Marietta
Car Accident Lawyer

Even minor car accidents can lead to serious injuries and steep medical costs. Insurance companies aren’t eager to pay out and may offer far less than you deserve. Don’t foot the bill for an accident that wasn’t your fault.

Our Marietta car accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you need. At John Foy & Associates Personal Injury Law, we’re here to help victims and their families. For over 20 years, we have built a reputation as one of the state’s most respected law firms.

Our Marietta personal injury lawyers have over 350 years of combined experience. Contact a member of our legal team for a free consultation.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Marietta, GA

After a collision, the most important thing to do is seek medical attention for your injuries. Go to the hospital as soon as possible, and cooperate with paramedics if they arrive at the accident scene.

Once you know you are safe, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of getting maximum compensation. After a crash, you should:

• Take pictures or video of the accident scene, including the damage to each vehicle.
• Contact law enforcement so there will be a police report.
• Get the contact information of any witnesses at the scene.
• Only state the facts, and avoid saying too much to the other party or an insurance adjuster.
• Even if you don’t think you’re injured, see a doctor immediately. This step is important to both your health and your case.

Always gather as much evidence as possible after a crash, and keep copies of your medical records and expenses when possible. While your attorney can obtain the accident report and other evidence, anything you can collect will help.

Also, according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 40-6-273, you must report any collision if the damage exceeds $500. So be sure to call local law enforcement.

Who Is At Fault in a Car Accident in Georgia?

Georgia is an at-fault state for automotive accidents. That means that whichever driver caused the collision is considered the liable party. Usually, the at-fault driver’s insurance policy will cover these costs, so no one pays out of pocket.

This system works well, but it requires the insurance companies to follow certain rules regarding who is at fault in a car accident. In some cases, these rules are straightforward.

For example:

• In a rear-end collision, whoever was in the back is usually at fault, but not always.
• A DUI driver is almost always considered at fault for any accident they’re involved in.
• A driver who violates traffic laws, like running a stop sign, will likely be considered at fault for a resulting collision.
• Factors like talking on a cell phone or texting while driving are also considered when determining the negligent party in an insurance claim.

But there are exceptions to these rules. For example, if you were texting while stopped at a red light, and someone slammed into you from behind, the fault is almost certainly with them.

The key to every car accident claim is negligence. Essentially, the law asks if anyone acted carelessly. So ask yourself this: If they had been more careful, could the collision have been prevented? If the answer is yes, that person is likely at fault.

What Damages Are Covered in a Car Accident Claim?

The damages you can expect to recover after your car accident will depend on the specifics of your case. A good way to get an idea of what damages you can collect for a car accident is to speak to a Marietta car accident lawyer.

The costs we see most often in car accident claims include:

• Hospital bills and other medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Medication
• Rehabilitation, such as physical therapy
• Reimbursement for missed work due to your injuries
• Car repairs

Can You Recover Pain and Suffering in a Car Accident Case?

If you suffered serious physical pain, a disability, or another major loss because of your injuries, you could be awarded more money. Additional damages could include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Decreased earning capacity
• Loss of enjoyment of life

A court might also award you punitive damages if the at-fault party did something especially reckless, negligent, or illegal.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Crash Claim?

Financial compensation for auto accidents can vary greatly. Your car accident settlement will depend on the extent of your damages and the circumstances surrounding the crash.

During your initial consultation, our Marietta car accident attorney can give you a better idea of what you can expect for your damages. Some settlements we have secured for our clients include:

• $7.7 million for a motorcycle crash.
• $6.6 million for a tractor-trailer collision.
• $4.9 million for an 18-wheeler accident.
• $2 million for an auto accident.

While your compensation amount will depend on the circumstances of your case, an experienced attorney from our accident law firm will be able to calculate your damages and negotiate with the insurance company. Our team will work tirelessly to ensure you get fair compensation.

Do I Have a Valid Marietta Car Accident Claim?

It’s hard to be sure whether you have a claim until you speak to a Marietta car accident lawyer. There are dozens of variables, and a good attorney who has spent years working on these cases can tell you how strong your claim is. They can also show you how much your financial recovery might be.

We have helped victims of:

• Head-on collision
• Rear-end accidents.
• Distracted driving collisions
• Semi-truck wrecks
• DUI accidents
• Collisions involving bad driving conditions (fog, rain, etc.)
• Incidents caused by tire failure
• Hit-and-run incidents
• Collisions caused by uninsured motorists
• Police chase accidents

Do I Have to Go to Trial for a Marietta Car Crash Case?

No, you don’t typically have to go to court for a car accident. However, if the insurance company refuses to negotiate, we may recommend legal action. We base this recommendation on your claim’s strength, and we will handle the litigation if you choose to go to court.

However, most car accident cases never progress to a personal injury lawsuit; they’re usually resolved through negotiations. We will launch our investigation of the collision and gather hard evidence to support your case.

This allows our car accident lawyer in Marietta, GA, to hit the insurance company hard at the bargaining table. In many cases, hiring a lawyer is all it takes to get them to make you a much higher offer.

Is It Worth It to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Marietta?

After a crash, it can be tempting to let things work themselves out instead of actively pursuing a settlement. However, you could pay the resulting bills with your own money if you have any injuries or property damage.

While it is possible to handle the legal process yourself, it is wise to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer. The at-fault party and the insurance company may try to blame you for the accident or trick you into accepting a settlement of less than what you’re owed.

A Marietta car accident lawyer will know how to ensure you’re protected.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Marietta Car Accident Attorney?

You should not have to pay out of pocket for an accident someone else caused. That’s why our car accident lawyers in Marietta, GA, make legal help as accessible as possible. It’s also why we don’t charge hourly fees. Instead, our payment structure is simple:

• Every consultation is free.
• You pay no out-of-pocket expense, ever.
• You pay us nothing unless we win you money.
• Our attorney fees will be a percentage of your settlement or court award.

We prefer this approach because it allows you to get legal help with no risk.

When Should I Get a Personal Injury Lawyer for My Car Accident in Georgia?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years, according to OCGA § 9-3-33. That’s two years for accident victims to file for compensation for any medical bills or lost work suffered because of their injuries.

The deadline to file for vehicle damage is longer. For damages to your vehicle, OCGA § 9-3-31 allows a four-year statute of limitations. However, that doesn’t mean you should wait too long to contact a personal injury attorney. The sooner we can investigate your case and negotiate a settlement, the better.

Types of Auto Accident Cases We Handle

Our car accident attorneys in Marietta, GA, know that crashes happen for many reasons, and every case is unique. That’s why they’re equipped to handle many different types of motor vehicle accident cases, including the following:

• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck wrecks
• Bus accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Rear-end collisions
• Collisions involving uninsured drivers

Talk to a Marietta Car Accident Lawyer

At John Foy & Associates, we understand that the consequences of a collision can be painful and frustrating for accident victims. But you don’t have to face this alone. Our car accident lawyers in Marietta, GA, are on call 24/7 to help you understand your rights and get the money you need.

If another driver caused your accident through negligence or wrongdoing, we can help you pursue a settlement or court award. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t have to pay upfront.

Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.