Peachtree Corners Car Accident Attorney

When you’ve been hurt in a Georgia car accident, every moment matters. From seeking medical attention to hiring legal representation, each decision you make can have significant consequences for your future. At Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP, we understand this, and we’re here to help.

Our Peachtree Corners car accident lawyers have spent more than 20 years negotiating the complex world of accident injury claims, and we know what it takes to get meaningful results. But don’t just take our word for it. With more than 200 million dollars recovered for deserving clients, our experience and dedication are evident.

If you need legal help because you were hurt in a crash caused by somebody else, don’t wait. Call us today at (404) 671-8488 for a free case review, and let’s get started on your path to recovery.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Georgia

Car accidents can happen for numerous reasons, many of which are entirely preventable. Common examples of contributing factors include:

• Distracted driving – Texting, eating, using a GPS, or conversing with passengers while driving
• Reckless driving – Behaviors like speeding, tailgating, or making unsafe lane changes
• Driving under the influence – Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, both legal and illegal
• Poor road conditions – Lack of proper maintenance, inadequate signage, or faulty road design
• Mechanical failures – Faulty brakes, steering malfunctions, and other mechanical issues
• Driver fatigue – Sleepy drivers with slower reaction times and decreased situational awareness
• Disregarding traffic signals – Running red lights or stop signs or failing to yield at intersections
• Wrong-way driving – Driving in the wrong direction on one-way roads or entrance ramps

How Does Car Insurance Work in Georgia?

Georgia is an “at-fault” state when it comes to car accident claims, meaning that the party responsible for causing a collision is also financially liable for any resulting injuries or damage.

Georgia requires all drivers to carry auto liability insurance in the following minimum amounts:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage per accident

Remember that your liability insurance policy pays for other parties’ losses resulting from an accident for which you are responsible. Your liability insurance does not pay for your own crash-related losses, no matter who is at fault.

In the event you are involved in a car accident and another driver is at fault, you have the option to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy. You could also seek compensation from your own insurance provider, but only if you carry optional no-fault insurance like medical payments (MedPay) coverage, collision coverage, or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.

The process of filing and negotiating insurance claims, particularly when you’re coping with a painful recovery, vehicle repairs, and lost income, can be overwhelming. An experienced attorney can make the process considerably more manageable, advocating on your behalf for a full and fair settlement.

What Is the Process for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Georgia?

The process of filing a car accident claim in Georgia begins with seeking immediate medical attention for your injuries and following your doctor’s orders. Then, you’ll need to notify your insurance provider about the accident.

Usually, the insurance company will open an investigation to determine who was at fault for the accident and estimate the cost of your losses. As part of this process, you might need to submit various types of evidence, including medical records, proof of lost wages, and documentation of other expenses related to the accident.

If the insurance company finds the other driver was at fault, you could file a claim with their insurance provider, too. However, it’s important to watch what you say to the insurance company and avoid accepting any settlement offers before consulting a skilled car accident attorney for advice.

Common Misconceptions About Car Accident Claims

Many misconceptions can hinder your ability to recover the compensation you are entitled to after a car accident in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.

One widely-held misconception is that insurance companies will naturally offer fair settlements to accident victims. However, the reality is that insurance companies are for-profit entities that aim to minimize their financial liability to protect their bottom lines. To that end, they often try to downplay the extent of your injuries or other losses to reduce the amount they must pay you. This is why it’s so important to work with an experienced car accident lawyer who can defend your interests from day one.

Another common misconception is that it’s unnecessary or cost-prohibitive to hire a lawyer for a car accident claim. But a car accident attorney brings considerable understanding and skill to the table, which can significantly increase the compensation you receive. Furthermore, many car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay them unless they win money for your case. So the reality is that legal representation is both indispensable and affordable after a car accident.

What Should I Do if the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Contacts Me?

If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you after the car accident, it’s likely not because they’re looking out for your best interests. Their primary objective is often to minimize their own financial liability by shifting the blame onto you.

They might attempt to use your own statements against you to achieve this end. This is why it’s not wise to provide recorded statements or sign any documents without first consulting your own lawyer. If you must speak to the other side’s insurance provider, offer only the basic information about the accident, such as the date, time, and location. Refrain from discussing your injuries or who you think was at fault. Do not offer opinions, and never guess if you don’t know the answer to a question.

Most importantly, refer any in-depth queries to your attorney. They can handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf, protecting your rights throughout the process and striving for meaningful results.

I Have a Preexisting Condition. Will It Affect My Car Accident Claim?

While a preexisting condition could add a layer of complexity to your car accident claim, it doesn’t negate your right to recover money for your losses.

Georgia courts abide by the “eggshell plaintiff” principle, which holds that liable parties must take injury victims in the condition they find them. In other words, an at-fault driver is responsible for the injuries they cause, even if the victim has a preexisting condition that makes them more prone to injury.

However, the at-fault driver’s insurance company could still argue that your crash-related injuries are solely due to your preexisting condition, not the accident. This is where an experienced car accident attorney can help. They can prove that the car accident caused new injuries or exacerbated your preexisting condition and that you’re entitled to compensation for all related care costs and other losses.

What Happens If I Got Hurt as a Passenger in a Car Accident?

If you were a passenger in a car accident that caused you harm, you hold the same rights to recover compensation for your losses as the drivers and other parties involved.

If the driver of the car you were riding in is at fault, you could file a claim against their insurance company. If the driver of the other vehicle is at fault, you could file a claim against theirs, too. There might also be situations where both drivers are at fault, in which case you could have valid claims against both insurance companies.

However, the process of recovering a fair settlement can get complicated quickly depending on the specifics of the accident, and dealing with multiple insurance companies can be overwhelming. This is why it’s wise to consult an experienced attorney who can clarify your options, guide you through the claims process, and uphold your rights every step of the way.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights and Maximize Your Recovery

Hiring a car accident lawyer after a collision can significantly boost your odds of receiving the money you are entitled to for your losses. Here are some key ways a car accident lawyer can assist:

• Investigation and evidence collection – Lawyers can gather crucial evidence, including police reports, medical records, and eyewitness testimonies, to support your case.
• Evidence preservation – They can ensure valuable case evidence is not lost or destroyed over time and is presented effectively on your behalf.
• Detailed claim assessment – Lawyers can accurately estimate the value of your claim, considering all current and future costs and losses related to the accident and your injuries.
• Communication with other parties – They can handle all communication with at-fault parties, insurance companies, and other attorneys, so you don’t have to stress over every word you say.
• Aggressive negotiation – Lawyers have the experience and tenacity to handle contentious discussions with the insurance company while striving to secure the best possible settlement.
• Trial preparation – If the other side doesn’t agree to a fair settlement, your attorney can prepare and present a strong case on your behalf in court.
• Error prevention – They can help you avoid common errors, such as missing legal deadlines, accidentally admitting fault, or accepting an inadequate settlement offer.

Reach Out to a Peachtree Corners Accident Lawyer

You deserve competent representation from a lawyer who fights for your rights and pushes for maximum compensation. That’s precisely what you’ll get at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP.

Call us now at (404) 671-8488 for a free case review to learn what we can do for you.