Chamblee
Car Accident Lawyer

Your life may be turned upside down after a motor vehicle wreck, but that does not mean you should lose hope. When you are awarded compensation for the damages you incur, you are given a fresh start at building back up your life after it comes crashing down on you. 

When you have a respected Chamblee car accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates on your side, you can navigate your way through the insurance claim or civil lawsuit processes. Schedule your free consultation as soon as today by completing our quick contact form or calling our office.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Chamblee

Accidents happen every day. They occur in the blink of an eye but are often easily avoidable. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Chamblee include the following.

Distracted Driving

Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows 25-50% of all accidents are caused by distracted driving. Talking on cell phones, texting, and engaging with passengers are common forms of distracted driving. Driver fatigue is another. 

Drunk Driving

The NHTSA report also states that approximately 32% of all traffic fatalities in the United States last year were caused by drunk drivers. Drinking and driving have continued to be a significant problem over the years, and the statistics show no signs of drunk driving accidents slowing.

Speeding

Speed is one of the most significant factors in any car accident. Not only does increased speed reduce your possible reaction time, but it also increases your risk of crashing. High speeds magnify the severity of an accident.

Following the posted speed limits to obey and observing the fundamental laws of the road goes a long way toward making the streets safer for everyone.

Aggressive Driving

Described by the NHTSA as “Driving in a manner that presents a threat to other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists,” aggressive driving is just as harmful as they come. Aggressive driving includes unlawful or unsafe driving, failure to yield, or tailgating. Weaving in and out of traffic is another good example of aggressive driving.

Inclement Weather

Heavy rain, hail, high winds, and fog can make driving more difficult. Make sure you drive appropriately according to your conditions, and ensure yourself extra time for braking along with additional space between you and the car in front of you. If weather conditions are poor, pull off to the side of the road until conditions improve.

If you are looking for a car accident lawyer in Chamblee, GA, look no further than John Foy & Associates. We can get your case resolved quickly, allowing you to get back to life sooner.

Parties You Could Sue for Damages

If your insurance claim does not get you the money you need, you may need to consider alternate options to compensate for the difference. A lawsuit may be necessary.

Our car accident attorneys in Chamblee, GA, can help you sue the at-fault parties. Several people may be at fault. Here are some examples:

• Negligent drivers
• Dealership
• Vehicle maintenance workers
• Municipalities
• Safety inspectors
• Tire companies

Essential Personal Injury Laws Affecting Your Chamblee Car Accident Claim

Specific laws could impact the outcome of your car accident claim. Knowing these laws can help you prepare accordingly.

Georgia Is a Fault State

In a fault state, you file a claim with the liable party’s insurance company, not your own. This can be tough for claimants, as their settlement relies on how much coverage the responsible party has. If they only purchased the minimum amount of coverage, there may not be enough to cover the victim’s damages fully.

Modified Comparative Negligence

If you share responsibility for causing the car accident, it could significantly impact the potential compensation you could recover. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system, so you can share up to 50% of the liability for the accident and still be awarded compensation. However, your percentage of liability will reduce your settlement. This means if you were 25% responsible, your settlement would be reduced by 25%.

Statute of Limitations

In Georgia, car accident claims carry a statute of limitations of two years. This means that you will generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. 

If you fail to file a claim with the court by the statute of limitations date, your case will be void. A Chamblee car accident attorney can help you get your lawsuit filed before the expiration date.

The Value of Your Car Accident Damages in Chamblee

Compensation for a car accident claim can vary considerably based on the individual details of the case. Multiple factors determine the value of your damages. While each case is unique, they all fall into one of two categories of losses:

General Damages

General or non-economic damages are injuries that do not have a set financial value. This means the defendant must pay you for the pain and suffering you have endured due to your injuries. 

The impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, mental trauma, and personal disfigurement are examples of general damages. Other examples could include the following:

• Trauma or stress
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of a loved one
• Permanent disability 
• Loss of bodily functions
• Loss of consortium
• Disfigurement and skin scarring

Special Damages

Special damages, also referred to as economic damages, are monetary losses. These can be caused by medical expenses or lost wages and the costs of replacing your car or getting damages repaired. You may also recover out-of-pocket expenses, including:

• Travel and transportation expenses
• Child care expenses
• Car rental fees
• Towing costs
• Storage fees

How Chamblee Car Accident Settlements Are Paid Out

The process of filing a claim can be intimidating. Insurance typically only covers medical bills caused directly by the accident, property damages, and in some cases, lost wages. This will typically not cover all the damages you are entitled to.

This means you should be prepared to file a lawsuit to recoup any additional expenses insurance does not cover. Our legal team will be by your side every step of the way to ensure you receive total compensation for your suffering.

Meet with a Car Accident Lawyer in Chamblee for Help Today

The trauma you endure could have a lasting impact on your life. It would be best if you were not forced to absorb the consequences of someone else’s negligence. 

We will work tirelessly to hold the liable party accountable and compensate you for your damages. Contact an experienced Chamblee car accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates today. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation when you complete our online contact form or call our office.