Side-impact accidents are costly in Columbus. If you or a loved one were victims of an accident, don’t wait to get legal help.
If you didn’t cause the accident, you might deserve financial compensation for your costs. And our Columbus side-impact collision lawyers can help. To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Reasons to Hire a Lawyer After the Collision
A personal injury lawyer can help in so many ways after an accident. If you were not at fault, it’s best to get help seeking compensation for the crash.
You probably need a lawyer if:
- You have severe injuries or other damages.
- Fault is unclear.
- You get a lowball settlement offer.
- You’re not sure how to build your case.
Let’s look more closely at each of these reasons.
Severe Injuries and Damages
Side-impact accidents are often severe. A car has less protection on the side, so when a side collision happens, it can cause terrible damage.
Even if you feel okay after the accident, your damages could be worse than you realize. The greater your damages, the more likely you will need legal help.
It’s often a struggle to get the type of settlement you deserve. The insurance company will look for ways to pay you less.
But a lawyer can help by fighting to recover all of your costs.
Fault Is Unclear
Georgia has partial fault laws. Even if a victim is partially at fault for an accident, they can still recover if they were less than 50% at fault.
It’s not always clear who is at fault for an accident. Plus, the other driver or insurance company could unfairly blame you.
If you have questions about who caused your accident, talk to a lawyer immediately.
Lowball Settlement Offers
If someone else caused your accident, their insurance company should cover the costs.
However, insurance companies rarely fight fair. The insurer will look for reasons to reduce what they must pay.
You might get a quick offer after your accident—but it will be a lowball amount. The first offer is never enough to cover your damages.
If you get an offer, it’s best to check with a lawyer first. Talk to an attorney before accepting anything to make sure you know how a fair deal looks.
You Need Help
Most accident victims can use legal expertise after a crash.
The average person has never had to deal with a legal claim before. That’s why educated and experienced injury lawyers exist.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help with any questions you have after an accident. We know what it takes to win side-impact collision cases.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we win you money, and we’re available 24/7.
Get the strong arm
Do I Need a Lawyer Even for a Minor Accident?
Many side-impact crashes are serious. However, there are situations where your crash might seem minor. Maybe you don’t feel much pain or seem to have little vehicle damage.
Even after a seemingly minor accident, it’s best to speak with a lawyer.
Talk to a lawyer because:
- Your injuries could be more serious than you first think.
- Even minor accidents can lead to extensive damages.
- Handling your case alone could leave money on the table.
It can take time for the pain from injuries to set in. As adrenaline surges through your body after the crash, your body suppresses the pain. But hours or days later, you start to feel all of the damage the accident has caused.
Even if you feel like the accident wasn’t a big deal, check with a lawyer. You can schedule a free consultation to learn your legal options.
Damages You Can Recover from Your Accident
Personal injury damages are your losses from the accident.
Before filing a claim against the other driver, you’ll need to know your damages.
Medical Bills
Medical costs can be significant after a side-impact collision. It’s important to account for all care-related expenses after the accident.
Medical costs can include:
- Doctor bills
- Hospital bills
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Prescription drugs
- Future treatment costs
Your lawyer can help calculate all of your care costs. Don’t forget about long-term treatments you might need because of the accident.
Also, see a doctor as soon as possible after the crash. If you have severe injuries, call for an ambulance at the scene.
Getting treatment immediately helps document your injuries. It also shows the insurance company that you were serious about getting medical care.
Lost Income
Besides medical bills, you might also have to deal with a loss of income.
Car accident injuries can prevent you from working for an extended period. Too many accident victims lose their jobs or have to work much less because of an accident.
If you have to take on lower-paying work, you can also claim lost earning capacity.
Property Damage
Side-impact accidents can cause significant car damage. The impact can even cause a rollover accident, which often leads to a totaled car.
Your injury claim can include any property damage from the accident. If you only have property damage, you can bring a property damage case.
Talk to our lawyers today about claiming property damage after your collision.
Pain and Suffering
Not all losses are financial. An accident can also lead to a lot of pain and suffering.
You might have non-economic damages like:
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Your lawyer can help put a dollar value on these damages. Most of the time, pain and suffering is calculated by multiplying your economic losses by between three and five.
Don’t Wait to Get Started
You have two years from an accident date to bring a legal case, according to OCGA §9-3-33.
If you miss the deadline, you won’t be able to seek compensation for the accident.
Get started today to protect your legal rights.
Talk to a Columbus Side-Impact Collision Lawyer Today
Our team at John Foy & Associates can help you build a strong claim for compensation. With over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, we know how to win cases. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your free consultation.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form