Augusta Car Accident Lawyer

We Take Your Car Accident Claim Seriously

At our firm, we make sure your claim is taken seriously. We send our investigator to document what happened and get the evidence you need for your case. We aim to get you the whole amount you need, the total after all treatments, doctor appointments, and missed work time is over.

If you were hurt in a car accident in Augusta, you should first speak to an Augusta car accident attorney after seeing the doctor. You shouldn’t rely on the insurance company to offer a fair amount without professional legal backing.

How Can an Augusta Car Accident Lawyer Help?

Our firm can help you with:

Proving Liability

One major challenge is establishing negligence and proving the other driver was at fault for causing the crash. This may involve collecting evidence like photos, witness statements, police reports, and expert analysis of factors like vehicle damage, skid marks, and more. Our attorneys know how to investigate and build a strong liability case properly.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance carriers are motivated to minimize payouts or deny claims entirely. They may dispute liability, argue injuries are pre-existing, or make lowball settlement offers. Our car accident attorneys in Augusta can effectively counter bad faith tactics and make sure the full compensation deserved is pursued.

Calculating Full Damages

Placing a value on non-economic damages like pain/suffering is complex. A lawyer understands how to factor in current and future medical costs, lost wages, diminished earning potential, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and other damages to maximize the claim’s worth.

Meeting Deadlines and Procedures

Car accident cases are governed by strict statutes of limitations for filing and other procedural rules that can jeopardize a claim if not followed correctly. Lawyers ensure all documentation, paperwork, and court filings are handled properly and in a timely manner.

Preparing for Litigation 

If a negotiated settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer has the litigation skills and resources required to take a case to court. We can gather expert testimony, choose the right venue, select an impartial jury, and advocate persuasively at trial for a favorable outcome.

Personal injury attorneys level the playing field against insurance companies’ resources and improve an accident victim’s ability to recover full and fair compensation for their injuries and losses.

How to Protect Your Rights After a Car Crash

If you pursue legal action, the steps you take after a collision can impact your case. Your main priority should always be your safety and well-being. Once you are out of harm’s way, focus on the following steps:

Document the Accident Scene

If you are in stable condition, investigate and document the crash site. It is important to:

• Report the accident to the police.
• Take photos and videos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
• Do not admit blame or apologize to anyone, as this can be used against you and decrease your chances of recovery.
• Get the contact information for any witnesses willing to testify.

Documenting the collision scene can help protect your legal rights, provide valuable evidence for an insurance company claim, and even keep others from blaming you for the crash.

Seek Medical Attention

You should seek medical care even after a minor car crash, as you may still suffer from severe injuries that require lengthy and costly treatment.

Common injuries accident victims may experience include whiplash, broken bones, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Getting immediate medical attention also strengthens your claim.

A doctor can diagnose early and help link your injuries to the crash. To further protect your right to recover compensation, follow the recommended treatment plan and go to all follow-up appointments.

Take Notes on the Crash

Accurate and consistent notes can help identify the at-fault party and prove negligence. Notes should include details about all the cars involved, weather conditions, road conditions (i.e., icy roads), and other relevant factors.

Additionally, thorough documentation can assist with insurance claims and aid law enforcement should criminal behavior be suspected. Taking detailed notes could make or break a case involving a vehicular collision.

Get a Vehicle Inspection

A qualified mechanic can identify any potential issues caused by the crash. Damage is not always visible, but a thorough inspection can shed more light.

This includes checking for damage that might have occurred in the vehicle’s frame and inspecting airbags. Having an inspection done quickly after a crash facilitates your insurance claim and ensures your safety on the road.

Document Your Damages

Collect all the documents related to your accident-related losses. We recommend that you create copies for each document as a backup. Start by gathering the following:

• Your insurance claim
• Medical bills
• Vehicle damage repairs or the cost of a replacement car
• Lost wages

Call a Car Accident Attorney

An experienced lawyer will analyze the details of your case and advise you on the next steps to get the best possible outcome for your circumstances.

Typically, the more complex the litigation process is for you, the greater the importance of having a skilled local attorney. Hire someone familiar with local laws and processes, which can also easily navigate through an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Finding legal representation helps preserve evidence and ensure all deadlines are met, such as filing injury claims or lawsuits within specific time frames. In addition, personalized legal advice will increase your chances of winning.

Basically, be cautious in everything you do or say after a car accident. Avoid admitting blame, apologizing, or downplaying your damages - and get a trusted lawyer on your side who can help you take the right actions for your case. The goal is to protect your legal rights to full compensation for all the damages you face because of the other driver’s negligence that led to your accident.

How Can an Augusta Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

After a collision, you may not realize that your car insurance company is now your adversary. Although these companies are contracted to repay medical bills and damages, they will do anything possible to avoid paying the full amount.

They’re eager to get you to say something you shouldn’t or twist your words around so they can deny or reduce your claim. And the insurance company has an entire team of lawyers on their side. Therefore, getting legal representation is the only way to level the playing field.

Our car accident lawyers in Augusta can help your case in many ways:

• When you have legal representation, the insurer must talk to your lawyer, not you. This prevents them from asking misleading questions and using your words against you.
• Your attorney brings negotiation power to your claim, forcing insurance companies to take you seriously.
• A lawyer can help you identify costs you may not have realized your claim could cover.
• Your attorney’s legal team will assemble thorough documentation of your accident and medical treatment to present your case in the best possible light.

The expenses you face after an auto accident are not pocket change. They may include an emergency room visit, follow-up doctor appointments, surgery or intensive care, ambulance costs, physical therapy, medication, car repairs, and lost wages. Don’t allow yourself to get stuck with the bill.

Do I Have to Sue Someone to Win My Case?

No. This is a common misconception about car accident cases. You need to know two important things when considering whether to get a lawyer.

First, our negotiations are with an insurance company, not another driver. You won’t ruin anyone’s day if you ask for the money you’re owed.

Second, many auto accident claims are resolved without a lawsuit. Your lawyer will attempt to settle your case through simple negotiation. In many cases, the insurer will get a resolution without legal action.

In some cases, the insurance company will hold out. At that point, your attorney will advise you whether accepting their final offer makes more sense or filing a lawsuit for the full amount.

A good lawyer will explain both options and let you make the final call without pressure.

How Does a Car Accident Lawyer Win a Claim?

The first thing your attorney does is notify the insurance company representing you. From then on, all communication goes through the lawyer, not you.

If you are ever required to give a statement, you will have your attorney present to advise you. Then your lawyer will gather evidence. This may include:

• Getting you to a specialist doctor who understands common car accident injuries like neck and spinal cord injuries. This kind of doctor can give a better estimate of the treatment needed.
• Assessing your past medical history. Insurance adjusters may blame you for the pain or say it’s unrelated to the accident. Your attorney may prove otherwise.
• Investigating the accident and reconstructing it, so there is no question about what happened.

With this evidence, a personal injury attorney can drive a hard bargain. We’ll show the insurance company exactly how strong a case we have and pressure them to pay what you’re owed without a court hearing.

Usually, no trial is needed; it’s rare for a case to go to court, but if it does, we will be there to represent you aggressively.

What Types of Compensation Are Available for Car Accident Claims?

While most claims are highly individualized and depend on the specific facts of each case, compensation categories in an auto accident claim include economic and non-economic damages.

These are known as compensatory damages, intended to return the plaintiff to their financial position before the accident.

Economic Damages

These are losses of property and money caused by a car crash. Your financial losses can quickly add up, making it important to understand your legal rights and options following an accident. Depending on your case, you may recover:

• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Other out-of-pocket expenses
• Lost wages

Non-Economic Damages

Unlike economic damages, this category addresses the intangible losses from the accident. Since these refer to the victim’s inner state and social welfare, non-economic damage is harder to quantify. Our Augusta car accident lawyers can help you get compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Augusta?

It costs you nothing upfront. Our law firm doesn’t ask car accident victims to pay us money out of pocket. You’re already facing stress, pain, and financial worry over the costs of your treatment.

Our first concern is to get you the care you need and ensure you recover a fair settlement from the insurance company, not billing you.

Instead, we take our fee from whatever financial recovery we win for you as a simple percentage. If we don’t win you money, we take nothing. This is how we make it risk-free for you to call us. You will never pay anything unless we get you a financial victory.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Claim for My Car Accident?

Time is short. In Georgia, some circumstances allow up to two years to file a claim, but many don’t. So, in some cases, you may only have weeks to file a claim.

Once the statute of limitations has passed, it is too late to file a claim, and you forfeit any money you may be owed. The best thing you can do is speak to an experienced car accident attorney immediately.

What if I Lost a Loved One in a Car Accident?

If you lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, an experienced lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in pursuing a wrongful death claim. Our wrongful death lawyers in Augusta will carefully investigate to determine all liable parties and build a solid case on your behalf.

We will also handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies to recover fair compensation, as insurers often undervalue death claims. If settlement efforts fail, your attorney has the litigation skills to take the case to court.

With strict filing deadlines, a lawyer ensures all procedural requirements are met. While no amount of money makes up for such a profound loss, a wrongful death claim helps families obtain justice and financial security during this emotionally devastating time.

Types of Car Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can occur for various reasons and take many forms. The manner of collision can help investigators reveal the cause of the crash and identify the liable party. Common types of collisions include:

• Rear-end collisions: These happen when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the rear of another, often due to tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops.
• Side-impact collisions: Also called “T-bone” accidents, these occur when the front of one car strikes the side of another, frequently at intersections when one driver runs a red light or stop sign.
• Head-on collisions: Two vehicles crashing into each other while traveling in opposite directions, often resulting in catastrophic injuries due to the combined forces involved. Improper passing and drunk driving are common causes.
• Accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists: Vulnerable road users are at extreme risk when motorists fail to yield the right-of-way or drive distracted/impaired.
• Truck accidents: Big rigs can cause immense damage in collisions due to their massive size and weight. Factors like improper cargo loading, truck driver fatigue, and blind spots contribute to many truck wrecks.

Common Causes of Car Crashes

Traffic accidents are unfortunately common, and understanding their causes can help lead to safer driving habits and improved road safety initiatives. Common contributing factors to collisions include:

• Speeding: Exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for conditions reduces a driver’s reaction time and ability to maintain control of their vehicle. High speeds increase the severity of crashes.
• Distracted driving: Any activity that diverts attention from the road, such as texting, eating, adjusting entertainment systems, or interacting with passengers. Even a momentary distraction can have disastrous consequences.
• Driving under the influence: Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, certain medications, or combinations thereof severely impacts judgment, motor skills, and reaction times.
• Driver fatigue: Drowsy or fatigued driving due to insufficient sleep, long hours behind the wheel, untreated sleep disorders, or medications can mirror the effects of alcohol impairment.
• Aggressive driving behavior: Road rage, frequent lane changes, tailgating, running red lights, and other hostile driving maneuvers put all motorists at risk of a violent collision.

Other factors, such as vehicle defects, poor road conditions, and adverse weather, can also be major contributing factors to traffic accidents in Georgia. However, many crashes could be prevented if all drivers prioritized the safe, attentive, and sober operation of their vehicles at all times.

Most Dangerous Roadways in Augusta, GA

Road conditions can be a crucial factor in car accidents. Lack of proper maintenance, a poor design, or a high traffic volume can increase the risk of collisions. The most dangerous roads in Augusta include:

• Bobby Jones Expressway
• Gordon Highway
• Deans Bridge Road
• Mike Padgett Highway
• Walton Way

Contact an Augusta Car Accident Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation

After an accident, your job is to get back to the best health possible. John Foy & Associates is one of the largest and most experienced car accident law firms serving the Augusta area.

Our auto accident lawyers in Augusta are ready to help you get through this challenging time. Contact us or fill out the form to your right and get your free consultation today.