Georgia Car Accident Lawyer

Georgia Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents happen every day throughout Georgia for a variety of reasons, and if you were recently involved in any type of car accident, it is vital to know your options for legal recourse if you believe another driver is responsible for the collision. An experienced Georgia car accident lawyer can be an invaluable resource to have on your side for this type of case, helping you recover as fully as possible in the most efficient manner.

The team at the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm has decades of professional experience helping car accident victims recover throughout Georgia. We know the state laws you must address in your recovery efforts and the legal challenges you might encounter as you seek compensation for your damages. Have you or a loved one been involved in a car accident? If you have, call our Georgia Injury and Accident Attorneys at 404-975-1775 now!

What To Do After A Car Accident in Georgia?

The very first steps you take in the aftermath of any car accident can profoundly impact your recovery efforts. Making any mistakes may not only interfere with your legal efforts to recover your damages but also be medically dangerous. Here are steps you need to take after being in an accident:

1. Visit the nearest emergency room (same day of accident)
2. Call the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm
3. Report your accident to your insurance company
4. Follow up with your primary physician
5. Receive more treatment from physical therapy or chiropractic care
6. Do not speak with “at fault” person’s insurance company

Our accident attorneys are ready to assist you from start to finish. We can help you find a doctor to treat your injuries or help you get a rental while your car is getting repaired.

Note that this is a simplified accident guide designed to equip you with a broad framework for how to respond after a crash. Every situation will be different, regardless of whether or not the accident results in a legally actionable personal injury to one or more parties. Some automobile accident situations will call for additional actions on your part (if you are physically and mentally able to accomplish them in the aftermath of your crash).

If you’re able, for example, it can be important to document the accident scene using your mobile phone’s camera. Get pictures of the wreckage, damage to any property, injuries sustained, and relevant road hazards, as well as wide shots of the scene that put it all in a geographical context for investigators. Your cellphone camera is also a great tool for quickly capturing the license and insurance information of any other involved parties. These photos can be important evidence later on to demonstrate the fault of the other driver and the damages you should be awarded.

Speaking of other parties, be as courteous and helpful as you’re able when dealing with anyone else at the scene after an accident, especially if someone else needs assistance getting emergency medical care, but do not discuss guilt or fault, even informally. Get yourself checked out medically as soon as possible, and leave the legal process to the high-powered car crash team at Merritt & Merritt.

Our accident attorneys are ready to assist you from start to finish. We can help you find a doctor to treat your injuries or help you get a rental while your car is getting repaired.

Experience Matters

Our Georgia Car Accident Attorneys already know the potential pitfalls to avoid and strengths to take advantage of in car and truck accident claim, and we’re ready to put our Georgia auto accident attorney’s expertise to work for you. The insurance companies want to settle your claim for as little as possible, and will almost always approach you quickly after the accident to sign documents. Never sign any document from an insurance company without the assistance of an attorney. Let the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm get you fair compensation you deserve and the help you need to get your life back on track.

Insurance companies will not compensate you fairly unless they are forced too. Big insurance use a variety of techniques to delay or minimize the payment of settlements and may even try to avoid paying altogether. Representation by an experienced accident attorney is usually the only way an accident victim can get what he or she deserves.
The Merritt & Merritt Law Firm has handled thousands of complicated auto accident cases, including:

• Car accidents – Modern public life in America is largely designed around car travel, and this means that accidents are sadly inevitable. Thousands of passenger car accidents occur on Georgia roadways annually, from minor, single-vehicle fender benders to tragic fatal crashes.
• Tractor Trailer Accidents – While we depend on our dedicated and skilled truckers to keep the American economy moving every single day, the unfortunate reality is that the sheer size and weight of tractor-trailers also make commercial trucks a roadway danger.
• Motorcycle Accidents – The educated, responsible bikers throughout the State of Georgia understand the special risks inherent to operating a motorcycle, and that’s why they mitigate these risks with proper safety equipment and smart riding. Even so, injurious accidents can and will occur due to the very nature of motorcycles, which is to say their lack of a protective frame around the operator.
• DUI Accidents – Anyone who gets behind the wheel should understand that it is absolutely illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants in the State of Georgia. Sadly, not everyone takes these crucial rules seriously, and this failure to adhere to the law by some individuals puts all of us at risk for serious accidents.

Regardless of the type of vehicle accident you experienced, Georgia law dictates that you must prove fault for the accident before you will be able to claim compensation for your damages. You must identify the driver or drivers you believe to be responsible for the crash and prove exactly how your accident happened.

Your Georgia car accident lawyer can be an invaluable resource when it comes to gathering the evidence you may need to firmly establish liability, some of which may be impossible for you to recover on your own. Traffic camera footage, the other driver’s cell phone records, statements from eyewitnesses, and expert witness testimony may all come into play when it comes to helping you prove fault for your damages.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries in Car Accidents

A catastrophic injury is considered to be a physical injury that is extremely serious, has a significant impact on the victim of the injury, and requires considerable medical care. While catastrophic injuries are not always fatal or permanent, they may take many years to heal.

Examples of catastrophic injuries that can occur from car accidents are:

• Neck and spinal cord injuries. Any such injury has the potential to cause paralysis, but even those that do not result in such permanent effects can still cause lasting damage to the victim. Nerve damage can diminish sensation and reduce range of motion. Neck and spine injuries are common from car accidents and may require many years of medical treatment for the victim to reach maximum medical improvement.
• Traumatic brain injuries. This is another commonly reported injury from vehicle accidents that has a high chance of causing long-term or permanent harm. Even a seemingly mild brain injury has the potential to cause serious adverse effects, some of which may not visibly develop for months or even years.
• Limb amputation. This is a severely traumatic injury that will permanently affect the victim’s life in various ways. They may be unable to work or live independently in the future, and this type of injury generally entails a high degree of psychological distress.
• Severe burns. These injuries are excruciating and potentially disfiguring. The location of the burn on the body could also result in diminished mobility, chronic pain, and various other symptoms. Victims of severe burns often require various surgical treatments to fully recover.
• Internal organ damage and bleeding. Internal organ injuries aren’t always immediately apparent, which is why it is so important to seek medical care as soon as possible after any accident, even if you think you only suffered minor injuries.
• Mental trauma. The experience of a car accident can be psychologically scarring, especially if a victim suffered severe injuries that entail disability and/or long recovery time.

At best, a catastrophic auto accident can leave the victim with a lifetime of pain, suffering, and physical and mental turmoil. Impacts of a catastrophic injury on the victim’s life include:

• Loss of gainful employment or business
• Need for costly surgical intervention
• Need for prolonged medical rehabilitation
• Continuous medical care
• Daily personal care

Obviously, this is not a comprehensive list of negative impacts of a catastrophic automobile accident. Your Georgia car accident lawyer can help you discern all the various types of compensation you may be able to recover from the at-fault driver if you succeed with your case. It is especially important to have legal counsel you trust if you suffered any type of catastrophic injury, as this type of claim will involve long-term economic damages.

Sustaining a catastrophic injury from a vehicle accident often changes the victim’s life forever and affects their loved ones. In the worst-case scenario, a catastrophic car accident can kill the victim or others involved in the crash. Whatever the facts and situation, understanding the common types of catastrophic car accidents and consequent injuries is critical to seeking the best care, compensation, and settlement after the incident.

How Much Do Accident Lawyers Charge in Georgia?

The aftermath of a car crash can be overwhelming emotionally, to say nothing of whatever physical pain you may be dealing with. As you focus on your healing, it can be difficult to find sufficient mental bandwidth to even think about taking legal action, much less plan out a legal strategy and take the actual steps necessary to set a personal injury claim in motion. This stress doesn’t need to be compounded by worrying about legal fees and attorney costs.

The reality is that the cost of legal representation in a car crash or other personal injury case can vary quite a bit from situation to situation. Here are some of the main factors that will determine the total cost of hiring a law firm that specializes in car accidents:

• Local market conditions in your city
• The complexity of your case (e.g., total time spent in court or at the negotiating table)
• The reputation and quality of your attorney
• The total compensation likely to be paid out at the end of the case in the form of a judgment or settlement
• Your attorney’s fee structure and billing policies

Let’s break down that last factor, the fee structure, a bit more. Here’s how different legal fee structures work so you can be better equipped to speak with a lawyer about your case and know what will be required financially on your end.

• Contingency Fees – Many quality injury and car accident attorneys throughout Georgia are willing to take certain cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that the client does not need to pay any legal fees upfront. Instead, the attorney or law firm receives a percentage of the total compensation that is awarded through a settlement, judgment, or insurance claim at the end of the case. Typically, this means the client does not pay any fee whatsoever if their lawyer is not able to win the case, making it a convenient and low-risk proposition for injured parties of limited financial means.
• Hourly Billing – Most private legal work is billed on an hourly basis, just like many other service models. This can include time spent in court, analyzing evidence, preparing documents, or any other activities related to your case. If you’re working with an attorney who bills hourly and are concerned about going over your budget for legal services, make sure you have a frank and open discussion about this matter with your legal team. Planning ahead with a realistic budget is important, as you don’t want to end up losing your legal representation before your case has been resolved due to an inability to pay.
• Consultation Fees – Many lawyers will offer an initial consultation for free, while others charge a reasonable flat fee, and still others consider a consultation billable time. Be sure you know how a law firm’s consultations work at the time of scheduling one. Merritt & Merritt offers new clients a free case review along with a no-pressure initial consultation so that you can better understand your legal options and get some professional feedback on the merits of your claim without any upfront investment required.
• Expenses – While some legal fees are contingent upon winning a case, other law firms may employ a billing structure that includes billing their clients for additional expenses. One example would be hiring expert witnesses to testify in a case. Your attorney should be upfront about any fees well ahead of time. At Merritt & Merritt, our billing practices are fully transparent, allowing you to budget effectively and move forward with confidence, knowing that you understand exactly what your financial obligations in our partnership will be.

While quality legal services can represent a significant investment, it’s one that pays for itself in the end. We estimate that our clients have received approximately 300% more compensation in the form of judgments and settlements versus citizens who attempt to handle personal injury cases on their own. This can represent a difference of tens of thousands of dollars in many cases and potentially even more.

If you have further questions about our billing policies or need to discuss a potential claim, contact us at 404-975-1775 or via our free case review form.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Georgia?

Just like the amount you can expect to pay for legal representation, the amount of your eventual payout for a personal injury claim related to a car crash will vary widely from case to case. Every car accident is unique, and so is every injury. Several factors determine the potential for compensation in each individual case.

In the state of Georgia, some of the factors that will influence the amount of a settlement or judgment pursuant to a personal injury case involving a car accident include:

• Severity and Type of Injuries Sustained – Because of the tangible economic factors linked to any potential payout (loss of wages, medical expenses, etc.), logic dictates that more severe injuries will almost always lead to higher settlements.
• Property Damages – In many cases, the value of destroyed or damaged property also becomes a factor.
• Non-Economic Damages – In addition to direct economic losses and burdens that result as a consequence of your car crash, you may also be able to sue for intangible damages like pain and suffering and emotional distress. In wrongful death cases related to fatal car crashes, the qualifying loved ones left behind can also sue for damages related to loss of companionship and familiar care.
• Fault – Georgia is not a “no-fault” state when it comes to auto accidents and instead follows a modified comparative negligence principle for determining who is responsible for roadway incidents. Even if you’re found to be partially at fault for your accident, you may still be eligible for compensation, but the level of fault assigned to you may affect the amount paid out.
• The Quality of Your Legal Team – Your lawyer’s ability to negotiate effectively with insurance companies, employers, and other attorneys, as well as their adeptness when it comes time to make persuasive arguments in a court of law, will also impact your eventual compensation package. Indirect factors, such as your attorney’s connection with great expert witnesses who can help bolster your case, may also be a factor. The reputable and well-connected legal team at Merritt & Merritt offers robust legal strategies and aggressive representation, protecting your rights and furthering your interests in and out of the courtroom until the day justice—and fair compensation—have been achieved.

All of these different factors can make it extremely challenging to pinpoint an “average payout” that has any practical meaning. Your most useful resource for estimating a potential compensation range based on the exact circumstances of your unique case will be a discussion with the skilled attorneys at Merritt & Merritt. Our no-pressure consultation process is a great first step toward figuring out what sort of personal injury payday may realistically be in your future.

Can You Sue for a Car Accident in Georgia?

Yes, you can! Georgia is not a “no-fault” state when it comes to car accidents. This means that the party or parties deemed to be responsible for the accident can be held liable for any associated damages, such as medical expenses, destroyed property, and even intangible factors like emotional distress.

If you have been injured in a car accident in the state of Georgia and want to seek compensation for your injuries, you have rights and options. Those rights include:

• Filing a claim with your insurance company
• Seeking compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company
• Suing the at-fault driver for personal injury in a court of law
• Hiring an attorney to represent you in any associated legal proceedings

Not all of these will necessarily apply to every case. Consult with the skilled and successful car accident personal injury law team at Merritt & Merritt for help developing an appropriate legal strategy to pursue post-accident injury compensation from one or more sources.

What to Do if Someone Sues You for a Car Accident in Georgia

If you should find yourself on the receiving end of a lawsuit following a traumatic car accident, it can be a very daunting and frustrating experience, especially if you don’t believe you were at fault. If this happens, keep your cool and follow these steps:

1. Contact Your Insurance – Notify your insurance carrier immediately about the lawsuit. They may assign an attorney or agent of their own to the case, so be prepared to work with them and share any necessary information promptly.
2. Seek Independent Legal Counsel – In many cases, you will want to consult and hire your own attorney if you’ve been sued. The services of a skilled defense attorney may be in order if the claim exceeds your insurance coverage or if there are impending criminal charges related to your accident. A countersuit against the plaintiff may also be a potential factor in certain cases. You may wish to consult with the personal injury attorneys at Merritt & Merritt to determine if a countersuit is a viable strategy for your case.
3. Gather Evidence – Use your cell phone’s camera to comprehensively document the crash scene, including all debris, damage, and injuries, as well as wide-angle shots to establish the crash in a geographical context, which can be key for building a legal defense later.
4. Do Not Admit Fault – This goes for both conversations at the scene of the accident and meetings afterward. Let your attorney and your insurance agent handle official deliberations while you focus on recovering from your traumatic experience.
5. Remain Calm and Cooperative – Cooperate with your legal team, your insurance company, and court authorities to expedite the process and help steer your case to the optimal outcome.

For more Savannah Car Accident Statistics, view link:

Emergency Contact Information:

Gainesville Police Department
701 Queen City Parkway, SW
Gainesville, Georgia 30501
770-534-5252

Hall County Sheriff Department
610 Main St. SW
Gainesville, Georgia 30501
770-531-6885

Northeast Georgia Health System-Hospital
743 Spring St. NE
Gainesville, Georgia 30501
770-219-9000

FAQs

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Recover for a Car Accident in Georgia?

A: The amount of compensation you could recover for a car accident in Georgia largely depends on the overall severity of your damages. If you are able to prove that another party is entirely to blame for the accident, they bear liability for all associated damages, such as your vehicle repair costs, medical bills, lost income, future economic damages, and your pain and suffering. You may be able to recover some of these losses with an auto insurance claim.

Q: Can I Recover From a Car Accident Through Auto Insurance?

A: Yes, it is possible for you to recover from a car accident through auto insurance. Georgia law requires every driver in the state to have auto insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements, and when a driver causes an accident, their insurance will pay for the damages they caused. However, insurance may not cover all of your claimable damages, and it is possible for an uninsured driver to cause an accident and face personal liability for the damages.

Q: Is Georgia a Fault State for Vehicle Accidents?

A: Yes, Georgia is a fault state for vehicle accidents. This means that whoever is at fault for causing an accident absorbs liability for the resulting damages, and it will be essential for any car accident victim to prove fault before they can seek compensation for their losses through an auto insurance claim and/or personal injury suit. Proving fault typically requires multiple forms of evidence, such as traffic camera recordings and eyewitness testimony.

Q: Why Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident Claim?

A: You need to hire a lawyer for a car accident claim if you want to ensure the greatest possible chance of success with the claim and maximize your recovery. While you may be able to resolve a minor car accident case on your own if you suffered any injuries or experienced any significant economic losses, it is crucial to work with legal counsel you trust to help you maximize the total compensation you win from the recovery efforts you pursue.

Q: What Does It Cost to Hire a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer?

A: The cost to hire a Georgia car accident lawyer depends on the lawyer you choose to represent you. The Merritt & Merritt Law Firm accepts these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fee is a percentage of whatever compensation we are able to secure for our client, and they only pay this fee if and when we win their case. The client pays nothing if our team is unable to secure compensation for their damages for any reason.

Any car accident has the potential to be a life-changing experience for those involved. If you were recently involved in a car accident, the right attorney can help you make clearer sense of your legal options for recovery. The Merritt & Merritt Law Firm has the skills and experience needed to help you recover from your recent accident. If you have further questions or need to discuss a potential claim, contact us at 404-975-1775 or via our free case review form.