Valdosta Car Accident Lawyer

If you’re dealing with injuries because of a car accident someone else caused in Valdosta, you may be entitled to full compensation of your costs. A lot can be overwhelming in the moments following an accident, and it’s hard to know where to turn. Besides getting any needed emergency medical treatment, the first thing you should consider is contacting a Valdosta car accident lawyer. Having a legal professional on your side from the beginning can make a huge difference in your financial recovery options.

At John Foy & Associates, we believe you shouldn’t have to pay for any costs resulting from a car accident you didn’t cause. That’s why we’ve been helping car accident victims get the recovery they deserve for 20+ years. Our focus is always on injury victims, and we never take the side of insurance companies. Let us give you a FREE consultation to talk about the details or your case. To get started today, call 404-400-4000 or contact us here.

What Can I Do to Protect My Rights After a Car Accident?

To legally protect yourself after a car accident, you will need to document the accident, gather evidence, get your injuries treated as soon as possible, and seek legal help.

Documenting the Scene

After the accident happens, you will need to:

• Call the police to report the accident and tell responding officers what happened
• Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage to your car
• Avoid admitting any blame or apologizing to the other driver until you have all the facts
• Talk to witnesses and get their names and contact information

Each of these steps can help create a record of the car accident, which is crucial for your insurance claim.

Getting Your Injuries Checked Out

After you’ve left the scene, see a doctor as soon as you can to have your injuries checked out. Some car accident injuries take time to fully show up, so you should see a doctor even if your pain is minor. The sooner you can get treatment and create a record that you saw someone for your injuries, the better it is for your case.

Also, keep track of all medical bills, doctor notes, and other records of your injuries and medical expenses.

Taking Notes on the Accident

Keep a record of what happened before, during, and after the car accident. Write down how the accident made you feel and how your injuries have impacted your day-to-day life. Also, record any names and contact information of people you’ve communicated with about your accident.

Getting a Car Inspection

Assess how much your vehicle damage will cost to repair (or replace, if your car was totaled). You might see a few different inspectors for an average estimate of how much your vehicle damage is worth before the other driver’s insurance company steps in.

Documenting Your Damages

Keep track of all costs associated with your car accident. Use a file or folder to save documents and notes in one place. This should include:

• Your claim number
• The insurance adjuster’s name
• All medical bills and records
• Quotes for vehicle damage repairs
• Full names, phone numbers, and addresses for all relevant contacts

Calling a Car Accident Lawyer

Schedule a consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer who can make sure you are doing everything to protect your rights after the accident. It’s easy to get taken advantage of if you don’t know how to handle the insurance company, so a lawyer can make sure that doesn’t happen. They can also help fight for the fair settlement you deserve.

If the insurance company or other driver fights against your claim, your lawyer will be there every step of the way—even if you need to take the driver to trial.

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.

Getting Your Injuries Checked Out

After you’ve left the scene, see a doctor as soon as you can to have your injuries checked out. Some car accident injuries take time to fully show up, so you should see a doctor even if your pain is minor. The sooner you can get treatment and create a record that you saw someone for your injuries, the better it is for your case.

Also, keep track of all medical bills, doctor notes, and other records of your injuries and medical expenses.

Who Is at Fault for a Car Accident in Valdosta?

Georgia is a “fault state,” which means the driver whose negligence caused an accident is liable for damages. Negligence refers to carelessness or acting in a way that puts others in harm’s way. A driver can be negligent without actually intending to cause harm.

For example, if a driver looks at their phone and drifts into the lane beside them, they would be responsible for any injuries or damages that the second driver incurred.

So, if you’re in a car accident in Valdosta and the other driver’s actions (or inactions) led to your accident, they are likely at fault. Usually, this means the driver’s insurance company will be responsible for paying those costs; all it takes is the skill of a Valdosta, GA, car wreck attorney to prove a driver’s negligence. 

What If More than One Person Is at Fault?

The fault should be straightforward, but it can get complicated sometimes. For example, if more than two drivers are partially at fault for an accident, comparative negligence would apply.

When more than one person contributes to an accident, each person will be assigned a percentage of fault. That percentage would then reduce that person’s damages.

Say you hold 5% of the fault in a car accident in Valdosta, and your damages total $10,000. Your award or settlement would be reduced by 5%, meaning you can still get $9,500 in damages and are responsible for the remaining $500. The other driver would then be liable for 95% of your damages.

How do I Know If I Have a Valid Car Accident Claim?

If someone else’s negligence caused your car accident and resulting injuries, chances are you have a valid Valdosta personal injury claim. But if you’re unsure, speak to a car accident lawyer in Valdosta, GA, right away.

A skilled attorney has a range of car accident cases under their belt, and they’ll be able to tell you the strength of your claim based on the details. They can then help you compile the right evidence and give you an idea of the full value of your claim.

Some of the most common accidents leading to car accident claims in Valdosta include:

• Rear-end collisions
• Head-on accidents
• Distracted driving or drunk driving accidents
• Hit-and-run collisions
• Uninsured motorist accidents
• Accidents caused by poor driving conditions, such as rain, hail, or fog

Improve Your Chances of Winning an Accident Settlement in 7 Steps

If you were injured in a car accident in Valdosta, GA, it’s important to act quickly. The sooner you take action, the better your chances are of securing a successful settlement. Here are seven steps that can help improve your chances of winning an accident settlement:

1. Document the Scene

After a car accident, you’ll need to call the police, take photos, and get witness contact info. This creates a record of what happened so that when the insurance adjuster attempts to minimize your claim, there is irrefutable evidence. 

2. Get Medical Treatment

See a doctor immediately, even if you feel fine. Prompt treatment and medical records help support injury claims. It’s equally important to see your medical care plan all the way through so that insurance won’t question your physical pain or limitations.

3. Take Notes

Record details on the accident, your injuries, expenses, and people you contact. Save everything together in a file.

4. Inspect Your Vehicle

Get estimates from mechanics on repair costs or total loss value. Document the damage and get an estimate from a shop that you trust.

5. Track Expenses

Keep all medical bills, car repair invoices, missed work notices, and other accident-related costs. When a settlement demand letter is sent, the incurred costs will be listed. 

6. Seek Advice From a Lawyer

Trust an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney in Valdosta, GA, to protect your rights and handle your insurance negotiations. Legal help could lead to higher compensation.

7. Cooperate Fully

Follow your lawyer’s advice. Don’t jeopardize your claim by admitting fault or downplaying damages. Be aware of what you post online and share with anyone who is not your attorney.

Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer in Valdosta, GA, for Free

At John Foy & Associates, we know how lonely the aftermath of a car accident can feel. And we’re here to help you every step of the way. We’ve been representing car accident victims for 20-plus years, and we believe you have a legal right to fair compensation for your costs.

To schedule a FREE consultation with our Valdosta, GA, car accident attorneys, contact us by calling or completing the form to get started today.