North Georgia Car Accident Attorney
Helping Car Wreck Victims in Cartersville Get Justice
If you are looking for a reputable car wreck attorney near you in the state of Georgia, you can count on Pritchard Injury Firm. Our North Georgia car accident attorneys have been helping victims understand their rights and options for years. Our legal team is ready to help you navigate the claims process.
You can schedule a free consultation by calling us directly at (470) 577-8152.
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Georgia Car Crashes?
The number of fatalities related to motor vehicle accidents in Georgia has increased over the past five years, and the data is troubling. In 2018 in the US, 36,350 people lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents, and 1,407 fatal collisions occurred in Georgia.
What’s more, this data does not account for the thousands of people who are not killed in car wrecks, but who are severely injured.
Our car accident attorneys in Georgia often see a variety of injuries when they take on car crash cases. From soft tissue damage to broken bones, whiplash to traumatic brain injuries, the severity of these injuries can range from minor to life-altering. In some cases, victims may even experience permanent disability as a result of their motor vehicle collision.
Here is a list of injuries that often occur due to Georgia car wrecks:
- Whiplash: This type of neck injury is caused by the sudden force of an accident, which causes the head and neck to suddenly move back and forth, leading to extreme strain on the muscles and ligaments in these areas.
- Head Injuries: Accidents involving vehicles can result in head trauma, including concussions or even traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These types of injuries may not be immediately evident following a crash but should be monitored closely for potential long-term effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A violent collision can cause severe spinal cord damage that can lead to paralysis or other lasting disabilities.
- Broken Bones: Any bone can break during an auto accident due to the impacts involved in collisions between two moving vehicles. Common broken bones include ribs, arms, legs and facial fractures.
- Internal Bleeding/Organ Damage: The sheer force of car accidents can cause internal bleeding and organ damage such as punctured lungs or ruptured kidneys. Due to the blunt force trauma from seatbelts or dashboards slamming against your body after the harsh application brakes, any number of organs may be injured.
- Burns: Automobile accidents often involve fires resulting from fuel leaks or airbag deployment. This can cause severe burns, both on the outside and inside of your body.
No matter what type or degree of injury is involved, an experienced car crash attorney near you can help victims understand their legal rights and options for seeking compensation for medical bills and other damages related to the car wreck.
What You Are Entitled to After a Car Accident
If you or a loved one were injured in a motor vehicle accident, navigating the legal landscape can be overwhelming. You must understand your rights as a victim to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Many individuals are unaware that they may be entitled to more than just immediate medical expenses. Our Cartersville car accident lawyers at Pritchard Injury Firm are dedicated to educating you about your rights and the legal protections available to you under Georgia law.
Here are some key rights you should be aware of:
- Right to Compensation: You have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Right to Legal Representation: You can choose to hire an attorney who specializes in car accidents to advocate on your behalf.
- Right to Access Evidence: You have the right to access police reports, medical records, and other evidence that may support your claim.
- Right to Negotiate: You can negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement rather than accepting their initial offer.
- Right to File a Lawsuit: If necessary, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.
At Pritchard Injury Firm, we believe that informed clients make the best decisions. Our experienced car accident attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you understand your rights and options. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you secure the justice you deserve.
What Damages Are Available After Suffering an Injury in a Georgia Car Wreck?
In the state of Georgia, car accident victims may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages depending on the specifics of their case. These damages are intended to make them “whole” after suffering an injury in a car wreck.
Economic Damages include:
- Medical bills (both current and future)
- Lost wages from missed work due to injury
- Property damage resulting from the crash
Non-economic Damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish/emotional distress
- Loss of consortium/companionship due to injury
A car accident attorney near you can understand how devastating these injuries can be for victims. That attorney can help you recover maximum compensation for your losses.
Understanding Your Rights After a Car Accident
After a car accident, many victims feel overwhelmed and unsure of their rights. It's crucial to understand that as an injured party, you have legal protections designed to help you recover damages for your injuries and losses. Knowing your rights can empower you during this challenging time and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Here are some key rights you should be aware of:
- Right to Seek Compensation: You have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.
- Right to Legal Representation: You are entitled to hire an attorney who specializes in car accidents to guide you through the legal process and advocate on your behalf.
- Right to Medical Care: You have the right to seek necessary medical treatment for your injuries without worrying about the financial burden; your attorney can help you navigate potential coverage options.
- Right to Access Evidence: You can request access to police reports, witness statements, and other evidence that may support your claim.
- Right to Fair Negotiation: You have the right to negotiate settlements with insurance companies and should not feel pressured to accept the first offer.
At Pritchard Injury Firm, we are committed to ensuring that our clients fully understand their rights and options. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the complexities of your case, ensuring that you receive the justice you deserve. If you have questions about your rights after a car accident, don't hesitate to reach out for a free consultation.
When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Cartersville
Hiring a car accident lawyer in Georgia is often necessary when you've been involved in an accident and need legal assistance to protect your rights and interests.
If any of the following are present in your case, you should contact Pritchard Injury Firm as soon as possible:
- Injuries or Fatalities: If you or any other parties involved in the accident have sustained serious injuries or if there was a fatality, it's crucial to hire an attorney. Severe injuries can result in significant medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing medical treatment, and a member of our firm can help you pursue compensation for these damages.
- Disputed Liability: When the question of who is at fault for the accident is unclear or disputed, a lawyer from Pritchard Injury Firm can investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and build a strong case to establish liability. This is especially important if the other party is trying to blame you for the accident.
- Insurance Issues: Dealing with insurance companies can be complicated and annoying. They may even try to minimize the settlement amount or deny your claim altogether. A car accident lawyer from our firm can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Complex Legal Procedures: If your case involves complex legal issues, such as multiple parties, commercial vehicles, or government entities, an attorney's expertise can be invaluable in navigating the legal process.
Even if you're unsure whether you need an attorney, we urge you to schedule a free consultation with our Georgia auto accident lawyers so that we can advise you of your rights.
What are the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Georgia?
Multiple circumstances cause car accidents, but they are often due to the negligence and distraction of other drivers.
The most common reasons for car accidents include:
- Speeding
- Not Signaling When Switching Lanes
- Reckless Driving (Swerving, Rapid Lane Changes)
- Damaged Roads
- Construction
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs/Alcohol
- Severe Weather
- Failure to Obey Traffic Rules
- Distracted Driving
- Fatigue
- Improper Turns
- Teen Driving
Were you involved in a car crash? Did you suffer personal injuries or damage to your car? If so, do not hesitate to call our car accident lawyers in Cartersville. We can help get you the compensation you deserve.
What to Do Following a Car Accident in Georgia
Following a car accident, our lawyers recommend taking specific actions to preserve your right to damages.
After a car accident, you should perform the following actions:
- File a police report: Police typically require that your report is filed immediately.
- Gather evidence at the scene: Make sure to take plenty of photos. Solid evidence such as photographs may be used to help your case in court.
- Seek medical care: Seeking medical care is the most important thing that you could possibly do. Oftentimes, victims are in shock after a crash, and unaware of the severity of physical harm that has been done. Make sure to seek medical help as soon as possible.
- Protect the scene: Protecting the scene of the crash is important for helping to prevent other accidents from occurring. Keeping your flashers on or setting up flares could be helpful.
- Provide your insurer with notice of the accident immediately: The faster you take action, the better it is.
- Reach out to a Georgia car accident attorney: Hiring an attorney is critical for ensuring that you receive the best possible outcome regarding the monetary compensation that you rightfully deserve.
If you’re wondering, “Where can I find car accident injury attorneys near me?” know that our law office in Cartersville, Georgia is a phone call away. Our accident injury lawyers are happy to travel to your location if you cannot travel to ours.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
After a car crash in North Georgia or the surrounding areas, you may be wondering whether or not working with a car wreck attorney is necessary.
Working with lawyers depends on numerous factors, including the degree of injuries, whether or not fault is disputed, and the amount of insurance in place. Nevertheless, working with a lawyer is almost always beneficial.
Advantages of working with a car accident attorney near you include:
- An attorney will help investigate your car accident: Following a car accident, you maintain the right to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurer or file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver. In either case, you will be tasked with proving the accident, and your injuries would not have occurred but for the negligence of the at-fault driver. This often requires more than just claiming such. An investigation with Pritchard Injury Firm can help turn up compelling evidence, and our lawyer can manage all elements of this investigation on your behalf. In addition, we can hire accident reconstruction experts and other professionals to help ensure your case is airtight.
- An attorney will calculate your damages: Another aspect of the claims process is showing the damages you have suffered. Again, merely stating that you have suffered X amount in damages will not be enough; you’ll need to submit evidence proving this. Our injury lawyer can gather evidence, organize medical bills and statements, and even hire financial experts to provide insight into the value of your claim.
- An attorney will represent you in all interactions with the insurer: Dealing with an insurance adjuster can be challenging, especially as you recuperate from injuries. Your Georgia personal injury attorney will represent you in all interactions with the insurer and advise you of best practices when speaking to an insurer.
- An attorney can negotiate your claim and file a lawsuit if necessary: Finally, when a settlement amount is featured, your attorney reviews the offer, rejects it, or enters negotiations to maximize your settlement if it fails to compensate fully on your behalf. Should settlement negotiations fail, your attorney can file a lawsuit and litigate your case in court.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Car Accident Settlement in Georgia?
Waiting for the money you are rightfully entitled to is not easy. Especially if you suffer from emotional distress or physical harm, the time it takes to receive your car collision settlement in Georgia will depend on several factors. A fast payment does not always guarantee that you will receive the full potential of the monetary compensation entitled to you. Taking the time to negotiate a settlement properly may be time-consuming. Still, it may work in your favor in the long run.
Factors influencing the time it takes to receive your car accident settlement include:
- Your recovery time
- The overall value of the damages done
- The willingness of your insurance company to settle the case
- Whether or not you have to go to trial in court
- The extent to which you or the driver were at fault
Working with a reputable injury lawyer will ensure that your case is thoroughly examined. In addition, your attorney will be able to tell you approximately how long it will take to settle your specific car accident case.
Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
Determining who pays for medical bills after a car accident often begins with identifying the at-fault party. Generally, the at-fault driver's insurance is responsible for covering your medical expenses through their liability coverage. However, this process might not be immediate, as insurance companies often require investigations to establish fault.
In the interim, your personal health insurance can cover your medical bills, subject to your policy terms. If you have personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments (MedPay) coverage, these can also be used to cover immediate medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault. PIP and MedPay are optional coverages in Georgia, but they can be beneficial for managing out-of-pocket expenses and ensuring timely medical treatment.
Understanding your insurance coverage and promptly notifying your insurer about the accident are crucial steps. Consulting with a knowledgeable car accident attorney can help navigate the complexities of insurance claims and ensure all available resources are utilized to cover your medical expenses. This proactive approach can alleviate stress and allow you to focus on recovery.
Georgia Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
As outlined in Georgia Code Section 9-3-33, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is two (2) years from the date of the accident/injury. Therefore, the law means you must file your lawsuit within two years or entirely lose your right to legal action.
While it can be difficult to bring forth a claim in the days and weeks following your accident, especially if you are dealing with psychological and physical injuries, filing as soon as possible is the best option.
Filing on time is essential for a myriad of reasons – a delay in initiating a claim can block the recovery of benefits you deserve. In addition, evidence related to your case can be destroyed if it is not collected shortly after a crash. Finally, delaying could risk breaching the state’s statute of limitations.
A statute of limitations is a legal time limit determining the time you must file a claim after an accident.
If you breach this critical deadline, you revoke your rights to sue, and you will be unable to recover compensation for the harm you suffered.
Is Georgia A No-Fault State?
No, Georgia is not a no-fault state. Georgia operates under a “fault” system. This means that if you were injured in an accident, it matters whether you are at fault. If you are, then you can’t make a claim with your own bodily injury insurance policy.
You also can’t make a claim with another driver’s insurance policy. However, if you weren’t to blame for the accident, you need to identify who was. You can then make a claim on that driver’s policy. Georgia recognizes “proportional comparative fault.” This means both drivers can be to blame, so we need to identify each side’s percentage of fault.
To learn more about Georgia's fault system, read our relevant blog post.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Now
Being involved in a car accident can be scary. However, our Georgia car accident lawyer at Pritchard Injury Firm understands what you are going through. Our legal team is here to serve you.
Suggested Reading:
- Understanding Negligence In A Georgia Car Accident
- Tips When Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney Cartersville, GA
- Georgia Car Insurance Laws
- How To Get Your Cartersville, GA Police Accident Report
- Common Rear-End Car Accident Injuries In Cartersville, GA
Simply call us at (470) 577-8152 or contact us online for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
We also serve residents in Cobb County and Cherokee County – if you have suffered injuries after a car accident in the state of Georgia, you should contact us immediately to get started on your case.
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