Car Accident Law Firm in Milton, Georgia

 

Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Milton, Georgia?

Auto accidents have the power to transform lives, causing emotional trauma, physical injuries, and financial hardships. Without proper legal guidance, the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. At The Mabra Firm, our dedicated Milton car accident lawyers provide compassionate legal services to individuals injured in accidents in the metro Milton area. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 40 million people require medical assistance for personal injuries each year, with roughly 5.5 million of those stemming from car accidents.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Milton

The moments immediately following a car accident are crucial, even though you may be disoriented or panicked. Our Milton car accident lawyers recommend following these seven steps:

1. Call Emergency Services: Dial 9-1-1 to request an ambulance to the accident scene. It's vital to seek medical attention promptly, as some injuries may not manifest immediately.

2. Gather Information: Exchange information with the other party involved in the accident. Obtain their name, phone number, address, license plate number, and insurance company details. This information is crucial for your insurance claim.

3. Preserve Evidence: Avoid letting anyone tamper with your vehicle or the accident debris. These pieces of evidence may be valuable in your claim later.

4. Cooperate with the Police: When law enforcement arrives, provide them with a detailed account of the accident. They will create a police report, which you can later use in your insurance claim.

5. Document the Scene: Take photographs of your vehicle to substantiate your property damage claim.

6. Contact Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the accident. However, consult with a lawyer before discussing the details, as they can provide guidance on handling the settlement process.

7. Consult a Lawyer: Reach out to a car accident lawyer in Milton, GA, before communicating with anyone else. Having legal advice ensures you navigate the complex settlement process effectively.

Initiating a Car Accident Claim

After contacting your insurance company and seeking legal counsel from The Mabra Firm, the personal injury claim process begins. Typically, it starts with filing a summons, followed by serving a complaint to the at-fault party.

However, there are exceptions, such as multi-vehicle accidents or cases involving at-fault employees. In such situations, your lawyer will explore whether the at-fault party has uninsured or underinsured coverage. If so, their insurance company may also be served with a complaint.

In cases where the at-fault party lacks insurance, you may need to file a personal injury claim with your own insurance company. In most instances, auto insurance provides compensation for injuries and damages.

Understanding Damages in Car Accident Cases

In car accident cases, two types of damages can be awarded: general damages and special damages.

General Damages

General damages encompass physical injuries and do not include property damage. These damages account for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, disfigurement, mental trauma, and PTSD, among others. Calculating the worth of these damages can be challenging due to their subjective nature.

Special Damages

Special damages pertain to specific financial losses, such as medical bills and property damage costs. These damages are more straightforward to calculate when estimating compensation.

Determining the Nature of Your Case

Car accident cases can be classified as either criminal or civil. Criminal cases are typically filed by the state government and prosecuted by attorneys. An example of a criminal case stemming from a car accident would be a DUI.

Civil claims, on the other hand, are handled by law firms or independent parties. In civil cases, the goal is to hold the other party accountable for injuries or damages. To succeed in a civil case, you must provide evidence, such as photographs and police reports, to establish the other party's liability.

The Role of Tort Laws

Tort laws address acts of negligence that result in personal injuries. In motor vehicle accidents, negligent tort law comes into play, signifying that an accident occurred due to a driver's failure to follow road safety rules. To substantiate a negligent tort, evidence of bodily harm or property damage must be provided.

Trial or Settlement?

The majority of car accident cases are resolved through settlements rather than going to trial. While a trial date is typically set, most cases are settled well before reaching the courtroom.

Trials are reserved for cases with significant legal issues, while settlements are favored when both parties can agree on terms. This approach often negates the need for a trial.

Statute of Limitations in Georgia

A statute of limitations imposes a time limit on filing a lawsuit. In Georgia, you have two years to file a claim for damages or wrongful death following a car accident. Failing to meet this deadline may render you ineligible for compensation.

Comparative Negligence in Milton, GA

Georgia operates under comparative negligence laws, which apply when both parties share fault. A jury determines the percentage of fault for each party involved. For instance, you may be found 40% at fault while the other party is deemed 60% at fault. Damages are then assigned accordingly.

Evaluating Settlement Offers

It's common to receive a settlement offer from the other party's insurance company soon after an accident. However, The Mabra Firm advises against accepting the initial offer. Insurance companies often aim to provide the lowest possible settlement. To maximize your compensation, consult with our experienced car accident lawyers.

Estimating Average Settlements

The settlement amount varies based on the specifics of your case and the extent of damages. An average settlement typically falls within the range of $4,000 to $80,000. To ensure you receive the highest possible settlement, build a strong case with witnesses, statements, and photographs while adhering to Georgia state laws.

Settlement Timeline

In Georgia, insurance companies have up to 40 days to settle a claim. Once you approve the settlement decision, expect to receive your check within six weeks to four months.

Compensation for Whiplash Injuries

For whiplash injuries, settlements generally range from $3,000 to $10,000. However, the severity of your whiplash and any associated factors can influence the settlement amount. Keep in mind that settlement funds may not be immediately disbursed.

Cost of a Car Accident Lawyer

Many Milton lawyers offer representation on a contingency basis, meaning they don't require upfront fees or hourly charges. Instead, they receive a portion of your settlement or award if they win your case. If the case is unsuccessful, you won't owe anything. Working with a reputable law firm is crucial to maximize your settlement within legal limits.

Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

Collaborating with a personal injury attorney from The Mabra Firm ensures your case proceeds smoothly. Our local personal injury lawyers have a track record of maximizing compensation in cases involving car wrecks, truck accidents, motorcycle wrecks, and other personal injury accidents. By enlisting their assistance, you can focus on healing while they navigate the legal complexities on your behalf.

Schedule a Free Consultation

If you've recently experienced a car accident and believe the other party is at fault, our trusted auto accident attorney in Milton is ready to assist you. Don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation, where we can address your questions and guide you towards obtaining the compensation you deserve.