Robert M. Hammers | February 19, 2025 | Car Accidents
A car accident can be stressful enough. However, finding out you’re being sued for that crash can make things even more overwhelming. You might worry about owing large sums of money or how a lawsuit will affect your life.
Fortunately, you do have options and steps you can take to protect yourself. Below is a straightforward guide on what to do if you’re sued over a car accident in Georgia.
Stay Calm and Read the Documents
Getting served with court paperwork can feel intimidating. But it’s crucial to stay calm and read every page carefully. The lawsuit (also called a complaint or petition) states the other driver’s version of events and what they want from you, such as compensation for medical bills or car repairs.
You’ll also see a deadline for responding—commonly 20 or 30 days, depending on the court’s rules. Missing that deadline might lead to a default judgment against you, meaning you lose automatically.
Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately
If you carry auto insurance, contact your insurer as soon as you know about the lawsuit. Georgia policies typically require you to report any claims or legal actions promptly. Your insurance provider will often assign an adjuster or lawyer to defend you.
Failing to inform the insurer quickly could violate your policy’s terms, risking loss of coverage. So don’t hesitate—make sure your insurer is fully aware of the lawsuit and the accident details.
Gather Evidence and Information
Next, collect all relevant materials related to the accident.
That can include:
- Police reports: If officers came to the crash scene, get copies of their reports.
- Photos or videos: Images of vehicle damage or injuries can help contradict inflated claims.
- Witness contacts: Gather names and phone numbers of people who saw what happened so they can support your side of the story.
- Medical records: If you or the other driver sustained injuries, you need documentation on the extent and cause.
- Insurance correspondence: Any letters or emails exchanged with your insurer about the collision.
Keeping everything in one folder helps you and your legal team quickly build a defense, whether the claims against you are exaggerated or entirely false.
Work With an Attorney
While your insurance may provide a lawyer, it’s still beneficial to talk to your own car accident attorney if you feel uneasy about the situation.
An experienced lawyer can:
- Explain Georgia’s modified comparative fault rules
- Craft a strong defense
- Negotiate settlements
- Represent you in court if necessary
Even if your insurer gives you a lawyer, you have the right to consult another attorney for a second opinion or additional help—especially in complex or high-stakes cases.
Respond and Appear in Court
If the lawsuit advances, make sure you:
- File a timely response: Don’t miss the response deadline. Your lawyer will draft this formal answer or motion.
- Show up to hearings: Failing to appear can result in default judgments.
- Cooperate with discovery: Both sides exchange evidence. Not cooperating can harm your defense.
Throughout each step, staying involved and informed helps you prevent mistakes and keep your defense strong.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been served a lawsuit after a car accident in Georgia, don’t panic—but don’t ignore the papers either. You have a right to defend yourself, and your insurer or an independent attorney can guide you through the legal process.
Don’t let financial pressure stop you from seeking an attorney. Many Georgia personal injury attorneys act on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if they win.
Whether you end up settling or going to court, swift, knowledgeable action usually leads to a better outcome. Get in touch with a Georgia car accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your next steps and protect your financial future.
Contact the Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Today
For more information, contact the Atlanta car accident law firm of Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation. We have convenient locations in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Lawrenceville, Mableton, Smyrna, and Roswell.
We serve Fulton County and its surrounding areas:
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Atlanta
201 Joseph E Lowery Blvd NW Suite 312,
Atlanta, GA 30314
Open 24/7
(770) 900-9000
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Sandy Springs
5555 Glenridge Con, Suite 975,
Sandy Springs, GA 30342
Open 24/7
(678) 605-9838
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Lawrenceville
265 Culver St S. Suite A.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Open 24/7
(678) 916-8584
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Mableton
5701 Mableton Pkwy SW Suite 108,
Mableton, GA 30126
Open 24/7
(706) 480-5487
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Smyrna
2400 Herodian Way Ste#220,
Smyrna, GA 30080
Open 24/7
(678) 922-4497
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Roswell
110 Mansell Cir #111,
Roswell, GA 30075
Open 24/7
(678) 582-8466
