Get Legal Help from Our Car Accident Attorneys in Atlanta

At Morgan & Morgan, our Atlanta attorneys understand that car accident victims may have questions about their legal rights following a crash. We are committed to helping injured drivers, passengers, and pedestrians understand these rights and how they may be able to obtain compensation to cover damages such as medical bills and lost wages.

Depending on the details of your crash, you may be able to seek compensation through insurance claims or a lawsuit against a negligent driver.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, find out how our Atlanta car accident attorneys could help. We are offering a free case review, so do not hesitate to contact us today.

Georgia Car Accident Lawsuit Process: An Initial Investigation

The at-fault party’s insurance company will immediately launch an investigation into the accident in an attempt to reduce the amount they may have to pay out. While this investigation proceeds, it is important for your Atlanta attorney to complete a thorough investigation of his or her own.

The strength of your case will ultimately rest on your attorney’s ability to collect and present evidence that illustrates that the other party was negligent and therefore responsible for your damages. In his or her investigation, your attorney may determine whether the defendant:

Failed to pay attention to their surroundings
Drove while distracted
Drove under the influence
Violated traffic laws
Drove without a license
Your attorney’s investigation to determine fault may include:

Reviewing Atlanta police reports and photographs
Interviewing witness statements

Researching the history of both parties’ driving records
Analyzing your medical reports with experts to determine the most likely scenario of how you sustained your injury and
Recreating the scene of the accident
Evaluating Your Damages

To determine the amount of compensation you will request, and for which expenses, your attorney will work with experts to pinpoint your injuries and project your accident-related expenses. Damages to which you may be entitled include, but are not limited to:

Current and future medical expenses
Lost wages
Loss of future earning capacity
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of intimacy and support
Creating a Claim

Your attorney will review the information obtained during his or her investigation to create a claim, which will serve as the basis for your lawsuit. It will state your injury and damages, the alleged negligent behavior of the other driver, and request compensation for your damages. Your attorney will use your claim as leverage for a reasonable settlement or jury verdict.

Your attorney will reach out to the other party or parties and attempt to reach a settlement agreement before a lawsuit is filed. If negotiations are unsuccessful, your attorney will submit your claim to the court, thereby starting the official lawsuit process.

Typically, both parties will attempt to negotiate for a settlement while preparing their cases for trial to keep the case from proceeding to court. If negotiations are still unsuccessful, your lawsuit will proceed to court where your attorney will present your case. The judge or jury will then determine the amount of compensation to which you are entitled, if any.

Handling Discussions With Insurance Companies

Georgia is a “fault” car insurance state, which means that automobile accident victims are allowed to seek compensation directly from the at-fault party, the at-fault party’s insurance company or their own insurance company. Typically, claimants will first seek compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company.

If you are involved in a crash, it is important to remember that these insurance companies are for-profit businesses and may attempt to confuse you or compel you into to agreeing to a settlement that is insufficient to cover your losses.

After a car accident, it is also imperative that you do not discuss the accident or disclose any details with any party—except for your attorney and treating physician. Any statements or comments you make can potentially harm your pursuit of compensation during negotiations or at trial. Your attorney can handle any insurance discussions or negotiations on your behalf.

Proving Distracted Driving in Atlanta

Negligence refers to an individual or entity’s failure to meet the standard level of acceptable behavior which includes paying proper attention while operating a vehicle to ensure the safety of others. In recent years, with the increase in use of technology, the number of distracted drivers is on the rise.

Distracted driving may refer to eating or drinking while driving, using the car’s electronic system, attempting to program a GPS device, talking on the phone, texting while driving, and checking other electronic media. If you are injured in a car accident and believe it was caused by a distracted driver, your attorney can launch an investigation into the crash to identify any indications of negligence.

Your attorney may be able to prove distracted driving by:

Examining the time of phone usage
Analyzing tickets the driver may have been issued prior to the crash
Determining where (and if possible, when) a GPS was used
Retracing the driver’s steps to determine whether food or a beverage was purchased
Auto Accident Cases Our Atlanta Attorneys Handle

The attorneys in Morgan & Morgan’s Atlanta office handle a broad range of car accident cases. We handle cases involving brain and spinal cord injuries, whiplash, broken bones, concussions, internal damage, back injuries, paralysis, and lost limbs.

If you or a loved one file a lawsuit to gain compensation for all the bills you have to pay. Please complete our free case review form today to learn how our Atlanta car accident attorneys may be able to help.


Source: http://docphy.com/business-industry/personal-finance/insurance/get-legal-help-car-accident-attorneys-atlanta.html