Car accidents are the most common type of auto accident, and if you’ve recently been injured in one, you need an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer on your side. We know how devastating the impact of a car accident can be, which is why we dedicate our legal services to assisting accident victims throughout the state of Georgia in the pursuit of their rightful compensation. Contact Steven Jones Injury Law today to learn more about what we can do for you.
Should I Hire an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer?
Car accidents are often complex, and at times, such as when they involve a drunk driver, they come with an extra facet of legalities that only a competent and experienced Atlanta injury lawyer can successfully navigate. Fortunately, you have just found that attorney right here at Steven Jones Injury law. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you can depend on our firm to fight, tooth and nail, for the compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Car Accidents
As you may know, there are several types of car accidents. Some of the most common types of car accidents that our firm sees are as follows:
- Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions are often the most devastating; they generally occur when one motorist is traveling on the wrong side of the road or going the wrong way on a one-way street. Those injured because of someone driving on the wrong side of the road are almost always entitled to compensation.
- Rear-End Collisions: These are the most common type of car accidents; they generally occur when one motorist fails to stop in time and slams into the car in front. In most cases, the rear-ending driver is considered at fault for these accidents.
- Sideswipe Collisions: These occur when one driver fails to check before merging or changing lanes, swiping another vehicle in the process. These accidents frequently result in serious injuries, and if you’ve been wrongfully hurt in one, our Atlanta car accident lawyer is on your side.
- T-Bone Collisions: T-bone collisions typically occur at intersections, as one car runs through a stop sign or red light–or makes a left turn in front of traffic, causing another car to impact the side of the other vehicle.
What to do After a Car Accident
After a car accident, you should try to take the following steps, as long as you are physically capable of doing so:
- Call the police to the scene of the accident. Upon arrival, they will write up a police report and ensure an ambulance is sent to the scene as well.
- Ask the other driver for his or her insurance information.
- Take pictures of any damage to your vehicle, any property involved in the accident, and any damage to the other driver’s vehicle.
- Ask all those who witnessed your accident for their contact information.
- Ensure that you receive medical treatment at once, even if you are not immediately injured, as certain injuries take a couple of days to set in. The sooner you receive medical treatment, the better.
- Ask your doctor for all medical documentation/bills regarding your injuries, as this can help prove the origin and extent of the injuries you sustained in your personal injury claim.
- Hire a knowledgeable Atlanta car accident lawyer who can work to satisfy the burden of proof and win your personal injury claim.
What is PIP in Georgia?
Georgia is an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents, which means that the at-fault driver and their insurance company are required to cover the damages sustained by the accident they caused. However, in Georgia, you can obtain Personal Injury Protection insurance (though it is not mandatory) that will help cover the cost of your medical bills and more, even if you are the one who caused the accident.
Modified Comparative Negligence in Georgia
Georgia observes what is known as modified comparative negligence, which essentially means that as long as you are less than 50% at fault for an accident, you should be entitled to financial compensation, albeit a reduced amount based on the percentage of the fault you are determined to bear.
What Injured Passengers Should Know About Car Accidents
If you were injured as a passenger in a car accident, you most likely are hesitant to file a claim, as the driver was probably a friend or relative. That being said, you should understand that when someone is injured as a passenger, our firm will simply sue the driver’s insurance company–not the driver him or herself. If you’ve been injured in a car accident as a passenger, give our Atlanta car accident lawyer a call today. Our firm is here to help.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Georgia
Every state has a statute of limitations in place when it comes to personal injury claims. The statute of limitations for car accident claims in Georgia is, generally, two years, meaning that if you wait any longer than two years from the date of your accident, you will most likely permanently lose your right to sue. Our firm is ready to assist you today–all you have to do is pick up the phone and give us a call.
Contact an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer
Steven Jones Injury Law has handled countless car accident claims over the years, and our firm is ready to effectively handle yours as well. If you’ve been hurt and it wasn’t your fault, we are your number one advocate. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation with our firm so we can begin the claims process on your behalf.