Over 6.3 million people live in the Atlanta Metro area. Many local drivers are used to the constant traffic, delays, and accidents on I-285, I-20 and Moreland Avenue. Accidents happen in a split second, and as an Atlanta car accident lawyer, we’ll hold at-fault parties responsible for your:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Punitive damages
- More
Annually, 40,000+ people are killed in car accidents each year and hundreds of thousands are injured nationwide.
If you or your loved one were involved in a car accident, you need a lawyer who will fight for the justice that you deserve.
Call (404) 521-2667 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer to discuss your accident.
Case Illustration of Car Accident Injury Claim In Atlanta
Darren is a 54-year-old shop owner who is driving to work one morning. He’s taking Moreland Avenue to I-20, one of Atlanta’s most deadly routes. He’s driving in the rain when a driver suddenly enters his lane, pushing his vehicle into oncoming traffic.
Luckily, the driver coming head-on with Darren was able to slow their vehicle before impact, but Darren is still left with:
- A skull fracture
- A concussion
- Broken facial bones
He’s expected to miss at least a month of work, which means substantial revenue loss for his business, and he’ll need significant medical care. His vehicle is also totaled.
An Atlanta car accident lawyer can help him seek damages for all of these losses, including lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.
Atlanta Crash Statistics
Atlanta is known for its fast-paced roads and hectic traffic. The Georgia Department of Transportation reports that for 2023:
- 34,182 total accidents occured
- 28,452 were passenger car accidents
- 1,010 tractor-trailer accidents occured
- 472 pedestrian-related crashes occured
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause minor injuries, such as bruising or sprains and severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries.
Some of the most common injuries we see are:
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- Facial trauma
- Internal injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal Cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
If you or your loved one suffered injuries in a car accident, contact an Atlanta car accident lawyer to help fight for the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After A Car Accident
After a car accident, you’ll want to follow three very important steps:
- Call the police immediately and supply as much information as possible about the incident, including the vehicle description, accident location, insurance and witness information.
- Reach out to the insurance company once you’ve filed a police report.
- Maintain all records of bills or documents relating to the accident.
If you need medical assistance, seek it immediately. You’ll want to seek medical attention before worrying about the claim process.
How Does the Claim Process Work?
Hiring a skilled and experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer should be one of the first steps you take after seeking medical care for your injuries.
Once you’ve secured legal representation, your attorney can then:
Conduct an Investigation
Attorneys conduct their own investigations into accidents. During this stage, your attorney will:
- Gather evidence, which may include police reports, medical records, photos or videos of your injuries and the accident.
- Photograph the accident scene, if possible.
- Interview witnesses.
File a Claim and Start Negotiations
Once the investigation is complete, your attorney will calculate your current and future losses related to the accident and your injuries. A claim will be filed to seek fair compensation.
Rarely is a first settlement offer fair or just, so your attorney will likely start negotiating with the insurance company to seek maximum compensation.
Represent You at Trial If Necessary
Most car accident claims settle outside of the courtroom, but if we can’t come to a fair agreement, it may be in your best interest to take your case to trial.
If that’s the case, we will represent you and protect your rights throughout the entire process.
In Georgia, you have just two years to file an injury claim, so it’s important to start working with an attorney as early on as possible.
Do I Have A Case?
If you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, then you likely have a case.
The best way to determine whether you have a valid claim is to consult with an experienced car accident attorney in Atlanta.
Get in touch with us to schedule a consultation and discuss the next steps in your car accident case.
Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state (Georgia Code § 51-12-33), which means that the amount of compensation you can pursue will depend on your percentage of fault.
- If you are deemed 50% or more responsible for the accident, you will not be entitled to compensation under Georgia law.
- The total compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault for the accident. For example, if you are 10% at fault, your total compensation package will be reduced by 10%.
What Is My Case Worth?
Every case is unique, so no two cases are likely to have the same value. An attorney can help determine the value of your case, which starts with evaluating your damages.
There are two main types of damages you can seek in a car accident claim: economic (monetary damages) and non-economic (intangible things like pain and suffering).
Calculating your economic damages is a straightforward process and will take into account things like:
- Your medical bills – current and future
- Damage to your property and the cost of repairs or replacement
- Lost wages if you have to take time off of work to recover
- Loss of future earnings if your injuries lead to disability or disfigurement
- The cost of rehabilitation or modifications to your home, if necessary
Non-economic damages are intangible and more challenging to calculate. They include physical pain, emotional anguish, loss of enjoyment of life and other similar harms.
The best way to determine the value of your case is to consult with a skilled and experienced car accident lawyer. A lawyer will know how to determine the value of your non-economic damages and may consult with experts to calculate the true extent of your economic damages now and in the future.
How to Choose The Best Car Accident Lawyer For Me
If you were injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The key to ensuring you receive maximum compensation for your injuries is to choose an attorney with:
- The right experience. Car accident cases can be complex, especially in Atlanta, where comparative negligence laws will be a factor in your case. You need an attorney who has experience handling car accident cases and, ideally, claims involving similar injuries and circumstances to yours.
- The resources to handle your case. Does the attorney have the resources to give your case the attention it deserves? Car accident injuries can be life-changing. You need an attorney who will dedicate the right amount of time and resources to achieve the best possible outcome.
- A client-first approach. When dealing with a car accident claim, you want an attorney who will explain the process and your options in a way that’s easy to understand. They should be responsive and answer your messages or calls in a timely manner.
Experience, client relationships and a positive reputation are all important things to look for in an Atlanta car accident lawyer.
Attorney Darwin F. Johnson has been representing injured victims in Georgia for more than two decades. He fights aggressively for the interests of his clients and won’t back down from insurance companies that refuse to pay fair and just settlements.
If you were injured in a car accident, contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your next steps.