Car Accidents in Georgia
Navigating the aftermath of a car crash in Georgia can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. A car accident lawyer from Horst Shewmaker, LLC, can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our car accident lawyers have what it takes to stand up to the insurance company and represent you in the court of law if needed. Our law firm has recovered millions for accident victims in Georgia.
Contact our personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Georgia
After a car accident, you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, vehicle damage, and insurance companies that may not have your best interests at heart. Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side levels the playing field. Our legal team handles all communication with insurance adjusters, protects your rights, and fights for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under Georgia law.
Many accident victims underestimate the value of their claims or accept lowball compensation offers before understanding their full legal rights. A skilled lawyer knows how to accurately calculate your damages. This includes future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering to ensure you’re not shortchanged.
How Our Car Accident Lawyers Help Clients
From the moment you contact Horst Shewmaker, LLC, our legal team goes to work building your case. We conduct thorough investigations, gather critical evidence, consult with medical experts, and handle all legal paperwork and deadlines. Whether your accident occurred on GA-400, near the historic district, or at a busy intersection, our lawyers have the local knowledge and legal experience to build a compelling case.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no lawyer fees unless we win your case. This allows you to access experienced legal representation without upfront costs during an already financially stressful time.
Georgia’s Legal Landscape for Car Accident Claims
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which affects how the compensation is awarded in car accident cases. Our lawyers understand these complex legal standards and know how to navigate Georgia’s fault-based insurance system. We protect you from tactics insurance companies use to minimize your claim or unfairly assign fault.
With strict deadlines for filing claims under Georgia’s statute of limitations, having a lawyer who acts quickly is essential. Our legal team preserves evidence, documents injuries, and ensures all legal requirements are met to protect your right to compensation.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. An auto accident lawyer can provide essential support.
Investigating Your Case
A thorough investigation is crucial for building a strong case against the at-fault driver. Our car accident lawyers will gather evidence such as photos, police reports, and witness statements. They will also collect medical records to document your car accident injuries.
This comprehensive approach helps in establishing the other driver’s negligence and the extent of your losses.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting. Car accident lawyers are skilled in negotiating fair settlements. They understand insurance policies and will fight to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Their experience ensures that you are not shortchanged by the insurance company.
Representing You in Court
If negotiations fail, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary. Experienced car accident lawyers will handle all legal paperwork and deadlines. They will file your personal injury claim and aggressively represent you in court if your case goes to trial.
Protecting Your Legal Rights from Day One
Insurance companies often contact accident victims within hours of a crash, hoping to obtain recorded statements or quick settlements before you understand your legal rights. A car accident lawyer steps in immediately to handle all communication with insurers, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your claim or shift blame onto you.
Your attorney ensures that everything you say and do following the accident supports your legal case rather than undermining it. This includes advising you on social media usage, medical treatment decisions, and interactions with the at-fault driver’s representatives.
Calculating the True Value of Your Legal Claim
Many accident victims significantly underestimate what their case is worth. An experienced car accident lawyer knows how to accurately calculate both economic and non-economic damages. This includes future medical expenses, long-term disability costs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Our legal team consults with medical experts, vocational specialists, and economists when necessary to document the full extent of your losses. We ensure that compensation offers account for not just your current expenses, but also the long-term impact of your injuries on your life and livelihood.
Navigating Georgia’s Complex Legal System
Georgia car accident law involves nuanced legal concepts like modified comparative negligence, which can significantly impact your compensation. Our lawyers understand how these legal principles apply to your specific situation and develop strategies to maximize your recovery while minimizing any potential fault assigned to you.
From filing deadlines and discovery procedures to evidence rules and courtroom protocols, the legal process contains numerous technical requirements. Your car accident lawyer handles these complexities so you don’t have to, ensuring your case proceeds smoothly through the legal system.
Working with Medical and Accident Reconstruction Experts
Complex car accident cases often require expert testimony to establish fault and prove damages. Our lawyers have established relationships with qualified medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, and other expert witnesses who can provide critical legal support for your case.
Your lawyer coordinates with these experts, prepares them for depositions and trial testimony, and ensures their findings are presented in a legally compelling manner. This expert collaboration strengthens your case and increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome, whether through settlement or trial verdict.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents in Georgia, can lead to a wide range of injuries.
Whiplash and Other Neck Injuries
Whiplash is a common result of rear-end collisions. It involves the sudden jerking of the head, causing damage to the neck muscles and ligaments. Neck injuries can lead to chronic pain and require extensive medical treatment.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are common in car wrecks. Whether it’s a simple fracture or a complex break, these injuries often require long-term rehabilitation.
Head Injuries
Head injuries range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries can have lasting effects on cognitive function and emotional well-being.
Back Injuries
Back injuries, including herniated discs and spinal cord damage, are common in motor vehicle accidents. These injuries can result in chronic pain and mobility issues, often requiring physical therapy and ongoing care.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains, affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries can be painful and limit movement, often requiring rest and rehabilitation to heal fully.
Chest Injuries
Chest injuries can occur from the impact of a steering wheel or seatbelt. These injuries might include broken ribs or damage to internal organs.
Knee Injuries
Knee injuries, including torn ligaments and cartilage damage, are common in car crashes. These injuries can impair mobility and may require surgery and extensive physical therapy for recovery.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries, such as damage to organs or internal bleeding, are severe and can be life-threatening. These injuries require urgent medical intervention.
Psychological Trauma
Psychological trauma, including PTSD and anxiety, can result from the emotional impact of car accidents. This trauma can affect daily life and may require counseling or therapy for recovery.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Georgia
Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming. Knowing the steps to take after an accident can make a significant difference in your recovery and potential settlement.
Report the Accident to the Police
Always report a car wreck to the police. A police report is invaluable for an insurance claim or potential lawsuit. Make sure to get a copy of the police report for your records. You can learn how to get a copy of the police report on our Georgia car accident resources page.
Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
Document the accident scene if you can. Take photos of the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. This visual evidence can be crucial for your car accident case.
Collect as much evidence as you can. This includes the contact information of witnesses, the other driver’s insurance details, and any relevant medical bills. Evidence like this strengthens your case.
Get Medical Attention
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical treatment not only ensures your health but also provides medical records that are vital for your personal injury claim.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers
Reach out to a car accident lawyer promptly. An experienced car accident attorney can guide you through the legal complexities, negotiate with the insurance company, and help you recover settlement for your injuries and losses.
Many personal injury law firms, including Horst Shewmaker, LLC, offer a free consultation to discuss your case and legal options.
Notify Your Insurance Company, But Be Careful What You Say
Georgia law requires you to report accidents to your insurance company, but you should be cautious during these conversations. Before giving any recorded statements, consult with a car accident lawyer. Insurance adjusters may ask questions designed to minimize your claim or establish fault, and your attorney can advise you on what information to provide while protecting your legal rights.
Many accident victims unintentionally damage their cases by saying the wrong thing to insurers. Your lawyer handles these communications on your behalf, ensuring your statements don’t jeopardize your claim.
Preserve All Documentation Related to Your Accident
Keep detailed records of everything related to your car accident. This includes medical bills, prescription receipts, repair estimates, towing invoices, and documentation of missed work. Also, preserve any correspondence with insurance companies or legal representatives.
These documents form the foundation of your legal claim and help your lawyer accurately calculate damages. Your attorney will use this documentation to build a comprehensive case and demand full compensation for your losses.
Avoid Common Legal Mistakes That Weaken Your Case
Many accident victims inadvertently harm their cases by posting about the accident on social media, accepting the first settlement offer, or delaying medical treatment. These actions give insurance companies ammunition to dispute your injuries or assign fault.
A car accident lawyer will advise you on potential legal pitfalls to avoid. This includes guidance on handling calls from the at-fault driver’s insurance company and how to document your recovery process. Following your attorney’s legal advice protects the value of your claim.
Understand Georgia’s Legal Deadlines for Filing Claims
Georgia’s statute of limitations gives you a limited time to file a car accident lawsuit. Typically two years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims. However, certain circumstances can affect this deadline, and different rules may apply for claims against government entities.
Consulting with a lawyer early ensures you don’t miss critical legal deadlines that could bar your claim entirely. Your lawyer will also identify other time-sensitive issues, such as preservation of evidence.
Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan and Legal Counsel
Adhering to your medical treatment plan is crucial for both your health and your legal case. Insurance companies scrutinize medical records for gaps in treatment or missed appointments, using these gaps to argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
Your car accident lawyer will emphasize the importance of attending all medical appointments and following prescribed therapies. This consistent medical documentation strengthens your legal position and demonstrates the true impact of your injuries on your daily life.
Types of Compensation After a Car Accident
A seasoned car accident lawyer can help you recover the maximum compensation.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the financial losses directly resulting from the accident. These include:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical bills can cover hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and other medical treatments.
- Lost Wages: You can claim compensation for lost income during your recovery and lost future earnings if your injuries impact your earning ability.
- Property Damage: Car accidents often result in significant damage to your vehicle. Compensation can cover repair costs or the value of your car if it’s totaled.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the intangible impacts of an accident. These can be more challenging to quantify but are equally important.
- Pain and Suffering: You can collect damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved, you may be entitled to a settlement for this loss of enjoyment.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the at-fault driver’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded. These are designed to punish the negligent party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Georgia law typically limits punitive damages to a maximum of $250,000. However, there are exceptions. For example, the cap on punitive damages doesn’t apply to drunk driving accidents.
Wrongful Death
If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. A settlement in a wrongful death case can cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related costs.
A proficient car accident lawyer from Horst Shewmaker, LLC can guide you through the process of claiming these damages, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions for Car Accident Lawyers
How Much Money Can I Get from a Car Accident Case?
The amount you can recover in a car accident case varies. It depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other factors. An experienced car accident lawyer can evaluate your case to estimate potential compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Case?
Under Georgia law, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It’s crucial to consult with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing any deadlines.
Can I Get A Settlement If I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes, Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover a settlement even if you were partially at fault, as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Not all car accident cases go to trial. Many are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your car accident lawyer will be prepared to represent you in court.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
At Horst Shewmaker, LLC, our car accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs. Instead, our fee is a percentage of the settlement we secure for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
What If I’m in a Crash With an Uninsured Driver?
If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This coverage helps protect you when the other driver cannot fully compensate you for your damages.
You could also sue an uninsured/underinsured driver directly in a personal injury lawsuit. Talk to a car accident lawyer to understand your options.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers Today
Georgia law imposes strict deadlines for filing car accident claims. Waiting too long can jeopardize your legal rights and your ability to recover a settlement. Beyond the statute of limitations, early legal intervention helps preserve crucial evidence, secure witness statements, and protect you from insurance company tactics designed to devalue your claim.
The sooner you contact our car accident lawyers, the better positioned we are to build a strong case on your behalf. Don’t let another day pass without understanding your legal options. Reach out to us now to get the experienced legal representation you deserve.
What to Expect During Your Free Legal Consultation
When you contact our law firm, you’ll speak directly with an experienced car accident lawyer. During your free consultation, we’ll listen to your story, review the details of your accident, assess the strength of your legal claim, and explain your options under Georgia law. This initial meeting is completely confidential and comes with no obligation to hire us.
Our legal team will provide honest legal advice about your case, including potential challenges and realistic expectations for a settlement. We believe in transparency, so you’ll understand exactly what to expect throughout the legal process.
No Upfront Costs
At Horst Shewmaker, LLC, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no lawyers fees unless we successfully recover a settlement for you. There are no upfront legal costs, no hidden fees, and no financial risk to you. From hiring expert witnesses to filing court documents, we cover all case expenses. This helps you focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
This contingency fee structure ensures our interests are fully aligned with yours. We’re motivated to secure the maximum possible settlement or verdict because our fee depends on your success.
Get the Legal Help You Need With Our Lawyers
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Georgia, seeking the right legal help is crucial. At Horst Shewmaker, LLC, our experienced car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you recover a settlement for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
We understand the complexities of car accident cases and are committed to providing the highest level of representation. Our personal injury lawyers will gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and if necessary, represent you in court.
Our legal team has recovered millions for accident victims in Georgia. We offer a free consultation. Call us now at (404) 400-1175 or fill out our online form to get started. Your path to recovery begins with a simple step. Reach out to our law office today.
