How Can a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

While you may feel you can handle dealing with the aftermath of a car accident on your own, an experienced Georgia car accident lawyer can maximize the compensation you receive, while also easing the burden of dealing with the legal system alone.   As part of their representation, a Georgia car accident lawyer will:

Explain How Georgia Law Works

A good Georgia car accident lawyer will explain how the law works regarding car accidents and negligence.  They should explain that in every car accident case you have to prove the other drivers careless or negligent actions were the cause of the accident.  Additionally, they have to prove that you were damaged as a result of the careless of negligent actions of the other driver.

Investigate the Accident

A good lawyer will spend a large amount of time at the beginning of your case thoroughly investigating the accident.   For example, if you were injured in an auto accident at an intersection, your injury lawyer will want to know about lights, traffic signals, speed limits, or traffic signs that control access to the highway.  This also includes includes the investigating the lighting conditions, any obstructions in the roadway, or anything else that could have caused or contributed to the accident.  Additionally, you lawyer will begin to collect evidence such as:

• Accident scene photos, videos, and diagrams if they exist
• Tracking down and interview witnesses
• Gathering police reports
• Getting photos of vehicles involved
• Documenting any adverse conditions at accident sites such as bad weather, obstructions the road, etc.

Some cases may be more time consuming to investigate than others, such as accidents involving rideshare companies, commercial trucks, and public transportation.

Ensure Legal Deadlines are Met

A care accident lawyer will always ensure that legal deadlines, such as the statute of limitations, are met.   The statute of limitations provides a deadline for when you can seek compensation for damages in a personal injury case. The limitation in Georgia for most car accident injury claims is two years, but sometimes you are required to give notice of your claim for injuries much sooner.  Due to the statute of limitations in Georgia, it is important to hire a lawyer in Georgia as soon as you possibly can following a car accident.

Document Losses and Injuries

A Georgia car accident lawyer can help you identify all of the losses you have suffered.  Car accidents can result in a variety of losses.  These can range from damage to a vehicle to serious physical injuries, as well as anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or any other mental/emotional pain and suffering.  You lawyer will do this by gathering documents to prove:

• Cost to repair or replace property
• Cost of current or anticipated medical bills
• Lost wages for the time you missed from work due to the car accident
• Loss or reduction in earning capacity, in the event your injuries are so serious you are unable to do the type of work you have performed in the past
• Emotional pain and anguish
• Loss of consortium
• Funeral and burial costs (if a loved one died as a result of their injuries)

Examples of the types of documents you car accident lawyer will gather include repair estimates, medical bills & records, and pay stubs.

Prepare for Trial/Settlement

All of the investigating and documenting is ultimately done in order to prepare your case for trial/settlement.  A Georgia car accident lawyer will us the gathered information to build your case and establish a strategy.  A car accident attorney will prepare for trial/settlement:

• File a claim with the other drivers insurance company
• Communicate with insurance companies, lawyers, and any other involved parties on your behalf
• Negotiate for a fair settlement
• Hire an expert to testify on your behalf
• Representing you in court for any pre-trial hearings or motions
• Try the case in front of a civil jury or judge (if it is a bench trial)
• Keeping you updated throughout the process and address any concerns or questions you have

How Much Do Car Accidents Lawyers Charge in Georgia?

     Georgia Car Accident Lawyers charge a contingency fee.  A contingency fee mean you will pay the lawyer a certain percentage of the money you receive if you win the case or settle out of court.

• If you lose your case, the lawyer does not receive any payment from you.
• However, whether you win or lose your case, you will have to pay some or all of the court costs and other expenses, which can be quite high. Ask the lawyer for an estimate of such costs before you get started.
• If you agree to a contingency fee, make sure the written fee agreement specifies the lawyer’s percentage and whether their share will be figured before or after other costs are deducted.
• Contingency fee agreements must also state whether you will be required to pay the lawyer for related matters not specified in the fee agreement, which may arise as a result of your case.
• Most car accident contingency fees range anywhere from 25% - 40% depending on how complicated/risky the case is.

Why Should I Hire SWS Accident & Injury Lawyers?

Georgia car accident victims sometimes believe that not hiring a car accident lawyer will  save them money. This belief has repeatedly been disproven.

The insurance company will have its attorneys representing their case.  The attorneys at SWS Accident & Injury Lawyers will ensure your legal rights are protected and you receive the maximum compensation possible.   Learn more about how our car accident lawyers can help  you by contacting SWS Accident & Injury Lawyers today at 770-214-2500 for a free consultation.