If you or a loved one were hurt in a car accident in Milledgeville, you’re probably worried about the costs. Medical expenses aren’t cheap, and vehicle damage repairs are almost always more expensive than you think. Plus, missed work time means less money coming in to pay for these damages. Thankfully, if you or your loved one didn’t cause the accident, there’s a chance for full financial recovery—and a Milledgeville car accident lawyer can help.
If you did not cause your injuries, you likely have grounds to bring a personal injury claim against the person or entity that caused your accident. And the best way to improve your chances of full compensation for your costs is by working with a personal injury lawyer in Milledgeville.
At John Foy & Associates, this is where we can help. We have been helping injury victims recover the money they need for more than 20 years. We want to help you put your life back together as soon as possible. The goal is to fully recover your costs so you’re in the same place financially as you were before the unfortunate accident happened. And we’ll start with a FREE consultation to go over details. To schedule your free consultation today, call 404-400-4000 or fill out the online Case Evaluation form on this page now.
How do I Protect Myself After I’ve Been Hurt?
Under Georgia law, those in Milledgeville who were injured because of someone else’s negligence are legally entitled to make a claim for damages related to the accident. This usually means the insurance company of the person who was at fault is ultimately responsible for your costs. That being said, it’s important to advocate for yourself and avoid getting taken advantage of by the insurance company.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses looking to protect their bottom line. Even if they appear to care about your situation, they are really looking for ways to cut costs. They have been known to employ tactics like:
- Calling you and asking how you’re doing. If you politely say you’re “fine” or sound at all cheerful, they can use that later to claim you weren’t hurt as badly as you say.
- Immediately sending you a settlement offer after the accident, hoping you’ll take it—even though it’s a lowball amount that won’t cover all your damages.
- Denying or delaying your claim, which puts you at risk of falling outside of the statute of limitations during when you can seek compensation.
Insurance adjusters know that you are probably stressing about paying for the costs of your injuries. They’re hoping a quick offer will get you to settle early. They also know that as soon as you contact a Milledgeville personal injury lawyer you’ll be advised to hold off until your damages can be calculated. So, they’ll try to get in early and settle things before you can think too long about it.
It’s very important to not accept any offer or sign any paperwork until you’ve spoken to an attorney. If you sign a release and settle the case early on, you’ll lose your chance at further compensation if you find out weeks or months later that your injuries are worse than you thought.
On the other hand, contacting a good personal injury lawyer as soon as possible (and letting them communicate with the insurance company on your behalf) is one of the best ways you can protect yourself after your injury.
You can also start gathering information about your accident right after it happens
Gathering Information to Protect Yourself
Right after your accident, take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. This will preserve what happened through photographs in case the scene is cleaned up or changed later.
Other steps to take for your claim include:
- Reporting the accident to the police
- Not apologizing for the accident, even if you’re unsure about the percentage of fault
- Exchanging insurance information if you were in a car accident
- Seeing a doctor as soon as you can
- Keeping track of all medical bills, quotes, doctor notes, and other records of payment or costs
Is There a Deadline to File My Personal Injury Claim in Milledgeville?
There is. In Milledgeville, the deadline for filing most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. This can vary sometimes depending on the situation, however. Sometimes, you’ll only have a few months and other times the deadline can become “tolled” past two years. If you’re unsure, ask your attorney.
It’s best to be safe and get started as soon as possible. Legal processes take time, and you don’t want to miss out on your chance at full compensation.
How do I Find a Good Personal Injury Lawyer Near Milledgeville?
You should always look for an experienced and trusted personal injury lawyer to help you with your case. Here are some areas that matter.
Relevant Experience
Schedule a free consultation and ask the attorney about the types of cases they regularly take on. Make sure they focus primarily on representing personal injury victims. Some lawyers work on personal injury cases but represent insurance companies—which is risky. The last thing you want is a lawyer with a bias towards the insurer.
You can also ask how long they’ve been in practice, how often they’ve communicated with insurance companies involved in claims, and examples of cases they’ve taken on similar to yours. Also, make sure they have a good reputation with the community they represent.
No Upfront Costs
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means there is no upfront fee to work with them. You only pay if they win you a settlement, and the payment is taken as a percentage of the total you win. This makes it easy to start working with them immediately at no risk to you, and it guarantees your attorney has your best interests in mind.
During the consultation, ask for a breakdown of all fees and whether or not there are any upfront costs. Don’t assume anything about the payment structure until you’ve asked.
Feeling Comfortable
You should absolutely feel good about the attorney you’re working with. Make sure they listen to your concerns and are attentive to your needs. You want to feel comfortable telling them about your case and asking questions throughout the process.
Atlanta Roots, Nationwide Reach.
Distance is no obstacle. We work with clients across the country and make sure every one of them feels taken care of, no matter how far the call travels.
Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer in Milledgeville, GA for Free
At John Foy & Associates, we’re proud to have 20+ years of experience working only with personal injury victims and never for insurance companies. Our goal is full compensation for your damages. We’ve grown a lot in the last two decades, becoming one of the largest and most respected law firms in Georgia. To schedule a FREE consultation to talk about your case and address any questions, give us a call at 404-400-4000 or complete the online Case Evaluation form today.
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