Car accidents are one of the leading causes of serious injuries, fatalities, and property damage across Georgia, including South Fulton. The aftermath of a car accident can have devastating and long-lasting effects on both the victims and their families. Beyond the physical pain and suffering caused by your injuries, a serious crash can disrupt nearly every aspect of your life. From mounting medical bills and lost income to emotional trauma and diminished quality of life, the consequences are far-reaching.
Fortunately, under Georgia law, if your accident was caused by another party’s negligence, you have the right to seek financial compensation. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. However, navigating the legal process of filing a car accident claim can be complicated and overwhelming, especially when you’re focused on recovery.
That’s where a skilled South Fulton car accident lawyer comes in. At Hartley Rowe & Fowler, our experienced legal team of car accident attorneys understand the intricacies of Georgia’s personal injury laws and has a strong track record of successfully handling car accident claims. We are committed to helping accident victims secure the full compensation they deserve, whether through negotiations with insurance companies or litigation in court. If you’re considering filing a car accident claim in South Fulton, our dedicated attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way and fight for the compensation you are legally entitled to.
Let Hartley Rowe & Fowler help you protect your financial future while you focus on healing from your injuries. We’ve helped car accident victims recover millions in compensation, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
Contact our South Fulton personal injury lawyers today at 678-825-6004 for an evaluation of your case.
Car Accident Statistics in Georgia
Car accidents are a leading cause of injuries, death, and property damage in the state of Georgia. In fact, Georgia is ranked as the fourth most dangerous state to drive in.
Despite state authorities putting in place various measures to achieve a zero death rate on Georgia roadways, the number of accident-related fatalities has been steadily increasing with each year. This just goes on to show that more needs to be done to curb serious injuries and deaths on our roads.
According to the most recent data from the Georgia Department of Transportation, there were a total of 331,796 traffic crashes in 2020. Of these, about 125,000 resulted in injuries while 1,588 were fatal.
The statistics show that 1,730 people lost their lives in car accidents in 2020. For comparison, in 2019, the state of Georgia reported 1,417 car accident-related fatalities. Things are looking to get even worse in 2021 with the state recording 911 traffic accident-related deaths in just the first half of the year.
How Much Does a South Fulton Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
One of the primary concerns for many car accident victims when deciding whether to hire a South Fulton car accident lawyer is the potential cost. Understanding the financial implications of hiring legal representation is important, especially when you’re already facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs. Fortunately, our firm offers a solution that allows you to pursue justice without the burden of upfront fees.
Contingency Fee Structure: No Upfront Costs
At our firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to worry about paying any legal fees out of pocket. With this arrangement, our South Fulton car accident lawyers only receive payment if we successfully secure compensation on your behalf, either through a favorable settlement or a successful verdict at trial. This structure provides you with peace of mind, as it eliminates the financial risk of hiring an attorney.
Under a contingency fee agreement, the cost of our services is covered by a pre-agreed percentage of the total settlement or award. This percentage will be discussed and outlined in a formal agreement before we take on your case, ensuring full transparency from the start. Our priority is to help you obtain the compensation you deserve without adding financial strain during what is already a difficult time.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
It’s important to take the right steps after a car crash. Here is what you need to do:
Contact Police
This is particularly important if the accident involves injuries, death, drunk driving, and property damage worth above $500. However, it is always prudent to get the police involved even if the accident seems minor.
Check on Other Involved Parties
After a car accident, you are required to stop at the scene and also render help to others if need be. Whether at fault or not, don’t attempt to leave or flee the scene.
Exchange Info
Don’t leave the scene without providing your driver’s and insurance information to the other driver. Also, remember to collect theirs.
Record the Scene
Taking photos and videos of the scene will help to preserve evidence while it’s still fresh and will come in handy when proving your case later on.
Never Admit Fault
Do not apologize or admit fault for the accident to anyone as this can seriously affect your chances of seeking compensation.
Seek Medical Attention
You must seek immediate medical attention following a car accident, even if you feel fine. You might have some hidden injuries you are not aware of and it is also important to have your injuries documented by a medical professional to support your claim.
Call a Dedicated South Fulton Car Accident Lawyer
If you are planning on taking legal action against the culpable party, you need to get a South Fulton car accident lawyer involved as soon as possible. The earlier your car accident attorney gets started on your case, the better your chances of fair and maximum compensation.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident?
According to the most recent data from the Insurance Information Institute, the average settlement amount for car accident claims was $18,417 in 2019. It generally ranges from $10,000 to $25,000. However, how much your case will settle for will depend on the unique details of your case.
When Should I Get a Car Accident Lawyer for My Auto Accident?
You need to get an car accident attorney involved as soon as possible after a car accident to protect your rights. This is especially important if you’ve sustained severe injuries.
A South Fulton car accident lawyer will get started on your case right away and advise you on what to do and what not to do to ensure that your claim goes smoothly.
Why Do I Need a South Fulton Car Accident Attorney?
While it’s possible to represent yourself in a car accident case, doing so is not recommended, especially given the complexity of personal injury laws and insurance policies. Hiring an experienced South Fulton car accident lawyer provides you with professional guidance and maximizes your chances of obtaining fair compensation. Here are several key ways a car accident attorney can assist with your case:
Comprehensive Case Preparation and Filing a Lawsuit
One of the most critical aspects of a successful car accident claim is thorough case preparation. Our South Fulton car accident lawyers have access to extensive resources, including accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigators, all of whom are essential in building a strong case. We meticulously gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and photographic evidence from the scene of the accident to support your claim.
Additionally, we ensure that all the necessary legal documentation is completed accurately and filed within the statutory deadlines. Missing deadlines or filing incomplete paperwork can result in your case being dismissed, so our team is committed to meeting every legal requirement. By working with a personal injury attorney in South Fulton, you can rest assured that every aspect of your case will be managed with precision.
Skilled Settlement Negotiation
Insurance companies are often more concerned with protecting their bottom line than with fairly compensating accident victims. Without the expertise of a lawyer, you may be pressured into accepting a lowball settlement offer that doesn’t fully cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Our South Fulton car accident lawyers are highly skilled in settlement negotiation and will advocate for you to ensure that any settlement reflects the true value of your claim.
We handle negotiations with the insurance adjusters and push back on unfair offers, leveraging the evidence we’ve gathered and legal precedents to strengthen your position. By hiring a car accident attorney, you avoid the pitfalls of dealing with insurance companies directly and can trust that your best interests are represented throughout the process.
Trial Preparation and Legal Representation
In cases where settlement negotiations fail, having an attorney prepared to take your case to trial is invaluable. Our South Fulton personal injury lawyers have extensive courtroom experience and are well-versed in Georgia car accident laws. We will prepare your case for trial by reviewing all the evidence, filing any necessary pre-trial motions, and developing a compelling argument to present before a judge or jury.
Our attorneys will guide you through the entire litigation process, providing you with insights and coaching to ensure you are fully prepared. Whether it involves cross-examining witnesses, presenting expert testimony, or delivering opening and closing arguments, our team is equipped to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Why Experience Matters in Car Accident Cases
The legal system can be overwhelming, and without a knowledgeable lawyer by your side, you may be at a disadvantage. Our South Fulton car accident attorneys have years of experience handling both minor and complex personal injury cases, including those involving serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and wrongful death. We understand the nuances of Georgia’s comparative negligence laws, which can affect the amount of compensation you’re entitled to if you are found partially at fault for the accident.
From start to finish, we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case. Whether negotiating a settlement or representing you in court, our dedication to your case remains unwavering.
How Much Can I Expect to Receive for My Damages?
No car accident claim is similar to the other. The circumstances and details of each case will be unique. As a result, the amount one can expect will be different. Your South Fulton car accident attorney will carefully evaluate your case, consider all the factors and be able to figure out a rough estimate of how much your claim might be worth.
What Type of Damages Can I Recover?
Depending on your case, you may be able to claim three types of damages after a South Fulton car accident.
Economic Damages
These are damages designed to compensate the victim for financial losses incurred following the accident. These include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, travel costs, repair costs, etc.
Non-Economic Damages
These are meant to compensate the victim for subjective and non-monetary losses suffered by the victim as a result of the accident. These include emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, etc.
Punitive Damages
These types of damages are only awarded in special circumstances where the defendant’s behavior is found to have been grossly negligent, malicious, or reckless. The state of Georgia has put a cap on the maximum awardable punitive damages at $250,000. However, the limit doesn’t apply in drunk driving cases.
How Is Fault Determined?
For the other party to be deemed liable for your injuries and damages, the following elements of negligence must be present:
- Duty of care: The other party owed you a reasonable standard of care during that particular situation.
- Breach of duty of care: The other party breached or violated this duty of care
- Causation: Your injuries were a result of the other party’s negligence and not something else.
- Damages: Due to this negligence, you suffered actual compensable damages.
Georgia follows the principle of modified comparative negligence meaning that you can recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. Your compensation amount will be reduced depending on your percentage of fault.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim following a car accident is typically two years from the date of the accident. This means you have up to two years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for injuries or damages caused by the accident. However, it’s crucial to take action as soon as possible, as delays can result in the loss of important evidence, witness testimonies, and other factors that can strengthen your case. Consulting with a South Fulton car accident attorney early in the process ensures that all legal deadlines are met and your rights are protected.
What Should I Do if My Insurance Claim Is Denied?
Insurance companies can deny a car accident claim for various reasons, such as a failure to seek prompt medical treatment, incomplete or incorrect information in your claim, or even disputes over liability. If your claim was denied, it’s essential to review the denial letter carefully to understand the reason.
If you believe the denial was unjustified, you can challenge the decision through the insurance company’s appeals process. This often involves submitting additional evidence or clarifying certain details of your claim. If the appeal is unsuccessful, you may have grounds to file a bad faith insurance claim against the insurer, which could lead to compensation if the company is found to have acted unfairly or inappropriately during the claims process. Working with a skilled Georgia car accident lawyer can increase your chances of success during this process.
Do I Have a Valid Car Accident Case?
Determining whether you have a strong personal injury case after a car accident involves a detailed review of the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. Your South Fulton car accident attorney will help evaluate the following factors:
- Severity of damages: Are the injuries or damages significant enough to warrant legal action? Minor fender-benders with no substantial injury may not justify a lawsuit.
- Evidence of fault: Is there sufficient evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, or accident reconstruction analysis, to prove the other party was at fault for the accident?
- Financial resources: Does the at-fault party have the financial means or sufficient insurance coverage to pay for the damages you are seeking? In cases where the defendant lacks resources, it may be challenging to recover compensation.
A thorough evaluation of these factors by an experienced personal injury lawyer can give you a clearer picture of whether pursuing a claim will be worth the time and effort.
What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?
In situations where the at-fault driver does not have insurance or has insufficient coverage, you may still have options for compensation. If you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it should cover your damages up to the limits of your policy. This type of coverage is designed to protect you in scenarios where the responsible driver is unable to pay for your losses.
However, if you don’t have UM/UIM coverage, you could consider suing the at-fault driver directly. Unfortunately, this is often an uphill battle, as drivers who lack sufficient insurance typically do not have significant assets to cover the cost of your injuries. Consulting with a knowledgeable South Fulton personal injury lawyer will help you explore your legal options and determine the best course of action.
How Do I Obtain A Police Report?
To obtain your official accident report, you need to visit the local police department that responded to the scene of the accident or the state patrol office closest to the accident scene. You can also obtain it through the Buycrash.com website. It will cost you $5.
Contact a South Fulton Car Accident Lawyer Today!
A car accident can be one of the most traumatic and life-altering events a person can experience. Unfortunately, car accidents occur every day in South Fulton, leaving victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma. If you’ve been involved in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you have the legal right to seek justice and recover the financial compensation you deserve.
However, obtaining that compensation is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies and the at-fault party’s legal team will often attempt to minimize or deny your claim, making it difficult to secure the funds necessary to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. This is why it’s essential to have an experienced South Fulton car accident attorney by your side to level the playing field.
At Hartley, Rowe, & Fowler, our dedicated legal team of car accident lawyers are well-versed in Georgia’s personal injury laws and has the expertise to handle even the most challenging car accident cases. We are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you receive full compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and any future medical needs.
Contact us today at 678-825-6004 for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the legal process with confidence.
