An auto accident can occur any day. Many people assume that insurance will kick in if they become involved in an auto accident and they won’t have to worry about how they’ll pay their bills. However, in many cases, the best way to get fair compensation is to talk to an Atlanta car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
Since most personal injury attorneys offer a free, no-obligation consultation, it’s a good idea to have one review your case. This will give you an idea of what your claim is worth and whether you would benefit from hiring an attorney. Your lawyer won’t get paid unless you do so they won’t take your case if it’s not a good one.
Circumstances Under Which You Should Contact a Georgia Lawyer
If no one was injured in the crash and the damage to your vehicle was minor, you probably don’t need a lawyer. However, there are certain situations in which you need to seek legal advice.
Your Injuries Are Serious
If you were badly hurt, your case is likely to be worth quite a lot. Some injuries can lead to disfigurement, paralysis, and other serious complications. This is when the insurance company is likely to make you an unreasonably low offer. You may not know how much your case is truly worth but an experienced attorney will.
You Had to Miss Work Because of Your Injuries
Time off from work usually results in missed wages. The longer you’re unable to work, the more money you will lose. Some people are only able to take on modified duties when they return to the workplace and this tends to come with lower wages.
An auto accident lawyer can assist you with quantifying both the income you’ve already lost and that which you’re likely to lose in the future because of your car accident injuries.
You Aren’t Quite Sure How Serious Your Injuries Are
Injuries don’t always heal in an expected manner. Sometimes, treatments don’t seem to be working or pain continues for a long time. It’s not uncommon for accident victims to feel like they’ll never get better. A lawyer can help to ensure that you see the correct specialists and also hold the insurance company accountable for any future treatment you need as a result of the crash.
The Money the Insurance Company Is Offering Doesn’t Cover Your Injuries
It can be very costly to treat injuries resulting from an auto accident. If your doctor has quoted a price that’s far above what the insurance company wants to pay you, you shouldn’t accept the offer. Your attorney can assist you in getting the treatment you need while negotiating a larger payout that would cover the cost. If necessary, they can also pursue the matter in court.
The Insurance Company Says You’re Responsible for Your Injuries
This happens more often than you may think. The other party’s insurer may say that you got your injuries in another way or you took too long to seek treatment and exacerbated your injuries. This can reduce the amount they pay you or even result in complete denial of your claim. If the insurance company is blaming you, you need to seek representation from a lawyer.
Why You Need to Consult an Atlanta Auto Accident Lawyer Promptly
Car accident victims often wait until they run into difficulties to look for a lawyer. However, it’s best to get in touch with an attorney the same day the accident occurs or a day or two after, at most. Of course, if your injuries are severe, you may not be able to seek prompt legal advice. However, you should act as soon as you’re able to do so. There are several reasons for this.
Firstly, the statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits in Georgia is typically two years. This means that you may not be able to take the matter to court if more than two years have passed since the accident. Attorneys need time to build a case and negotiate a fair settlement. If you approach a lawyer when the statute of limitations is almost up, they may not take your case.
Insurance companies also tend to have deadlines. Whether you’re seeking compensation under the other driver’s insurance policy or your uninsured/underinsured policy, you’ll likely be required to make contact in a reasonable time.
Meanwhile, if a government entity is involved, you may have just six months or a year to notify them about your intention to file a claim. If you miss an important deadline, it can be very difficult to get the compensation you deserve. When you hire an auto accident lawyer, they will ensure you do everything on time.
Another reason why you’ll want to act promptly is that evidence may not be around for too long. Things like skid marks and debris from the crash can help to prove certain facts about the accident. Therefore, they need to be photographed before they’re gone. You’ll also want to seek out footage from any cameras in the area before it’s deleted. If you hire a lawyer on the same day of the crash, they’ll move quickly to preserve the available evidence.
It‘s also important to get eyewitness accounts when individuals’ memories are fresh and they’re still motivated to talk about what they saw. Someone on the scene may have noticed that the other driver ran a red light or they were weaving in and out of their lane. This information can help you to build your case and get the compensation you need.
Get in Touch With Calvin Smith Law Today!
If you’ve suffered injuries in an accident, don’t delay in contacting a personal injury attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. The sooner you schedule a consultation and hire a lawyer if necessary, the more likely it is that you’ll get fair compensation.
Even if you can’t seek legal advice immediately after the crash, you should do so at the earliest possible opportunity. Your first consultation is free so you have nothing to lose by having one of our attorneys review your case. Contact us today to get started!
