If you were in a car accident in Atlanta, Georgia, you likely have a lot on your mind—plus the challenge of recovering from your injuries and dealing with rising financial expenses. The good news is that you can file a claim against the other driver. However, you might need an attorney to maximize your compensation.
Look no further than Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers. Our Atlanta car accident lawyers have 50 years of combined experience and have won tens of millions for our clients. We can begin fighting for you as soon as you’re ready.
Contact our law offices in Atlanta for a free consultation at (770) 900-9000.
How Our Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Crash
Car accidents are almost always highly stressful situations, especially when it wasn’t your fault, and you’re not sure what to do next. While state law allows you to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit for compensation, the insurance companies won’t make the process easy. You may need an experienced car accident attorney in Atlanta to even the playing field.
That’s exactly what Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers can do for you. We’ve received numerous accolades from both local and national organizations for our work. When you hire an Atlanta personal injury attorney with our team, we can:
- Investigate the wreck
- Find out who’s liable
- Calculate your damages
- Work with top-rated experts
- Protect you from blame
- Handle the negotiations and paperwork
- File a lawsuit in Fulton County court if necessary
Contact us in Atlanta, GA, to set up your free case review.
FAQs About Car Accident Cases in Atlanta, Georgia
Below, you’ll learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about car accidents in the area:
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Atlanta?
First and foremost, take care of your health and safety. Ideally, you will also get your vehicle to a safe spot off the roadway. After that, keep the following in mind to protect your interests:
- Call 911 so that the police can arrive at the scene. They’ll create a police report you can use for your claim. Depending on the specifics of the accident, you might be required to take this step per state law.
- Exchange the necessary information with the other driver(s), such as insurance and contact details.
- Don’t apologize for the crash, nor accept blame. That could harm the success of your claim.
- If safe to do so, gather evidence from the scene, such as photographs of your injuries and damages, information from eyewitnesses, and more.
- Seek medical care as soon as you can. Some injuries won’t present symptoms when the crash occurs, and you might need medical records to help prove your case.
Then, contact an experienced car accident attorney in Atlanta for a free consultation.
Is Georgia an At-Fault State?
Georgia is an ‘at-fault’ state, meaning the party responsible for the accident is liable for all damages. However, if the plaintiff is found to be 50 percent or more responsible for the injury or damages claimed, they are not entitled to any compensation.
Unlike in a ‘no-fault’ state like Florida, where legal action is limited, in Georgia, you can always take legal action against the at-fault driver after a crash. Because of this, Georgia requires drivers to carry liability insurance coverage.
You will generally have two options for legal action: filing a third-party insurance claim against them or a personal injury lawsuit. The facts and circumstances of your case will, in large part, dictate your best course of action.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Lawsuit?
In Georgia, state law gives you two years from the date of your car accident to file a lawsuit in court. This is a strict time limit; if you file too late, a court of law can dismiss your case. Any potential insurance claims must absolutely be fully finalized by the deadline.
However, exceptions do exist. You might have a different amount of time if your case falls into an exception. Contact our car accident attorneys as soon as possible to get legal help.
What Damages Can I Recover?
Both economic and non-economic damages are available to auto accident victims in Atlanta. Altogether, these are referred to as “compensatory damages.” Punitive damages are only available in rare cases.
Economic damages comprise your financial losses. They include your:
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Medical care, bills, and equipment (current and future)
- Any miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses
Meanwhile, non-economic damages represent your subjective losses. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Conditions like PTSD and anxiety
- Loss of quality of life
Punitive damages need “clear and convincing evidence” that the other party acted in some kind of outrageous manner, such as causing the accident intentionally.
What if I’m Partially To Blame?
Georgia has a “modified comparative negligence” law on the books with a 50% recovery bar. You can still recover compensation if you are 49% or less at fault, but your damages can be reduced.
For example, being 45% at fault would reduce your damages by 45%. It may be critical to hire an attorney if you are blamed for your crash. You risk walking away with nothing if they succeed in pinning responsibility on you.
How Should I Handle the Insurance Company?
Insurance companies are not on your side (even if it’s your own insurer you are dealing with). They want to accept your monthly premiums, not pay what your claim is actually worth.
Ideally, you would leave all correspondence with the insurance company to your car accident lawyer. Your attorney can protect your interests and won’t be caught by insurance company tactics designed to escape liability for your claim.
Contact Our Award-Winning Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys Today
Were you hurt in a car accident in Atlanta, Georgia? Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers can help. Our Atlanta car accident attorneys are some of the most successful in the state and will work hard to put as much money in your pocket as possible.
Call Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers today for a completely free consultation.