If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Atlanta, Georgia, you may be wondering whether you can settle your claim without hiring a lawyer. Sometimes, you can, especially if your injuries are minor and the fault is apparent. But without knowing the process, you could risk walking away with far less than you deserve.
At Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, we have decades of combined experience handling car accident claims. Our Atlanta car wreck lawyers have recovered tens of millions for accident victims throughout the state.
This article explains the steps you can take to protect yourself and increase your chances of getting fair compensation. We also offer free consultations to help you understand your rights after a collision. We handle various car accident-related practice areas such as drunk driving, distracted driving, head-on crashes, intersection crashes, rear-end collisions, speeding accidents, uninsured motorist claims, left turn accidents, highway crashes, multi-vehicle crashes, parking lot accidents, and more.
Call us at (770) 900-9000 today to schedule your free consultation.
Why Choose Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers After a Crash in Atlanta?
After a car accident, you deserve a trusted legal team to handle the insurance battle and work relentlessly to secure the compensation you need.
When you work with Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers in Atlanta, GA, you benefit from:
- Decades of combined experience handling all types of car accidents and personal injury claims.
- Proven results, with tens of millions recovered for injured clients throughout Georgia.
- Personalized service based on your specific needs.
- Challenges to insurance company tactics aimed at paying you less than you deserve.
- Seasoned litigators prepared to take your case to court if needed.
Contact us today to schedule your free case review with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer.
When You Can Handle a Claim Without a Lawyer
Hiring an attorney for a car accident claim is not always necessary. This is especially true in low-value claims where representation costs could outweigh the potential recovery.
You may be able to handle your claim yourself if:
- Your injuries are minor and require minimal medical treatment.
- There’s no dispute over who caused the accident.
- The property damage is minimal.
- You’re comfortable negotiating with insurance adjusters and gathering evidence.
If your injuries are serious or the insurance company is disputing fault, it’s usually better to have a lawyer on your side.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
The foundation of any car accident claim is strong evidence. If possible, do the following right after the crash:
- Call 911 so there’s a police report documenting the accident.
- Take photos and video of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and visible injuries.
- Get contact information from all drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
- Exchange insurance and license details with the other driver.
The more documentation you have, the harder it will be for the insurance company to deny or undervalue your claim.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, you should see a doctor as soon as possible after the crash. Some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms, and delaying treatment could worsen your condition. It could also allow the insurance company to argue that your injuries aren’t related to the accident.
Make sure to keep all medical records, bills, and receipts. These will be critical when calculating your damages and connecting your injuries to the crash.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Most auto policies require you to report accidents promptly, even if you weren’t at fault. Provide the basic facts about the accident, but avoid giving recorded statements or speculating about fault or injuries.
You should be careful if you talk to the other driver’s insurance company. Stick to the facts and don’t agree to a settlement until you know the full extent of your damages.
Calculate the Value of Your Claim
Your claim’s value depends on the damages you can prove. Your losses may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Add up your economic losses using bills, pay stubs, and receipts. There’s no fixed formula or tangible value for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. However, you should be prepared to justify your numbers.
File Your Claim
In Georgia, you can file a first-party claim with your own insurer (if you have coverage such as MedPay or collision). However, in many cases, you will be filing a third-party claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Submit all supporting documents (e.g., police report, photos, medical bills, and proof of lost income), so the adjuster has a complete picture of your damages.
Negotiate Your Settlement
Once the adjuster reviews your claim, they may make an offer. Initial offers are often low and do not account for all your losses.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Respond with a counteroffer backed by evidence of your losses.
Tips for negotiating:
- Don’t rush to settle before finishing medical treatment.
- Stay polite and professional.
- Keep records of all communications.
- Be ready to consider your legal options if the insurance company refuses a fair offer.
Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot go back for more money, even if your injuries get worse.
When You Should Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident
Handling a claim yourself may work for small, straightforward cases. However, an Atlanta car accident lawyer can be a significant asset to your claim if:
- You suffered serious or permanent injuries.
- The insurance company disputes fault.
- Your damages are high.
- You receive a lowball offer.
- There are multiple parties involved.
In Georgia, you typically only have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the applicable deadline, you won’t be able to seek compensation in court.
Contact Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers for Help and a Free Consultation
If you feel overwhelmed after an accident and are unsure whether you want to handle your claim alone, the experienced team at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers can take over the fight. We have decades of combined experience and will work to get you the full value of your claim.
Contact us today for a free consultation with an Atlanta car accident attorney to learn more about your options and make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.
