Car accident victims in Alpharetta know the shock, pain, and steep costs from a car crash are hard to bear. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to shoulder them or accept a lowball settlement offer from an insurance company.
At John Foy & Associates, we fight for our clients. They know they’re getting the best when they hire us to represent them. And our Alpharetta personal injury lawyers and staff know they are part of a community that truly cares. With a team of over 150 people, we always work together to get the best possible outcome for our clients.
Three Things You Should Know After a Car Accident
Your actions after an auto accident can make a big difference in your case outcome. If you get into an accident in Alpharetta, there are three vital points to remember.
1. The More Information You Can Collect, the Better
After your car accident, gather as much information as possible. When you work with a personal injury lawyer, they’ll get to work doing their research about the accident and everything involved. But you are the only person who can gather evidence directly after the accident happened. Here are some details to collect:
- Pictures of the accident scene: Photograph your injuries (and any injuries of those in the vehicle with you, if you had passengers), damage to your vehicle, and anything else that you notice about the accident.
- The other driver’s information: Assuming it wasn’t a hit-and-run, always exchange information with the other driver after the accident happens. Get their first and last name, insurance information, driver’s license number, license plate, phone number, and address. You’ll need this for filing a claim with their insurance and for contacting them if needed later on.
- Take notes on what you remember: Do this directly after the accident. If the other driver was acting weird, such as if you suspect drunk driving or other impairments, driving distracted, or having road rage, these are details your lawyer will need to know.
- Witnesses’ names: If anyone saw the accident occur, ask them what they saw, if they’ll give a statement to the police and write everything down. Get their name and contact information so your lawyer can contact them later, as well.
You’ll also want to call the police as soon as possible after the accident. They’ll come to the scene and will create an accident report, which is vital for your accident claim.
2. The Insurance Company Doesn’t Have Your Back
We want to think insurance companies are here for us after an accident, but sadly, that’s rarely the case. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, meaning they’ll do what they can to cut their costs and pay out less than you actually deserve for your suffering.
You should not take the first offer or answer any of their calls until your attorney can fight for a financial recovery that’s actually fair. Never admit fault or give them any information they could use against you. If insurance contacts you, you can tell them to talk to your attorney and give them their number.
3. You Have the Right to Recover ALL Your Costs
If the car accident was not your fault, you have a right to financial recovery of all your damages related to the accident. This includes costs pertaining to:
- Treatment for your accident injuries
- Doctor’s visits
- Tests regarding your injuries
- Physical therapy
- Property damage to your vehicle, including repair costs or replacement
- Death of a loved one (if it’s a wrongful death case)
Don’t let anyone try to skirt around the truth: you deserve to recover money for what wasn’t your fault. A Fulton County auto wreck shouldn’t impact the financial and emotional side of your life more than it has to, and you can recover financial compensation with a personal injury attorney in Alpharetta.
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An Alpharetta Car Accident Attorney Can Make a Difference
Having an Alpharetta car accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference in your case if you’re the injured party. They will do the research necessary to prove you weren’t at fault, and they know how to guide you through each step of the process. Working with a legal professional is your best bet for recovering everything you deserve from the accident.
In addition, the resources and talented investigators that come with an experienced law firm could mean more monetary compensation for damages and a quick, non-strenuous legal process.
Proving the Four Elements of Liability in a Motor Vehicle Accident Case
Proving fault for your accident is essential to holding the other person liable for the damages and injuries you have suffered. In order for you and your attorney to be able to prove negligence, you need to be able to prove these four elements:
- The other driver had a duty of reasonable care for your safety.
- The other driver neglected this duty to protect your safety.
- This breach of that duty caused your accident.
- The amount of compensation you’re asking for is justifiable.
These four elements are often easier to prove with an experienced car accident attorney by your side. If you were involved in an accident where the other driver engaged in negligent action, contact us immediately for maximum compensation.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Alpharetta, GA
According to the statute of limitations, as outlined in GA Code § 9-3-33, a car accident personal injury case must be filed within two years from the date of the crash. Depending on the specifics of the claim, different time limitations may apply.
If you fail to file a personal injury lawsuit by this time, you may lose the right to file a lawsuit regarding the accident. An Alpharetta personal injury lawyer can handle your car accident case promptly.
Alpharetta Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Collect Damages
With a car accident lawyer in Alpharetta on your side, you can collect fair compensation for noneconomic damages such as your pain and suffering as well as economic losses like your:
Medical Expenses
Medical costs for medication, surgeries, and therapy following car accident injuries can be expensive. It’s recommended you seek medical care after any accident, regardless of the severity of your injuries.
Lost Wages
You should seek leave from work to recover if a car accident causes you serious injuries. The law protects your right to paid leave, and your attorney can make sure your company follows through with these legal guidelines.
Disability Benefits
If a doctor determines that you are permanently disabled due to the accident, you could recover disability or reduced earning ability compensation.
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a loved one due to a car accident in Fulton County, family members may be eligible to recover compensation with a wrongful death claim. These damages may include loss of consortium, medical bills, emotional distress, and funeral and burial expenses.
Shared Fault Laws for Georgia Car Accidents
If you are partially at fault for the crash, you may still be entitled to recover damages. The modified contributory negligence statute Georgia follows does not bar recovery if you are found to be less than 50% liable for the accident. Your maximum compensation, however, will be diminished by whatever percent of the accident can be attributed to you.
This controversial standard may place an undue burden on you, especially if you were only slightly responsible for damages. Your auto accident attorney will work hard to ensure that the degree of fault assigned to you is fair and reasonable during your personal injury claim.
Talk to a Car Accident Attorney in Alpharetta, GA, for Free
At John Foy & Associates, our Alpharetta car accident lawyers know how painful the process after a car accident can be. We want to help you recover as quickly and easily as possible. Working with us is no risk, meaning we charge you nothing unless we get you a fair settlement.
With over two decades of experience, our car accident lawyers in Alpharetta, GA, understand auto wreck cases, and we know how to win. Our lawyers don’t back down to insurance companies, and we stand with crash victims. To speak with one of our lawyers right away, contact us for a free consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form