Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Who Fight for Crash Victims
Our attorneys can guide you through the legal process
Car accidents can end in serious injuries and should not be taken lightly. The car accident attorneys at Fried Goldberg LLC focus on the effect on our client just as much as who caused the collision. Injuries are personal to each client, and we treat them that way. A car accident is a traumatic event that happens unexpectedly and instantaneously. What follows next are weeks, months, or even years of recovery from injuries and pain.
The financial stress from the medical expenses after a crash only adds to the turmoil. Our attorneys are known nationwide for their work on cases involving trucking litigation. But we also handle other practice areas. We’ve helped many car accident victims recover compensation for their injuries.
Car Accident Checklist
The checklist will help ensure that:
- You take down necessary information about the other drivers and vehicles involved
- You properly assess the damage to your vehicle
- You document potential evidence at the scene
- You are aware of your legal rights
The car accident lawsuit process
When you’ve been involved in a serious car accident, your first question might be: “What do I do now?” Pursuing a personal injury claim without the aid of a lawyer can result in a minimum payout, if any, to you. Insurance companies aren’t concerned with the extent of your injuries. They want your claim settled as soon as possible for as little as possible.
You need an Atlanta car accident attorney who knows how to negotiate on your behalf and fight for your right to compensation.
The lawsuit process starts with collecting accident-related documents. This includes:
- Emergency room, hospital and rehabilitation reports
- Information regarding wages lost due to inability to work
- Post-accident care necessary to aid in your recovery
We use this information to start piecing together a claim. Despite the importance of these details, we know they don’t even begin to speak to the amount of pain, suffering, and stress you and your family have endured.
We know the cost of an accident is more than just facts and figures. Being a victim impacts your quality of life. Our attorneys can help you get your life back on track.
Car Accidents FAQ
- How often do car accident settlements exceed the policy limits?
- Do I need an attorney after a car accident?
- What is a demand letter?
- What should I do after a car accident?
- Will health insurance cover car accident costs?
- How long does a car accident stay on your insurance?
- What is a typical settlement for a car accident?
- Can I bill health insurance for a car accident?
- Is Georgia a no-fault car accident state?
- How long does it take to reach a car accident settlement?
Time limits for Georgia car accident lawsuits
A personal injury lawsuit must be filed in accordance with the state’s statute of limitations. In Georgia, the statute of limitations is two years from the time of the accident when filing a personal injury lawsuit, and four years if you wish to file one for property damage.
Note that there is a difference between filing a car accident lawsuit and submitting an insurance claim. Insurance companies have their own deadlines, so you don’t want to delay in pursuing your options. Let an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer deal with insurance companies on your behalf.
Car accidents involving government vehicles
When a car accident involves government property, such as a collision with a city bus or a crash that happened on government land, there are special regulations in place such as sovereign immunity. The deadline in these types of accidents is significantly shorter – in some cases just 30 days – and you will want to review your legal options with a lawyer immediately.
To seek compensation for any damages, the claim must be filed against the city on time and in the right manner. A formal claim includes:
- Your contact information
- Date of the accident
- Injuries sustained
- The city employee responsible for the accident
Our attorneys are familiar with all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving vehicles operated by government entities. We work on your behalf to ensure that your claim information is accurate, your claim is submitted in a timely fashion, and you are seeking the maximum compensation reward available.
Car Accident Verdicts and Settlements
- $10.4 million – Wrongful Death
- $2 million – Company Vehicle Accident
- $1,064,105 – Taxi Cab Accident
- $2 million – Car Accident
- $1,002,763 – RSD Injury
- $1,106,165.02 – Wrongful Death
What if I was partly at fault for a car accident?
When it comes to at-fault accident laws, some states apply “comparative negligence” and others implement “contributory negligence.” Georgia has what is called a “modified comparative negligence law.”
What does this mean?
Georgia law says that you can recover compensation for damages from any party that is found more at-fault than you. However, if you are more than 50 percent at fault for the accident, you’re not allowed to recover anything at all. If you were responsible for 20 percent, you could potentially collect 80 percent of the available compensation.
These percentages are determined by a judge or a jury, and the process can be complex.
Without the proper legal experience of an Atlanta auto accident lawyer on your side to fight your claim, it can mean less of a reward — or even none at all.
About Georgia’s “fault” system
With regards to liability following a car crash, Georgia maintains a “fault” system, which means that if you are at-fault for the accident, you and your insurance company are responsible for covering any personal injury or property damage.
You have the option to recover compensation for damages by filing a claim with your own insurance company, pursuing a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance, or filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Keep in mind that insurance companies are only interested in wrapping up their claims as quickly and as inexpensively as possible. They aren’t interested in the suffering you’ve had to endure and the expenses you’ve had to cover as a result of an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Our attorneys want you to be able to receive full compensation as per your legal rights. It’s not in your best interest to settle with an insurance company without seeking legal counsel first.
How much does a car accident attorney cost?
All the different factors that follow a car accident can seem overwhelming. From medical bills to time missed from work to ongoing rehabilitative care, the expenses never seem to stop. Fortunately, hiring an Atlanta car accident lawyer to pursue an injury lawsuit has no upfront cost to you.
We dedicate our time, efforts, legal experience, and resources to fight on your behalf. We do this all without taking an attorney fee until there has been a successful verdict for your case.
Our law firm is proud to have secured multi-million-dollar awards for our clients in the past. While each case is different and no outcome can be guaranteed, we put the same amount of energy and focus into every case we handle.
Our lawyers handle everything
You may not even consider pursuing a lawsuit regarding your crash since the only thing you want to do is heal and move on from the trauma.
We understand, and that’s why we want to ease some of this burden for you. An Atlanta car accident lawyer can concentrate on the progress of your injury lawsuit so you can focus on your recovery.
When you hire one of our car accident attorneys, we handle everything and will fight for maximum compensation. We have a track record of success that speaks to our dedication and desire to win for our clients.
Learn more about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. There is no obligation.
How often do car accident settlements exceed the policy limits?
Car accident settlement amounts commonly exceed insurance policy limits. Accident claims can involve both bodily injury liability (BIL) and property damage liability (PDL) issues. In a car accident situation, medical bills (BIL) frequently exceed policy limits. Insurance companies may sometimes try to either disregard or misrepresent BIL and PDL costs. Thus, it’s important to work with a car accident attorney to ensure your recovery rights aren’t being violated.
Do I need an attorney after a car accident?
Car accident lawsuits can involve complicated legal concepts. They also have strict requirements, such as filing deadlines. Missing these can make or break your case. An experienced Atlanta car accident attorney can review your claim, as well as the applicable laws, and can fight for the compensation you’re entitled to for damages such as injuries, property damage, lost wages, and other costs.
What is a demand letter?
A demand letter is an important part of an insurance claim. In the letter, you should set out the facts surrounding the accident, all your injuries, medical treatment, property damage, and other losses. A well-written demand letter provides valuable information for any settlement negotiations that follow. A Georgia car accident attorney can draft a demand letter for you.
What should I do after a car accident?
You should first get medical help, even if you feel fine. Certain injuries (like brain injuries) may only appear later. While you’re still at the accident scene, try to collect as much information as possible from the other party, witnesses, or the police. Don’t talk about liability or fault; any statements you make could be used against you. Contact an attorney for guidance regarding the filing process.
Will health insurance cover car accident costs?
This depends on your exact health insurance coverage. You’ll usually need to pay any copays or deductibles. Certain costs like an ER visit or an ambulance ride can be quite costly and may not be covered in standard policies. In many cases, the auto insurance policy will pay first before health insurance does. These are complex matters that would surely benefit from the guidance of an experienced injury lawyer.
How long does a car accident stay on your insurance?
Car accidents can affect your insurance premiums, depending on what happened and who was at fault. This varies by insurance company and state, but they can affect your insurance anywhere from three to five years. Therefore, it’s essential to consult an attorney if someone is accusing you of being liable for a crash.
What is a typical settlement for a car accident?
Georgia has minimum liability coverage amounts of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident with multiple people, and property damage liability of $25,000 per incident. Settlement amounts increase if certain factors are involved, like serious injuries or wrongful death. At Fried Goldberg, we have obtained settlements for our clients for multi-millions of dollars, depending on their recovery needs.
Can I bill health insurance for an auto accident?
Again, this depends on your exact coverage for both your healthcare provider and car insurance provider. Your insurance company may cover portions of your costs, but not all; similarly, health insurance might only cover specific aspects. In other circumstances, it may be possible to file a claim against the other driver’s insurance to pay for medical expenses.
Is Georgia a no-fault car accident state?
Georgia is a “fault” accident state. This means that in a car accident, the driver who caused the accident (as well as their insurance provider) will be accountable for damages caused to other parties. Georgia does have special laws that can affect a person’s ability to collect damages if they are partly to blame for the accident.
How long does it take to reach a car accident settlement?
Each auto accident settlement claim is different, but on average, you should expect a claim to take at least six weeks for processing. Settlements can take longer if the accident was more complex, such as those involving multiple cars. If legal action is needed, this will extend the recovery time even further.