If you suffered serious or minor injuries from a traffic collision and need the help of an experienced auto accident injury attorney,contact Helping the Hurt Personal injury Lawyers in Warner Robins, GA. We partner with attorneys skilled in handling car accident claims while helping victims get the fair compensation they deserve for their pain and suffering. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, there were an estimated 38,000 fatal motor vehicle accidentsand an estimated 4.8 million injured accident victims. The good news is that fatality rates have been dropping for the last decade, primarily due to safety improvements by auto manufacturers and advances in medical science. Our Warner Robins car accident attorneys have a long history of helping injured victims recover deserved damages that have left them physically and economically constrained. We take the time to diligently build your case by collecting evidence, thoroughly investigating the accident scene, employing expert testimony, contacting witnesses, and making sure each client knows their case is being taken care of by a reputable and powerful litigation team. We understand that your accident lawsuit is a lot to handle on your own. Our personal injury lawyers will deal with the complicated insurance policies from the insurance companies, complex paperwork, and any legal matters relating to your case so you can experience a stress-free recovery. We are on your side throughout the entire personal injury claims process. We will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome and maximum compensation to cover unexpected expenses and medical costs. Table of Contents Depending on the facts of your accident, your compensation may include: Not only can traffic accidents cause serious injury, but they are also very stressful, both physically and mentally. Having a personal injury attorney in Warner Robins who specializes in car crash injurieshelp you during this difficult time will make the loss recovery process much more bearable. Accidents can cause many injuries. Increased stress caused by injury, pain, and medical bills can put a damper on your recovery process. After experiencing a traffic accident, victims often juggle medical bills, car repairs, time off work, and much more. The last thing you need to worry about is how to pay an auto injury lawyer to represent your case. We won't take your case unless we believe you have a valid accident injury lawsuit, and we won't get paid unless you win. This means you pay nothing until your case reaches a fair settlement.
Compensation Typically Awarded in Car Accident Injury Cases
How Do Warner Robins Car Accident Lawyers Handle a Case?
The strength of yourcar accident injury casewill be up to your attorney's ability to collect and present evidence that will detail the other party's negligent driving and, therefore, their responsibility for the injuries and damages you sustained.
Negligence refers to an individual or entity's failure to meet the standard level of acceptable behavior, which includes paying proper attention while operating a motor vehicle, ensuring the safety of others.
Typical Causes of Car Accidents
In recent years, with an increase in the use of technology, the number ofdistracted drivers has been on the rise. Spotting and proving distracted driving is the key to winning your Warner Robins car accident injury case. Look out for the following from the negligent party.
Was the driver:
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Using the car's radio
- Attempting to program a GPS
- Talking on the phone
- Texting while driving
- Checking other digital devices
- Reading
- Shaving or putting on makeup
Most CommonCar Accident Injuries
If you areinjured in a traffic collisionand believe a distracted driver caused it, our Warner Robins injury attorneys can start an investigation into the crash to identify the signs of negligent behavior.
Car Crash Injuries
- Spine, Back, and Neck Injuries (including Whiplash):These are the most common injuries seen in car wrecks. Examples are strained ligaments, muscles, and tendons, which may fall into the hard-to-prove "soft tissue injury" category. These types of injuries often require future treatment with physical therapy. This category also includes severe spinal cord injuries, often resulting in paralysis.
- Lacerations (Cuts):These injuries may occur when glass is shattered or the vehicle's sheet metal is torn. Deep or serious cuts may result in loss of blood and cause the driver to go into shock. Scarring can also be an issue, so a patient may need to see a plastic surgeon to repair any damage.
- Broken Bones: Very frequent in terrible accidents. Surgery may be necessary to repair the damage, and the injured person may need to go through weeks or months of physical rehabilitation.
- Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These are injuries to the brain resulting from a blow to the head, which causes the brain to swell. A minor concussion may be treated with bed rest and over-the-counter pain medication. A traumatic brain injury may require surgery, and in worse cases, can result in permanent loss of function or death. Please keep in mind that concussion symptoms and TBI symptoms do not always appear right away. It may take an hour or more for the swelling in the brain to show signs.
- Burn Injuries:Severe burns can be very serious and may put the victim at risk of infection. Burns can cause disfigurement, impacting the quality of life of the injured person.
- Internal Injuries:Anything internal can be life-threatening and not immediately evident. In a serious accident, it is always best to be checked out by an emergency room team.
How To Evaluate Damages After a Car Accident in Warner Robins
To determine the compensation you deserve, your Warner Robins attorney will need detailed information regarding yourinjuries and accident-related expenses, such as pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, towing services, rental cars, and property damages.
One of the most damaging factors to any personal injury claim is what is known as a "gap in treatment." This happens if an individual chooses to wait to seek medical treatment for accident injury damages or fails to show for doctor's appointments.
Seeking a physician's care immediately after your accident is crucial, even if you feel your injuries are minor. Waiting weeks or even days can greatly impact the result of your accident claim. Without detailed medical records and a consistent treatment history, there will be little or no evidence supporting and proving your injuries.
Filing A Car Accident Compensation Claim
Yourauto accident lawyerwill review the information obtained during the investigation process to file a lawsuit. Your lawyer will include the following in your accident injury claim:
- Injuries
- Damages
- Negligent Behavior
- Compensation Request
Your attorney will use your claim as leverage for a reasonable settlement for your losses. It is up to your attorney to negotiate on your behalf for a settlement while preparing your case for trial.
Your case will only proceed to trial if negotiations with the at-fault party are unsuccessful. It will then be up to the judge or jury to determine what amount of compensation you should receive.
If you are a victim of a motor vehicle accident, it is important to keep in mind that you should only speak with and disclose information to your auto accident attorney.
Making statements or comments to the wrong party could potentially harm your pursuit for compensation regarding your personal injury lawsuit.
Connect With the Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Warner Robins, Georgia
We have a team of committed attorneys who will help you receive the compensation you deserve for your car accident injury case. You should never have to handle a legal case alone.
Our skilled car accident attorneys are here to get you the most out of your claim for compensation so you can get on the road to recovery. If you or a loved one needs help after a car accident, hire an expert auto accident lawyer to handle your case. Please click on the button below for a free case review with one of our skilled car accident lawyers in Warner Robins, Georgia.
Frequently Asked Legal Questions About Car Accidents
What Will I Be Compensated for After a Car Accident?
If you were involved in a no-fault auto accident, you may receive the following economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages from the liable party:
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Consortium
- Mental Anguish
- Property Damage
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
What Do I Do After a Car Accident?
After a car collision, the first thing you should do is check to see if anyone needs medical attention. If you or anyone else involved in the accident is harmed, call 911 immediately and request an ambulance. Unless they're in immediate danger or you've been taught to do so, don't try to move someone who's been harmed.
If you are still able to drive, you may need to reposition your vehicle to avoid impeding traffic. Otherwise, it's preferable to leave the accident scene untouched until the cops arrive to complete an accident report. It is important to note that an accident report is a significant piece of documentation for your case. As soon as the police arrive, inquire about obtaining a copy of the official accident report.
Obtain the names and contact information of all participants in the accident, as well as any witnesses. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other people involved in the collision, but avoid getting angry by talking about who was at fault.
Stick to the truth and avoid saying anything that could be regarded as an admission of guilt. It's difficult to determine who is responsible for an accident, and you're not in a good position to do so at the scene.
Take picturesof the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any obvious injuries. Take photos of tire marks, important street signs, and traffic lights as well. If you do not have a smartphone to take photos, keep a disposable camera in your glovebox.
Write down any details you recall about the accident, such as the approximate time it occurred, where it occurred, and if weather or road conditions had a role in the collision.
Take the advice of paramedics on the scene. Seek medical care as soon as possible after you were involved in a car accident. Visit your primary care physician, the emergency room, or urgent care. Make sure you inform your doctor about all of your symptoms, from your head to your toes, even if they seem insignificant (such as stiffness, headaches, or dull pain). Internal damage from car accidents might take a long time to manifest symptoms; therefore, seeing a doctor is essential for your health. Get a second opinion if your medical treatment provider isn't taking your injuries seriously. If the accident is causing emotional pain, talk to a medical professional about the emotional damage the accident caused. This can include PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, or substance abuse.
Notify your insurance agent of the collision as soon as possible, but keep to the facts. Don't bring up the negligent driver.
Finally, please contact our Warner Robins legal team as soon as possible. Retaining an experienced car accident lawyerearly in the process will give you the best opportunity for an adequate accident settlement. Do not try to handle the insurance companies or the at-fault driver on your own.
What Do I Do if an Insurance Company Contacts Me?
Do nothing. If an insurance agent reaches out to you, do not say anything related to your case. This is your attorney's responsibility.
Both insurance companies will most likely contact you to make a statement about your accident. Depending on what you say, this can be used against you to reduce the amount of your settlement.
Although you may have to speak with the insurance adjuster eventually, you should always discuss your options with an experienced automobile accident attorney first. They will explain what you can and cannot say to the insurance provider to protect the value of your case.
How Much Does a Car Accident Attorney Cost?
If you were involved in an auto accident in Warner Robins, Georgia, the type of lawyer you choose to represent you is a personal injury attorney.
A personal injury attorney's concentration is helping accident victims. If you were in an accident caused by someone else's negligent actions, a personal injury lawyer would acquire you the financial compensation you deserve.
Thankfully, these attorneys work oncontingency. This means that you do not pay any straightforward legal fees, and your lawyer only collects a small percentage fee that comes out of your final settlement.
How Long Will It Take To Get My Car Accident Settlement?
The duration of time that it takes to resolve a lawsuit depends on many different circumstances.
First, you should contact an attorney soon after your accident so they can start their investigation.
Second, the extent of the injuries and the seriousness of the accident can affect the length of your case. Insurance companies want the injured party to complete their treatment so that all medical expenses are valued before they settle.
Finally, it depends on the settlement size and when you can get a court date (if you cannot settle in mediation). If you are prepared to accept a smaller settlement, then your lawyer can wrap up your case in a few months. If you are going after a greater settlement, the process is lengthier and could end up going to trial.
FAQs
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Georgia? ›
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average personal injury car accident claim in 2019 settled for $18,417. The average property damage car accident settlement came in at $4,525 that same year.
How long after an accident can you sue in Georgia? ›This time period is referred to as the “statute of limitations,” and in Georgia, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is two years.
How do I find the right car accident lawyer? ›- Clear Communication. A good lawyer will make it easy for you to understand what they will do to help you with your case. ...
- An engaged conversation. A good lawyer should be interested in your case. ...
- Willingness to provide references. ...
- An organized office space. ...
- Experience.
- Contact the Police. The police should always be called after any collision in Georgia. ...
- Gather As Much Evidence as You Can at the Scene. ...
- Contact the Insurance Company. ...
- See a Medical Professional. ...
- Call an Experienced Personal Injury Lawer. ...
- Get an Estimate for Your Damaged Car.
The bar for being eligible to receive financial compensation for pain and suffering in Georgia is 50 percent. For example, in a 2-car accident where each driver is equally at fault, neither driver will be able to file negligence claims.
How much can you sue for pain and suffering Georgia? ›The value of your pain and suffering damages is calculated by multiplying the per diem by the number of days it took you to recover. For example, your doctor released you 250 days after a motorcycle accident. Your per diem is $200. The value of your pain and suffering damages would be $50,000 ($200 x 250).
How long does an insurance company have to settle a claim in Georgia? ›Insurance companies in Georgia have 40 days to settle a claim after it is filed. Georgia insurance companies also have specific timeframes in which they must acknowledge the claim and then decide whether or not to accept it, before paying out the final settlement.
Is Georgia a no fault state for car accidents? ›Georgia is a “fault” state when it comes to auto insurance claims, which means when you get hurt in a car accident due to someone else's negligence, you have three options for seeking compensation for injuries and damages.
Why is my car accident settlement taking so long? ›Your settlement could be delayed because your case involves large damages, or put simply, a lot of money. In this case, insurance companies will delay paying money out on a settlement until they are confident about it. They will investigate every aspect of the case and every detail of the liability and damages.
How much is the average car accident payout? ›Average Car Accident Settlement Amounts Received in California. According to settlement data from across the United States, most reported cases generally settle for between $14,321 and $28,215. The average is around $21,000.
How much of a settlement to expect for a herniated disc in Georgia? ›
The median compensation payout for a herniated disc injury is between $80,000 to $150,000. Very serious herniated disc injuries (involving major complications) can be worth more than twice this amount.
How much are most car accident settlements? ›The average settlement amount for a car accident is approximately $41,783.00. This figure may be high in comparison to national averages across the United States because the data includes more car accident settlements involving serious injuries.
What to do if someone sues you for a car accident in Georgia? ›If someone has taken legal action against you after a car accident in Atlanta, GA, you typically must answer their complaint within 30 days of service. If you do not respond to the suit, the court may rule against you without giving your side of the story.