Car accidents occur frequently in Atlanta, with thousands of collisions reported each year. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, there were over 331,000 traffic accidents in Georgia in 2021, resulting in 125,000 injuries and 1,700 fatalities. In a dense, bustling city, the risk of accidents is heightened by heavy traffic, distracted driving, and hazardous road conditions. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, having an experienced Atlanta auto accident attorney on your side can significantly impact your ability to secure the compensation you need and deserve.
Why You Need an Atlanta Auto Accident Attorney
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. Between negotiating with insurance companies, understanding Georgia’s car accident laws, and recovering from injuries, the process can quickly become complicated. Fortunately, Atlanta auto accident attorney specializes in these cases, allowing you to focus on healing while they manage the legal complexities.
An attorney can assist with:
- Investigating the accident to determine fault,
- Collecting and analyzing evidence to support your claim,
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters for a fair settlement, and
- Representing you in court if necessary.
An experienced attorney ensures that your case is managed effectively, giving you the best chance to secure the compensation you deserve. With a legal advocate by your side, you can avoid common pitfalls, such as accepting a settlement that is less than you deserve or unintentionally admitting fault.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Atlanta
Understanding common causes of car accidents can help you establish a stronger case. Automobile accident lawyers often handle cases involving:
- Distracted driving. Actions like texting, eating, or using in-car technology can divert a driver’s attention and lead to collisions.
- Speeding. Driving above the speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
- Drunk driving. Alcohol consumption impairs judgment, reaction times, and motor skills, making it a leading cause of crashes.
- Reckless driving: Aggressive maneuvers such as tailgating, weaving, and sudden lane changes put everyone at risk.
- Weather. Rain, fog, and icy roads can create hazardous driving conditions.
Recognizing these causes is crucial in determining liability and building a compelling claim for compensation. No matter the cause of the crash, our automobile injury attorneys can help you seek the justice and damages you deserve.
Georgia Laws Relevant to Car Accidents
Georgia follows an at-fault system for car accidents, meaning the driver responsible for the collision is liable for the damages. Key laws auto accident attorneys rely on include:
- Modified comparative negligence. Georgia allows you to recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your share of fault.
- Statute of limitations: You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim and four years to file for property damage.
- Insurance requirements. Georgia drivers must carry minimum bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, as well as $25,000 in coverage for property damage.
Understanding these laws, the rules of evidence, and court procedures can be challenging and complex. Let our Atlanta auto accident attorney assist you.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Atlanta
Taking the right steps after an accident can strengthen your case and protect your rights. Here are the actions we recommend:
- Ensure safety. Move to a safe location and check for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
- Gather evidence. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the other driver.
- File a police report. In Georgia, reporting an accident is required if there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $500.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, obtain a medical evaluation. Injuries like whiplash may not show symptoms immediately.
- Contact an attorney. Consult an automobile injury attorney to discuss your options and ensure your rights are protected.
Remember, every case is unique, so additional steps may be required to address your situation.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Victims of car accidents in Atlanta may be eligible for various types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses. Covers hospital visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation costs.
- Lost wages. Compensates for income lost due to injuries that prevent you from working.
- Property damage. Reimburses the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
- Pain and suffering. Accounts for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Punitive damages. In cases of egregious negligence, such as drunk driving, a court may award these damages to punish the wrongdoer.
Auto accident attorneys evaluate all aspects of your case to ensure you pursue the maximum compensation available under Georgia law.
How Evans Litigation & Trial Law Can Help
At Evans Litigation & Trial Law, we understand the challenges you face after a car accident. Our team of dedicated Atlanta automobile accident attorneys is committed to providing personalized legal representation tailored to your unique needs. Here’s how we stand out:
- Experience. With years of experience handling car accident cases, we have the knowledge and skills to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Client-centered approach. We prioritize open communication and work closely with you throughout the process.
- Proven results. Our track record of successful outcomes demonstrates our ability to secure fair compensation for our clients.
When you choose Evans Litigation & Trial Law, you’re not just hiring an attorney; you’re gaining a dedicated advocate who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights.
Contact Atlanta Auto Accident Attorney For Assistance!
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Atlanta, navigating the legal process can be daunting. An Atlanta automobile accident attorney from Evans Litigation & Trial Law can provide the guidance and support you need to secure fair compensation. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle every aspect of your case with dedication and professionalism. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options. Let us give you the peace of mind of knowing your case is in good hands so you can focus on what matters most: returning to your normal life.
Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers FAQ
The following are common questions you may have about car accidents in Atlanta.
How Often Do Auto Accident Settlements Exceed the Policy Limits?
Auto settlements can exceed the policy limits, but only sometimes. The reason is Georgia’s driver’s insurance laws.
Georgia’s minimum coverage policy consists of the following requirements:
- $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person in an accident;
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more persons in an accident; and
- $25,000 for injury or destruction of property.
Many times, damages exceed the minimum coverage limit. If the driver you are suing has only the bare minimum coverage, you’re responsible for expenses.
You should also consider getting uninsured or underinsured motor insurance. This supplemental insurance can help recoup the damages that exceed the minimum coverage policy.
How Long Do You Have to See a Doctor After an Auto Accident?
While the law does not set a time limit to see a doctor after an auto accident, the sooner you see one, the better.
If you have severe or apparent injuries from an accident, such as obvious bleeding, lacerations, or burns, the paramedics will immediately transport you to the emergency room. Similarly, if you are unconscious, they will transport you to the hospital. Injuries that are mild but visible can be taken care of by the paramedics at the scene.
But sometimes, injuries are not visible or painful. So, car accident victims don’t seek medical attention right away. This can cause problems later for your health, the viability of your claim, and the ability to bring your claim.
Health issues
Lack of visible injuries or pain does not mean there are no injuries. Our bodies have a natural fight or flight response that kicks in during a traumatic or stressful event. In many instances, you may not feel the pain immediately, and symptoms might not manifest until days later. For example, you could be bleeding internally and not realize it until you fall unconscious from blood loss three days later. Severe complications, life-altering injuries, or death can result from delayed medical treatment.
Insurance issues
If you wait too long, insurance companies may be skeptical that the accident caused the injury. They will argue something else caused the accident. Your insurance company might also have a time limit for bringing a claim listed in your contract. If you wait too long, it will deny your claim.
Filing issues
Lastly, Georgia law allows you to bring a car accident claim within a specific time. You must bring the claim promptly to take advantage of your opportunity for recovery.
What Happens If Someone Else Is Driving My Car and Gets in an Accident?
It depends on the facts of the case and the insurance policy terms. Generally, insurance companies, not the negligent driver, compensate the car accident victim. And insurance follows the car, not the person.
Thus, your insurance company pays the damages if the person driving your car is at fault.
This unfortunate rule can cause your insurance rates to increase even though you did not cause the accident.
There are a couple of exceptions:
- No permission—if the person took your car without permission and caused an accident, your insurance would not cover the damages;
- Intoxication—if the person who took your car was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the insurance company would not cover those damages; and
- Exclusion—your insurance company may explicitly exclude coverage for someone else from your insurance policy.
It’s essential to be vigilant and inquire about the specifics of your insurance policy.
How Much Money Can a Passenger in a Car Accident Get?
The compensation a passenger in a car accident receives depends on the individual facts of a case, including the following:
- Injury severity. The more severe the injuries the passenger suffers, the higher the treatment, rehabilitation, and continual care expenses. Thus, the higher the compensation.
- Employment income. Your injuries may prevent you from working full-time, force you to take a lesser-paying job, or prohibit you from working altogether. The greater the impact, the more compensation you may be entitled to.
- Legal representation. Having an experienced Georgia car accident attorney on your side increases your chance of securing fair and just compensation.
- Pain and suffering. Accidents can leave victims with emotional and psychological injuries. The greater the emotional and psychological suffering, the higher the possible compensation.
A passenger injured in a car accident can receive compensation for the following damages:
- Medical bills,
- Lost wages,
- Loss of earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Loss of enjoyment of life,
- Loss of consortium, and
- Emotional distress.
A passenger is generally not contributorily liable for an accident. However, it can happen. Keep in mind Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state. If the car passenger is found liable for the accident, their compensation will be reduced by their portion of the fault. Passengers cannot recover compensation if their fault is 50% or more.
When Is It Too Late to Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
It’s never too late to speak to a lawyer. A lawyer can put things into perspective and explain your legal options.
But, with or without a lawyer, you don’t have forever to bring a car accident claim. Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, such as car accident cases, is two years. The claim starts to accrue on the day of the accident. Failure to file your claim by this deadline prevents you from pursuing your claim.
However, even though your two-year deadline has passed, you should still contact a lawyer. There are limited exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations. For example, if someone claims loss of consortium resulting from injuries in a car accident, the statute of limitations is four years. Our experienced lawyers understand these exceptions and can analyze your case to determine if you can still pursue your claim.