An auto accident can be a life-changing event in a blink of an eye. You can be the safest driver on the road, but you cannot predict the driving behaviors of the other drivers on the streets of Conyers. An impaired driver, whether due to intoxication, recklessness, rage, or distraction, can hit your car and cause severe physical and financial harm. If you are a victim of a car wreck, you’ll need an experienced Conyers car accident lawyer on your side.
After a critical auto accident, you may end up in a hospital and require painful medical treatments, surgery, various procedures and rehabilitation that will significantly impact your daily life. Because your treatment and recovery require a tremendous amount of time, you will likely not be able to work in the interim, and this can mean a significant loss of income. The reassuring news is that based on Georgia laws, you will not need to bear this financial burden if a reckless and negligent driver caused the harm.
If the fault is caused by the other motorist and not by you, there is a strong possibility that you might qualify for compensation. However, auto accident cases are complex, and you will need the expertise of a car accident lawyer to help you get the compensation that you deserve. Attorney Gil is one of the best attorneys in accident cases in the Conyers area. Our Conyers personal injury lawyers have fought for the rights of a large number of accident victims just like yourself. We can give you the same kind of expertise and support. If you want the best Conyers car accident lawyer on your side, call us today without delay at [PHONE] for a free consultation.
How Much Does a Conyers Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Attorney Gil and most other lawyers in the personal injury specialty provide legal services on a contingent fee basis. Clients only pay the car accident lawyer when the case results in a financial award. They do not pay any legal fees before a settlement is reached. The fee is typically a percentage of the compensation received from the party at fault.
There is no financial risk to victims who are not at fault because they do not have to pay anything upfront when they hire their car accident lawyer on a contingency basis. If they do not win the case, they do not owe the Conyers car accident lawyer any fees.
What is the Average Award for Auto Accident Claims in Georgia?
It is difficult to determine the average compensation because car accidents are not simple cases. Many factors are weighed in determining the award in an auto accident case. These include the dollar amount for medical expenses, lost income, the severity of injuries, the extent of car damage, and more. Every case is unique. Your car accident lawyer will evaluate your case and tell you what you should claim.
What is the Deadline for Filing an Auto Accident Claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, you have two years to file your auto accident claim. If your injuries are significant and your treatment and recovery are taking a lot of time, this deadline allows you adequate preparation time. Two years might sound like a lot of time, but there might be legal hurdles that you have to overcome to be eligible to file. Hiring a Conyers car accident lawyer to work for you from the start will minimize these hurdles and ensure that you meet all legal requirements to file.
Car Accident Stats in Georgia
The Georgia Department of Public Health reports that auto accidents cause more injuries that lead to death than any other type of injuries. Car accidents are the second most common reason for emergency visits in Georgia.
Just looking at the statistics from 2020, Georgia had more than 331,000 auto accidents. About 125,000 people sustained injuries. 1,588 car accidents had fatalities, with the deaths of 1,700 people. There were more deaths in 2021, with 1,776 fatalities. The numbers are expected to be even higher in 2022 because pandemic lockdowns were lifted there were more motorists on the roads.
What Should You Do Following an Auto Accident?
When you are involved in an auto accident, these are the procedures that we recommend:
Call the Police
Contacting the local authorities is the first thing that you should do. Their accident report is a critical part in determining fault. They execute essential triage procedures in getting urgent medical help for the injured and maintain order in the area. When you file a car accident claim, you will receive a copy of the police report.
Check on the Other People Involved
Remain at the scene of the accident. If you are able, check on anyone else involved in the accident. There might be people who are unable to move because they are injured or because they are stuck. Assist them if they require first aid.
Exchange Relevant Information
Georgia vehicle laws require everyone involved in a car accident to exchange information that is relevant. This includes names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, car registration information, insurance information, and more. It is essential to maintain calm and respectful during this exchange. If the other driver is uncooperative, wait for the authorities to arrive. They will obtain this information for you and their records.
Document the Scene With Photos and Videos
Attorney Gil recommends documenting the scene of the accident with photos and video recordings. Record things like damage to your car, injuries, weather and road conditions, skid marks, and more. This documentation will provide solid evidence of what resulted from the accident when you seek compensation. Your attorney will use this evidence to build a compelling case in your favor.
Do Not Admit Fault
Even if you feel that you contributed partly to the accident, never admit fault. Those who got hurt will hold you liable for their injuries and damage if you do. It is best to remain calm and wait for the authorities to take over.
Seek Medical Attention
You might have sustained injuries from the auto accident. Even if you think your injuries are minor, Attorney Gil suggests you seek medical attention immediately. You might not feel immediate pain shortly after the accident because the adrenaline rushing through your body can mask your pain and injuries. You might not feel them until days or weeks afterward. A medical exam will identify any injuries you sustained, whether or not you feel them. The doctor will record the findings, treat your injuries, and recommend further treatment if deemed necessary so you can include this information in your claim.
Contact A Car Accident Lawyer in Conyers
When you are a victim of a car accident and you are injured, you cannot deal with all the legal matters by yourself. When you have an experienced Conyers car accident lawyer working for you, you can determine if you have a solid case, what fair compensation will look like, and prepare all that is needed for the lawsuit. Attorney Gil is an expert in this area and will fight for you every step of the way.
Why Do You Need A Conyers Car Accident Lawyer?
If you do not have a legal background, it is not advisable to file your own car accident claim. An experienced Conyers car accident lawyer will give you the best advice on your options, what to do with all of the legal paperwork involved, how to approach the situation, and much more. Attorney Gil will help you with the following:
Case Preparation and Claim Filing
Proper filing of a claim requires meticulous attention to filing rules and requirements. Non-compliance will invalidate your claim. Some rules are relatively simple, while others can be quite confusing and complex. It is best to get assistance from a seasoned personal injury attorney to ensure everything is done correctly.
Negotiation of the Settlement
Not all auto accident cases end up in court. As a matter of fact, most claims are settled outside of the courtroom. If the party at fault agrees to pay the fair amount you seek, then the attorneys from both sides will complete the negotiations on behalf of both parties and conclude the claim. During negotiations, insurance companies tend to offer the victim the lowest amount. So, you should be represented by a car accident lawyer who can negotiate aggressively for you. Do not settle for anything less than what you deserve for the loss you have suffered.
Preparing and Representing You in a Trial
If you and the other party are not able to settle the negotiations, your lawyer will proceed to prepare a compelling case and represent you in court. This includes gathering and compiling solid evidence, interviewing and preparing expert witnesses, and more. The other party will almost always have an attorney, so you should not represent yourself. Have the best car accident lawyer speak on your behalf.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover in Georgia?
The following categories of damages are available to auto accident victims in In Conyers, GA, if they are eligible:
Economic Damages
Economic damages provide compensation for the money the victim lost due to the car accident. This includes medical expenses you incurred in treating your injuries, the cost of rehabilitation, lost income, damage to your property, and more.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages make up for the loss the victim experienced from subjective damages. These damages include psychological distress, loss of quality of life, loss of enjoyment, loss of support, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and more. This also includes any ongoing treatment or therapy required in the long term which will increase these expenses.
Punitive Damages
If the party at fault was grossly negligent or had malicious intent in causing the accident, the judge or jury may award punitive damages. The intention is not to compensate the injured, but it is designed to punish the at-fault party to discourage these actions in the future.
How is Fault Determined in an Auto Accident in Georgia?
In Georgia, to establish that the other party is liable in a car accident, you have to prove that the other driver was negligent. Four elements must exist in establishing proof:
Duty of Care
You have to prove that the other driver had a duty of care toward you. On the road, all motorists are responsible for driving safely and obeying all traffic rules in their exercise of care toward other people sharing the road. So, this is established in car accident cases.
Breach of Duty of Care
With that said, you now have to prove that the driver at fault breached their duty of care toward you. This proves the other driver was negligent. The reason might be the other driver was distracted, driving while intoxicated, going through a stop sign or red light, speeding, and driving recklessly.
Causation
Next, you need to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident that resulted from the other driver’s recklessness or negligence. This might be more challenging to prove. Therefore, you will need an experienced attorney to fight for your rights.
Damages
Lastly, you need to prove that you suffered from injuries and damages that directly resulted from the auto accident. Both economical and non-economical damages are included.
Georgia laws are based on the principle of modified comparative negligence. If it is determined that you were partially responsible for the accident, but you contributed to less than 50% percent of the accident, you can still claim some level of compensation based on the degree of your responsibility.
How Can a Conyers Car Accident Lawyer Help You File Your Insurance Claim?
There are specific procedures and requirements that you must understand to file a valid claim. The claim typically includes the following:
- Submitting (filing) the claim
- The defending party confirms your claim
- Insurance adjuster investigates the claim
- Insurance company approves or denies the claim
- Settlement undergoes negotiations
- If negotiations do not result in a settlement, a lawsuit is filed
What Should You Do If the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim?
The insurance company’s tactic is to deny claims, even though they might be valid. Fortunately, you can push back. Your lawyer will send a demand letter and file an appeal in a court of law against the insurer.
Do you Have A Valid Case?
For people who have never been victims of a car accident, getting involved in one for the first time can make them wonder if they have a legitimate claim. These are often not that clear-cut to determine and can be rather complex. That is why the smartest thing to do is to consult with an expert attorney such as Attorney Gil. He will evaluate your case for free, with no obligation, and advise you on your legal options.
Types of Auto Accidents Handled By Attorney Gil
Attorney Gil has extensive experience working in cases relating to personal injury laws. He can advise you on a broad spectrum of auto accidents caused by the following:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Uninsured motorist
- Hit and run
- Distracted driving
- Accidents caused by texting behind the wheel
- Accidents involving Uber or Lyft
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
Hire the Best Conyers Car Accident Lawyer!
Every day, people are involved in car accidents. However, many people do not claim compensation because they do not know the process. The fact is, you don’t have to do this alone. Attorney Gil is here to help. Call [PHONE] today and let us help you get the compensation you deserve! The Law Offices of Gilbert Sperling, III will get the compensation you deserve.
