After a car accident, medical bills may be just the beginning of your worries. You may have lost your paycheck because you haven’t been able to go back to work. You may be looking at months or years of pain and disability, or your life may never be the same as it once was. But there is help. The law allows you to recover money to pay the costs of a car accident in Carrollton. You need to talk to a Carrollton car accident lawyer.
Our attorneys are ready to assist you. We have many years of experience getting money for car accident victims, and we never charge a fee unless we win money for you. Let us give you a FREE, no obligation consultation. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
What should I know about my car accident claim?
In many ways, car accidents are no different than any other accident. But unlike some types of injuries, injuries from car accidents are almost always covered by insurance. This is because the state of Georgia requires all vehicle owners to carry at least a minimum amount of coverage for injuries and vehicle damage. In most cases you can look to an insurance policy to pay for your losses, rather than going after another driver directly.
Car accidents are also unique because there are so many ways they can happen. Some, like rear-end collisions, are usually fairly simple. Others need detailed investigation to figure out who is to blame. We often help people recover money for these types of car accidents:
- Head on collisions
- Rear end accidents
- “T-bone” collisions
- Accidents caused by dangerous conditions such as fog or heavy rain
- Distracted driving accidents
- Accidents involving drinking and driving
- Accidents involving defective tires
- Whiplash accidents
You should be aware that insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible to settle your claim. This is why it is important to get a lawyer working on your case right away.
How do I know who’s at fault in my accident?
The driver who is “at fault” is the one who caused the accident. Fault is an important part of any car accident claim in Georgia because state law holds the person who was at fault responsible for paying all the costs of the accident, including injuries and vehicle damage.
In most cases, an accident could have been prevented if someone had been more careful. When carelessness is to blame, we say that the careless driver was “negligent.” A negligent driver didn’t necessarily mean to cause an accident, but the law holds them responsible anyway. Examples of negligent behavior include speeding, tailgating, DUI and distracted driving.
How much money does a car accident claim pay?
The amount you will receive will vary depending on the circumstances, but Georgia law does allow you to get all of your costs and damages from the accident. This means that in an ordinary case you will be eligible for money for:
- Medical expenses
- Prescription drugs
- Physical therapy or other rehabilitation
- Fixing your car or replacing a totaled car
- Lost wages, if you had to miss time from work
Victims of more serious accidents may be able to recover additional money as damages. These damages are awarded for severe losses like chronic pain or a disability. We believe that money is no substitute for the life you had before the accident, but we hope it will relieve your financial stress and help you pursue as complete a recovery as possible.
What kind of injuries do car accident claims cover?
Any injury that was caused by the accident can potentially be covered by a car accident claim. But there are some injuries that are especially common, including:
- Whiplash is a neck injury that can be extremely painful.
- Head injuries. A traumatic brain injury is especially serious, but even a mild concussion can have complications.
- Fractured arms, wrists, noses and other bones.
- Soft tissue injuries such as strains and sprains.
We recommend that you see a doctor as soon as you can if you have been in an accident. There are two reasons for this. First, many injuries take time to develop and get worse if they are not treated promptly. A doctor can get you started on care that may shorten your recovery time. Second, seeing a doctor right away shows the insurance company that you took your injuries seriously, helping you make a stronger claim.
Why do I need to talk to a lawyer? Won’t insurance cover it?
A lawyer can help you decide what to do about the insurance company offer. A lawyer can also handle investigations, negotiations and even a lawsuit for you. You should know that the “helpful” people at the insurance company don’t really have your best interest at heart—their job is to make sure the insurance company operates at a profit. This means that insurance companies typically offer you as little money as possible, hoping you will take the offer and sign away your right to ask for anything more.
Car accident law firms around Atlanta can help you avoid this trap. A lawyer will send you to doctors who can tell you what your injury will really cost and what it will take for you to recover. A lawyer can also build a strong case showing you are not at fault. This puts you and your lawyer in a far better negotiating position with the insurance company, often leading to substantially more money.
How do I know if I should file a claim?
Many car accident victims think they don’t have a claim because somehow they must have done something wrong. Or they think the accident was just bad luck. But legally, accidents are almost always someone’s fault, and that means that there is a very good chance that you have a valid claim. The best way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation with a good car accident lawyer.
Talk to a Carrollton Car Accident Lawyer for Free
Our lawyers have spent decades protecting the rights of accident victims. We never charge you anything unless we are able to get you money. Let us give you a free consultation to discuss your claim and explain your options. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
