Speeding is a frequent cause of accidents in Columbus. If you or a loved one were injured because of speeding, our lawyers can help you fight for compensation. You might be able to recover all of your costs.
At John Foy & Associates, our Columbus speeding accident lawyers know what to do. We have been helping accident victims for over 20 years. Get the power of the “Strong Arm” on your side today.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
When to Call a Lawyer After an Accident
A common question we get is, “how soon should I contact a lawyer after my accident?”
It’s never too late to speak with an attorney. In fact, we recommend reaching out as soon as possible. Here’s why:
You’ll Need to Protect Your Rights
After an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will spring into action. The insurer might contact you to discuss the details of your accident.
Before you talk about the event with anyone, especially the insurance company, speak with a lawyer. Otherwise, the other side could use something you say or do against you.
Once you have a lawyer, you can direct the insurer to them. You can simply say, “here’s my attorney’s number,” and let your lawyer handle the legal details.
Your Damages Might Be Severe
How you feel right after a crash is not always accurate. We talk to many injured parties who felt okay after their accidents. But over time, they began to feel more pain or suffering from their injuries.
Don’t discount your damages from your accident. You might deserve significant compensation for what the incident has taken from you. But the best way to know your options is by speaking to an experienced lawyer.
There Is a Legal Deadline
In Georgia, the statute of limitations is two years for personal injury cases. That means you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit.
If you miss the deadline, you’ll miss your chance to seek compensation for the accident. So, don’t wait to get started. Speak with a lawyer who can help you stay on track.
Our team at John Foy & Associates can help you today. With over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, we know what it takes to win cases.
To get a free, no-risk consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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Can You Sue Someone for Speeding?
If the speeding driver caused your accident, have a right to sue them. However, you’ll need to show how the driver was negligent.
Negligence is a lack of care, as stated under OCGA §51-1-2. For you to have a case, there must be an example of negligence.
Your personal injury claim must prove that:
- The driver owed you a duty of care.
- The driver breached their duty of care by speeding.
- The driver’s negligence led to your car accident.
- You suffered injuries and other damages from the accident.
The first step is usually to file a claim with the driver’s insurance. Auto insurance exists to cover the costs of an accident. In Georgia, the at-fault driver (and their insurance company) is responsible for the damages.
Most cases end with a settlement. If an injured person has a lawyer, they’re more likely to get a fair offer because lawyers know how to negotiate.
If you cannot settle, you might need to sue the driver for the compensation you deserve.
Knowing When a Settlement Offer Is Good
If you get an offer from the insurance company, talk to a lawyer first. You’ll need to make sure the offer is actually fair for your situation.
Every case is different. A fair settlement offer covers all of your accident damages.
Damages can include:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
You’ll need to know all of your past and future medical expenses. You’ll also need to consider changes in your earning potential because of your injuries. In addition, you might deserve a lot for pain and suffering.
A lawyer can help determine all of your damages so that you know what a fair settlement looks like for you.
What Will a Lawyer Charge for an Accident Claim?
Most personal injury lawyers have a unique fee structure that helps benefit the client.
A lawyer will take a case on contingency, which means the client doesn’t pay unless the lawyer wins them compensation. The contingency fee is simply a percentage of what the client wins, so there are no upfront costs.
The standard fee starts at 33% of what the client wins. Some fees are higher for more complicated cases, but that also means the client is more likely to win big.
So, when you contact a lawyer after your accident, look for someone who works on contingency and offers a free consultation. During the consultation, you can ask about the fee structure and what to expect.
How Settlements Are Paid Out
Most settlements come as a lump sum check from the insurance company. In rare cases, someone might set up a structured settlement that’s paid out over time.
Your lawyer will typically receive the check first and deduct their contingency fee. Your lawyer will also pay any outstanding balances from your accident or injuries. You’ll need to handle any unpaid medical bills with what you win.
After fees and costs are deducted, you’ll receive your compensation.
What If the Driver Has No Insurance?
An injury claim depends on the responsible driver’s insurance. The policy limits will determine how much coverage there is for your accident.
If the driver has no insurance, things are more complicated. You’ll need to file a claim with your own insurance company if you have uninsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Most drivers have uninsured motorist coverage unless they specifically opted out. Your policy might help cover some of the costs of your accident, although it might not cover everything.
You can also try taking the driver to court for your remaining damages. However, suing an uninsured driver is tricky if the driver has little money or assets. There might be little to draw on, but you can explore other sources like garnishing wages.
To know your best options, contact a Columbus speeding accident lawyer today.
Talk to a Columbus Speeding Accident Lawyer for Free
Get the legal help you deserve after an accident involving speeding. Call John Foy & Associates today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your free consultation.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form