Columbus
Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents happen every day, but it’s always a shock when it happens to you. No one is ever fully prepared for the pain, uncertainty, and stress that follow a collision—especially when injuries are involved.

Medical bills, lost wages, and repairing or replacing your vehicle can be a major source of stress. If you’re facing these challenges, you don’t have to go through them alone. At John Foy & Associates, our Columbus personal injury lawyers are here to help. We have a track record of recovering over $1 billion for our clients.

With a no-upfront fees policy, we fight to get you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing. Let our Car Accident Lawyers in Columbus protect your future. Call us today and learn how The Strong Arm™ can help.

Why Is John Foy the Right Choice for Your Car Accident Claim?

When you’ve been in a car accident, you need more than just a lawyer—you need an advocate. Here’s why John Foy & Associates is the right choice for you:

• Proven Results: With over $1 billion recovered, we know how to win.
• Experience That Matters: Our team brings 350 years of combined experience to every case.
• No Upfront Fees: You don’t pay unless we win your case.
• Personalized Attention: We treat every client with the respect and care they deserve.
• Community-Focused: As “The Strong Arm™”, we’re proud to support and serve the Columbus community.

Case Results for Car Accident Victims

Here are just a few examples of how we’ve helped accident victims:

• $2.75 Million: Secured for a client injured in a multi-vehicle collision.
• $1.5 Million: Recovered for a victim with severe back and neck injuries after a sideswipe accident
• $400,000: For a victim who suffered internal injuries after a crash in a vehicle operated by a drunk driver.

Every case is unique, and our mission is to maximize your compensation so you can focus on healing.

What Can I Do Following a Car Collision to Safeguard My Rights?

After a car crash, you must document the collision, gather evidence, treat your injuries immediately, and contact a lawyer. Here is what you should do after a car accident:

• Stay at the Scene: Never leave the accident site until it is appropriate to do so, as leaving could result in legal consequences.
• Call Emergency Services: Report the accident to the police and request medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, damage, injuries, and the surrounding area.
• Exchange Information: Collect contact and insurance details from the other driver(s) and gather witness contact information.
• Avoid Admitting Fault: Stick to the facts when speaking with others or the police, and don’t apologize, as it may be interpreted as admitting liability.
• Seek Medical Attention: Get a professional evaluation to document any injuries, even if symptoms appear later.
• Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the accident promptly but avoid giving recorded statements without consulting a professional.
• Keep Records: Maintain copies of medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence related to the accident.
• Avoid Social Media: Refrain from posting about the accident or your injuries, as anything shared online could be used against you in a claim.
• Consult an Attorney: Consider seeking legal advice to ensure your rights are protected and to help handle claims or disputes.

How a Columbus, GA, Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You

The aftermath of a car accident can leave you feeling confused, stressed, and unsure of what to do next. From dealing with insurance adjusters to understanding Georgia’s legal system, managing the process on your own can be too much to handle.

Our Columbus car accident attorneys provide the support you need. Here’s what a car accident lawyer can do for you after you have been in a car accident:

Investigate Your Case

Building a strong case starts with gathering solid evidence. Our team will:

• Obtain police reports to document the accident and any citations issued.
• Collect traffic camera footage, if available, to provide a clear picture of the crash.
• Review medical records to connect your injuries directly to the accident.
• Speak with witnesses to get statements that support your version of events.
  We leave no stone unturned to ensure your case is as strong as possible.

Determine Liability

Georgia operates under a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover compensation as long as you’re less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you’re 20% at fault, your total compensation will be reduced by that percentage. Our attorneys work tirelessly to:

• Analyze the evidence to determine fault accurately.
• Prove the other party’s negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to follow traffic laws.
• Minimize any unfair blame placed on you, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible.

Handle Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most challenging aspects of a car accident claim. Their goal is to minimize payouts, and they may use tactics to pressure you into accepting a low settlement. Our attorneys will:

• Handle all communication with insurance adjusters on your behalf.
• Review any settlement offers to ensure they cover your full damages.
• Push back against unfair claims, denials, or lowball offers.
  With the right legal representation, you won’t have to worry about being taken advantage of by experienced insurance representatives.

Calculate Full Compensation

One of the most critical parts of your case is understanding the full extent of your damages. Our lawyers will calculate a comprehensive settlement amount that reflects all your losses, including:

• Medical Bills: Covering emergency care, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work due to your injuries, as well as reduced earning capacity if you’re unable to return to your previous job.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: Costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
  We’ll ensure no aspect of your suffering is overlooked when determining the value of your claim.

If you’re wondering how much your car accident settlement could be worth, a Columbus car crash lawyer can help evaluate your claim.

Represent You in Court

While most car accident cases are settled out of court, some require litigation to achieve a fair outcome. If negotiations break down, we’re ready to take your case to trial. Our experienced trial lawyers will:

• Present compelling evidence to a judge or jury.
• Cross-examine witnesses and experts brought by the opposing side.
• Advocate for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under the law.
  When you work with us, you’ll have a team of skilled litigators in your corner who are prepared to fight for your rights.

Common Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Our Columbus car accident lawyers handle a wide range of car accident scenarios, including:

• Rear-End Collisions
• T-Bone Accidents
• Drunk Driving Accidents
• Distracted Driving Crashes
• Hit-and-Run Incidents
• Commercial Vehicle Accidents

No matter the type of accident, we’re here to provide the support and legal representation you need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims

Car accidents often leave victims with questions about what to do next and how to handle the claims process. This FAQ addresses common concerns to help you better understand your options and the steps involved after an accident.

Do You Have to Sue Someone in a Car Accident Claim?

Many cases are settled successfully without filing a lawsuit. Your lawyer is your negotiator and will inform the insurance company that they have taken over your case.

The insurance company will then have to bargain with them, not you. Therefore, your car accident attorney should present a strong case with evidence to show the true cost of the crash and push for a fair settlement.

In some cases, a claim does involve filing suit. However, the lawsuit is against an insurance company, not another driver. Therefore, it is always your choice whether to proceed with a lawsuit, and it’s often unnecessary.

Will I Have to Go to Court to Settle My Car Accident Case?

Most likely, you won’t need to go to court. Most auto accident lawsuits are resolved out of court.

In general, insurance companies prefer to settle cases promptly and without a trial. Even when attorneys file a case, they frequently reach an out-of-court agreement well in advance of the trial. Without your presence, your attorney can handle the meetings and negotiations.

A vehicle accident suit can occasionally go to trial in the Columbus legal system. You may not want to go to court, which is understandable, but your auto accident attorney can ensure it goes as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Should I Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?

You should talk to the negligent party’s insurance company, but with one of our attorneys present. We can help you recover the maximum compensation by presenting relevant evidence that proves that the negligent driver is at fault for your injuries.

The insurance adjuster may try to downplay serious injuries such as traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries. But when our auto accident lawyers represent you, we’ll ensure the insurance adjuster doesn’t take advantage of you.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Columbus Car Accident Lawyer?

Many people wonder about the cost of hiring a car accident lawyer. If you lose your case, you don’t pay a Columbus auto accident attorney anything. Instead, a car accident attorney evaluates your case during a free consultation to see if you have a solid case and if their assistance may meet your demands.

If so, we won’t charge you anything until you receive compensation. Attorney fees are deducted from the total amount of the recovery.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Collision Lawsuit?

You need to move quickly. You have a limited time to file a lawsuit after a car accident. You only have up to two years in Georgia to file a car accident claim, per Ga. Code § 9-3-33. You have the best chance of success if you file your claim immediately.

That’s because evidence can be harder to collect with time, witnesses’ memories fade, and the pressure to settle becomes more intense.

If you lost a loved one in a Columbus car crash, our team of lawyers is truly sorry for your loss. However, you must file a wrongful death claim within two years of your loved one’s death date.

Speaking to a lawyer should be your first move, no matter what kind of car accident you were in. It may be the best thing you ever do for your case.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim Against a City for a Car Accident?

In some types of car collisions, the city may be to blame for your accident and injuries. For example, if a road the city owns is in bad condition or lacks safety features like a guardrail, you could hold the city accountable if you get injured.

You have six months from your accident to file a personal injury claim. An experienced attorney from our team can help you determine what documents you need to include in your claim, such as a police report, insurance policy info, and medical records.

And if you are filing a claim specifically for property damage after an at-fault driver hits you in a car accident, you have four years to file a claim against the liable party.

Georgia Modified Comparative Negligence Law

According to Ga. Code § 51-12-33, you are still eligible for compensation even if you’re partially responsible for the car accident. The modified comparative negligence statute does not bar recovery if you are found to be less than 50% liable for the accident. Your compensation, however, will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Proving Negligence in Car Accident Cases

An automobile collision frequently results from careless driving by one or more drivers. So to support your case, you and your attorney must demonstrate that the other person was negligent.

Duty of care is the key component of negligence. All motorists are required by law to drive safely and in accordance with the laws of the road. So drive safely, pay attention to traffic signs, and use your headlights and blinkers.

You must demonstrate to the court that the negligent motorist violated their duty of care to you. An automobile accident attorney can assist you in presenting evidence to the court from eyewitnesses, traffic surveillance film, and medical records of your injuries to show that there was a breach.

We can also use this evidence to prove that you’ve suffered damages.

What Types of Car Accident Injuries Are Commonly Claimed?

Car accidents can lead to a wide variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. These injuries often have significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Here are some of the most common types of injuries seen in car accident claims:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Caused by sudden neck movement, leading to pain, stiffness, and soft tissue damage.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Includes concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), with symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and memory loss.
• Spinal Cord and Back Injuries: Ranges from herniated discs to paralysis; often results in chronic pain or mobility issues.
• Broken Bones: Common in arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis; may require surgery and lengthy recovery.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Includes sprains and strains, causing discomfort and restricted movement.
• Chest and Abdominal Injuries: Trauma from impacts or seatbelts, leading to broken ribs or internal organ damage.
• Facial Injuries: Cuts, fractures, or burns from airbags or glass, sometimes requiring reconstructive surgery.
• Emotional Injuries: PTSD, anxiety, or depression caused by the trauma of the accident.

Neighborhoods We Serve in Columbus, GA

Our law office in Columbus is located on Peachtree Road, right off of T. Harvey Mathis Parkway. We’re happy to serve clients in neighborhoods throughout Columbus, including:

• Pine Hills
• Brookhaven
• Lenox
• Peachtree Park
• Buckhead Forest
• Garden Hills
• Ridgedale Park

Talk to a Columbus Personal Injury Lawyer for Free

We aim to get you back into the best health possible after your injury and ensure you don’t have to pay for it. John Foy & Associates is one of Georgia’s largest and most respected car accident firms. We have a strong record of success and offer a free consultation.

When you call our office, we do more than other law firms. First, we send out an investigator to interview you and document the damage to your car. Then we build the strongest case possible, determining the amount you’re owed and helping you get it.

Let our car accident attorneys in Columbus help you. Call us or complete our online contact form and get your FREE consultation today.