Sideswipe accidents are serious. While not always as devastating as head-on collisions, sideswipes can still cause permanent injury and cost you lots of money. If a negligent driver caused you injury through a sideswipe, you can seek financial compensation.
Even if you were partially at-fault, you can still file a claim. With strong legal representation, you can negotiate for a settlement that can completely cover all of your damages.
Our sideswipe lawyers are ready to help you fight for proper compensation. If you are in Johns Creek and need help to get started on filing your claim, call us today. With many years of experience, our law firm can assist you throughout the entire process from start to finish. You can reach us at (404) 341-6555.
Who Is at Fault for a Sideswipe Accident?
Sideswipe accidents can occur due to the fault of all parties involved. While factors such as drinking and driving or reckless driving are a part of sideswipe accidents, the truth is that most of them occur because of a lack of attention on the road.
For example, both you and the other driver may have been at fault because neither of you looked to check a blind spot when merging. Proving who was more negligent in an accident is essential because it directly ties into whether you can file a claim.
Comparative Fault in Georgia
Georgia follows a rule for comparative fault. What this means is that you cannot be more than 50% responsible for your accident. If you are more than 50% responsible, you cannot file a claim for compensation against another party.
If you are less than 50% at fault for your accident in Johns Creek, you can still file your claim. However, you should be aware that whatever percentage you are at fault for will get deducted from your final settlement amount. The defense and the insurance company may try to shift more blame onto you so you either get a lower settlement or so you cannot file at all. By retaining an attorney, you can fight back and ensure that all parties involved get held responsible and do not avoid taking the blame.
We Will Help You Gather Evidence
Your claim will only be as strong as the evidence you provide to support it. If you lack any proper evidence, the defense will have an easier time shifting blame towards you. After your accident, it is important to gather the following:
- All receipts, financial documents, bills, etc., so you can calculate your damages accurately.
- Medical documents and records regarding your injuries.
- Information of any witnesses to your accident.
The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) ยง40-6-273 states that after an accident, both parties must report their accident to the police should the apparent damages equate to $500 or more. So if your accident took place in Johns Creek, both parties are obligated to inform law enforcement of what happened. Once the accident gets called in, the police will arrive to file a report. You should always request a copy of the police report as evidence as well.
In addition to your evidence, our law firm will also consult with various experts such as accident reconstruction experts, medical experts, etc. We will use their help to bolster the strength of your claim.
How We Help Our Clients
When you come to our law firm for help, we will provide you assistance in many ways.
We Will Help You File at the Right Time
Knowing when to file a claim can be tricky. If you file a claim and settle too early, you could end up paying for any damages that come later on out of pocket. Once your settlement gets agreed upon, the insurance company and the defense are no longer liable to provide you with additional compensation.
You want to file at the right time after all of your damages get calculated. Even though filing early is not good, waiting too long to file is not optimal either. Our lawyers will help you understand not just how to file, but also when the right time will be.
Negotiating on Your Behalf
When we take on a client, we will fight hard for their rights to compensation. We will not take any settlement offers that are not in your best interest. If negotiations do not amount to anything, we will not hesitate to bring your claim to court.
Most of the time, your claim will settle out of court. Just having a lawyer on your side is enough to get the insurance company to want to settle on fair terms.
Upholding Transparency and Answering All of Your Questions
We will keep you involved throughout the entire claims and negotiations process. We do not make any decisions against your interests and always strive to ensure that your needs get met. Our services have no charge unless we win you compensation. If we do not win compensation, you pay us nothing.
Our lawyers will also answer all of your questions about your case. It can be hard to understand the complexities of car accidents and personal injury law. Since every case is unique, it is no surprise that our clients have many questions. We have years of experience and knowledge of the law at all levels. With us, you never have to be uncertain about your lawsuit.
Call Our Law Office Today for a Free Consultation
Our law firm has helped many clients over the years reach their goals. If you need help in Johns Creek, call our sideswipe attorneys today. We offer a free consultation at no risk or obligation to you. You can reach us at (404) 341-6555.
