Yes, you should consider hiring a lawyer. If you’ve been involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, hiring a lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
While it might be tempting to handle the situation independently, there are several compelling reasons to seek professional legal assistance following a car accident in Georgia.
10 Reasons to get a lawyer after a car accident
Here are key reasons to consider legal representation:
1. Protect your rights
A Savannah car accident lawyer will protect your legal rights throughout the process. We will handle communications with insurance companies and other parties involved, ensuring you are treated fairly.
Our legal professionals are well-versed in insurance companies’ tactics to minimize or deny claims, and they can effectively counter these strategies.
Find out how a car accident attorney from our law firm can help you with your personal injury claim!
2. Maximize your compensation
We understand how to evaluate the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We will work to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
This includes considering future expenses related to your injury, such as:
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Rehabilitation
- Potential long-term impacts on your earning capacity
3. Navigate complex legal processes
An experienced Augusta car accident lawyer from our team will guide you through the steps, from filing claims to negotiating settlements or going to court if necessary.
We ensure that all legal procedures are followed correctly, preventing mistakes that could harm your case. This includes understanding and adhering to state-specific laws and regulations that may affect your claim.
4. Handle insurance companies
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. We can effectively negotiate with insurers on your behalf, preventing them from taking advantage of you. Your assigned lawyer will also have experience dealing with insurance adjusters and know how to counteract common tactics used to devalue or deny claims.
In addition, we will handle all communications with the insurance company, ensuring that your statements are not used against you.
5. Gather evidence
Building a strong case requires thorough evidence collection. Our lawyers have the resources and expertise to gather and present evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements.
We can also employ accident reconstruction experts and other specialists to strengthen your case. Comprehensive evidence is paramount for proving liability and demonstrating the full extent of your damages.
6. Provide peace of mind
Knowing that a professional is handling your case allows you to focus on recovery without the added stress of legal battles. Our support can provide reassurance and confidence in the process. We manage the legal complexities, allowing you to concentrate on your physical and emotional healing.
This peace of mind is invaluable during a challenging time.
7. Expertise in personal injury law
A car accident lawyer in North Augusta, SC, knows laws and regulations specific to car accidents. Our expertise can be critical in building a strong case and achieving a favorable outcome.
We understand legal precedents and how to apply them to your case. Additionally, our familiarity with local courts and judges can be advantageous during legal proceedings.
8. Expedite the claims process
Legal proceedings can be time-consuming. A lawyer from our firm can help expedite the process by ensuring all documentation is submitted promptly and correctly. They also keep track of deadlines and procedural requirements, preventing delays that could slow down your case. This efficiency can lead to a quicker resolution and faster compensation.
9. Contingency fee basis
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible without upfront costs, ensuring you have the support you need regardless of your financial situation.
It also aligns our interests with yours, as we are motivated to secure the best possible outcome.
Additional reading: no win no fee
10. Access to medical care and treatment
We are networked with medical professionals who can provide treatment on a lien basis, meaning you can receive necessary medical care without immediate payment. This access ensures that you get the treatment you need while your case is being resolved. Proper medical documentation from these professionals can also strengthen your case.
11. Handling denied claims
When insurance claims are unfairly denied or underpaid, our attorneys are adept at appealing and fighting to secure a fair resolution. With a strong understanding of the law and persuasive negotiation skills, we challenge the insurer’s decision by presenting compelling evidence to support the client’s position.
If the initial appeal is unsuccessful, our attorneys prepare to take further steps, including arbitration or litigation if needed. Our determination and resilience often lead to overturning denials and achieving settlements that truly reflect the damages suffered.
12. Diverting blame
Insurance companies sometimes deny a claim by shifting the blame onto the victims of the accident. This tactic often involves asking the victim to recount the events and probing whether they could have acted differently.
When communicating with insurance companies, it’s important to be cautious, as they may try to twist your words against you, even if you are trying to be positive about the incident and the severity of your injuries.
Our team can manage these interactions, ensuring that your statements are not misconstrued and that your interests are protected.
Additional reading: can you sue someone for a hit and run
Contact us today to find out how one of our personal injury lawyers can prove the other party’s negligence and get you a settlement offer you deserve.
When to get an attorney for a car accident
After a car accident, you might wonder if and when you should hire an attorney. There are specific situations of when to hire a car accident lawyer in Georgia. Here are key scenarios where getting an attorney is advisable:
- Serious injuries: If you or someone else involved in the accident has sustained serious injuries, it’s essential to have an attorney. Serious injuries can lead to extensive medical bills, long-term care, and significant financial impact, which require professional legal help to ensure proper compensation.
- Disputed liability: When there is a dispute over who is at fault for the accident, an attorney can help gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a strong case to prove liability. This can be critical in protecting your rights and interests.
- Insurance company issues: If the insurance company is delaying, denying, or undervaluing your claim, an attorney can step in to negotiate on your behalf. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and a lawyer can ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Complex cases: Accidents involving multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, or public transportation can be complex. An attorney can navigate these complexities, including dealing with multiple parties and insurance companies, to ensure a favorable outcome.
- Wrongful death: In the tragic event of a fatality resulting from the accident, a lawyer can help the victim’s family pursue a wrongful death claim. This includes seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.
- Long-term or permanent disability: If the accident results in long-term or permanent disability, an attorney can help calculate future damages and compensate you for ongoing medical care, loss of earning capacity, and other long-term impacts.
- Legal deadlines: Car accident claims are subject to strict legal deadlines, known as statutes of limitations. An attorney will ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time, preventing you from missing critical deadlines that could jeopardize your case.
Additional reading: is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident
When you DO NOT need a car accident lawyer
In some situations, hiring a car accident lawyer may not be necessary. Here are scenarios where you might handle the case on your own:
- No injuries: You might not need a lawyer if no one was injured in the accident, which was likely a minor fender bender. Simple property damage claims can often be resolved directly with insurance companies.
- Clear liability: The claims process can be straightforward when liability is clear and both parties agree on who has been more negligent. In these cases, a lawyer might not be necessary as the insurance companies will handle the car accident case and settlement based on clear facts.
- Minimal damage: If the costs are within the limits of your insurance coverage, you can handle the claim yourself.
- Insurance cooperation: If your insurance company is cooperative, communicates effectively, and offers a fair settlement, you may not need a lawyer. This is often the case when the accident is minor, and the insurer processes the claim smoothly.
- Sufficient coverage: This includes situations where both parties have sufficient insurance to cover property damage and any minor medical expenses.
- Familiarity with the process: If you have previous experience dealing with insurance claims and are comfortable navigating the process, you might handle a straightforward accident claim on your own without legal assistance.
Car accident statistics in Georgia
In 2020, motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) were the second leading cause of injury deaths and the second leading cause of hospitalizations and ER visits in Georgia. These crashes include traffic and non-traffic incidents, impacting Georgians across all ages and regions.
Notably, in 2020, motor vehicle traffic deaths were the leading cause of injury deaths for children aged 5 to 14 and the second leading cause of death among adults aged 25 and older. That same year, Georgia recorded the fourth-highest number of traffic fatalities (1,664) in the nation despite being the eighth most populous state in the United States.
Additional reading: Car accident lawyer fees Georgia
How we can help you after a car accident
Our experienced law firm is here to help We will guide you through the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or vehicle repairs, we have the expertise to manage every aspect of your case.
Our Georgia car accident team understands the complexities of car accident claims and will work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf. Our goal is to maximize your compensation, covering not just the immediate costs but also any long-term impacts on your life.
Don’t work through this challenging time alone. We operate throughout Georgia and are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice and financial support you need.