Rear-end collisions are some of the most frequent traffic accidents. Usually, the cause is tailgating, distracted driving, or negligence by the party causing the accident. Rear-end accidents can range from minor accidents to serious collisions causing serious injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a South Fulton rear-end accident, consider consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer. You deserve compensation for the injuries and the stress you have undergone. A rear-end collision lawyer can help.
How You Can Protect Your Rights Following a Rear-End Collision in South Fulton
By law, following a serious traffic accident involving injuries, Georgia law enforcement needs to be called to the scene. Even without injuries, if there appears to be more than $500 in property damage, local police need to be called.
Once you have sought medical attention and have been treated, you should:
- Follow your physician’s medical recommendations
- Get a copy of law enforcement’s accident report
- Report the accident to your insurance company
- Contact a rear-end collision lawyer
Each is necessary for your legal case. The importance of following your doctor’s orders is not only incredibly important to your recovery but also to your legal case. Skipping a follow-up doctor visit or therapy session could be construed by the defense that your injuries are not as bad as purported, and you want to avoid that possibility.
Let Your Rear-End Collision Lawyer in South Fulton Deal with Insurance Companies
If you have called your own insurance company to report the accident, that is good, but you should refrain from speaking with anyone from the other driver’s insurance company. You may get messages about a quick settlement offer. You should avoid accepting such settlements but rather let your rear-end collision lawyer in South Fulton handle them.
Such offers could be an attempt to get you to accept a cheaper settlement than you deserve. It may sound fair at the time, and you may like the assurance of getting a quick check, but the chances are high that you will receive a much better settlement with the aid of your South Fulton rear-end collision lawyer.
Your Right to Financial Compensation Following a South Fulton Rear-End Collision
Depending upon the accident and related damages, you can file a legal claim for economic damages and non-economic damages. A third possibility that is rarely involved in a rear-end collision lawsuit is punitive damages.
What Economic Damages Can You Receive Compensation For?
Economic damages come with a set price for medical costs and property repair costs. Examples include:
- Emergency transportation from the accident scene to the hospital
- Emergency department procedures, including tests and care
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Follow-up doctor visits
- Repairs to your vehicle
- Lost income replacement
- Projected future medical costs
- Projected future loss of income
While not all these economic damages apply to every case, this gives you a sampling of what may be involved.
What Are Non-Economic Damages Following a Rear-End Collision?
A set price does not measure non-economic damages. They are a result of the pain and suffering you experienced from your South Fulton rear-end collision. Some non-economic damages you may have suffered include physical discomfort, a loss in quality of life, mental anguish, and damages to personal relationships.
Since there is no financial figure set for each of your non-economic damages, your South Fulton rear-end collision lawyer, and their team will need to dig into past legal references for cases like yours from which they can develop a quantitative figure to apply to your case.
What Are Punitive Damages, and When Would They Apply?
If the driver who rear-ended you did so with intent, punitive damages could apply. According to Georgia law, punitive damages are equivalent to “vindictive damages,” “exemplary damages,” or similar descriptions applied with the intent to “penalize, punish, or deter” the causational driver. These are rare in traffic accident cases.
Others Who Could Owe You Financial Compensation Following a Rear-End Collision
There are times when neither driver is to blame for a rear-end collision. It could have been caused by:
- A defective part for which the vehicle manufacturer could be held responsible
- Poor repairs performed on one of the vehicles in which the repair shop could be to blame
- Poor road maintenance which could have caused or contributed to the accident
If the driver of the vehicle that rear-ended you caused the collision and was working at the time, such as a delivery driver, the company for whom they work may also be held accountable.
South Fulton Rear-End Collisions Lawyer Near Me 404-400-4000
There Is a Time Limit to Filing a Legal Claim Following a South Fulton Rear-End Collision
Georgia has a statute of limitations of two years from the date of the incident to file a legal claim following any traffic accident. There can be exceptions with which an experienced rear-end collision lawyer should be familiar.
Investigating any traffic accident case takes time. Hiring your legal team as quickly as possible will allow them the time they need to develop a solid case for you.
How Much Will a South Fulton Rear-End Collision Lawyer Cost?
Most personal injury lawyers, including those who specialize in traffic accident law, will offer you a free initial consultation. If they agree to take your case, you will sign a representation agreement. Normally, a percentage fee of what compensation you recover will be paid to your lawyer after you win your case.
The fee will be laid out within the representation agreement. You should pay nothing out of pocket, and if for any reason your attorney does not win the case for you, you should owe them nothing.
For a free legal consultation with a rear-end collisions lawyer serving South Fulton, call 404-400-4000
Now Is the Time to Call a South Fulton Rear-End Collision Attorney
Once you have received medical care and your doctor feels you are up to discussing your accident with a rear-end collision attorney in South Fulton, consider doing so. Look for a rear-end collision attorney in South Fulton with a strong record for getting positive results.
Get your free consultation with a personal injury lawyer who can review your case, explain your rights, and discuss your options. In South Fulton, contact John Foy & Associates today.
Call or text 404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form