Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents often have a devastating impact on the lives of victims and their families. And unfortunately, auto accidents happen too often that it is safe to conclude that they are almost inevitable. The saddest part is that the majority of car accidents in the state of Georgia are caused by negligent drivers.

Fortunately, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for car accident victims in Georgia. If you are injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you can be entitled to financial compensation. However, the process of recovering compensation for damages suffered after a car accident is often difficult and stressful.

An experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer can help ease the process and ensure that you receive full compensation for your injuries and damages. Our capable team at The Herro Law Firm has years of experience handling car accident cases. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that you receive the compensation and justice that you deserve.

Get in touch with our Atlanta personal injury lawyers today at (404) 433-6876 to schedule your free consultation.

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Georgia Car Accident Statistics

The Georgia Department of Public Health reports that auto accidents are the leading cause of injury deaths in the state of Georgia and the second leading cause of emergency room visits.

According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, there was a total of 331,796 crashes in the year 2020. Of these, 1,588 crashes turned out to be fatal while almost 125,000 additional crashes resulted in injuries. The number of traffic-related fatalities increased by 20% from 2019. The uptrend continued in 2021 with a total of 1776 fatalities being recorded.

How Much Does an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

Understandably, many car accident victims usually have reservations about hiring an Atlanta car accident lawyer due to the fear of how much it will cost them. However, one of the best things about working with a professional personal injury law firm like Herro Law is that our Atlanta car accident lawyers operate on a contingency basis.

This means that you don’t have to pay us anything until we deliver a settlement agreement or win in court. What’s more, you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket as we will only deduct a small percentage from your compensation amount.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

Knowing what to do after a car accident is crucial in order to avoid problems later on when filing your claim. Here’s a brief look at what you need to do after a car accident:

Contact Police

It is absolutely important that you report any car accident that you are involved in to the police. In Georgia, this is especially important if the accident involves injuries, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Additionally, many insurance companies require that you have an official police report when filing a claim.

Check on Other Involved Parties (Do Not Leave!)

You should never attempt to leave or flee the scene of an accident as this can result in criminal charges. Before the police arrive, take the time to check on others involved in the accident rendering help where needed.

Exchange Info and Never Admit Fault

You are expected to remain at the scene of the accident and exchange information with the other driver. This includes names, contact details, vehicle registration, and insurance information.

Apologizing or admitting fault for the crash can seriously harm your chances of recovering compensation.

Record the Scene

It is crucial that you preserve evidence while it is still fresh. This means taking photos and videos of the scene of the accident capturing images of your injuries, damages to the vehicles, skid marks, and so on. Also, speak to any witnesses available at the scene and collect their contact details.

Seek Medical Attention

It is crucial that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. This will help prove the presence of your injuries and also ensure a quick recovery.

Call a Car Accident Lawyer!

An Atlanta car accident lawyer is your best resource when dealing with a car accident claim. They will provide you with all the legal advice you need, help to protect your rights, and ensure the best outcome in your case.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident?

In 2019, the average car accident claim settlement amount was $18,417 according to the Insurance Information Institute. However, how much you can expect from your claim will vary depending on different factors.

Toy cars crashed on top of money, car accident claim concept

When Should I Get a Lawyer for My Auto Accident?

The smartest move when dealing with a car accident claim is enlisting the services of an experienced car accident lawyer. However, you should ensure that you do so as soon as possible for the best outcome. The earlier your attorney gets started on your case, the better your chances of success.

Why Do I Need an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer?

Our car accident attorneys at The Hero Law Firm will fight to ensure you receive the highest compensation possible. Here are some of the ways our team can help you.

Case Preparation / Filing a Lawsuit

Our attorneys start by evaluating your case and providing you with the appropriate legal advice. They will then conduct a thorough investigation into the case and gather all the necessary information and evidence to build a solid case for you. They will also ensure that all the paperwork is filed properly and on time.

Settlement Negotiation

Our attorneys draw on their impeccable negotiation skills when dealing with insurance companies to secure a favorable settlement agreement.

Trial Preparation & Representation

If the negotiations fail to bear the desired results, we will prepare your case for trial and also provide you with quality and effective representation in court. Our attorneys have a proven track record of successfully tackling personal injury cases in court.

How Much Can I Expect to Receive for My Damages?

There is no set amount as to how much you can expect to receive from your claim as all car accident cases are different and have different circumstances. How much your claim is worth will vary depending on factors such as the type and severity of your injuries, lost income and expected future lost income, and so on.

Your attorney will be able to more accurately determine how much your case is worth.

What Type of Damages Can I Recover?

In Georgia, car accident victims can recover three types of damages.

Economic Damages

These are damages that can be objectively verified via financial statements like invoices, estimates, and projections. These include medical expenses, lost income, loss of earning capacity, property damages, etc.

Non-Economic Damages

These are damages that can’t be quantified or assigned a monetary value. These include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of companionship, loss of limb function, etc.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are usually awarded in rare cases where the defendant is found to have acted in a grossly negligent, malicious, or reckless manner. They are meant to punish the defendant and deter others from committing similar behavior.

Georgia law puts a cap on punitive damages at $250,000. However, this limit doesn’t apply if the defendant’s judgment was substantially impaired by alcohol or drugs.

How Is Fault Determined?

Negligence is an integral aspect of personal injury cases. For the other party to be held liable for the accident, you need to prove the following elements of negligence.

  • Duty of care: All motorists owe other road users a duty of care to drive safely and obey traffic rules.
  • Breach of duty of care: You need to prove that the other driver violated their duty of care by driving negligently or recklessly.
  • Causation: The accident was caused directly by the other driver’s negligent actions.
  • Damages: You suffered actual damages as a result of the accident.

Georgia follows the doctrine of modified comparative negligence which means that you can recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% at fault for the accident, however, your amount of compensation will be reduced by your level of fault.

car crash, concept of Atlanta car accident lawyer

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In the state of Georgia, victims of car accidents have up to two years starting from the date of the accident to file an accident claim otherwise they permanently lose their right to pursue compensation.

What Can I Do if Insurance Denied My Claim?

Having your insurance claim denied can be extremely upsetting, however, all is not lost. You still have the option to file an internal appeal with the insurance company and if that fails, you can file a bad faith lawsuit against the insurance company if you believe that your claim was unfairly denied.

Do I Have a Case?

Through their experience and knowledge of the law, an attorney will be able to determine whether you have a valid case. They will assess the specific details of your case and advise you accordingly. However, if your case meets all the elements of negligence, then you generally have a valid case.

What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

While all motorists in the state of Georgia are required to carry basic liability insurance, not all do. If you, unfortunately, get involved in an accident with a driver with no insurance, you will need to turn to your uninsured motorist coverage for compensation.

If you don’t have this policy in place, the next option available is to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. However, this option is rarely fruitful as they may not have the resources to pay your compensation.

How Can I Obtain an Accident Report in Atlanta?

To get your official accident report, you can visit the Atlanta Police Department’s Central Records Unit to get it for free. Alternatively, you can purchase it through the Georgia Department of Transportation’s website. You will need your report number.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car crashes can cause a variety of injuries. Some of the most common injuries victims suffer include:

Types of Car Accidents We Handle

Our Atlanta car accident lawyers at The Herro Law Firm represent victims of all kinds of traffic accidents, including:

Get in Touch With an Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer!

Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which can have a profound impact on your life. Besides leaving you with heavy medical bills, your personal and professional life can be altered forever. At The Herro Law Firm, it is our firm belief that you and your family should not have to bear the burden of someone else’s negligence alone.

Georgia personal injury law provides your right to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. We are prepared to fight hard for your rights and are committed to ensuring that you receive the compensation that you deserve. Reach out to our Atlanta law office today at (404) 433-6876 for the legal assistance you need.

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