Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer

Success Stories: Car Accident Settlements

Our firm understands what it takes to secure the compensation car accident victims deserve. We recently secured $2,075,000 for a client who got hurt when a vehicle turned directly in front of them, causing a crash and severe injuries.

We also secured $2,500,000 for the family of a client who struck a large tractor-trailer that was driving at night without operational rear warning lights. The accident resulted in the death of the driver, and we represented their family.

You can learn more about our record of success by contacting us for help. We can also review how much you should receive from your auto accident when you reach out to us.

What Is the Fee for a Personal Injury Lawyer in Georgia?

You do not have to worry about financial roadblocks when pursuing justice with help from a car accident attorney in Atlanta. Our team provides the legal services you need without any upfront costs.

Contingency Fees

We take on car accident claims on a contingency fee basis. Basically, we only take payment for legal fees after we resolve your claim. We’ll get a percentage of your final financial reward for our services.

Some regulations about contingency fees may apply to your situation. We can provide more information when you reach out for a risk-free initial consultation.

If the Case Is Unsuccessful, Will You Owe Anything?

You may face some costs for your legal claim that do not involve our legal fees. For example, you may need to cover the costs of postage or printing documents. However, you will not owe anything for legal fees.

How Will You Know the Exact Amount You’ll Owe After the Settlement?

A lawyer can give you information about the specific legal fees associated with your claim after reviewing your situation.

What Is the Process After You Contact Us?

After you contact us, we’ll go over your situation, provide you with information about your next steps, and introduce you to members of our team. You can expect to:

Receive a Free Consultation

We provide our clients with a free consultation about their legal situations. During this consultation, we’ll answer any questions you have and review your eligibility to file a personal injury claim.

Sign a Representation Statement

If you agree to accept our services, you’ll sign a representation statement. This document will detail the terms and conditions of our service.

Meet Your Legal Team

We’ll make sure you meet the members of your legal team. You’ll have a chance to get to know the attorney who will handle your claim and other important contacts in our firm.

Set Up Your Client File

We create a secure physical and digital file for your case. The file will keep all evidence, communications, and documents organized and accessible. Only members of our team working on your case will access the file.

Review Your Case Roadmap, the Overview of Your Next Steps

Our team will ensure you understand what to expect as we move forward with your case. We’ll provide an estimated timeline and explain how we’ll communicate with you throughout the legal process.

What an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney Will Do for You

After a car accident, you will need to spend time gathering evidence for your car accident claim, getting your injuries treated, and advocating for your rights to compensation from the accident. This process can be a lot to handle if you are dealing with a lot of stress and pain from the crash.

A car accident attorney can help make the process easier so you can focus on healing from your injuries and recovering. Some of the ways our car accident attorneys in Atlanta handle cases include the following steps.

If you’re wondering what a car accident lawyer does for you, these are the main aspects of a case that we handle:

Keep in mind that you must file a claim within two years of the date of your accident. Time passes quickly, so it's best to act now. Contact a trusted car accident lawyer who can help you with each step of the process. We can make sure your rights are protected and you are doing everything you can to build a strong insurance claim for your damages.

Damages and Compensation in Atlanta Car Accident Claims

The central issue in an Atlanta car accident claim is the fact that you suffered injuries and damages, and you deserve to have these compensated by the party who caused them.

Typically, the amount of compensation you can get depends on the value of your damages and the apportioning of blame between all parties involved in your Atlanta car crash. We’re here to explain the damages you can collect after a car accident.

What Economic Damages Are Available?

Economic damages are the ones that directly affect your bank account, and they usually have receipts or bills attached to them showing their monetary value. Examples include:

• Medical bills (both now and in the future)
• Costs of repairing or replacing damaged property (such as your car)
• Accessibility modifications for your home made necessary by your injuries
• Lost wages as a result of missing work
• Lost earning capacity due to disability or disfigurement

We can track these losses for you.

What Non-Economic Damages Are Available?

A car crash can result in damages that do not directly affect your money. These non-economic harms can include things like your physical pain, mental and emotional suffering, loss of consortium with a spouse, loss of enjoyment in life, and similar ills.

A car accident lawyer in Atlanta can help you compile a list of your damages, evaluate them, and determine how much you are owed by the at-fault party in your case.

Does My Case Qualify for Punitive Damages?

A lawyer will need to review your situation to see if you qualify for punitive damages. These damages serve to punish the party responsible for your auto accident. The court will decide if you will receive this form of compensation.

How Much Is Your Case Worth?

The value of your case will depend on several factors, including:

The Severity of Your Injuries

Injury victims with more severe injuries typically receive more compensation for their losses.

The Accident’s Impact on Quality of Life

You can expect to get more compensation for your losses if the accident has a strong negative effect on your quality of life.

What if You Share Some Blame for the Accident?

The way the court views blame or fault in your accident can also impact your total compensation package. Georgia operates under a modified comparative negligence rule (Georgia Code § 51-12-33). This law has two significant effects on how you can receive compensation:

• You may not receive compensation for an Atlanta car accident for which the court deems you to be 50% or more responsible.
• Your total compensation will drop by the percentage of blame you share for the crash.

In other words, if you are 25% at-fault for the crash in which you sustained injuries, your total compensation package will drop by 25% as well. This potential reduction in compensation is one reason why it’s so crucial to have an accident lawyer on your side, since they can help you compile evidence of the other person’s fault and maximize your potential compensation.

What to Do at the Scene of an Atlanta Car Accident

• 
  Pull Over And Render Assistance
• 
  Call the Police
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  Exchange Information
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  Just Give the Facts
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  Take Pictures
• 
  Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer

After an Atlanta car accident, you should take various steps to protect your rights. If you weren’t at fault, the other driver is responsible for your damages. You must file a personal injury claim with their insurance company to seek the compensation you deserve, and what you do at the scene of the accident can either help or hurt your claim.

Before an accident, you should always be prepared by:

• Always keeping your driver’s license with you when driving
• Ensuring your proof of insurance and registration is in your car
• Keeping emergency tools in your vehicle, including orange cones or flares
• Carrying recording supplies like a camera, pen, and paper (or your phone, which can record all types of evidence)
• Making sure your hazard lights function

It's also essential to stay current on your insurance coverage and carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in case an uninsured driver hits you.

There are also ways you can begin building your car accident claim at the scene of the accident. Immediately after you get in a car accident, you should:

Document the Scene

In the aftermath of a crash, you should gather as much evidence as possible. You may need to:

• Contact the local police to report your accident so they can file a police report
• Get pictures of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, and the scene of the crash
• Get contact information and names from all witnesses
• Do not take any blame for the accident

Your attorney can provide more information about the steps you should take in the aftermath of a collision.

Take Notes on the Accident

Keep a record of what happened before, during, and after the car accident. Write down how the accident made you feel and how your injuries have impacted your day-to-day life. Also, record any names and contact information of people you’ve communicated with about your accident.

Avoid Admitting Fault

You should avoid taking the blame for a crash. Even apologizing could count as admitting fault, reducing your chances of securing fair compensation for your losses.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Rights After an Atlanta Car Accident?

To legally protect yourself in the days and weeks after a car accident, you will need to document the accident, gather evidence, get your injuries treated as soon as possible, and seek legal help. You should:

Get Your Injuries Checked Out

You should visit a doctor quickly after any car accident. A medical professional can review your injuries and provide the treatment you need to begin your recovery. Additionally, visiting a doctor will create a record of your injuries and can connect them to the accident, making it easier for you to secure fair compensation for your losses. 

During your recovery, ensure that you keep records of all of your treatments as well as notes from your doctor and medical bills.

Have a Professional Inspect Your Car

You need information about the extent of the damage to your vehicle after a crash. A professional can give you this information if you allow them to inspect your vehicle. You may need to visit several inspectors to get information about the likely cost to complete repairs.

Keep Track of Your Losses

You need to keep a record of all the expenses you face after an accident. You may want to keep documentation about your medical expenses, quotes for vehicle repairs, and details about your insurance claim. 

Your attorney can use all of this information when working on your claim.

Calling an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer

Schedule a consultation with an experienced car accident attorney who can make sure you are doing everything to protect your rights after the accident. It’s easy to get taken advantage of if you don’t know how to handle the insurance company, so a lawyer can make sure that doesn’t happen. They can also help fight for the fair settlement you deserve.

If the insurance company or other driver fights against your claim, your auto accident attorney in Atlanta will be there every step of the way—even if you need to take the driver to trial.

Report the Accident to Insurance, but Limit What You Say

You should notify your insurance company after an accident. However, we recommend you limit the information you provide until you speak with a lawyer. The company may try to minimize the funds it pays out based on what you say.

If you wonder who to call first after a car wreck, a lawyer or insurance, we recommend choosing an attorney.

Don’t Provide a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice

The insurance company may request a recorded statement after your crash. You should always confer with your attorney before providing a statement, because the company could try to pick apart anything you say.

You should exercise caution with everything you say or do in the aftermath of your crash. Admitting fault, downplaying your injuries, or even apologizing can damage your claim. Fortunately, you can get fast help from a dedicated lawyer who will stand by you.

The goal is to protect your legal rights to full compensation for all the damages you face because of the other driver's negligence that led to your accident.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Atlanta?

You have a limited amount of time to file your car accident claim in Atlanta. This deadline is set at two years from the date of the accident by the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Waiting too long to file your claim could mean that you lose the right to pursue compensation at all.

A car accident attorney can help ensure that you meet the appropriate deadline for your case. While the two-year rule applies in general, there can be additional deadlines that apply to your claim. For example, you may need to file far sooner if your case involves the driver of a government vehicle.

The Statute of Limitations for Accidents Involving Minors

Georgia will extend the statute of limitations for accident claims involving individuals under the age of 18. The deadline for filing a claim will become two years after the minor turns 18 in most cases. A lawyer can provide more specific information about your situation.

The Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims

In most cases, families in Atlanta have two years to move forward with a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal accident. However, you may have up to four years to file a claim for loss of consortium. We can give you more information about specific time limits.

Other Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations

Several other situations could change the time available to file your claim. For example, Georgia extends the statute of limitations for disabled individuals. The state can also grant additional time to move forward with a legal claim if the defendant flees the state.

Our team’s in-depth knowledge of personal injury law can allow us to explain the deadlines for your claim.

Is It Worth Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in Atlanta, GA?

In many situations, if you suffered injuries during the crash, hiring a car accident lawyer is absolutely worth it. Since insurance companies work with whole teams of adjusters and attorneys, they know how to find ways to convince you that your claim is worth much less than it actually is.

A car accident can happen to you at any time. Even if you’re an extremely safe driver, you can’t control the actions of others on the roads. Car accidents can leave you with thousands of dollars in medical bills, costly car repairs, lost work time (and wages), and emotional damages that may last for years.

You should not have to bear the costs of another driver’s mistakes. If you were not fully at fault for your accident, it’s time to seek the opinion of a car accident lawyer in Atlanta. The experienced lawyers at John Foy & Associates can help you build a strong insurance claim to seek compensation for your damages.

Can You Get a Higher Settlement With a Lawyer?

Studies have shown that clients who get professional help from lawyers have a far higher chance of a larger compensation package than those who represent themselves. This trend holds true even after you factor in the attorneys’ fees.

We know what you’re entitled to after a car accident in Georgia.

Plus, our Atlanta car accident attorneys work on contingency, so you don’t pay us anything until we win you compensation.

What if the Insurance Company Already Made You an Offer?

You do not have to accept the first offer made by the insurance company. In fact, insurance companies often offer subpar settlements, hoping you’ll take a deal without allowing a lawyer to look it over.

If you accept a settlement without thinking about the full extent of your damages—current and future—you could be leaving a lot of money on the table. That means you’ll be left paying for a lot of the cost of your accident, even though you have a right to recover more.

We understand the car accident insurance claims process and can share our knowledge with you.

Do You Need a Lawyer if the Accident Was Clearly Not Your Fault?

You often need a lawyer even if someone else clearly caused the crash. The liable party may try to lie and blame you for the crash, and the insurance company can try to downplay your losses if you do not have legal support in your corner.

Our firm can explain what to do after a car accident that’s not your fault.

What if the Accident Only Involved Minor Injuries?

A lawyer can help even if your crash only resulted in minor injuries. Even in this situation, you could need compensation for your medical expenses, pain, suffering, and property damage. The insurance company may try to completely ignore your claim without professional help.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Car Accident Lawsuit?

Any party that holds legal responsibility for your crash may need to cover your losses. Examples of potentially liable parties include:

Other Drivers

In many cases, other motorists cause crashes through reckless behavior. We can help after accidents involving drunk driving, aggressive driving, distracted driving, and fatigued driving.

The Car Manufacturer

Sometimes, car manufacturers produce and sell defective vehicles. These defects could end up causing a crash. In these situations, we may build a claim against the manufacturer to help you get fair compensation for your losses.

Car Parts Manufacturers

Our law firm may also help you build a case against a company that manufactures defective car parts. We’ll go over all the potentially liable parties when you reach out to us and explain your situation.

Common Types of Car Accidents

Some of the most common kinds of car accidents we see include:

• Head-on accidents
• Rear-end accident
• Side impact (or T-bone) accidents

Rollover accidents can also occur, especially if drivers take turns too fast. We can review your situation and help after any kind of motor vehicle collision.

Common Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

We can step in to help you build a claim if you sustain catastrophic injuries after an auto accident. Some common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and paralysis
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries
• Burns

We believe in fighting to help injury victims get the fair compensation they deserve for their losses. We understand what happens to your body in a car crash, and we’re here to stand up for your best interests.

Get a Free Case Evaluation From Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys Today

You shouldn’t be on the hook for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages when your accident was not your fault. Justice demands that you get the compensation you deserve, but the legal process can be harrowing for those with little to no experience.

At John Foy & Associates, our Atlanta car accident lawyers are ready and willing to help you fight for your rights. We provide all clients with a FREE initial consultation to determine how we can assist your claim. If you’re ready to get the compensation you deserve, call our office today or fill out the free case evaluation form on our contact page.