Car accidents – even those which appear to be minor ones – can be frightening experiences. The force and sounds of one vehicle slamming into another can terrify victims and place them in immediate shock. Adrenaline and endorphins kick in as a biological defense mechanism and to block the pain. This reaction helps many victims get through the immediate aftermath of the crash. However, it can cause victims to mistakenly believe they are fine when they are not fine at all. In fact, they might have sustained catastrophic injuries that without treatment can lead to additional health risks or even death.
One thing that every car accident lawyer in Dekalb County GA from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch has learned over the years is that accident victims may brush off a collision that later reveals itself to be quite serious. This is why anyone who has been in a car accident should immediately seek medical attention even if they do not think they were injured. This process also makes it much easier to later hold the at-fault driver responsible for the victim’s damages. Learn about Who to Contact after a Crash.
Delayed Symptoms
There are many types of car accident injuries that may not present symptoms right away. Each car accident lawyer in Dekalb County GA from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch has seen many examples of this. Some of the delayed symptoms that could indicate a concussion or other serious brain injury includes:
- Abnormal sleep patterns
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty remembering information
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Inability to concentrate
- Lack of energy
- Nausea
A car accident lawyer in Dekalb County GA from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch can tell you that delayed symptoms may occur with any soft tissue injury. These injuries involve damage to ligament, muscles, or tendons. One of the most common soft tissue injury is whiplash which happens when the head is snapped back and forth upon crash impact. This can cause the neck muscles to severely strain. Common symptoms of a soft tissue injury include:
- Back pain
- Loss of mobility
- Neck pain
- Numbness
- Shoulder pain
- Swelling
If you experience any type of odd symptoms following a car accident, contact your doctor immediately. Injuries that were initially diagnosed as minor ones could actually be something much more serious. Keep copies of your medical paperwork to present to a car accident lawyer in Dekalb County GA from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch, P.C. who can help you file a claim for reimbursement from the at-fault driver.
The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch is a respected auto accident attorney Dekalb County GA drivers have turned to for years to represent them. Andrew Lynch is a skilled attorney with many years of experience helping accident victims get the justice they deserve. If you have been injured due to another driver’s negligence, you may be unsure of your legal rights. You may also be wondering what steps you should take next. Call our office today to arrange a free case review to get started.
Types of Personal Injury Damages that May Be Available After Your Car Accident
Collecting fair coverage after an accident isn’t always straight forward or simple, especially if determining fault for the accident becomes difficult or if the incident involves a driver of a large corporation and their insurance company has tough insurance adjusters. Understanding the types of damages that you can be awarded in court can help you determine if you need a Dekalb County, GA auto accident lawyer to file a claim with the insurance company on your behalf.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are the most commonly paid damages in a claim or lawsuit. As Dekalb County, GA auto accident lawyer might explain to you, they are typically more guaranteed than other damages and are meant to compensate the person who was injured by the person who caused the incident. These include things like:
- Medical bills: Both current and future
- Property damages: Vehicle or other property
- Lost income: Both current and future, especially if your injuries resulted in permanent injuries that will prevent you from continuing your current job or obtaining a higher-paying job
General Damages
General damages can be claimed along with compensatory damages and include losses that are less concrete than medical bills or property damage. General damages are often difficult to value; therefore, you should ensure you choose the right auto accident lawyer in Dekalb County, Georgia. These damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium with your significant other or other family members
- Loss of enjoyment from everyday activities and recreation
These types of losses may include future losses associated with injuries and disabilities. Determining lost earning potential is not always straightforward and might require the help of an economist or other professional.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages generally go above and beyond the losses calculated under compensatory and general damages. These are not only meant to provide adequate compensation for permanent disabilities and the changes in someone’s life due to the accident, including in cases of wrongful death, but they are also meant to punish the responsible party. Some states limit the amount that punitive damages can add up to, and the defendant in a lawsuit is allowed to appeal them to reduce the amount they will owe. In general, punitive damages are only available when your case becomes a lawsuit. Your Dekalb County, GA auto accident lawyer can explain this to you in further detail.
Fair Coverage
After being severely injured in an accident, it is your responsibility to take care of yourself first, to mitigate further injuries, and begin steps for an insurance claim or opening a lawsuit in a reasonable amount of time. The sooner you speak with a Dekalb County, GA auto accident lawyer, the sooner you will know what you need to do to ensure you can obtain fair coverage for your losses.
An Auto Accident Attorney in Dekalb County, GA Answers Your Questions
What follows are answers to questions that injury victims commonly have after an auto accident.
If I’m injured in an accident caused by someone else, should I tell the police what happened when they arrive or speak to my attorney first?
It’s important to tell the police officer on scene what happened, but stick to the facts and do not assign blame to anyone or admit guilt in any way. Request a copy of the police report for your auto accident attorney in Dekalb County GA.
Should I get a Dekalb County auto accident attorney right after the accident or can it wait?
Accident scene evidence can degrade quickly and the memories of witnesses can fade over time, so it’s best to get representation immediately. In addition, if you were seriously injured from the accident, a skilled auto accident attorney Dekalb County GA provides may protect your rights. Medical treatment can be extremely costly which means the faster you can recover your damages the better. The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch may immediately begin the process of filing a claim or lawsuit on your behalf.
What should I do if the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster calls me?
Legally, you do not have to speak with them. You can politely tell them that you do not wish to speak with them. The concern is that when speaking with the adjuster, you may inadvertently give them information that they can later use against you to deny your claim. Simply provide them with the contact information for your auto accident attorney Dekalb County GA motorists recommended, such as Andrew R. Lynch. He may deal with the insurance company on your behalf. He may also negotiate a settlement on your behalf so that you don’t have to interact with them at all.
Someone from the at-fault insurance company asked me for my medical records. Do I have to turn over that information to them?
No, you do not. At some point, you may have to provide your previous medical information, but only under certain circumstances. It’s very important to consult an experienced auto accident attorney Dekalb County GA offers to know what is or is not legally required of you, and when.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
If you want to get compensation for your injuries, you must file your lawsuit before the deadline. In Georgia, the statute of limitations to file a car accident lawsuit is two years. After that, you no are no longer entitled to compensation. That is why it may be important to speak to an auto accident attorney Dekalb County GA residents trust as soon as possible. He may help you file your lawsuit in a timely manner so that you avoid missing the deadline.
What can I expect during a consultation with an auto accident lawyer?
If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, your first step is to schedule a consultation with an auto accident attorney Dekalb County GA. If you’ve never met with a lawyer before, you may feel nervous and unsure of what to expect. You want the meeting to go as smoothly as possible. If you prepare ahead of time and know what to expect, things will be much easier.
What questions will a personal injury lawyer will ask me?
During the initial consultation with an auto accident attorney in Dekalb County GA, they will want to find out as much information as they can about your case. For example, he may want to know how the accident happened and what types of injuries you suffered. Be sure to answer each question honestly and with as much detail as possible.
While answering some of these questions might make you think about the traumatic event all over again, understand that your auto accident attorney Dekalb County GA is just doing their job. The more details your lawyer has about your case, the better they can help you. Answer the questions honestly with as much detail as possible. Here are some questions your lawyer may ask you:
- When and where did the accident occur?
- How did you feel immediately after the accident?
- Were there other witnesses?
- What types of injuries are you dealing with right now?
- Have you seen a doctor about your injuries? What’s the prognosis?
- Have you talked to any insurance representatives about the accident? Did you give them a recorded statement?
- How much pain and discomfort do you experience on a daily basis?
What documents do I need to bring with me?
To make the initial meeting as efficient as possible, remember to bring all the documents related to your accident with you. This includes medical documents, medical bills, police report and photos of the accident scene. If you recorded detail about the accident in a journal, you’ll want to bring that with you too. Your lawyer will thoroughly review all of these documents and determine if you have a strong case or not.
What questions should I ask a lawyer?
At the end of the consultation, an auto accident attorney Dekalb County GA locals respect may give you an opportunity to ask your own questions. For instance, you may want to find out how many cases similar to yours he has handled in the past and how much compensation you may be entitled to. You may also want to know if your lawyer will be the only lawyer working on your case and whether or not there is anything you can do to help.
Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions about your lawyer’s skills and experience. If you know more about your lawyer, you’ll be able to determine if they are the right fit. Here are some questions you may want to ask:
- How long have you practiced personal injury law?
- What law school did you graduate from?
- How many cases similar to mine do you deal with every year?
- What is the best way to reach you?
- What are your fees?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses in my case?
If you’ve suffered a personal injury, schedule a meeting with an experienced auto accident attorney in Dekalb County GA. The law office of The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch knows just how devastating it can be to deal with an injury and want to help you get justice.
What damages am I entitled to?
If you were in a car accident that was another person’s fault, you may be entitled to several different damages, including:
- Medical treatments: Whether you had surgery or physical therapy for your injuries, you may be entitled to recover these damages in a lawsuit. If your injuries are severe enough to require future rehabilitation, your auto accident attorney Dekalb County GA residents rely on may also be able to help you recover compensation for that.
- Lost wages: If the injuries you suffered from the car accident have caused you to miss time from work, you may be able to receive compensation for that in your claim.
- Pain and suffering: As a Dekalb auto accident attorney can attest, you may also be entitled to pain and suffering damages. For example, if your injuries have caused you to walk with a limp for the rest of your life, you may receive additional compensation for that.
- Loss of Affection or Companionship: If you are injured in a car accident, it might prevent you from showing affection to your spouse, as an auto accident attorney Dekalb County GA offers can confirm. If this is the case, your spouse must make this claim.
Protect Your Rights
If you have questions about the value of your case or the insurance company is not acting in good faith, contact The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch We may help you file a claim and negotiate a settlement. Give us a call to speak with an auto accident attorney Dekalb County GA residents know they can trust.
It is illegal to drink and drive. The consequences of getting behind the wheel after the over consumption of alcohol can have results far more serious than just a DUI. This is especially the case if the drunk driver caused an accident that injured innocent victims on the road. Sometimes, there can be obvious signs that may lead you to believe that the car ahead of you, or next to you is being operated by someone who is under the influence. While there are a number of ways you may be able to protect yourself from such hazards when behind the wheel, it’s still possible to experience an accident at the hands of their negligence. When the worst happens, it is important to connect with one of the best auto accident attorneys in Dekalb County, Georgia right away.
Signs a Driver is Intoxicated
Suspecting that a driver you are sharing the road with may be under the influence can be downright terrifying. The following are signs you may be in the presence of a drunk driver:
- Failure to stay in their lane
- Driving either too fast or too slow
- Having difficulty maintaining a consistent speed
- Swerving all over the road
- Jerking the car around or making sharp movements
- Driving too close to other cars or obstructions near the road
- Driving in the wrong direction
- Driving in the center lane of the road
If you suspect that a driver is under the influence, the following steps could help save lives:
- Keep a safe distance from the driver
- Contact the police
- Give as much information to the dispatcher as possible including your exact location, the make and model of the vehicle, and license plate if you are able to see it.
Reporting a drunk driver can save lives. By doing so you can not only help to protect your own safety but that of others on the road. Should you suffer harm as a result of a drunk driver’s actions, please contact a Dekalb County, GA auto accident attorney immediately.
Tips for Protecting Yourself on the Road
Being able to recognize the signs that there is a drunk driver on the road with you and contacting the police are just a few things you can do to not only protect yourself but stop the drunk driver from harming anyone. Here are some additional things you can do to protect yourself:
- Use your seatbelt. It’s there to protect you.
- Keep a considerable distance from other drivers, especially if you believe you are in the presence of an intoxicated driver.
- Check to make sure no cars are coming at an intersection, even when a light is green.
- Driving late at night, or on holidays can increase the risk of being on the road with a drunk driver.
- Volunteer to be the designated driver.
You can never control someone else’s decisions, however, following the above precautions are a few ways you can reduce the risk of an accident and the injuries you sustain. Although there are many ways of mitigating the risk of an accident, the unexpected can still occur. If it does, know that one of the best auto accident attorneys in Dekalb County, Georgia can help.
Car Accident Claim
If you have been seriously injured, you will likely need expensive medical treatment. Depending on the extent of those injuries, you may be unable to work, resulting in a loss of income during your recovery period. A car accident lawyer in Dekalb County GA from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch can help you obtain the financial compensation to which you may be entitled.
When you retain a car accident lawyer in Dekalb County GA from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch, we will prepare your claim and present it to the insurance company of the at-fault driver. We will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive the settlement that you deserve. If the insurance company refuses to compensate you for that which you are entitled for your losses, our legal team can litigate your case in court.
If you were injured in a crash and would like to find out more about how a car accident lawyer in Dekalb County GA from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch can help you, call us to arrange a free consultation. We will evaluate your case and discuss how we may be able to help.
When families need a car accident lawyer Dekalb County GA residents often turn to The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch Guided by his decades of experience and an enthusiasm for the law, Andrew goes above and beyond to get the results his clients are seeking. Whether you are the victim or a loved one, you are encouraged to contact a Dekalb County car accident lawyer as soon as possible. This is to ensure your case gets the attention it deserves while meeting the strict statute of limitations.
Types of Car Accidents that May Qualify as a Legal Claim
Thousands of car accidents happen across the United States. Some are truly a freak accident, others the fault of the driver, and then there are those caused by the negligence of another person. When negligence or wrongdoing is involved, a claim that seeks monetary compensation may be filed.
A car accident lawyer in Dekalb County GA may see a broad range of collisions. While no two circumstances or cases are the same, many of the causes are inherently similar. Some of the most common accidents that involve a legal claim include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Distracted driving (i.e. on the phone, using social media, applying makeup, changing music choices, etc.);
- Reckless driving;
- Driving with the intention to intimidate;
- Failing to pay attention to the road; and
- Ignoring traffic signals, signs, or rules.
When these actions are involved, there may be enough cause to file a claim against the negligent party. Whether you have been side swiped, hit head on, hit from behind, and so forth, you should call a car accident lawyer Dekalb County GA provides to share your situation with someone who can listen.
If you have a valid claim, a lawyer may begin to investigate the accident. Using all legal means available, The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch may call forth investigators, doctors, and expert witnesses to support your case and build a strong defense. Using these findings, in addition to your medical records and testimony, your case can be built.
Rest assured with a car accident lawyer Dekalb County GA respects, such as The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch, on your side, you can feel confident in knowing you are in good hands. Once we understand the financial and emotional impact of the accident, we can set a numerical value of what your case is worth. As a tenacious car accident lawyer Dekalb County GA has to offer, The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch can fight for nothing less than what you deserve. Your claim may seek damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. By contacting our firm, you can feel comfortable pursuing your best interests.
Contact The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch
With an open ear, The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch can listen to what you have to say and give you honest options unique to your own case. If you are ready to speak to a car accident lawyer Dekalb County GA offers to families, please call our office for a free consultation.
How Evidence Can Affect Your Insurance Claim and Lawsuit
If you have been part of a car accident and submitted a claim to your insurance company, they may ask you for as much proof as you have regarding the incident. They may request a copy of the police report, photographs, and witness statements that support your side of the story. The key message here is that you give your insurance company whatever you have that serves as evidence of the crash.
After talking with your insurance agent, consider meeting with a car accident lawyer in Dekalb County GA at The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch for advice on what to do next. In the weeks after a car accident, things can become complicated. For example, if you sustained serious injuries and now are faced with costly medical bills, you may wonder what you can do to get these paid. Our team of car accident lawyers can answer questions you have about seeking compensation.
The Police Report
The need for a police report cannot be emphasized enough, since it can benefit you in both the insurance sense, and if you decide to pursue legal action against the driver who hit you. If there is an error on the report, let the law enforcement office known right away. An error that includes a mistake regarding facts, a misspelled name or other details for how the collision occurred can have a serious impact on the outcome of your claim and lawsuit. Keep in mind that while some details can be fixed, an observation or conclusion reached by the officer may not be.
If you called the police and an officer arrived at the scene to take a report, you can ask for a copy of this at your local law enforcement office. If an officer did not come out, then you may be able to fill out a report yourself at DMV or the police station. Your Dekalb County GA car accident lawyer can also obtain the report for you.
Photographic Evidence
If there is no photographic evidence, it may then just be your word against the other driver’s. If you are able to provide pictures, it can make a difference in who is determined at-fault and how much you are be awarded in financial compensation. Take photographs of vehicle damage, debri, broken glass, street signs, a panoramic of the entire scene, and anything else related to the accident. A car accident lawyer at The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch can help you gather evidence and choose pictures that are most influential for your lawsuit.
Witness Statements
Never underestimate the power of a reliable and consistent witness statement. If a bystander comes over to assist, do not be shy in asking for his or her contact information. Some people may initially be open to providing a statement, but change their mind when you reach out to them at a later time. If you can gather more than one person as a potential witness, all the better.
We encourage you to reach out to us to book your free consultation with a car accident lawyer Dekalb County GA clients recom
mend at The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch We can provide representation, offer legal insight, and help you gather evidence for a lawsuit. Please call us soon, so we can get started right away.
FAQ from a Car Accident Attorney Dekalb County GA Clients Recommend
If you are a victim of an automobile accident, contacting a car accident attorney Dekalb County GA trusts may be in your best interest. If there is extensive property damage or if you were injured in the accident, hiring trusted lawyer The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch may be beneficial. If you believe the insurance company isn’t offering you fair compensation, obtaining counsel from a trusted attorney may result in reasonable compensation for damages, medical bills, and lost wages.
What could an attorney help me with?
Being in a car accident can be stressful. Allow a Dekalb County car accident attorney to handle some of the legal aspects of your case. A skilled and thoughtful car accident attorney in Dekalb County GA may offer counsel that includes:
- Processing paperwork, handling legal procedures, and making sure you meet any statute of limitations.
- Working with a team of investigators who handle the technical aspects of your case.
- Finding alternatives to going to court, such as mediation and arbitration (see next question for further information).
- Communicating with the insurance company.
- Helping you receive fair compensation for your losses.
- Representing you in court if a claim cannot be settled through negotiations.
What are mediation and arbitration?
Mediation is an informal meeting between two parties to find an agreeable resolution with the help of a mediator. Arbitration is a formal meeting, where both parties can present arguments and evidence to an arbitrator, who then legally decides the outcome. Typically, a car accident attorney Dekalb County GA drivers depend on may seek the mediation or arbitration route before heading to court.
What information should I exchange with the other driver after an accident?
A car accident attorney Dekalb County GA can provide may be grateful to see an exchange of contact and insurance information with the other driver. Typically, you will want to exchange:
- The insurance company and policy number ( Learn about Uninsured Driver Crashes)
- Driver’s license and license plate number
- Type, color, and model of the vehicle
- Location of the accident
What other documents would help my lawyer and my case?
Collecting documentation while at the scene may be helpful for a car accident attorney Dekalb County GA relies on during your case. Some information that you could gather at the accident, in addition to insurance information, includes:
- Names of police officers at the scene
- Names and contact information of any witnesses
- Photographs or video evidence of the scene
Can I receive a free consultation?
We encourage you to contact our office to receive a free consultation with The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch If you suffered from an automobile accident and you are struggling to receive the compensation you deserve for damages, medical bills, or lost wages, it may be wise to speak with an experienced attorney about your case. For more information, or to schedule a case evaluation with a car accident attorney Dekalb County GA residents trust contact The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch at (404) 373-7735.
What factors or circumstances could affect the worth of my claim?
When you call a car accident lawyer, he or she might explain to you that it is impossible to put a value on your claim without fully understanding the underlying factors. This is why you should call a lawyer as soon as possible. He or she will need ample time to investigate your accident and determine how it happened. Once this has been done, and your injuries and losses have been assessed, a lawyer can give you a better idea of what your claim is worth.
What factors or circumstances could affect the worth of my claim?
Determining a numerical value of any car accident claim is one part science, one part creativity, and one part skill and knowledge. Each of these areas must be fully understood to maximize the worth of a claim. This reason is just one of many that you should contact a reliable and experienced car accident attorney Dekalb County GA victims depend on over a general law firm.
Dekalb County Car Accident Infographic
The Primary Factor of a Claim
The primary factor a lawyer will consider when determining the worth of a car accident claim is the nature of the injuries and total economic losses endured. This would be the science part of the process. It generally involves:
- An investigation of your medical records, medical history, and injuries
- Full medical assessment of the injuries, the treatments used, the treatments needed, and the prospective outcomes
- Interviews with your doctors, treating medical staff, or requests for formal medical reports
The costs to obtain the above information can be substantially high. A good car accident attorney in Dekalb County GA knows this and should only access them when absolutely needed. Rest assured your lawyer can discuss this with you in advance. More than likely you will be working with him or her on contingency which means you pay only when you win, and after the settlement comes through.
The creativity portion of the claim will come next. This is the process in which all facts of the case are examined. Experienced car accident lawyers are very good at noticing subtleties that can:
- Increase the value of the claim through a maximum identification of facts; and
- Minimizing facts that could reduce the worth of your claim.
Once all this has been established, your Dekalb County car accident attorney will need to compile everything into a solid argument. This will be presented to the insurance claims adjuster, their lawyer, an arbitrator, or even a jury. In should be noted that 95 percent of car accident claims are settled long before arbitration or a trial by jury is necessary. If your claim does end up going to trial, your lawyer should have prepared your case so that it is ready to be presented to a judge and jury. Make sure you talk with your car accident attorney about whether or not he or she has trial experience; this is especially true if they believe your case will go this far.
When should I seek medical treatment?
Following an accident, the last thing you may want to do is see a doctor. It is common for someone who has been injured to experience delayed symptoms following a car accident. Unfortunately, an insurance adjuster may try to prove that by not seeking medical treatment immediately following the accident, your injury is from some other accident. Having a doctor check you over can help to ensure that you receive treatment in the event that you have an injury that you have not yet detected.
What evidence should I collect?
Obtaining the necessary evidence for your personal injury claim will help to prove that the person who caused the accident is liable for injuries you sustained. The more evidence that you gather, the better off you will be in the long run. You will want to provide your auto accident attorney in Dekalb County with the following evidence, if you are unable to gather everything, your auto accident attorney can help you do so:
- Anything of relevance from the accident scene including eyewitness information, videos from traffic lights, and photographs of the scene
- The police report will be vital as it contains important information for your case. If the driver of the other vehicle was breaking the law at the time of the accident, your case may be strengthened.
- Gather the driver’s information including: their name, insurance and vehicle information
- Proof that you sustained injuries and experienced a loss of some kind.
- You should include all medical documents and expenses relevant to the accident
- Miscellaneous expenses such as gas to treatment or any additional help you had to obtain due to your injury
- Lost wages due to the time you were recovering and unable to work
What happens if I am partially to blame for the accident?
Comparative negligence gives you the ability to still take legal action even if you are partially responsible for the accident. In situations where you are at fault for a portion of the accident, the amount of damages you are eligible for could be impacted. If you are found 30% at fault for the accident, the defendant will only be responsible for paying you 70% of the damages you are awarded. Some states do not observe comparative negligence. You are not able to take legal action if you are responsible for the accident in any way in states such as: Virginia, North Carolina, DC and Alabama.
Should I accept a settlement from the insurance company?
Accepting an offer from the insurance company may be in your best interest. However, it really depends on your specific case. In many situations, the insurance company may give you a low-ball offer. This is usually an attractive way for them to settle the case without having to pay attorneys fees and court costs. Consulting with The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch can be helpful in determining whether continued negotiations are in your best interest. In most cases, working with a Dekalb County auto accident attorney can help improve your chances of receiving a settlement that is favorable to you.
Have you been in a car accident and would like to know whether or not you have a claim? Call a car accident attorney Dekalb County GA residents trust now.