Lawrenceville Car Accident Lawyer

 Car Accident Attorney in Lawrenceville, GA

In Search of a Car Accident Attorney in Lawrenceville, Georgia?

Car accidents can have a profound impact on your life and the lives of your loved ones. Dealing with the emotional trauma, physical injuries, and financial burdens can be overwhelming without the right legal support. At The Mabra Firm, our team of dedicated car accident attorneys in Lawrenceville provides compassionate and committed legal services to individuals injured in accidents throughout the greater Lawrenceville area. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 40 million people sustain personal injuries each year that require medical attention, with around 5.5 million of these incidents stemming from car accidents.

This high prevalence of car accidents makes it common for victims of negligence to turn to a personal injury law firm and initiate a claim. However, this often leads to numerous questions about the legal process and how it works.

Filing a claim can indeed be a complex journey with many twists and turns. If you have questions about your accident, your search for answers ends here. Our car accident law firm is equipped with responses to your most frequently asked questions. Let's begin by understanding precisely what steps to take after an auto accident.

Looking for a Car Accident Attorney in Lawrenceville, Georgia? What to Do After a Car Accident in Lawrenceville The immediate actions you take following a car crash can significantly impact the outcome. Understandably, accidents can leave you disoriented or anxious. Our car accident attorneys in Lawrenceville recommend adhering to these seven crucial steps:

  1. Call Emergency Services: The first action to take is to dial 9-1-1 immediately. This ensures prompt medical attention for all involved parties, as injuries may not always be apparent at first, and some may surface hours or even days later.

  2. Gather Information: After seeking medical help, it's essential to collect the other driver's information. Preserve any evidence related to the accident. Avoid letting anyone tamper with your vehicle or any debris on the road. When speaking with the other driver, obtain their:

    • Name
    • Phone number
    • Address
    • License plate number
    • Insurance company details

    This information is vital for your insurance claim and can prove invaluable if the other party attempts to deny involvement.

  3. Cooperate with the Police: When the police arrive at the scene, provide them with a detailed account of the accident. The police report they generate can be requested and used as evidence in your insurance claim. It's worth noting that if the accident occurred on private property, police jurisdiction may be limited.

  4. Document the Scene: Take photographs of your vehicle to document damages to your property, which is crucial for your claim.

  5. Contact Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the accident. However, before communicating with the other party's insurance, consult with a lawyer. Legal guidance is essential to navigate this delicate situation effectively.

  6. Hire an Attorney: Many people make the mistake of contacting the insurance company before consulting with an attorney. It's advisable to speak with a lawyer before engaging in any other conversations. This ensures that you receive expert advice on handling the settlement process.

How Does a Car Accident Claim Commence? Once you've reached out to your insurance company and The Mabra Firm, the process of initiating a personal injury claim begins. Initially, this involves filing a summons, with the attorney serving a complaint to the at-fault party. However, exceptions may apply, especially in cases involving multiple parties or accidents where the at-fault party was on the job.

In such scenarios, your lawyer may investigate whether the responsible party possesses uninsured or underinsured coverage, potentially leading to an additional complaint being served to their insurance company.

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

What Are Damages in Car Accident Cases? Following a car accident, two categories of damages may be awarded: general damages and special damages. Damages refer to the monetary compensation granted in a case. Let's delve into these two types of damages:

General Damages: General damages encompass injuries to your person and do not cover damage to personal property. Instead, they pertain to compensation for pain and suffering resulting from the accident. This category includes:

  • Loss of Consortium
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Disfigurement
  • Mental Trauma
  • PTSD

Determining the value of general damages can be challenging, as they are subjective and vary from case to case. Severe mental trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can also fall under this category. It's important to note that symptoms of PTSD can manifest up to 30 days after the accident, so be attentive to any signs of motor vehicle-related PTSD.

Special Damages: Special damages encompass tangible losses, such as medical bills and damage to physical property. If the accident results in hospitalization, the responsible party is obligated to cover the associated expenses. Physical damages also encompass:

  • Vehicle repairs
  • Property damage repairs
  • Compensation for irreplaceable items

Special damages are generally easier to calculate compared to general damages, as they involve concrete financial figures.

Is My Car Accident Case Criminal or Civil? Distinguishing between a criminal case and a civil claim hinges on several factors. Criminal cases are typically initiated by state governments and led by prosecuting attorneys. In car accident scenarios, driving under the influence (DUI) is an example of a criminal case, as it is illegal to operate a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Conversely, civil claims are managed by law firms or independent entities. Their objective is to hold the other party accountable for injuries and damages. To establish a successful civil case, you must provide evidence, such as photographs, police reports, and statements, to demonstrate that you are not at fault.

Understanding Tort Laws Tort laws revolve around acts of negligence that result in personal injuries. These laws exist to safeguard the rights of injured or wronged parties and ensure they receive rightful compensation. In the context of motor vehicle accidents, negligent tort law comes into play, signifying that the accident occurred due to a driver's failure to adhere to road safety regulations. To establish a negligent tort, you must provide evidence of bodily harm or property damage.

Will My Case Go to Trial? The majority of cases do not proceed to trial. While a trial date may be scheduled, most claims reach a settlement long before entering the courtroom. Only in rare instances, characterized by complex legal issues, does a case proceed to court. If both parties agree to a settlement, you can typically avoid the courtroom entirely.

What Are The Statute of Limitations in Georgia? Statute of limitations establishes a time frame within which you can initiate a lawsuit. In Georgia, you have a two-year window to file a claim for damages or wrongful death. After this period elapses, you lose eligibility to pursue legal action.

If the accident isn't entirely the other driver's fault, you may still be entitled to compensation, thanks to comparative negligence.

What Is Comparative Negligence in Lawrenceville, GA? Comparative negligence is a concept under tort law that applies when both parties share fault. In such cases, you and the defendant are both considered partially responsible for a negligent act. Georgia is among the states that adhere to this law. In comparative negligence scenarios, a jury determines the percentage of fault for each party. For example, you may be found 40% at fault while the other party is responsible for 60%. Consequently, each party is assigned a proportionate amount to pay in damages.

Should I Accept the First Settlement Offered? After your accident, you will likely receive a settlement offer from the other party's insurance company. It's advisable to refrain from accepting the initial offer, as insurance companies often aim to provide the lowest possible amount to conclude the claim. Collaborating with an attorney from The Mabra Firm is in your best interest. Our experienced team can guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive the maximum compensation from insurance companies.

What Is an Average Settlement? The settlement amount hinges on the specifics of your case and the extent of damages incurred. A typical range for settlements falls between $4,000 and $80,000. To secure the highest settlement possible, it is essential to build a strong case with evidence that may include witnesses, statement reports, and photographs. Familiarize yourself with Georgia state laws and maintain open communication with your attorney to ensure a smooth and organized progress.

How Long Does It Take to Receive My Settlement? In Georgia, insurance companies have up to 40 days to reach a settlement. Once you approve their decision, you can expect to receive a check within six weeks to four months. It's crucial to be patient during this process.

How Much Compensation Can I Expect for a Whiplash Injury? If you suffer from whiplash symptoms, you can file a claim and anticipate a settlement ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. However, the severity of your whiplash can vary, potentially leading to higher settlement amounts for cases involving broken bones or more severe injuries. It's important to note that the settlement funds typically do not become available immediately after reaching an agreement.

Is It Possible to Pursue Compensation Without a Lawyer? While it's conceivable to pursue compensation without legal representation, it's essential to understand the advantages of hiring a car accident lawyer to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What Is the Cost of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer? Many Kennesaw lawyers offer representation on a contingency basis, meaning they do not require upfront payments or hourly fees. Instead, they receive a percentage of your settlement or award if they win your case. In the event of an unsuccessful case, you won't owe them anything. Collaborating with a reputable law firm increases your chances of securing the maximum allowable settlement.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Assist You? By enlisting the expertise of a personal injury attorney from The Mabra Firm, you can ensure a smoother journey through the legal process. Our local personal injury lawyers boast a proven track record in vital areas, such as maximizing compensation for our clients. With extensive experience in personal injury cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle wrecks, and other personal injury incidents, we handle the complexities of your case, alleviating additional stress from your life. You can concentrate on your recovery, confident that we're diligently working to bolster your claim.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Car Accident Lawyer in Kennesaw This comprehensive guide aims to address the pressing questions frequently encountered by personal injury accident victims. We trust that it has provided you with valuable insights. Remember that a skilled attorney can make all the difference when seeking restitution for a negligent act.

If you've recently been involved in a car accident and believe the other party is at fault, The Mabra Firm is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. We'll address any remaining questions you may have and assist you in commencing the journey towards obtaining the compensation you rightfully deserve.

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