If you have been injured in a car accident in McDonough, your medical bills may be just the beginning of your troubles. You may be unable to go back to work, with no way to pay rent, buy groceries and support yourself. You may be in pain or trying to come to terms with a life-changing condition. But you don’t have to face the future alone. If you didn’t cause your accident, the law allows you to recover money for your losses. You need to speak to a McDonough car accident lawyer.
Our lawyers have been helping accident victims like you for years, and we never charge you anything unless we get you money. Let us give you a FREE consultation. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
What do I need to know about my car accident claim?
The laws behind car accident claims are complex, but they boil down to a system that most people can understand. Here are the essentials:
- You have a right to recover money for your injuries and other losses.
- Under Georgia law, whichever driver caused the accident is the one who has to pay for it.
- If they’re insured, their insurance will pay. If they’re not insured, they will have to pay out-of-pocket, even if it takes time.
- You can receive money for ALL of your costs, including missed work time.
- If the accident was severe, you can also recover money for other types of losses, such as pain and suffering. This money is designed to help offset the impact of the accident on your life.
These rules are the same no matter what kind of accident it was, from a minor fender bender to a major highway accident.
The most important thing you should know, however, is that insurance companies have a motive to avoid paying—even if you have a valid claim. That’s why it’s best to speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as you can.
Who is usually “at fault” in a car accident in McDonough?
Fault is based on whoever’s actions led to the accident. Or, to put it another way, which driver wasn’t being careful enough?
A driver could be at fault for causing an accident on purpose, but that’s rare. More often, a driver is “negligent.” A negligent driver is legally “at fault” for being careless or not following traffic laws. This might mean the driver was speeding, drinking and driving, following too closely, looking at a cell phone instead of the road, or engaging in many other types of unsafe behavior. When a driver is negligent, their insurance company must pay.
What kind of injuries are covered by car accident claims?
A car accident claim can cover any type of injury. The only requirement is that it must have happened because of the accident. The single most common injury we see is probably whiplash, an extremely painful neck injury that usually happens in rear-end accidents. But we have worked successfully on claims for almost every kind of injury, from severe burns to traumatic brain injuries.
Generally, the injuries involved in the claim must be physical injuries. But you can also receive money for the emotional trauma or “mental anguish” that accompanies very severe physical injuries.
What other costs are covered?
The rule in Georgia is that you can get ALL of your costs covered. The amount you receive will depend on your own individual circumstances. However, as a general rule, accident victims can get these types of costs:
- Lost work time
- Car repair bills
- Medication
- Doctor bills and medical expenses
- The cost of long-term treatment
In a more serious accident, you may receive much more. The law allows you to recover damages for the effect the accident has had on your life, including pain and disabilities. If the accident victim was a close family member who died, you may be eligible for wrongful death damages. This money can’t erase a terrible loss, but it can help you regain your financial stability while you recover and plan for the future.
The insurance company has already offered me money. Should I take it?
It’s hard to know whether you should take it until you know the full costs of your accident, and what you’re entitled to legally. Ask yourself:
- Have you already gotten a full medical diagnosis? Do you feel the diagnosis is correct?
- Have you completed ALL medical treatment for your injury? Did it work, with no complications?
- Are you 100% sure you have no side effects or lasting problems related to the injury?
- Have you already spoken to a legal professional? Did they give you a clear idea of what your claim might be worth, independent of the insurer’s offer?
If you can’t answer “yes” to all of these questions, it means you don’t have all the facts you need. The insurer’s offer might be fair—or it might not include money you’ll need if your initial medical treatment doesn’t work. And, insurers rarely include much for pain and suffering or other costs you have a legal right to. This is why it’s so important to talk to a lawyer.
A lawyer understands how insurance companies operate. A lawyer can gather evidence and present a strong claim showing how badly you were hurt and what you will need to recover. A lawyer can also show the insurance company that the accident was not your fault. Through negotiations or a car accident lawsuit in Atlanta, a lawyer can often get you far more than the insurance company was originally offering.
Talk to a McDonough Car Accident Lawyer for Free
Our law office has been fighting for the rights of car accident victims for decades. We never charge you unless we win you money. Let us give you a free consultation to talk about your claim and help you decide what to do. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
