Car Accidents Basic Moments
Car accidents can be life-altering events, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. In Atlanta, coping with the consequences of a car accident can be especially difficult. From dealing with insurance companies to understanding complex legal procedures, the need for professional guidance is paramount. This article explores the role of Atlanta car accident lawyers and provides essential insights for those needing legal assistance.
Benefits of Hiring Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers
Injuries accompany a large number of road accidents. Accident victims need time to recover. It is also necessary to compensate for damage from the consequences of the accident. It is not always possible to go through this difficult path on your own. Your best bet in this situation is to hire a car accident lawyer in Atlanta.
Atlanta car accident lawyers conduct thorough accident investigations. Accident reconstruction experts are brought in to determine the causes of the accident and the degree of culpability of each participant. Lawyers are reviewing the police report, witness statements, and surveillance video. Various medical reports are requested regarding injuries and their consequences. They are preparing materials for filing a claim.
After the formation of the evidence base and the requirements of the claim, the settlement process begins. An
important step is negotiations with the insurance company. Negotiations often result in a fair settlement and
compensation.
Unfortunately, not all cases can be resolved at the negotiation stage and some are referred to
court.
Experienced car accident lawyers in Atlanta are prepared for this scenario. They thoroughly know local legislation and have extensive experience representing the interests of their clients in court. Based on the collected evidence, they will be convincing the jury of the justice of the client’s claims.
Best Car Accident Lawyers in Atlanta
In any field of activity, you must strive to become the best. Lawyers are no exception. That is why they try to maintain their reputation at a high level. In many legal organizations and directories, the level of qualifications of lawyers is assessed using a rating as a collective indicator. Each organization or directory uses its methodology for calculating the rating.
You can make your rating when choosing the best Atlanta car accident lawyers using various criteria and their significance specifically for you. Here is a suggested list of popular criteria:
- number of cases won, especially paying attention to cases resolved through negotiations
- amounts of compensation received
- positive experience in representing client’s interests in courts
- the presence of a professional team or cooperation with well-known experts
- awards from various legal organizations
- respect among colleagues, insurance companies
- positive customer reviews.
Where Can I Find the Best Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers?
When searching for the best car accident lawyers in Atlanta, look first to specialized directories such as Avvo or FindLaw. Use the convenient search and take into account the rating of the lawyers you choose.
Inquire to the Atlanta Bar Association. They will likely be able to provide you with a list of licensed lawyers in your area.
Visit local law firm websites. They often publish the achievements of their lawyers and client reviews. This information will be useful when choosing a lawyer.
Then you can move on to searching based on more subjective assessments.
Find out from your colleagues, friends, or
relatives who hired Atlanta car accident lawyer and were satisfied with them. This recommendation may be considered
worthy of attention.
Check out legal groups and forums on social media. Ask questions and see recommendations. Using this method you can find suitable lawyers.
The final stage – attending initial consultations – is highly recommended.
In personal communication with lawyers,
you can finally decide on your choice.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident
Here is a list of simple but useful actions:
- seek medical attention if you are injured or feel unwell
- help other road accident participants get medical help
- move to a safe place to avoid getting into another accident
- call the police to the scene of the accident and wait for them to arrive
- inform your insurance company about the incident
- exchange information with other participants in the accident
- write down the contact details of the witnesses
- document all possible information about the accident
- consult a car accident lawyer.
What Not to Do After a Car Accident
Do not admit guilt in any way. When communicating with the police, insurance company, or other parties involved in an accident, tell only the facts. Do not make any judgments about your actions at the time of the accident.
Don’t agree to a quick settlement without consulting a lawyer. He will be able to assess the prospects of the case and the possible amount of compensation. Insurance companies often offer reduced levels of compensation for quick settlements.
Don’t discuss your case on social networks. This may harm your case. All statements, various assumptions, and assessments can be used by the opposite side against you.
List of Typical Car Accident Compensations
In Atlanta, compensation can be obtained for economic and non-economic damages:
- medical expenses
- car restoration or repair
- lost wages
- rehabilitation cost
- depression
- pain and suffering
- loss of consortium.
Penalties may be used as a preventive measure if the culprit acted willfully or with disregard for the safety of other participants. They are imposed on the offending party to prevent the same behavior from occurring in the future.
Tips to Prevent Getting Involved in a Car Accident
Follow the rules of the road: adhere to the permitted speed limit, and strictly follow traffic lights.
Pay full attention to the road situation: eliminate distractions while driving (gadgets, food, drinks).
Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Take a taxi or public transport.
Practice responsible driving: keep a safe distance, do not make sudden maneuvers, and notify them in advance with turn signals.
Consider weather conditions: reduce speed, increase distance, and turn on fog lights.
Use only a serviceable vehicle: undergo all necessary maintenance, and check the brakes and tires before leaving.
Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers FAQ:
- How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Atlanta?
Many car accident lawyers in Atlanta work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. - How long does it take to settle a car accident case in Atlanta?
The timeframe for settling a car accident case varies depending on various factors, including the case’s complexity, the extent of injuries, and the willingness of insurance companies to negotiate. - Will my car accident case go to trial?
While many car accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, some may proceed to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Number and Factors of Car Accidents
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), there were 34,182 accidents in Atlanta in 2023:
- Fatalities – 14
- Serious Injuries – 105
- Visible Injuries – 289
- Complaint Injuries – 1,763
Victims in these accidents:
- Fatal Injury – 72
- Suspected Serious Injury – 532
- Suspected Minor/Visible Injury – 1,563
- Possible Injury/Complaint – 7,291
Accidents occurred due to the following factors:
Aggressive Driving Related | 2,643 |
Bicycle Related | 125 |
Distracted Driver Related | 812 |
Hit & Run Related | 7,825 |
Large Truck Related | 2,994 |
Motorcycle Related | 289 |
Older Driver Related | 5,893 |
Pedestrian Related | 472 |
Speed Related | 1,041 |
Young Driver Related | 8,077 |
Types of Car Accidents and Emergency Intersections
GDOT in its 2023 statistics indicates the following types of accidents in Atlanta:
Manner of Collision | Number of Crashes |
Sideswipe-Same Direction | 8,966 |
Angle (Other) | 5,202 |
Left Angle Crash | 2,754 |
Sideswipe-Same Direction | 8,966 |
Rear End | 12,294 |
Sideswipe-Opposite Direction | 877 |
Head On | 909 |
Angle Crash | 569 |
Not a Collision with Motor Vehicle | 2,607 |
The most dangerous intersections in Atlanta in 2023 were:
- I 20 and I 285
- I 75 and University Ave
- I 85 and Sr 400
- I 75 and Edgewood Ave
- I 75 and 10Th St
- I 85 and Armour Dr
- I 75 and N Ave
- I 75 and 17Th St
- I 85 and Peachtree St
- I 20 and I 75
- I 75 and 14Th St
- Marietta St Nw and Northside Dr Nw
- I 75 and Freedom Pkwy
- Ellis St Ne and Courtland St Ne
- I 75 and Fulton St
Car Accidents Lead to These Injuries
Car accidents most often result in the following injuries:
- whiplash
- spinal injuries
- rib fractures
- traumatic brain injuries
- fractures and amputations of limbs
- internal organ injuries
- lacerations
- burns.
Car Accident Laws and Case Types
Georgia is a guilty state. The at-fault party is responsible for injuries and damages. The rule of comparative negligence is used to determine fault. A party may claim compensation if it is less than 50% at fault. In this case, the amount of compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault.
Minimum insurance requirements have been determined:
$25,000 for injury or death of one person
$50,000 for
total injuries or deaths
$25,000 for property damage.
Atlanta car accident lawyers handle a variety of cases. One option for classifying cases would be the first harmful event (information from the GDOT report):
Motor Vehicle in Motion | 32,417 |
Parked Motor Vehicle | 1,276 |
Curb | 83 |
Other Object (Not Fixed) | 257 |
Other – Fixed Object | 440 |
Median Barrier | 269 |
Pedestrian | 309 |
Utility Pole | 95 |
Other Non-Collision | 202 |
Guard Rail Face | 73 |
Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers FAQ
Many car accident lawyers in Atlanta work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.
The timeframe for settling a car accident case varies depending on various factors, including the case’s complexity, the extent of injuries, and the willingness of insurance companies to negotiate.
While many car accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, some may proceed to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.