Car accidents happen in split seconds, but the consequences can last up to a lifetime. Many people don’t realize how much an accident has hurt them until much later.
This is why it’s important to seek medical attention immediately after a car crash and talk to a car accident attorney. Your attorney will be able to help protect your rights and ensure that you get the proper medical treatment.
At John B. Jackson in Rome, GA, our experienced Rome car accident lawyers have decades of experience helping car accident victims to get the justice they deserve. We have the knowledge and the tools needed to get you the compensation you rightfully deserve for all your injuries and damages.
We always listen to our clients compassionately, and we fight hard to ensure your rights are well-protected. Get in touch with our personal injury lawyers today at 770-834-0345 to learn more about how we can help.
Car Accident Statistics in Georgia
In 2020, there were 331, 796 car crashes in the state of Georgia, according to data from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). Of this number, 1,588 were fatal, and about 125,000 of them resulted in injuries.
GDOT data also highlights that 1,730 people lost their lives in car crashes in 2020, which is an increase from the 1,417 reported the previous year. The National Safety Council showed 911 total crash fatalities in Georgia for the first half of 2021.
How Much Does a Rome Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most car accident lawyers work on what is known as a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t have to pay any legal fees to access the services of the law firm or lawyer you choose. You only pay when they have successfully recovered compensation on your behalf.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
There are some things you can do to help your case after you are involved in a car crash.
Call the Authorities
This can be the police or simply 911. Contacting the authorities will help to not only get help at the scene of the accident but also create an official record of the crash.
Check on the Other Involved Parties
Be sure to check on the other people involved in the crash to provide first aid and keep them out of danger. Don’t leave the scene of the accident!
Exchange information
Collect the contact details of the parties at the scene of the accident. Be sure to note all the important details, including phone numbers, names, addresses, and license or insurance information.
Record the Scene and Never Admit Fault
It’s always wise to use your phone to take photos and videos of the scene of the accident and the injuries you and the other victims sustained, the damages to vehicles, and skid marks.
Don’t apologize or say anything that could be interpreted as you admitting fault for the crash.
Consult a Car Accident Attorney
Get in touch with a trustworthy Rome car accident lawyer and have them handle the legal side of things on your behalf while you focus on making a full recovery.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident?
The amount of compensation you can get will mainly depend on the negotiations between you and the defendant, and the other parties who are found liable for the crash.
Based on the data provided by the Insurance Information Institute, car accident claims for bodily injury in 2019 were settled for an average of about $18,417. The average property damage settlement stands at about $4,525 for the same year.
When Should I Get a Lawyer for My Auto Accident?
While making the decision, you should also ask yourself the following: Do you have the skills to negotiate with the insurance company for the highest possible settlement amount? Can you get the resources required to fight an insurance company in court? What if the insurance company refuses to settle out of court for the amount you deserve, do you have the time and resources to go after them in court?
If you answered “no” to these questions, you should hire a lawyer for your car accident to handle the case on your behalf.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
Here are some of the ways our team can assist with your car accident case in Rome, Georgia.
Case Preparation
Your lawyer will be responsible for collecting all the available evidence, conducting witness interviews, and investigating the backgrounds of the relevant parties to build you a strong case. Your lawyer will also know what paperwork to file, where and when to file it, who to send it to, and the deadlines to meet.
Settlement Negotiations
It’s rare for insurance companies to offer you a fair settlement amount right off the bat. Your lawyer will be aware of how much your case is worth and will meet with the insurance companies on your behalf to negotiate a fair amount.
Trial Preparation and Representation
If the defendant cannot reach a fair settlement amount, your lawyer will proceed to take your case to court. At John B. Jackson, our lawyers have extensive experience in handling court trials, and we can effectively convince the jury or judge why you need the maximum compensation amount.
How Much Can I Expect to Receive for My Damages?
It’s nearly impossible to calculate the precise settlement amounts for car accidents cases considering every case has a unique background and surrounding factors. Some of the most important factors in car accident cases include the property damage involved, the nature and severity of injuries, and the insurance policies involved. Your lawyer can help estimate the range of compensation awards you can receive.
What Type of Damages Can I Recover?
In a Rome, GA car accident lawsuit, there are three types of damages you can potentially recover.
Economic Damages
These are tangible damages that can be calculated and verified objectively. They include medical expenses, lost wages and the capacity to earn, and property damage.
Non-Economic Damages
These are intangible damages that are hard to determine or calculate objectively. They are meant to cover things like mental anguish, pain and suffering, diminished enjoyment of life, psychological trauma, and loss of companionship.
Punitive Damages
These are special damages only awarded in rare cases to serve as additional penalties to the defendant for extremely reckless, negligent, careless, or malicious actions intended to harm the victim, or as gross disregard for human life.
How Is Fault Determined in a Georgia Car Accident?
Georgia is what is known as an “at-fault state” meaning that the driver that is deemed responsible for the crash is responsible for the injuries and damages suffered in the collision. To determine fault, you have to establish the following:
- Duty of care: The driver should have owed you a duty to act or meet a certain level of a standard of care. For car accident cases, every motorist has a duty of care to all other road users.
- Breach of duty: The other driver violated their duty of care toward you, causing the crash.
- Causation: the injuries and damages you incurred are a direct result of the breach of duty of care by the defendant.
- Damages: You should demonstrate that you suffered damages in one way or another.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Case in Rome, Georgia?
The statute of limitations for car collisions in Georgia is 2 years from the date of the accident. Failure to file your claim within this deadline could mean you forfeit your rights to bring the claim in the future.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me File My Insurance Claim?
Bringing a car accident claim should ideally be handled by an experienced lawyer so that you can focus on making a full recovery. Your lawyer will be responsible for facilitating the following:
- Gathering and organizing evidence
- Writing and sending demand letters
- Interviewing witnesses and obtaining their statements
- Pursuing any legal documents required in support of your case
- Obtaining the necessary industry experts that can testify on your behalf
- Handling settlement negotiations with the defendant
- Facilitating communication with other lawyers
What Can I Do If Insurance Denies My Claim?
You can always file an appeal in case your claim is denied in Georgia. Alternatively, you can file a complaint with the Insurance Commission or file a lawsuit depending on the circumstances of your case. Our team of car accident lawyers can help you with the appeals process.
Do I Have a Case?
It’s completely normal to wonder if you have a case. To be sure, get in touch with our office at 770-834-0345 and schedule a free case evaluation.
What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
According to Georgia law, every driver is required to carry insurance. If you get into a crash with a driver that doesn’t have insurance, you might have to file a claim against them directly, especially if your policy doesn’t cover underinsured or uninsured motorists.
How Do I Obtain an Accident Report?
Your accident report is available a few days after the crash at your local sheriff’s office or the police department that attended to your accident. You can also obtain it at the State Patrol office that is nearest to the scene of the accident, or on sites such as BuyCrash.com.
Consult with an Experienced Rome, GA, Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident that wasn’t their fault, you might be entitled to compensation. Call us today at 770-834-0345 to learn more about your legal options and how we can help you receive your full compensation. Our team at John B. Jackson offers car accident victims a free consultation!
