Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer

Car Accident Attorney in Atlanta

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and draining, especially if you’re recovering from physical injuries. By working with an Atlanta car accident lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing a skilled professional can handle the nuances of your case and help you seek the maximum compensation for your losses while you focus on healing and moving forward with your life.

While you’re not legally required to work with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer after a car accident, it’s highly recommended that you do. A skilled attorney can evaluate your situation, collect crucial pieces of evidence, and build a case that ensures you receive the compensation you’re owed. Plus, they can guide you through any challenges that arise and give you advice to help you through your situation.

Car Accidents in Atlanta, GA at a Glance

When you get behind the wheel of a car, you’re putting yourself at risk of getting in an accident, and driving in Georgia is no different. Even the safest drivers can find themselves in an accident due to the actions of others on the road. Atlanta is generally a safe place to drive, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come without its dangers.

When you get in a car, you’re trusting all the drivers around you as well as yourself. The main risks posed by Atlanta’s roads are due to traffic congestion and aggressive drivers. There were 3,236,259 vehicle registrations in Georgia in 2023, and numbers have stayed fairly consistent since then. With so many people on the road, it’s important to know how to keep yourself safe.

In 2022, there were 1,092 fatalities from car accidents involving passenger vehicles in Georgia. The following year recorded another 1,615 fatalities, including 112 fatalities from motor vehicle accidents in Fulton County alone. If you’re in a crash, an Atlanta car accident lawyer can guide you through the next steps and help you seek justice for the losses you’ve suffered.

Navigating the legal process for a personal injury case can be daunting. Your attorney can answer any questions you have and ensure you get through the process with ease. Their goal is to bolster your case to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Main Causes of Car Accidents in Atlanta

Car accidents are a common occurrence on roadways across the country. One of the leading causes of crashes in Atlanta is distracted driving. According to a 2023 study on Georgia drivers, 19.6 percent of Georgia drivers are distracted while driving. Distracted driving can involve things like:

• Changing the radio station while driving
• Doing makeup while driving
• Eating while driving
• Reaching into the back seat while driving
• Texting while driving

It can be easy to become desensitized to the act of driving. Many people drive every single day, which makes it easy to lose focus. It’s important to remember that things can go wrong quickly on the road, and small things going wrong can lead to severe consequences.

Driving in Georgia can be unpredictable, making it crucial to pay attention to the road the entire time you’re behind the wheel. You can’t control what anyone else on the road is doing, so it’s up to you to do your part to stay safe.

Beyond distracted driving, other causes of car accidents include aggressive driving, driving under the influence, fatigue, poor road conditions, reckless driving, speeding, and unsafe driving conditions. Whether it’s due to bad roads or an errant driver, you still have to know how to protect yourself and recover damages for your losses.

How to File a Car Accident Claim in Atlanta

The first step in filing your car accident claim is making sure to do so within the right time period. In most cases, you can file an accident claim within two years of an accident for personal injury and within four years for property damage. If the accident involved a state or local government vehicle, you must also file a notice of your intent to file a case within 12 months of the incident.

When you file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver in a car accident, you can expect to work with their insurance company to come to a resolution for the issue. Many car accident cases are resolved through negotiations outside of court. This can be accomplished through arbitration or mediation.

The average settlement can be limited by how much their insurance policy pays out. Approximately 18.1 percent of Georgia motorists are uninsured. In situations where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own insurance policy may cover a portion of the damages.

If you’re not satisfied with the settlement amount, you can take the case to court to recover the amount you believe you’re owed. Whether you settle out of court or go to trial, an Atlanta car accident lawyer can make going through a car accident case less stressful.

The right personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case, strengthen your claim, handle negotiations with the insurance providers, and represent you in court when necessary. Moreover, they’re there to answer any of your questions and provide legal counsel when challenges arise. All in all, your attorney is there to make things run smoother and to land you an optimal outcome.

Settlements vs. Trials for Car Accident Cases in Atlanta, GA

While most car accident cases settle without going to court, it’s still a possibility. Both options take time and effort, but going to trial is likely to be more challenging. For starters, going to court can be more costly since you have to pay additional legal fees.

The process is also likely going to be much more time-consuming since you’re at the mercy of the court’s schedule. This can be especially true in complex cases that require multiple court dates. Additionally, trials can be more emotionally taxing than settlements because they require you to relive the experience instead of simply discussing the financial impacts of the accident.

You can attempt to reach a car accident settlement with the at-fault party or their insurance company. Settlements can be a useful avenue because they offer a guaranteed payout. Settlements also offer flexibility in terms of the settlement. You can work in specific terms that may not be considered in a court judgment.

The settlement process involves a period of investigation and negotiations. After you file your claim, the at-fault party’s insurance company sends someone to check out the damage done to your vehicle, your injuries, your level of pain and suffering, and your lost wages.

After they make their initial offer, you can choose whether or not to accept or continue negotiating. If you reach a settlement amount, you sign documents to end the case, and the losing party pays you the settlement amount.

While settling outside of court seems more convenient, it may not be the ideal option for your case. It’s important to remember that insurance companies also prefer to settle out of court because it typically means they pay less money. Trials offer the chance for higher compensation and hold the at-fault party fully accountable for their actions.

Your Atlanta car accident lawyer is there to represent you in a trial. They present evidence and call witnesses to back up your claim while the opposing party’s attorney does the same. After both sides give their final arguments, the judge or jury makes a final verdict. They decide who wins and how much the winning party is to be compensated.

Ultimately, whether you reach a settlement or go to trial for a car accident case depends on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the case and both parties’ willingness to negotiate. Regardless of which avenue you choose, it can be highly beneficial to work with an Atlanta car accident lawyer.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Atlanta?

Between the adrenaline and confusion, it’s easy to get overwhelmed in the wake of a car accident. By already knowing what steps to take in the case of an accident, you can be ready to act if you find yourself in one. The actions you take immediately after a car accident are important for your safety, as well as your future personal injury claim.

First, if someone is hurt, it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away. Do not attempt to move anyone who is injured unless they are in immediate danger. If you’re injured, be sure to get copies of all your medical records pertaining to the accident.

Once everyone is confirmed to be safe, contact local law enforcement. When they arrive, it’s important that you give your own statement and get the police report number so you can get a copy of the report. Under Georgia law, you must report any accidents that result in death, injury, or property damage that exceeds $500.

While you’re on the scene, it’s also pertinent to document as much of the accident and gather as much information as you can. This includes taking pictures and videos of the vehicle damage, your injuries, and the rest of the scene, as well as getting police names and badge numbers, the other drivers’ information, witnesses’ contact information, and more.

The more evidence you can present in a car accident case, the better, so no detail is too small. When you file your claim, your Atlanta car accident lawyer can help collect more key evidence to bolster your case, but this initial documentation is important.

Although the at-fault party’s insurance is likely to be the one compensating you for an accident, Georgia car accident law requires you to report any accidents to your insurance. It’s important to do this as quickly as possible. That said, it’s wise to avoid providing any detailed statements to insurance companies after an accident, and that includes your own.

Insurance companies fundamentally want to increase their own profits, and they often do this by minimizing payouts on claims. In the case of a car accident, your own insurance company may become involved if the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured.

If you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver, your insurance can use any statements you give them to establish how much to give you in a settlement, which is bound to be less than the maximum amount you could win. Be sure to speak with an Atlanta car accident lawyer before providing any information beyond informing your insurance about the accident.

It’s possible that you may not reach a settlement agreement with the at-fault party’s insurance company at the end of negotiations. If working with a mediator doesn’t work, you may have to go to trial, where a judge determines the outcome of the case. In this case, your Atlanta car accident lawyer can represent you and seek the justice you deserve.

Comparative Negligence in Georgia

When it comes to filing a personal injury claim from a car accident in Atlanta, GA, it’s critical to establish fault. Georgia recognizes a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages for personal injury cases so long as you’re found to be less than 50 percent at fault for the incident.

In situations where you’re found partially at fault for an accident, the amount you can recover is reduced by your percentage of fault. This is why it’s so important to gather good evidence to back your claim. By establishing that the other party is fully at fault for an accident, you can seek the maximum amount of compensation for a personal injury claim.

Damages Recovered in Atlanta Car Accident Cases

If you’re injured in a car accident in Atlanta and are not at fault, you have the right to seek both economic and non-economic damages. This means you can receive compensation for direct expenses related to the accident, as well as more ambiguous losses.

Examples of economic losses include things like living expenses, the loss of future earning potential, lost income, medical expenses, ongoing medical treatment, and property damages. Non-economic losses, on the other hand, cover things like emotional distress, the loss of ability to drive, the loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.

Determining the total amount of your non-economic damages hinges on the strength of your case and the quality of the evidence you can provide. Law enforcement can try to identify who was at fault for an accident, but the insurance companies and your Atlanta car accident lawyer also have a say in the matter.

It’s beneficial to consult with an Atlanta car accident lawyer for your strongest chance at securing a large settlement for your losses. They can conduct their own thorough investigation and come up with new evidence to establish that the other party is fully at fault, which can ultimately mean a larger settlement for you.

Tips for Car Accident Cases in Atlanta, GA

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be a daunting task. An Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you navigate challenges throughout your case and secure the compensation you deserve. While working with an Atlanta car accident lawyer is a surefire way to make going through your case easier, it’s also helpful to understand how car accident cases work.

Here are a few last tips about personal injury cases from car accidents:

• Don’t trust insurance companies: Insurers want to save money, so they’re going to do everything they can to mitigate costs before they present you with a settlement. It’s always wise to negotiate in response to their initial offer. It can be helpful to seek legal counsel from a trustworthy attorney to guide you through this process.
• Georgia doesn’t have no-fault medical coverage: Some states have personal injury protection (PIP), which covers medical expenses for drivers and passengers regardless of who was at fault. Georgia does not impose these rules, which means you can recover your medical expenses from the at-fault party in a personal injury case.
• Maintain your own records of everything: It’s pertinent to have as much evidence on your side as possible. After an accident, you should document any damages to all the vehicles involved and any injuries. It’s also wise to obtain your own copy of the police report and any relevant medical records. This includes paramedics’ reports and doctors’ notes.

Do I Need to Work With an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer?

Many people feel like they are capable of representing themselves in a car accident case, especially in situations where they feel like the fault obviously does not lie with them. The truth is that car accident cases can be complex, even in the most cut-and-dry situations.

Georgia law requires you to prove fault in order to recover damages for your losses, so it’s important to come prepared with a solid case backed by facts and irrefutable evidence. An Atlanta personal injury attorney can help you get there.

Even if you are capable of handling every aspect of your legal case on your own, you must ask yourself if that’s what you want to do. It’s important to prioritize your health and safety, especially when you’re trying to heal from a car accident. Representing yourself in a legal claim can be stressful and overwhelming.

An Atlanta car accident lawyer can help ease the burden and give you peace of mind that you’re not missing any important parts of the process. They can stay on top of deadlines and work behind the scenes to build a strong case on your behalf.

Atlanta Car Accident FAQs

Q: How Much Do Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Charge?

A: Atlanta car accident lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, which means their costs and fees are covered by a percentage of your settlement amount. This means that you don’t have to worry about paying any upfront costs, and you won’t have to pay your attorney anything if you don’t win your case. This helps to keep quality representation affordable, so everyone gets a chance to experience strong advocacy for their case.

Q: What Damages Can I Recover From a Car Accident Settlement in Atlanta?

A: In Atlanta, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages from a car accident settlement. Possible damages you can recover include emotional distress, loss of income and future earning potential, medical expenses, ongoing medical treatments, pain and suffering, property damage, and even punitive damages in severe cases. An Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you secure the maximum settlement for a personal injury case.

Q: What’s the Most Common Cause of Car Accidents in Atlanta?

A: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Atlanta. In fact, data shows that 19.6 percent of Georgia drivers are distracted when behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Distracted driving pertains to doing other tasks while driving, such as eating, messing with the radio, texting, and more.

Other common causes of car accidents in Atlanta include aggressive driving, driving under the influence (DUI), fatigue, reckless driving, speeding, and unsafe road conditions.

Q: How Long Do Most Car Accident Settlements Take in Atlanta?

A: The amount of time it takes to settle your car accident case can depend on a few different factors. For starters, the complexity of your case can impact how long it takes to reach a settlement. You also may have to deal with delays due to long response times from the insurance companies involved. Working with an Atlanta car accident lawyer can help move things along so you can reach an agreeable settlement in as little time as possible.

Talk With an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer About Your Case Today

A car accident can leave you feeling scared and hopeless. When the unexpected happens, an Atlanta car accident lawyer can help get you back on your feet. On top of evaluating your case and offering legal advice, a skilled attorney can bolster your case and help you get the settlement you deserve.

At Barnes Law Group, we believe recovering from a car accident goes beyond physical healing. Our goal is to secure the compensation you’re owed for the losses you suffered. We’re confident we can accomplish this through a personalized legal strategy that’s unique to your situation. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, reach out to our office to set up an appointment today.

Atlanta, GA Car Accident Resources

• Is Georgia a No-Fault State For Car Accidents?
• Georgia Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline
• Right-of-Way Laws In Georgia
• Hidden Costs of Personal Injuries in Atlanta, GA