If you or a loved one were hurt in a car accident in Milledgeville, you’re probably worried about the costs. Medical expenses aren’t cheap, and vehicle damage repairs are almost always more expensive than you think. Plus, missed work time means less money coming in to pay for these damages. Thankfully, if you or your loved one didn’t cause the accident, there’s a chance for full financial recovery—and a Milledgeville car accident lawyer can help.
Our car accident attorneys at John Foy & Associates have been helping accident victims recover their costs for over two decades. We work solely with injury victims—never for insurance companies—and our primary goal is full compensation of your damages. To schedule a FREE consultation and discuss the details of your case, call us today at 404-400-4000 or fill out the online form on this page to get started.
How I Recover for the Costs of My Car Accident?
If you were not at fault for your accident, you should not have to foot the bill for the resulting costs. The other driver who caused the crash is legally liable for all damages in a car accident. That usually means their auto insurance company is responsible for covering your costs (also known as damages).
Calculating Damages
Damages you can recover from a car accident in Milledgeville include:
- Costs of medical treatment, including hospital bills, doctor visits, and prescription medications
- Car repair costs
- Lost wages from missed work time
- Long-term treatment like physical therapy or rehabilitation
These are known as “special damages” because they are fairly easy to track and calculate. It’s also why you should keep detailed records of every bill you pay or quote your receive for treatment, damage, or lost income related to the accident. These will provide proof that you are experiencing the losses you claim.
You can also seek recovery for “general damages” that are harder to quantify. Those include physical and mental pain and suffering like emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, physical disfigurement, anxiety or depression, and more. You will usually need the help of a car accident lawyer to calculate these damages, as they can be worth a lot.
Gathering Information and Filing a Claim
To pursue any of this compensation, you’ll need to file a personal injury claim with the other driver’s insurance company. The claim will need to include proof that the accident occurred, that the other driver caused the accident, and that you have experienced all the damages you say.
You can start to support your claim immediately and protect your rights by:
- Calling the police to report the accident as soon as it happens
- Exchanging insurance information and contact information with the other driver
- Taking pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and your car damage
- Writing notes about everything you remember happening (and how the accident affected you)
- Seeing a doctor as soon as possible after the crash
- Keeping track of all expenses and possible costs or losses
- Contacting a Milledgeville car accident lawyer
It’s also very important to not accept any money or sign anything from the other driver’s insurance company until you’ve spoken to an attorney. The insurer will be looking for ways to cut costs, and that often includes offering you a lowball settlement upfront. Don’t take this until you know the full extent of your damages. Otherwise, you’ll lose out on the possibility of covering all your costs.
Get the strong arm
Can a Milledgeville Car Accident Lawyer Really Help My Case?
An experienced lawyer can be invaluable after a car accident. It’s tempting for some injured motorists to handle the insurance claim themselves or assume their own car insurance will protect them. Sadly, things are not always this easy.
It’s very hard to know the full extent of damages you’ll experience—now and in the future—from the accident if you aren’t well-versed in tort law and personal injury cases. Plus, your auto insurance company is, unfortunately, looking for ways to reduce costs just like any insurer. They won’t have your best interests in mind, but a good car accident lawyer will always be on your side.
A car accident lawyer can help your case by:
- Gathering the right evidence to strengthen your claim
- Communicating with and negotiating with the insurance company
- Making sure you don’t get taken advantage of and pursue an actually fair settlement
- Taking on your case so you can stress less about the details
Insurance companies have their own team of attorneys, and they know many car accident victims don’t understand this process well. Many times, they’re likely to offer you more simply because you have a lawyer on your side. It’s a signal to the insurer that you’re serious about fighting for fair compensation. You’ll have a professional on your side.
How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Claim?
The best way to get answers about your case is by scheduling a consultation with a car accident lawyer in the Milledgeville area. Look for someone who offers consultation for free. (That’s what we do at John Foy & Associates.) A good attorney can evaluate your situation and let you know how your claim looks.
That being said, if you were hurt in a car accident and weren’t at fault, you probably have a valid claim. Even if you hold partial fault in the accident, you may still be able to recover a percentage of your damages. Don’t assume there’s no hope until you’ve found out for sure. Most car accidents occur because a driver was being negligent (another word for careless) in some way.
Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer in Milledgeville, GA for Free
There’s a lot to handle after a car accident happens. It’s normal to feel a little lost and not know where to turn. That’s where a trusted attorney can turn things around and give you the confidence to seek full compensation.
At John Foy & Associates, this is how we help. With over 20 years of experience working with car accident victims, we know how to talk to insurance companies and what they’re looking for in a successful claim. Working with us is risk-free because you don’t pay us unless we win you money. To get started with a FREE consultation today, call 404-400-4000 or fill out our contact page.
478-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form