Have you recently suffered debilitating injuries in a collision on a busy highway? In the aftermath of the accident, the scene may have been chaotic. In your hospital room, you may be in shock, trying to grasp what you have just been through.
Do not worry about the legal details at this time. Focus on recuperating while a compassionate and experienced Columbus highway accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates advocates for your rights.
When you need a Columbus car accident lawyer you can rely on, our team is here for you. We will take over your case so you can devote every ounce of energy towards healing from the trauma you experienced. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today to learn about which options are most suitable for your case.
Important Facts About Highways in Columbus, GA
Columbus is home to some of the busiest state roads, interstates, and highways. On the western side of the state, I-85 connects with I-185. There are also major state roads, including:
- US-27
- US-280
- SR-1
- SR-520
- US-27 Alt.
- SR-85
- US-80
- SR-22
- SR-540
You may need to utilize one or more of these major roadways to get to work every day, travel throughout the state, and complete your household errands. Unfortunately, no matter how safe you drive, other drivers will always be a cause for concern.
When these highways back up due to congestion during high traffic hours, rear-end collisions and sideswipe accidents are more likely. Outside of these hours, motorists are more likely to travel at higher rates of speed, which also increases the risk of a catastrophic collision.
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How the Columbus Highway Accident Claims Process Works
After being involved in a severe accident on a major interstate, you may be overwhelmed, intimidated, and not at all anxious to take legal action at this time. However, the sooner you get started on your claims, the more evidence we will be able to gather to support your case.
You may feel more confident as you move through the claims process when you understand how it works. Although every person’s case is different, here is a general idea of how highway accident claims in Columbus work:
- Immediately after the accident, you should move your vehicle to safety and call for help.
- The Macon Police Department, Georgia State Police, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) should arrive at the accident scene.
- In the meantime, you can work to gather evidence that can be used to support your case, such as a detailed account of how the collision occurred, photos of your injuries, video of the damage at the accident scene, and the names and contact information of involved parties and witnesses.
- You contact a highway accident lawyer in Columbus, GA, to help you with the legal details and figure out what your next steps should be.
- You head to Piedmont Macon, Regency Hospital, or any other local emergency room for a medical evaluation and treatment for your critical injuries.
- While you recuperate, your Columbus highway accident attorney will begin an investigation, determine whether you have the right to file a claim with the insurance company, figure out whether you should file a civil lawsuit, and review your damages to determine how much you should seek in your claim.
Some parties may be able to avoid going to trial by settling with the insurance company or a liable party outside of court. However, insurance settlements may not be enough to fully cover your losses.
Since insurance generally only compensates injury victims for vehicle damages and medical bills, every other loss may only be recovered when you file a civil lawsuit. Insurance settlements will also be limited by how much coverage the policyholder has purchased. While going to trial may be avoidable, it is often one of the best ways accident survivors can maximize the compensation they recover.
Highway Accident Claims Have Deadlines
We do not want you to feel pressured to file a lawsuit or move forward with your claim before you are ready. However, it is also important to remember that there are deadlines in place that will limit the amount of time you have to pursue your case.
According to O.C.G.A. §9-3-33, the personal injury statute of limitations is just two years from the accident. Your lawsuit must be filed before this date, or the judge will be legally obligated to bar you from trying your case.
It is also worth noting insurance companies often place time limits on claims as well. Some insurance companies give victims just 48 hours to file a claim. Others may limit the amount of time you have to file to 30 days from the accident date. With these restrictions in place, it is crucial to file your insurance claims and civil lawsuits in a timely manner so you are not prohibited from recovering the compensation you deserve on a legal technicality.
Recoverable Damages for Highway Accident Victims in Columbus
Your highway accident lawyer is responsible for getting you the most for your damages. You have the right to be made whole. Under the law, this means you should be compensated for every loss related to the accident.
The most commonly awarded economic and non-economic damages in a car accident and personal injury claims include:
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished earning capacity
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Skin scarring and disfigurement
- Inconvenience
- Permanent disability
- Loss of household services
- Medical bills
- Auto repairs and related expenses
Talk with a Highway Accident Attorney in Columbus, GA Today
With Columbus interstates and other highways being as busy as they are, serious accidents continue to be a major cause for concern. Fortunately, our firm has extensive experience handling highway accident claims and understands the types of evidence we need to build a compelling case against those responsible.
You can make the liable party pay for your damages. Get help from a dedicated Columbus highway accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates. Our firm is currently offering free, no-obligation consultations to highway accident victims across Columbus, Macon, Augusta, and surrounding cities. Claim yours by completing our quick contact form or calling our office today.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form