Monroe Car Accident Lawyer

After a car accident in Monroe, costs can add up quickly. Even minor injuries can come with a lot of pain and expensive treatment. Plus, you may have emotional trauma or other damages that aren’t easy to calculate—but you deserve compensation for what was lost. Since most car accident victims don’t spend their time learning about personal injury law, it can be hard to handle a car accident claim alone. Thankfully, an experienced car accident lawyer in Monroe can help a lot.

John Foy & Associates can guide you through the process, starting as soon as moments after your accident. Our group has grown from a small, local office to one of the most respected firms in the state of Georgia, including Monroe. We only represent injury victims, never insurance companies. If you want an experienced, trusted, and compassionate attorney on your side, give us a call for a FREE consultation to learn more. Call 404-400-4000 or simply complete the form on this page to get started.

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.

Why Do I Need a Monroe Car Accident Lawyer?

After a car accident, the insurance company of the at-fault driver will act quickly. They may reach out right away and offer you money. While this might seem kind and caring (especially if you are worried about how to pay mounting bills), it’s a common tactic to get you to settle quickly.

If you accept the first offer, you’ll basically close your case and miss out on the chance to get more. Plus, the amount is a complete lowball. It will cover only a portion of your damages—and then you’re left covering the rest on your own.

And that’s not all. Insurance companies are known for calling injury victims and asking for a statement or showing concern about how they’re doing. As a victim, if you say anything the insurer can use against you—even if it’s as simple as “I’m okay”—they’ll find ways to say you weren’t hurt as badly as you’re claiming.

A good car accident lawyer will make sure you don’t get taken advantage of in this way. They can communicate with the insurance company so you don’t have to worry about it. They’ll also work to gather key evidence for your claim and calculate the full extent of your damages. You need to know this number so you can understand what your car accident claim is really worth.

A lawyer can also keep the insurance company from pressuring you, blaming you for the accident, or delaying your claim for months. Insurers know what they’re doing, but so do car accident lawyers. In fact, injured drivers who have a lawyer on their team are more likely to receive a higher settlement. Often, this is because insurance companies know you’ll put up more of a fight with a legal professional on your side.

How Much Will I Have to Pay a Car Accident Lawyer in Monroe?

It depends on the law firm you work with, but most car accident lawyers (like John Foy & Associates) work on a contingency basis. That means they don’t charge upfront fees and their pay is determined by the success of your case. If they are able to win you a settlement or award, their fee is taken as a percentage of what you win. And if you don’t win anything, they don’t get paid.

It’s best to look for a lawyer who works on contingency because:

• It means you pay nothing upfront.
• You can focus on getting better and communicating with your attorney during your case instead of stressing about anything cost.
• The structure encourages lawyers to only take on cases they know have a chance of winning, which is fair to both parties.

Plus, most car accident lawyers offer the consultation for free, which gives you a chance to get to know your attorney and ask questions without paying anything. During this consultation, ask about how the attorney handles any and all fees associated with their work. This will give you an idea of exactly how they structure payment.

What if the Pain from My Accident Gets Worse Over Time?

This is pretty common after a car accident, and it’s why we recommend seeing a doctor right after your accident and if anything changes. Many injuries, such as whiplash, take some time to fully develop. You might feel fine right after the crash, as your body is still in “fight or flight” mode. But hours or days later, the pain can set in and you feel worse after all.

If this happens, tell your lawyer and see your doctor right away. Be completely honest about what you feel. You’ll want to account for this pain in the insurance claim, and having a record of you seeing your doctor (including any additional tests that were run or medications that were prescribed) will back up the fact that your worsening injuries are real. You can also keep notes from your doctor about how you described the pain and what it means.

If you were not at fault for your car accident, you have a legal right to recover for damages that result. That includes medical costs associated with injuries from the accident that become more painful over time.

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

Car accidents can be extremely painful, stressful, and overwhelming. While we can’t take away all the pain, we can help you navigate your insurance claim so you can focus on getting better and being with your family. We are passionate about getting you the fullest financial recovery possible. Our goal is you not having to pay a dime of your accident costs.

For more than 20 years, John Foy & Associates have been representing injured car accident victims. We know what it takes to build a successful claim and win you the compensation you deserve. To schedule a FREE consultation and learn more, call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out our contact form.