Side collisions can happen out of nowhere. And once the shock of the crash wears off, you’re left wondering what to do. Should you get a lawyer?
Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about the legal details alone. Our side-impact collision attorneys in Athens will handle your case from the moment you hire us. Also, you won’t pay anything unless we win you a settlement or court judgment.
Learn what we can do for you during a free consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Five Reasons You Need a Lawyer After an Accident
After an accident, you should schedule a legal consultation. Like us, most attorneys offer a free case review to go over your options.
If any of the following describe your collision, you’ll need help from a lawyer.
1. There Were Serious Injuries or a Death
If you or a family member suffered injuries, call a car accident lawyer immediately. If a loved one died in a collision, you should also contact a lawyer. You could have a wrongful death claim.
An analysis of near-side collisions found car occupants had a high risk of severe or fatal chest and stomach injuries. Many of these injuries were not apparent at the accident scene but required emergency treatment later.
Critical injuries or deaths lead to complex legal cases. Settlements can be up to millions of dollars in some situations. You will need professional support when bringing a lawsuit against the responsible driver.
Even minor injuries can worsen with time or be more severe than they seem. Since medical bills are the most expensive part of an accident, don’t undervalue them. Take any injury seriously and speak with an attorney about yours.
2. More than Two Vehicles Crashed
Accidents with two drivers are more straightforward. But if multiple vehicles are involved, the legal process gets messy.
You might have several insurance claims or lawsuits to juggle. Some crashes, such as truck accidents, involve employers or third-party companies. It’s too much for a non-legal professional to handle.
Talk to a lawyer if there were various parties in your accident. Otherwise, you could lose the chance to recover everything you deserve.
3. You Cannot Return to Work
Car accidents are about more than your current injuries. The incident can affect your life for weeks, months, or years after.
Unfortunately, many accident survivors have to adjust how they work after a crash. Injuries might prevent you from working as much or in the same capacity. Maybe you have to take on fewer hours, get a lower-paying job, or stop working altogether.
If your injuries affect your work, call a lawyer today. Learn how to seek compensation for your lost income.
4. The Other Driver Has No Insurance
All drivers in Athens should carry car insurance. Sadly, some people don’t follow the rules.
If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, speak to an attorney. You will need to look for different ways to recover your damages. No insurance leaves you with limited options, but a skilled lawyer will offer alternatives.
5. Your Settlement Offer Is Too Low (or You’re Not Sure)
Getting a decent settlement offer is not easy. The insurance company will probably send you a lowball. But even if you’re not sure, it’s best to talk with a lawyer.
You can’t know for sure what’s fair until you know your damages. And most crash survivors vastly underestimate their losses.
To save yourself from paying for your costs out-of-pocket, call a lawyer as soon as possible. They can determine what’s a reasonable offer and negotiate with the insurance company for you.
Get the strong arm
Take Action Soon After Your Crash
If you live in Athens, Georgia, the statute of limitations is two years. According to OCGA §9-3-33, the clock starts ticking after your injuries happen. If you miss the limitations period, you’ll have limited options—if any at all.
If a lot of time has passed since the accident, contact a lawyer immediately. You don’t want to pass the deadline and miss your chance for compensation. The longer you wait, the fewer options you will have.
If you know for sure it’s been over two years, don’t give up. Talk to an attorney because there might be more you can do.
Is There an Average Settlement for Side-Impact Crashes?
Accident settlements vary a lot by case. For example, a crash with minor injuries could be worth $10,000 to $30,000, while a catastrophic or deadly accident could be in the millions.
Since every situation is different, it’s best to get personalized help. An Athens side-impact collision attorney will evaluate your accident personally. That’s the best way to know what you deserve in compensation.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve won over $1 billion in results for our clients. We’ve worked on cases all across the board, so we can estimate your claim’s value. If you contact us today, we’ll discuss the details during a free consultation.
What Can You Expect for Pain and Suffering?
After a side-impact collision, you’ll have both economic and non-economic damages. Economic losses include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Future treatment costs
- Lost wages
- Lost earning opportunity
- Property damage
Non-economic damages, which are often known as “pain and suffering,” are different. Unlike financial losses, you cannot provide receipts for suffering. Your lawyer can put a value on your pain and suffering for your case.
Most of the time, non-economic damages equal the total of your economic losses times a number between 1.5 and 5. Pain and suffering damages can be significant after a side-impact collision. If you were not at fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for the monetary or emotional costs.
Get 24/7 Assistance with the Strong Arm
John Foy & Associates has over 20 years of experience helping accident survivors and their families. If you were not at fault for your crash, call us to discuss solutions. We charge nothing upfront, and you pay nothing unless we win you money.
We are known as the Strong Arm because we don’t back down from tough cases. We’ll fight hard for the compensation you deserve. Our team is full of experienced and compassionate legal professionals ready to help you.
Get a Free Consultation with an Athens Side-Impact Collision Lawyer
To learn your compensation options now, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We are available 24/7 to take your call.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form