An Experienced Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney Answers the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Accidents
Riah Greathouse, Esq. · December 15, 2021Statistically, more than 70 drivers suffer an injury on Georgia roads every hour. This staggering number translates to over 100,000 car accident injuries a year, thousands of serious injuries and fatalities, severe trauma, and overwhelming costs.
Even the most careful drivers may find themselves involved in an auto accident, so it’s important to be prepared. We’ve asked our team members at Greathouse Trial Law, car accident lawyers operating in the Greater Atlanta area, to answer the most common questions about motor vehicle accidents and injuries in Georgia.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
Your health and safety always come first. If you or any other people involved in the accident require urgent medical help, anything else should wait.
However, if at all possible, you should:
Exchange names, contact information, and license information with the other driver or drivers who were involved in the accident
Take as many detailed photos of the accident scene as you can, including damaged vehicles, traffic lights or signs, and the general surroundings
If any eyewitnesses are present, get their names, phone numbers, and, if possible, brief video or audio statements
Even if you aren’t sure your injuries warrant medical attention, see a doctor as soon as you can. The initial shock and adrenaline surge often prevent accident victims from feeling pain at first. Moreover, the medical statement you obtain after an accident may play an important role in your personal injury claim.
Should I Contact Law Enforcement After an Accident?
By Georgia law, you need to contact the police immediately after an accident that involves injury, death, or damages that you estimate to be over $500.
While you should cooperate with law enforcement officers and answer any questions promptly and truthfully, avoid offering opinions, volunteering information, or accusing anybody. If the other party decides to file a lawsuit, your police statement may operate against you.
You should also obtain a copy of your car accident report from the Georgia State Highway Patrol or local police department. This report may serve as valuable evidence in your personal injury lawsuit.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Georgia?
The statute of limitations in Georgia for personal injury claims, including auto accident claims, is usually two years from the date of the accident. However, we recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit as soon as possible.
Prompt filing will make it easier for your legal team to build a strong case. Relevant photographs, video records, and eyewitness statements are all simpler to obtain soon after the accident. Choose a car accident lawyer who can start working on your case right away.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?
Every case is different, but if you have a valid claim, you may expect to collect damages for:
Medical bills, including hospitalization and rehabilitation costs
Lost wages, both past, and future
Damage to your vehicle and other property
Pain and suffering
If the guilty party’s insurance company agrees to the amount we stipulate, we may be able to settle your case without going to court.
Should I Call My Insurance Company or an Auto Accident Attorney First?
Many people call their insurer immediately after an accident, while they are shocked and confused, and often before they have had time to feel the full impact of their injuries.
You should certainly talk to your insurance provider soon after an accident since doing otherwise may compromise your coverage. However, be very mindful of what you say.
Accident victims may inadvertently consent to make a recorded statement, in which they may say, “I don’t think I’m seriously injured” or something to that effect. Insurance companies can and will use any such statements against you because their goal is to pay as little as possible on any claim.
We recommend talking to an auto accident attorney first and following their advice when you call your insurer. You may also refer your insurer to your auto accident lawyer.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
At Greathouse Trial Law, we offer a free initial consultation to every client in the Greater Atlanta area. If we believe that you have a valid claim, we will take up your case on a contingency basis. This means we only get paid if we win your case and you get paid.
Because our car accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, you can always count on a fully transparent and honest case evaluation with Greathouse Trial Law.
Greathouse Trial Law, LLC: Personal Injury Attorneys in Atlanta, Georgia
If you received injuries in a car accident, you might be facing devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. At Greathouse Trial Law, our personal injury attorneys and legal team can help protect your rights and build a strong claim for your case.
For a free case evaluation by an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer, call (678) 310-2827 or fill out our contact form.
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