Our car accident lawyers in Sandy Springs can help you understand your rights after a road accident. You may find yourself facing more than mounting medical bills. Pain, a disability, or an inability to work can leave you feeling overwhelmed and alone. But you’re not alone—and you may not be liable for your costs.
If you were involved in a car accident and you’re not at fault, you are protected by the law, and you may be entitled to claim damages. You need to speak to a car accident lawyer. Our team of personal injury lawyers in Sandy Springs can help. Our entire mission is to help injury victims, regardless of circumstance.
Legal Aspects of a Sandy Springs Car Accident You Need to Know
The aftermath of a car accident in Sandy Springs can be chaotic and confusing. Between the throbbing pain, the rising anxiety about car repairs, and the jumbled mess of what just happened, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s a breakdown of some crucial legal aspects to understand:
- Determining Fault (Liability). One of the first steps to claiming damages is to determine who is at fault for the car accident. This is the “fault party” or “responsible party” whose insurance company will likely be responsible for compensating you for your injuries. Police reports, witness statements, and even dashcam footage can all be valuable evidence in establishing fault.
- Statute of Limitations. This legal term refers to the time limit you have to file a lawsuit. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for car accidents is generally two years. Missing this deadline can significantly limit your legal options, so seeking legal guidance early is important.
- Medical Treatment. Getting immediate medical attention after an accident is crucial, even if your injuries seem minor. This creates a clear link between the accident and your injuries, and all medical records become vital documentation for your case.
- Property Damage. If your car was damaged, you can typically file a claim with your own insurance company to cover repairs or replacement. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the claims process with your insurance company.
Remember, understanding these legal aspects can empower you to make informed decisions as you move forward. Don’t hesitate to consult with a Sandy Springs car accident lawyer for personalized legal advice tailored to your situation.
How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Car Accident Claim?
If you were injured, never assume you don’t have a valid claim. The only way to be certain is to talk to a lawyer. A credible attorney will build an individual investigation into your accident and may discover more details on what happened, even without a clear crime or violation.
Keep in mind that nearly all car accidents can be prevented, which means someone is at fault—and their insurance should pay for it. Your attorney can help you recover damages, even if you get hit by an uninsured driver in Georgia.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents in Sandy Springs
While every accident is unique, some injuries are more frequent after car accidents in Sandy Springs:
- Neck injuries. Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that affects the neck and upper back, often caused by the sudden forceful movement of the head during a collision. Symptoms like pain, stiffness, and headaches can linger for weeks or even months.
- Broken Bones. The impact of a car accident can cause fractures in any bone, depending on the severity of the crash. Broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, or even facial bones can require significant medical attention and rehabilitation.
- Sprains and Strains. These soft tissue injuries involve stretched or torn ligaments, muscles, or tendons. Sprains and strains can occur in various parts of the body due to the sudden forces experienced in a crash.
- Head Injuries. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even minor head injuries should be evaluated by a medical professional, as they can have lasting consequences.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries. The back is particularly vulnerable in car accidents, and injuries can range from muscle strain to spinal cord damage. Serious spinal cord injuries can cause permanent paralysis and require extensive medical care.
- Cuts and lacerations. Broken glass, sharp objects, or flying debris can cause cuts, scrapes, and lacerations that may require stitches or other medical treatment. While some heal quickly, others may leave permanent scarring.
Remember, this list is not exhaustive, and any injury sustained in a car accident deserves medical attention. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Sandy Springs, don’t hesitate to seek medical evaluation, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact your recovery process.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer? Why Not Just Deal With the Insurance Company Directly?
Since insurance companies aim to gain a profit, be very cautious when being offered money after an accident. Insurers offer the smallest payouts they can reasonably get away with. When they make you an offer, there’s a strong possibility you’re receiving far less than what you deserve.
Insurance companies may use any number of tactics to deny and devalue car accident claims and reduce your payout, such as:
- Offering “quick cash” when you need it most so that you sign away your right to more
- Leaving out money for missed work time
- Trying to blame you for the accident or using your words against you
- Delaying your claim so you take anything they offer
- Paying only the cost of your current medical bills without consideration of future care
Insurance companies use these strategies because they know that most accident victims don’t know the law and won’t be able to negotiate. When you have a lawyer on your side, you level the playing field. A good lawyer will be able to investigate what happened, assemble hard evidence, and force the insurer to the bargaining table.
Do I Have to Go to Court?
A claim rarely goes to court. There are times when an insurer will refuse to bargain or simply isn’t offering you enough money to cover all of your long-term losses. If that happens, we’ll give you our professional opinion on whether it’s worth going to court after your car accident or not. But most claims are settled without a judge. Usually, we can take care of the settlement for you and typically get you far more than what you were initially offered.
Economic and Non-economic Damages You Can Get in Sandy Springs After a Car Accident
While a car accident can’t be undone, Georgia law allows accident victims to seek compensation for both the financial losses and the emotional suffering they’ve endured. Here’s a breakdown of the economic and non-economic damages you may be eligible for after a car accident in Sandy Springs:
Economic Damages
These are the concrete financial losses you’ve suffered due to the accident. They are typically easier to calculate and can include:
- Medical Expenses. This covers past and future medical bills related to your injuries, including doctor visits, medications, hospital stays, and rehabilitation costs.
- Lost Wages. If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for lost income. This may include salary, bonuses, and commissions.
- Loss of Earning Capacity. If your injuries permanently impact your ability to work or limit your earning potential, compensation can address this loss.
- Vehicle Repairs or Replacement. The cost of repairing or replacing your damaged car can be included in your claim.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages acknowledge the emotional and personal impact of the accident. They can be more subjective but are no less real. Potential non-economic damages include:
- Pain and Suffering. This covers the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident, including chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life. If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, compensation can acknowledge this loss of ability.
- Scarring and Disfigurement. Physical scars or permanent disfigurement caused by the accident can be a constant reminder of the trauma. Compensation can address the emotional impact of these injuries.
- Loss of Consortium. That refers to the loss of companionship or intimacy due to a spouse’s injuries.
An experienced Sandy Springs car accident lawyer can advise you on the specific types of damages you may be eligible for in your case. They can help gather evidence, calculate your losses, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Cost of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in Sandy Springs
The aftermath of a car accident can be a whirlwind of medical bills, missed work, and emotional distress. The last thing you want to worry about is the cost of legal representation. Understanding how Sandy Springs car accident lawyers typically structure their fees can help ease some of that burden.
Free Consultations
Sandy Springs car accident lawyers at our law firm offer free consultations. This allows you to discuss your case with a lawyer and explore your legal options at no upfront cost. It’s a chance to ask questions and get a sense of how a lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities of your case.
Contingency Fee
This is a common arrangement where the lawyer’s fee is contingent on winning your case. This means you don’t pay anything upfront, and the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the compensation you recover. This structure can be appealing as it aligns the lawyer’s interests with yours – they only get paid if you win. Remember, the cost of legal representation should not be a barrier to getting the help you deserve.
Talk to a Sandy Springs Car Accident Lawyer for Free
The days following a car accident can be a blur of medical appointments, car repairs, and the nagging worry about how you’ll manage financially. You shouldn’t have to face the legal complexities alone. The good news is that our car accident lawyers offer free consultations, allowing you to explore your legal options at no upfront cost.
Taking advantage of a free consultation with a Sandy Springs car accident lawyer is a risk-free way to understand your legal options and explore the possibility of recovering fair compensation for your injuries. Don’t hesitate to contact our firm and start your journey to recovery.
