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A car accident in Stonecrest can result in serious injuries, medical costs, and many other losses. The aftermath of an accident can stay with a victim for many years, physically, financially, and emotionally. But if you were not at fault, you might have a right to 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.
For our team, each case is personal. We promise to treat you with compassion and fight tirelessly for your rights. You also don’t pay us unless we win you compensation. To learn more during a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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
- Pain and suffering
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.
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.
Pain and Suffering Damages
Not all damages are about your physical injuries. You might have emotional “injuries” like:
- Physical or mental pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Emotional trauma
Talk to a lawyer about how the accident has affected you. You might also keep a journal of your experiences since the accident.
Pain and suffering damages are difficult to calculate. However, your lawyer will have their own formula to come up with a dollar amount.
Building a Strong Car Accident Claim
Your insurance claim must prove that:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care (as mentioned above)
- 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. You must prove that the driver was negligent in your accident. Then, you’ll need to show your damages in your claim.
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. 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. 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.
Discuss your case with us during a FREE, no-risk consultation. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
When 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. This coverage can help cover some of your accident damages.
UM coverage might not be enough to cover the full 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.
Deadline to File a Car Accident Claim
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 a car accident lawyer. A lawyer can determine your rights and how long you have to bring your case. They can also make sure you stay on track and gather the most substantial evidence possible.
Talk to a Stonecrest Car Accident Lawyer Today
Car accidents can leave victims with serious injuries and damages. Even minor accidents can affect your life in many ways. If you were injured because of another party, you have rights.
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.
Contact us today to discuss your accident and your financial recovery options. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or fill out our contact form to get a FREE consultation.
