Douglasville Car Accident Lawyer

Why Hiring a Douglasville Car Accident Lawyer is Essential for Your Recovery

One bad decision on the road by another motorist could change your life forever. A car accident can not only total your car, but also keep you from work, and lead to overwhelming medical bills, leading to emotional, physical, and financial problems. Long after the paramedics and tow trucks have left, you may find yourself still picking up the pieces. As professional Douglasville car accident lawyers, it is our job to help you pursue justice and compensation for what you went through after the accident.

If you don’t work with a lawyer, navigating through the whole recovery process can be difficult. Keep in mind that insurance companies usually have an army of legal professionals on their side, and they know that many victims won’t have the experience and legal background to fight a claim on their own. Working with a personal injury attorney helps to level the playing field, as it’s often enough to get a higher settlement offer from the insurance company.

We believe that no one should have to go through the stresses of a car accident alone. After all, it would be difficult to make a full recovery if you can’t afford the treatment you need. So, let us help you. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, call your local car accident lawyers at 678-825-6004 now, or contact us online today. At Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, we have been helping car accident victims in Georgia for decades, and you can trust us to deliver a favorable outcome.

 

Car Accident Statistics for Georgia

According to car accident statistics from the Georgia Department of Transportation, there were 331,796 total car accidents in 2020. Of that number, 1,588 crashes were fatal, while almost 125,000 additional accidents resulted in injuries.

While there have been statewide efforts to minimize deaths in Georgia roadways, the data seems to be trending in the wrong direction. Statistics from the GDOT highlight that 1,730 people lost their lives in 2020 in car accidents, which is up from the 1,417 that occurred the previous year.

In 2021, the numbers are looking worse, as data from the National Safety Council show that Georgia had 911 auto crash fatalities in the first half of 2021 alone. This is a jump of about 29% from the same period the previous year.

How Much Does a Douglasville Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

Following a car accident, you may have a lot of questions and concerns about your next steps. While a local car accident attorney can be a great resource for getting answers, many people hesitate to contact them because they assume their services will cost a lot of money. What they don’t realize is that many auto wreck lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.

What this means is that when you choose to work with us, you will owe nothing upfront and you will only need to pay us when our car accident attorneys win compensation on your behalf. This also means that your car accident lawyer is invested in winning your case, as their payment is contingent upon you receiving compensation.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

Taking the right steps after a car accident is important for your health and your case.

Contact the Police

This will not only be helpful for protecting your rights and preserving evidence but is also a legal requirement in Georgia. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise (working it out without involving the police). The police will also help make the scene safer, being on standby to diffuse any tensions and prevent any form of violence.

Check on Other Parties and Don’t Leave

In case the vehicles are creating a safety hazard, try getting to a shoulder and off the main roadway where possible. You don’t want to get involved in a secondary collision, where another motorist strikes your car. In case you or someone on the scene is badly hurt, or it’s unsafe to move the vehicle, then stay inside the car and wait for help. Turn on the hazard flashers to alert other motorists. Don’t leave the scene of the accident until a police officer releases you to do so.

Exchange Driver Information

Be sure to write down the names, phone numbers, and addresses of the parties involved. Also, note down the insurance information and license number plates of the other motorist. In case there are any witnesses, collect their contact information too.

Record the Accident Scene

When it’s safe to do so, take photos and videos of the scene of the accident. Try to capture the following information:

  • Injuries sustained by you and other victims
  • Damage to your car and the other cars
  • License plate numbers
  • The scene (up close and from a distance)
  • Skidmarks
  • Traffic lights and the intersection (if applicable)
  • Anything else you think could be helpful

Never Admit Fault

Avoid apologizing or saying anything that could be inferred to mean you’re taking responsibility for the accident. The only way to tell why an accident happened and who should be liable is through a thorough investigation. Admitting fault could mean an investigation might never happen, as the insurance companies and other parties might twist your words against you.

Seek Medical Attention

Some internal injuries might take weeks to fully manifest, and if you wait for too long to see a doctor, the insurance company might argue that your injuries are not due to the accident. Furthermore, you might have lost crucial time to treat the injuries effectively, leading to extended pain and a longer recovery process. Early diagnosis and treatment are key.

Douglasville car accident lawyer working at desk with judge gavel and model car

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

Not all auto wreck lawyers are the same. Many large legal firms tend to delegate car accident cases to a virtual mill of paralegals and staff, where one lawyer handles hundreds of files. This means that some of these car accident lawyers are so overworked to handle a file effectively. At Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, you can count on our local car accident attorneys, who will compassionately and patiently listen to your case and counsel you through the details of your car accident case.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average car accident claim in 2019 was settled for $18,417. In the same year, the average property damage settlement in a car accident case was settled for $4,525.

But it’s worth noting that the amount of compensation you’re entitled to will largely depend on the negotiations between the plaintiff and the defendants, including any parties who have been deemed liable. Your car attorney will have to carefully collect all of the facts surrounding your case and document any damages you incurred.

When Should I Get a Car Accident Lawyer for My Auto Accident?

The decision to hire a car accident attorney is entirely up to you. However, if you do decide to work with a car accident lawyer, the best thing you can do is hire them as early as possible, ideally on the day of the accident. This is due to a few reasons:

  • Meeting deadlines: You have several deadlines to meet in terms of filing your car accident claim, and a car accident lawyer will help you meet them. This includes the statute of limitations.
  • Evidence preservation: Evidence in car accident cases may not last very long, such as the surveillance camera footage. This makes it vital to act fast to ensure that it’s well preserved.
  • Witnesses: Memories can fade really quickly, and the witnesses can lose interest in the case. That’s why it’s always best for the investigator to reach out to the witnesses quickly before the witness’ memory or motivation fades away.

If you decide to work with an auto accident attorney, you should act fast. It’s best to contact a car accident lawyer on the same day or within a few days after the accident. You can still contact a lawyer if you wait longer, but sooner is almost always better.

Why Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer? Benefits of Hiring a Douglasville Auto Wreck Attorney

When you’re involved in an auto wreck, the aftermath can be overwhelming. From mounting medical bills to property damage and missed work, the toll on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being can be substantial. Hiring a qualified car accident lawyer in Douglasville can make all the difference in your journey toward justice and fair compensation.

Below, we outline the vital roles a car accident attorney plays in protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

Comprehensive Case Preparation

A skilled car accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the specifics of your case, evaluating all relevant details to establish the cause and liability of the accident. This involves collecting evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and even traffic camera footage if available.

Your lawyer’s expertise in evidence gathering and analysis is essential to building a strong foundation for your claim. By meticulously preparing your case, they aim to maximize your chances of securing a favorable outcome, whether through a settlement or in court.

Effective Settlement Negotiation

One of the primary roles of a car accident lawyer is to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurance adjusters are known for minimizing payouts to protect their company’s bottom line, and they often employ tactics to reduce the value of your claim.

With an experienced car accident attorney from Hartley, Rowe & Fowler on your side, you can level the playing field. Your lawyer will use the findings from their investigation to support your claim and push for a settlement that reflects the true extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a fair settlement isn’t reached, they won’t hesitate to move forward with litigation.

Trial Preparation and Court Representation

In some cases, insurance companies or at-fault parties refuse to offer an acceptable settlement, leaving no choice but to go to trial. This is where the expertise of a car accident lawyer becomes even more crucial. Your attorney will handle every aspect of trial preparation, from filing necessary documents to strategizing for courtroom proceedings.

They will be by your side, providing guidance, answering your questions, and advocating for your best interests. The car accident lawyers at Hartley, Rowe & Fowler are well-versed in trial litigation, with a deep commitment to proving the legitimacy of your claim and convincing the jury to rule in your favor.

When faced with the aftermath of a car accident, it’s essential to have a knowledgeable car accident lawyer by your side. They will ensure that every step of the legal process is managed professionally, giving you the best chance of achieving justice and securing the compensation you deserve.

How Much Can I Expect to Receive for My Damages?

A few factors will influence how much your case is worth. For car accidents that result in moderate or minor injuries, you could be looking at a few thousand dollars worth of compensation. If the damage and injuries are serious and life-threatening, the damages could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Some of the factors that will be considered when determining the worth of your case include:

  • Do you need ongoing medical care or treatment for the injuries you sustained?
  • How much expense did you incur from your injuries?
  • Does your injury affect your ability to work?
  • Will you need additional help to take care of yourself (e.g., drive, eat, bathe)?
  • Did you get temporarily or permanently disabled as a result of the car accident?
  • Does any accident-related depression, PTSD, or anxiety affect your ability to work or enjoy your life?

How your injury impacts your life will ultimately determine how much you will be eligible for in compensation. That’s why it’s important to spend some time and resources investigating these questions and with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer.

douglasville car accident attorney

What Type of Damages Can I Recover?

Depending on the circumstances, car accident victims may claim three types of damages.

Economic Damages

These are damages that can be monetarily quantified. Economic damages are awarded for the past, present, and future medical expenses, lost income, loss of future earning, and the costs of traveling to obtain treatment. You may also be awarded economic damages meant to cover the cost of childcare and hiring other professionals to perform tasks you can no longer do yourself.

Non-Economic Damages

The damages and harm caused by car crashes are not always economic. The court may decide to compensate you for intangibles such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, as well as disfigurement or scarring that may accompany physical injuries.

Punitive Damages

If the at-fault party acted in ways that showed willful misconduct or malice, they might also be made to pay punitive damages. These are damages meant to serve as extra punishment to the negligent drivers and as a deterrent for them and others. The maximum amount for punitive damages in Georgia is capped at $250,000.

How Is Fault Determined?

Georgia is an at-fault state, which means that drivers are required to pay for any accidents that are a result of their negligent actions. It’s therefore important to prove beyond a reasonable doubt who is responsible for the accident. But in many cases, establishing liability is not easy.

It’s important to ensure that the circumstances surrounding your accident are carefully and thoroughly investigated. This is because you can pursue compensation from anyone whose carelessness, negligence, or wrongful actions contributed to the accident. Many accidents actually have more than one party responsible

Under Georgia’s modified comparative fault rules, you can be barred from pursuing damages if you contributed more than half the blame for the accident. Although sharing fault doesn’t necessarily bar you from getting compensation, it affects how much you can get as an award.

Your recovery will effectively be reduced in such a way that it reflects your role in the crash. For instance, if you’re deemed 20% responsible for the accident, you can only recover up to 80% of your damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

The statute of limitations in Georgia for personal injury lawsuits, including car accident cases, is 2 years from the date the accident occurred, and 4 years for property damage. If you let the deadlines elapse, the court will likely bar you from bringing legal action against the other driver and their insurance company.

What Can I Do If Insurance Denies My Claim?

When you file a claim in Georgia and the insurance company denies it, you can always file an appeal, file a lawsuit, or file a complaint with the Insurance Commission. An appeal is mostly an internal process, and all denial letters issued by the insurance company need to outline the grounds upon which they are denying the claim. In case the company simply wants more information, you can simply gather it and submit the appeal.

Douglasville car accident lawyer

Do I Have a Case?

It’s normal to wonder whether you have a case after a Douglasville car accident. If you want to be really sure, then consider consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer. At Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, we offer all our clients a free initial consultation, so you have nothing to lose by talking to us.

Call our experienced local accident lawyers today!

What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

Every driver in Georgia is required to carry auto insurance to legally drive on the state’s roadways. Driving without liability insurance or sufficient insurance is actually considered a misdemeanor.

With this in mind, if you get into an accident with an uninsured motorist, you may have to file a claim against the person directly. This is especially true if your car insurance policy doesn’t cover uninsured motorists. The case would continue as a typical personal injury case, and you could obtain compensation if successful.

However, consider reaching out to a Douglasville car accident lawyer if you are concerned about the extent of your coverage for these kinds of accidents.

How Can I Obtain an Accident Report?

A car accident report is available a few days following the accident at the local sheriff or police department that worked your accident case. You can also obtain it at the Georgia State Patrol office nearest to the scene of the accident, or on websites such as BuyCrash.com. You will be charged a small fee when you pick up the report in person, usually $5.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car crashes can cause a range of injuries. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:

Types of Car Accidents Our Car Accident Attorneys Handle

Our car accident lawyers represent victims of all kinds of car crashes. The following are some accident types we see frequently:

  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWI) Accidents
  • Head-on Collisions
  • Distracted Driving
  • Rear-End Accidents
  • Hit and Run Accidents
  • Rollover Accidents
  • Reckless Driving
  • Rideshare Accidents
  • Uninsured Motorist
  • Speeding Accidents

Resources for Car Accident Victims and Personal Injury Assistance

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Georgia or are navigating the aftermath, the following resources provide valuable information and guidance on various aspects of car accident claims, legal processes, and recovering damages.

These resources from Hartley, Rowe & Fowler can help you better understand your rights and make informed decisions in your recovery journey after a car accident.

Contact a Local Car Accident Lawyer in Douglasville Today!

Have you or a loved one been injured in a Georgia car accident? You may be entitled to compensation. Get in touch with a Douglasville car accident lawyer at Hartley, Rowe & Fowler to learn more about your legal options and rights, as well as how we can help.

Call us today at 678-825-6004 to schedule a case assessment with no obligations.

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