Accidents can happen fast in Lithonia, and if you’re injured, they often have a devastating impact. Hospital bills and doctor’s fees can add up quickly, and you could be off from work for days, months or even years because of an accident. But you have rights.
If your accident was not your fault, you may be entitled to a full financial recovery. John Foy & Associates can help. We have such a strong success rate winning personal injury cases in Lithonia and across Georgia that we’ve earned the nickname, “the Strong Arm of Georgia.”
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Injured in Lithonia?
Serious injuries can cause unimaginable pain and suffering. You may be concerned about when you’ll be able to return to work or how you’ll be able to pay the doctor’s bills. We’ve helped many clients that have faced the same challenges.
We understand that money cannot undo your injury, but we also know it can help you stay financially stable as you work to rebuild your life. While the weeks after your accident can be difficult, there are steps you can take to help protect your own rights. Here are two important steps to take after any accident:
Call a Reputable Lithonia Personal Injury Lawyer
Getting your financial recovery means dealing with an insurance company, and these companies have large teams of lawyers dedicated to minimizing your claim. Do not assume that you can negotiate with them on your own.
A good personal injury lawyer can evaluate accident reports, interview witnesses, and bring in experts to establish the strength of your personal injury claim. We’re not confused by the insurance company’s tactics to keep payments to a minimum. We work aggressively to help accident victims get the money they need and deserve.
Don’t Accept Anything from the Insurance Company
Don’t accept anything from the insurance company until you’ve spoken to a lawyer. Insurance companies are notorious for swooping in with an offer of fast cash. Do not be fooled; they’re looking out for their own best interests, not yours.
Most times, the money they are offering is only a fraction of what your medical expenses and time off of work could end up costing you. They know this and they want you to sign away your rights as soon as possible. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Lithonia and seek legal counsel as soon as possible after your accident.
Get the strong arm
How do I Know If I Have a Personal Injury Case?
The best thing to do is to seek the advice of a legal professional. A lawyer can decide if any evidence you gathered, witnesses you spoke to, or photographs or videos taken constitute a personal injury claim. They can also help you build a case if you don’t have any of this evidence.
Often we talk to people who don’t think they have a claim, only to find out their recovery could be tens of thousands of dollars or more. Even what seems like a complete accident could be a viable claim if someone else’s negligence or carelessness contributed to it.
If someone else’s negligence is a factor, their insurance may cover the cost of your claim. The following are the most common types of accidents that qualify as personal injury claims:
- Car accidents
- Nursing home abuse
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice
- Slips, trips and falls
- Criminal assault resulting in injury
- Misfilled prescriptions
Personal injury is a wide field, and there may be special laws depending on how and where you were injured. Our lawyers will analyze your case, inform you of the relevant laws, and determine your chances of success during your consultation.
How Can I Help My Personal Injury Case?
The number one thing you can do to help your case is to listen to the advice of your lawyer. They will prevent you from saying the wrong things to insurers or doing something that will give them ammunition.
Beyond this, you can help your lawyer gather evidence. For example, you can take photos of your injuries and property damage, keep a record of your injury experience and its effect on your mental state, and identify witnesses to the incident that injured you.
Will My Lithonia Personal Injury Case Go to Court?
Most personal injury cases never see the inside of a courtroom. When we agree to take your case, we enter into a partnership with you. While you begin the healing process, we begin interviewing witnesses, evaluating evidence, and negotiating with the insurance company.
Often, we can negotiate an equitable settlement amount that is much more than what the insurers were initially willing to offer—without a trial. In the event the insurance company rejects our settlement offer, we may advise you to pursue the case in the local courts.
If we do go to court, our personal injury attorneys in Lithonia will be right there with you every step of the way. Our goal is to make this experience as stress-free for you as possible while you get back to living your life.
How Much Will It Cost Me to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Lithonia?
At John Foy & Associates, any and all consultations we have with you are always free. Protecting your legal rights and representing your best interests are our top priority. We have seen other law firms that do charge up-front fees, meaning they get paid whether they win or lose.
Our Lithonia personal injury attorneys don’t believe this practice is in your best interest. Our payment terms are clear:
- All consultations are FREE
- You pay nothing out of pocket – ever
- You pay nothing if we don’t win you money
Is There a Deadline for Filing an Injury Claim in Georgia?
Yes. Per Ga. Code § 9-3-33, you have a limited time window to file a personal injury claim. That’s why it’s so important to act quickly after an accident. In some cases, it could be a few weeks from the date of the accident. In other cases, a few years.
The deadlines will vary, and they are governed by Georgia state law and federal law. Don’t risk missing the deadline. Speak to an attorney as soon as possible after your accident, so that you can get the legal counsel you need and deserve.
What If I’m Partially at Fault?
There are cases where you may be partially at fault for your injury. An insurance company will try to claim that’s a reason not to pay you, but that’s not how Georgia operates. Georgia uses a modified comparative fault system for personal injury cases.
In brief, as long as you are less than 50% responsible for your accident, you can receive compensation. Your compensation will be lowered by your level of responsibility. Part of our job as personal injury lawyers is to push that percentage as low as possible.
Speak to a Lithonia Personal Injury Lawyer for Free
John Foy & Associates has over 20 years of experience fighting and winning cases for accident victims and their families. We offer a free, no-risk consultation. Call us or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
