At some point, most of us are going to be in some sort of car accident. Perhaps it’s just a minor rear-end accident. Or, maybe you’re the passenger in a car that is hit from behind. If the accident is minor, you may not even remember it a year or two later. However, if it’s serious, it can impact the rest of your life. In this type of of crash, a car accident lawyer in Atlanta can be a huge help.
Whenever you’re in any sort of motor vehicle accident in Atlanta, there are three (3) things you need to do:
Call 911
No matter how minor the crash may seem, you need to report the crash. If the other driver asks or insists that you not call the police, you still need to call them. There is never a good reason to agree to not call the cops. They’ll come out to the scene and make sure everyone’s okay. They’ll arrange for an ambulance to come and transport anyone who is injured in the emergency room. The police will also make sure they check to see if either of the drivers are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Finally, the officer will fill out a police report which your car accident lawyer in Atlanta will need in order to prove your case.
You need to go to the Hospital
We understand that nobody wants to spend hours in an emergency room. However, you really have no idea whether you’re injured or not. Even if you see no blood or feel no broken bones, that means nothing. You could have internal injuries. Plus, you’ll need medical documentation so your accident attorney in Georgia can prove your damages.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Right Away
There is no law that says you have to do this. You have every right to handle your accident claim by yourself. However, this isn’t always the wisest thing to do.
You may wonder why you would need to hire a car accident lawyer. Here, we’ll talk about a few of the key reasons why you’ll appreciate the help of a skilled accident lawyer.
Your Attorney Will Deal with the Insurance Company So You Can Focus on Getting Better
If you’re injured in a car accident, the last thing you’re going to want to do is to deal with the insurance company. You’re going to be in pain. You’ll probably have to go to various doctor’s appointments to get tests and treatments. You will not want to sit on the phone fighting with the insurance adjuster who doesn’t want to pay your claim.
While you’re doing what you can to get better, your Atlanta car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance adjuster on your behalf. They’ll file your claim appeal if need be. They’ll also deal with the calls, letters, and emails back and forth with the insurance company. You don’t realize how much time goes into this until you’re knee-deep in it.
A Skilled Car Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Knows the Law in Georgia
There are certain legal requirements when it comes to filing a car accident lawsuit in Georgia. Your Atlanta car accident lawyer knows what these requirements are. For example, here are some of the technical things that must be done in order for your lawsuit to be properly filed:
It must be filed within the statute of limitations as prescribed by Georgia law. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for a car accident case is two (2) years. If you miss this deadline, your claim will be dismissed and you won’t be able to recover anything at all.
A copy of your original complaint must be properly served on the defendant. This is a fancy way of saying that you need to be able to prove that a copy was either mailed to them or personally delivered to them. Your attorney has companies that can guarantee service to the defendant.
You must pay certain filing fees. Your attorney knows what these fees are. If you’re a penny short, your case will be dismissed and you’ll have to refile it. If this happens too close to the statute of limitations running out, your case may be worthless.
You must include certain information in your complaint. This also means that you need to include all potential defendants in your claim. If you forget to mention a certain defendant, they’ll be off the hook. Your Atlanta car accident lawyer will make sure every possible defendant is named and served.
Contact a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia Right Away
While you’re not required to hire a car accident lawyer, it is a good idea to at least meet with one. Call our personal injury law firm in Atlanta, GA right away and schedule your free initial consultation. And remember – you pay nothing until your case is settled.
