The year 2020 saw car accident fatalities reach the highest in 13 years. Don’t end up paying for the negligence of another driver. If you suffered a car accident and sustained damages, you have the right to pursue financial compensation.
Contact a Stonecrest car accident lawyer today to learn your options. At John Foy & Associates, we believe everyone has a right to recover the costs of an accident they didn’t cause. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to build strong cases.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Stonecrest
There are several reasons why you should retain a car accident lawyer to help you with your claim, including:
- Handling all communications with other parties to ensure the privacy and integrity of your case
- Gathering evidence, records, reports, and additional information that supports your claim
- Consulting with experts and talking to witnesses to obtain supporting testimony
- Representing your best interest in court and out of it
- Reviewing all settlement offers and ensuring they’re fair and representative of the damages you’ve suffered
Many people wrongfully assume that they can easily get compensation from the insurance company. This is hardly ever going to be the case.
Hiring a lawyer is an investment you make so that you can get a fair settlement. Don’t overlook the massive benefits you have simply by retaining solid legal representation.
Compensation for Your Car Accident Damages
All drivers in Stonecrest have a duty of care to drive safely. That includes following traffic laws and avoiding actions that could cause harm. If a driver’s carelessness causes your accident, they are at fault for the costs.
Georgia is a fault state. The at-fault driver in an accident is liable for the damages. Common personal injury damages include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medication costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repair costs
The first is usually to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, it’s rarely that simple. The insurance company will look for ways to pay you less. Therefore, it’s best to know all of your damages before filing a claim. That includes future medical care you might need. Otherwise, you could end up paying out-of-pocket for your accident costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Not all damages have a fixed monetary value like the ones listed above. You could also sustain non-economic damages from your car accident such as:
- Physical or mental pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Emotional trauma
Talk to our car accident lawyers in Stonecrest about how the accident has affected you. You might also keep a journal of your experiences since the accident. Non-economic damages are difficult to calculate, but we use various formulas and have a holistic approach to ensure nothing gets left out of your final settlement total.
Punitive Damages
In addition to your economic and non-economic damages, you can also recover a reward for punitive damages if your car accident case qualifies. Punitive damages act as punishment for the driver for causing an accident. Usually, the criteria to qualify for punitive damages are:
- If the driver was egregiously negligent in their actions that caused your accident.
- If the driver was drunk or under the influence of any drug, legal or not.
- If the driver was committing a crime when your accident occurred.
Remember, not all cases can get a reward for punitive damages. If your case can qualify, our car accident lawyers will ensure that you receive a reward for them.
Stonecrest Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 404-400-4000
How Much Is the Average Car Accident Settlement Worth in Stonecrest?
On average, car accident settlements can range anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000. However, keep in mind that these averages are just rough estimates. There are many car accident claims that have resulted in settlements worth millions of dollars. Therefore, the amount of your unique car accident case will always vary.
To get an accurate estimate, you need to get in touch with one of our car accident lawyers.
Building a Strong Car Accident Claim
Your insurance claim must prove that:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care.
- The driver breached their duty of care.
- The breached duty led to your car accident.
- You suffered injuries and other damages from the accident.
When a driver breaches their duty of care, it’s known as negligence. First, you must prove that the driver was negligent in your accident. Then, you’ll need to show the damages in your claim.
What if the Other Driver Has No Insurance?
You can usually turn to another driver’s insurance when they cause an accident. But what if you find out the other driver has no insurance coverage? It can complicate things, but you still have options.
Most drivers in Georgia have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage. If your policy has UM coverage, it can help cover an accident with an uninsured driver. In addition, this coverage can help cover some of your accident damages.
UM coverage might not be enough to cover the total cost of your crash. If that’s the case, you might decide to sue the driver. An experienced lawyer can help you bring a lawsuit and look for ways to recover your costs.
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Stonecrest, call 404-400-4000
Getting Fair Payment from the Insurance Company
Insurance companies are for-profit companies. They care most about their money, which means they will look for ways to reduce what they pay. Therefore, the insurer will use any excuse to deny a claim or reduce your compensation.
Insurance companies might use tactics like:
- Questioning your claim
- Downplaying your injuries and accident costs
- Offering you a lowball settlement and hoping you’ll take it
- Asking you to give a recorded statement
- Using something you’ve said against you
If an insurance company doesn’t deny a claim, they might offer a tiny settlement. But, unfortunately, they know that many accident victims will take a lower amount out of desperation. Without a lawyer, it can be challenging to know what type of settlement you deserve.
Our Stonecrest car accident lawyers can examine your case and determine what you deserve. We know how to handle the insurance companies and negotiate if you get a low offer. Plus, if an insurance company sees you’re working with a lawyer, they’re more likely to make you a fair offer.
Your Deadline to File a Car Accident Claim in Georgia
There is limited time to file a personal injury claim after a car accident. In Georgia, that limit is usually two years, according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §9-3-33. In some cases, you have even less time.
It’s essential to file your case within the deadline. If you miss the window, you probably won’t be able to recover damages from your accident. The chances are good that the court will throw out your case.
There are several steps to take before bringing your case, including:
- Gathering evidence of car accident and injuries
- Compiling proof of your damages
- Calculating your total accident damages
- Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair offer
- Taking your case to court, if necessary
To make sure you file within the deadline, contact our car accident lawyers in Stonecrest. We can determine your rights and how long you have to bring your case. In addition, we can also make sure you stay on track and gather the most substantial evidence possible.
There Are No Upfront Fees to Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Stonecrest
You may worry about how much it costs to hire one of our lawyers. Rest assured that you will never be charged upfront for any of our legal fees. We will only collect payment once you win your settlement. If we can’t win compensation for your car accident, you owe us absolutely nothing.
Talk to a Stonecrest Car Accident Lawyer Today
Car accidents can leave victims with serious injuries and damages. At John Foy & Associates, we know how to protect your rights and win cases. We’re one of Georgia’s largest firms with over 20 years of experience. We treat each case as the most important because our clients’ rights are the number one priority.
Call or text 404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form