Augusta Car Accident Lawyer

We Take Your Car Accident Claim Seriously

At our law firm, we make sure your claim is taken seriously. We send our investigator to document what happened and get the evidence you need for your case. We aim to get you the whole amount you need, the total after all treatments, doctor appointments, and missed work time is over.

If you were hurt in a car accident in Augusta, you should first speak to a lawyer after seeing the doctor. You can’t rely on the insurance company to offer a fair amount without professional legal backing.

How to Protect Your Rights After a Car Crash

If you pursue legal action, the steps you take after a collision can impact your case. Your main priority should always be your safety and well-being. Once you are out of harm’s way, focus on the following steps:

Document the Accident Scene

If you are in stable condition, investigate and document the crash site. It is important to:

• Report the accident to the police.
• Take photos and videos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
• Do not admit blame or apologize to anyone, as this can be used against you and decrease your chances of recovery.
• Get the contact information for any witnesses willing to testify.

Documenting the collision scene can help protect your legal rights, provide valuable evidence for an insurance company claim and even keep others from blaming you for the crash.

Seek Medical Attention

You should seek medical care even after a minor car crash, as you may still suffer from severe injuries that require lengthy and costly treatment.

Common injuries accident victims may experience include whiplash, broken bones, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Getting immediate medical attention also strengthens your claim.

A doctor can diagnose early and help link your injuries to the crash. To further protect your right to recover compensation, follow the recommended treatment plan and go to all follow-up appointments.

Take Notes on the Crash

Accurate and consistent notes can help identify the at-fault party and prove negligence. Notes should include details about all the cars involved, weather conditions, road conditions (i.e., icy roads), and other relevant factors.

Additionally, thorough documentation can assist with insurance claims and aid law enforcement should criminal behavior be suspected. Taking detailed notes could make or break a case involving a vehicular collision.

Get a Vehicle Inspection

A qualified mechanic can identify any potential issues caused by the crash. Damage is not always visible, but a thorough inspection can shed more light.

This includes checking for damage that might have occurred in the vehicle’s frame and inspecting airbags. Having an inspection done quickly after a crash facilitates your insurance claim and ensures your safety on the road.

Document Your Damages

Collect all the documents related to your accident-related losses. We recommend that you create copies for each document as a backup. Start by gathering the following:

• Your insurance claim
• Medical bills
• Vehicle damage repairs or the cost of a replacement car
• Lost wages

Call a Car Accident Attorney

An experienced lawyer will analyze the details of your case and advise you on the next steps to get the best possible outcome for your circumstances.

Typically, the more complex the litigation process is for you, the greater importance of having a skilled local attorney. Hire someone familiar with local laws and processes, which can also easily navigate through an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Finding legal representation helps preserve evidence and ensure all deadlines are met, such as filing injury claims or lawsuits within specific time frames. In addition, personalized legal advice will increase your chances of winning.

Basically, be cautious in everything you do or say after a car accident. Avoid admitting blame, apologizing, or downplaying your damages - and get a trusted lawyer on your side who can help you take the right actions for your case. 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 Can an Augusta Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

After a collision, you may not realize that your car insurance company is now your adversary. Although these companies are contracted to repay medical bills and damages, they will do anything possible to avoid paying the full amount.

They’re eager to get you to say something you shouldn’t or twist your words around so they can deny or reduce your claim. And the insurance company has an entire team of lawyers on their side. Therefore, getting legal representation is the only way to level the playing field.

Lawyers can help your case in many ways:

• When you have legal representation, the insurer must talk to your lawyer, not you. This prevents them from asking misleading questions and using your words against you.
• Your attorney brings negotiation power to your claim, forcing insurance companies to take you seriously.
• A lawyer can help you identify costs you may not have realized your claim could cover.
• Your attorney’s legal team will assemble thorough documentation of your accident and medical treatment to present your case in the best possible light.

The expenses you face after an auto accident are not pocket change. They may include an emergency room visit, follow-up doctor appointments, surgery or intensive care, ambulance costs, physical therapy, medication, car repairs, and lost wages. Don’t allow yourself to get stuck with the bill.

Do I Have To Sue Someone To Win My Case?

No. This is a common misconception about car accident cases. You need to know two important things when considering whether to get a lawyer.

First, our negotiations are with an insurance company, not another driver. You won’t ruin anyone’s day if you ask for the money you’re owed.

Second, many auto accident claims are resolved without a lawsuit. Your lawyer will attempt to settle your case through simple negotiation. In many cases, the insurer will get a resolution without legal action.

In some cases, the insurance company will hold out. At that point, your attorney will advise you whether accepting their final offer makes more sense or filing a lawsuit for the full amount. A good lawyer will explain both options and let you make the final call without pressure.

How Does a Car Accident Lawyer Win a Claim?

The first thing your attorney does is notify the insurance company representing you. From then on, all communication goes through the lawyer, not you.

If you are ever required to give a statement, you will have your attorney present to advise you. Then your lawyer will gather evidence. This may include:

• Getting you to a specialist doctor who understands common car accident injuries like neck and spinal cord injuries. This kind of doctor can give a better estimate of the treatment needed.
• Assessing your past medical history. Insurance adjusters may blame you for the pain or say it’s unrelated to the accident. Your attorney may prove otherwise.
• Investigating the accident and reconstructing it, so there is no question about what happened.

With this evidence, a personal injury attorney can drive a hard bargain. We’ll show the insurance company exactly how strong a case we have and pressure them to pay what you’re owed without a court hearing.

Usually, no trial is needed; it’s rare for a case to go to the courts in Augusta.

What Types of Compensation Are Available for Car Accident Claims?

While most claims are highly individualized and depend on the specific facts of each case, compensation categories in an auto accident claim include economic and non-economic damages.

These are known as compensatory damages, intended to return the plaintiff to their financial position before the accident.

Economic Damages

These are losses of property and money caused by a car crash. Your financial losses can quickly add up, making it important to understand your legal rights and options following an accident. Depending on your case, you may recover:

• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Other out-of-pocket expenses
• Lost wages

Non-Economic Damages

Unlike economic damages, this category addresses the intangible losses from the accident. Since these refer to the victim’s inner state and social welfare, non-economic damage is harder to quantify. A lawyer can help you get compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Augusta?

It costs you nothing upfront. Our law firm doesn’t ask car accident victims to pay us money out of pocket. You’re already facing stress, pain, and financial worry over the costs of your treatment.

Our first concern is to get you the care you need and ensure you recover a fair settlement from the insurance company, not billing you.

Instead, we take our fee from whatever financial recovery we win for you as a simple percentage. If we don’t win you money, we take nothing. This is how we make it risk-free for you to call us. You will never pay anything unless we get you a financial victory.

How Much Time Do I Have To File a Claim for My Car Accident?

Time is short. In Augusta, some circumstances allow up to two years to file a claim, but many don’t. So in some cases, you may have only weeks to file a claim.

Once the statute of limitations has passed, it is too late to file a claim, and you forfeit any money you may be owed. The best thing you can do is speak to an experienced car accident attorney immediately.

Car Accident Statistics for Augusta, GA

Augusta, Georgia, is a bustling city with a growing population; unfortunately, car accidents are common in the area. The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) reports the following statistical data for 2021:

• 9,603 car accidents
• 37 fatal car accidents
• 3,203 injuries
• 44 fatalities

Given the longitudinal research conducted by DOT, we can place these numbers in context by comparing them to previous years. For example, between 2016 and 2021, small fluctuations can be observed in the total number of car crashes (8,504 – 9,992), with four out of five years recording over 9,000 collisions.

The data for fatal car crashes per year shows a different pattern, as it continues to increase steadily. For example, in 2016, there were 14 deadly collisions in Augusta, but by 2021 the number raised to 37.

This statistical data serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of car accidents on individuals and the community.

Most Dangerous Roadways in Augusta, GA

Road conditions can be a crucial factor in car accidents. Lack of proper maintenance, a poor design, or a high traffic volume can increase the risk of collisions. The most dangerous roads in Augusta include:

• Bobby Jones Expressway
• Gordon Highway
• Deans Bridge Road
• Mike Padgett Highway
• Walton Way

In an interview conducted by The Augusta Chronicle, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division Lt. Scott Redmon noted that Bobby Jones Expressway (between I-20 and Doug Barnard Parkway) has been the most dangerous road in Augusta, with seven fatalities during 2021.

Types of Car Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can occur for various reasons in Augusta, Georgia, and take many forms. The manner of collision can help investigators reveal the cause of the crash and identify the liable party. Common types of collisions include:

• Rear-end collisions
• Side-impact collisions
• Head-on collisions
• Accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists
• Truck accidents
• Collisions with stationary objects

According to data from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the leading fatal crash types for 2020 are those involving single vehicles (868) and a roadway departure (831). Rollover accidents (416) and intersection-related crashes (370) were also near the top.

Common Causes of Car Crashes

Traffic accidents are unfortunately common, and understanding their causes can help lead to safer driving habits and improved road safety initiatives. Common contributing factors to collisions include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence
• Driver fatigue
• Aggressive driving behavior

Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety 2020 offers further context for targeted factors contributing to fatal collisions. For example, Georgia had 402 alcohol-impaired driving deaths compared to 11,654 reported fatalities nationwide.

Overall, reducing the incidence of car accidents in Augusta requires a multifaceted approach that addresses these and other contributing factors. Encouraging drivers to avoid distractions, obey speed limits, and drive sober and alert can improve traffic safety and prevent accidents.

Talk to an Augusta Personal Injury Lawyer for Free

After an accident, your job is to get back to the best health possible. Our job is to help you pay for it. John Foy & Associates is one of the largest and most experienced car accident law firms serving the Augusta area.

Contact us or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.