence of distraction, intoxication, or traffic violations establishes negligence.
- Using Medical Records: Medical records link the accident to your injuries, demonstrating the extent of harm caused.
- Identifying Traffic Violations: Violations of Georgia traffic laws can make proving negligence straightforward.
A lawyer ensures no critical evidence is overlooked and presents it in a compelling way to maximize your compensation. Handling this process alone can leave gaps in your case. Working with an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer gives you the best chance at justice and recovery.
What is the statute of limitations on personal injury in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is 2 years from the date of the accident and 4 years to file a lawsuit for property damage. Once those deadlines expire, you often cannot take legal action against the other driver’s insurance company.
Is Georgia a comparative negligence state?
Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state. This means if you’re found partially responsible for the crash, you won’t receive 100 percent of the compensation that’s awarded. For example, if you are found to be 20 percent at fault for your accident, your settlement will be reduced by that amount. Let’s say your settlement was $100,000, and you were found to be 20 percent at fault. You would receive $80,000 under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law.
What types of damages can I recover after a car accident in Atlanta?
After a car accident in Atlanta, recovering damages is crucial to help you rebuild your life and cover the losses caused by someone else’s negligence. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process to ensure you claim all the compensation you deserve. Here are the main types of damages you may recover:
- Medical Expenses: This includes past and future costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other necessary medical treatments.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for the income you lost during your recovery.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, you may be entitled to damages for reduced earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact the accident has had on your life.
- Loss of Consortium: If the accident impacts your relationship with your spouse or family, you may seek damages for loss of companionship or support.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If you lost a loved one in the accident, surviving family members may recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
Understanding the full scope of your losses ensures you seek fair compensation. Working with a skilled Atlanta car accident lawyer can make all the difference in building a strong claim and recovering what you deserve. Trying to navigate this process alone may leave critical damages unclaimed, so don’t hesitate to seek professional legal guidance.
What should I do if the insurance company offers me a quick settlement?
If an insurance company offers you a quick settlement after a car accident, it’s important to proceed with caution. These offers are often low and may not cover all your current and future expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Before accepting, consult an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer who can evaluate the offer and ensure you receive fair compensation. A lawyer can protect your rights and negotiate for the full amount you deserve, helping you avoid financial hardship later.
How do insurance companies minimize payouts?
Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing the amount they pay to accident victims, often at the expense of your recovery. Their tactics may include:
- Low Initial Settlement Offers: They may offer a quick payout that seems fair but fails to cover the full extent of your medical bills, lost wages, or future needs.
- Blaming You for the Accident: Insurance adjusters often look for ways to shift fault onto you, reducing the amount of compensation they’re required to pay under Georgia’s comparative negligence laws.
- Downplaying the Severity of Your Injuries: Insurance companies may argue that your injuries are pre-existing, not severe, or unrelated to the crash to avoid paying full damages.
- Delaying the Claims Process: Long delays can pressure victims into accepting less money simply to cover immediate expenses.
Working with an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney can level the playing field. A skilled lawyer will protect your rights, gather critical evidence, and negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. If necessary, your lawyer can also take your case to court to fight for justice.
What can I expect when I file a car accident claim?
When you file a car accident claim with the insurance company, you can expect to deal with an insurance adjuster who will decide whether or not to make you an offer to settle the claim. Often, that amount doesn’t come close to covering the true cost of all your accident-related expenses.
The insurance adjuster may suggest that you are at least partially to blame for the accident. That’s why it’s a good idea to hire an experienced car accident attorney to protect your rights and negotiate a better settlement offer that meets your needs. If the insurance company tries to say the crash was your fault, a car accident lawyer can stand up for you and gather the evidence that proves you didn’t do anything wrong.
Sometimes, the insurance company won’t negotiate a fair settlement. If that happens, our car accident attorneys aren’t afraid to take the fight to court to protect your rights and get you the compensation you’re entitled to.
How much does an Atlanta car accident lawyer cost?
Most injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any fees unless they win your case. If you are awarded financial compensation, your attorney fees will then be deducted from that amount.
How long does it take to settle a car accident claim in Atlanta?
The time it takes to settle a car accident claim in Atlanta varies depending on factors like the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and whether fault is disputed. Some claims may resolve in a few months if liability and damages are clear, while others could take a year or more, especially if they require litigation. Working with an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer can help streamline the process by managing negotiations and ensuring all evidence is properly presented. A lawyer can also help avoid delays caused by disputes or lowball offers, giving you the best chance for a timely and fair resolution.
What is the average car accident settlement in Atlanta?
The amount of compensation you receive for your car accident will depend on the specific details of your case. The more severe your injuries, the greater the long-term costs, especially if disabilities are involved. Once treatment is concluded or reached a point of stability, your attorney will have a better understanding of how much they will need to negotiate from the insurance company. No two car accident cases are alike, so it is always best to talk to an attorney first.
Can I file a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one in a car accident in Atlanta?
In Atlanta, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation for their loss.
Under Georgia law, wrongful death claims can be filed by the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased, depending on the family structure. If no immediate family members are available, the executor of the deceased's estate may pursue the claim on behalf of other heirs. These claims are intended to hold the at-fault party accountable and provide financial relief for the losses caused by their negligence.
Compensation in a wrongful death claim can cover:
- Medical Expenses: Any costs incurred for the deceased's care before their passing.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: Expenses associated with laying your loved one to rest.
- Lost Income: The wages your loved one would have earned to support your family.
- Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the emotional and relational loss of a spouse, parent, or child.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for the emotional distress caused by the loss of your loved one.
To succeed in a wrongful death claim, you must prove that the at-fault driver’s negligence or recklessness caused the fatal accident. This often involves gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony. An experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you build a strong case and protect your family's rights.
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