David Thacker
Immediately after a car crash in Atlanta, it is okay to feel shocked and overwhelmed. If the impact was severe, you may have a hard time remembering what exactly happened. Following a car accident, pull over and inform local law enforcement. Check if other passengers and car drivers need medical attention, and call 911 right away. Among other things, you may want to consult an Atlanta personal injury attorney, to know how and to what extent you can recover compensation for your losses. Here’s why an injury attorney is so important for your case.
Establishing fault and filing the insurance claim
Georgia is an at-fault state. If the accident happened because of the other driver’s neglect, recklessness, or disregard for safety, you can consider filing a personal injury lawsuit, to seek compensation for your losses. You need to file an insurance claim with their insurer. However, if the accident had nothing to do with another car, you can turn to your own insurer to seek compensation.
The biggest concern is establishing fault, and that’s precisely one of the key reasons why you need a personal injury lawyer. There are some really good law firms in Atlanta, and their injury attorneys can offer a free case assessment. Also, they can guide on filing the insurance claim, so you don’t have to deal with the paperwork.
Negotiating with the insurance company
When you file a claim, the insurance company will launch an investigation into the matter. Georgia follows the “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means that if you had a share in fault, your eventual settlement will be reduced by percentage of your fault. Insurance companies have their own ways of dealing with claims, and even when you had minor role in causing the accident, the blame can shift on you. A personal injury lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company aggressively, until a fair settlement is reached.
Acting in time
If talks with the insurance company doesn’t lead to a fruitful outcome, your lawyer will consider filing a personal injury lawsuit. As per the statute of limitations in Georgia, you just have two years, from the date of the accident, to file such lawsuits. In other words, you have to act quickly. With an attorney by your side, you don’t have to worry about time, legal paperwork, and the trial ahead.
Majority of car accident lawsuits are settled outside of court, but you definitely need a good lawyer to handle your case.
