Decatur Car Accident Lawyer

Different Types of Car Accidents That Can Happen in Decatur, GA

Car accidents are a common occurrence on the roads of Decatur, GA. Understanding the different types of car accidents that can occur can help drivers be more vigilant and take preventive measures. Here are some of the most common types of car accidents in Decatur:

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. These accidents are often caused by tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops. They can lead to whiplash and other serious injuries.

Side-Impact Collisions (T-Bone)

Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, happen when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. These accidents commonly occur at intersections and can be very dangerous, especially for the occupants of the struck vehicle.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide with each other. These accidents are often fatal due to the high impact forces involved. They can be caused by driver fatigue, wrong-way driving, or loss of vehicle control.

Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipe accidents happen when two vehicles traveling in the same direction make contact with each other. These accidents can occur during lane changes or merging and can lead to loss of control and subsequent collisions.

Single-Vehicle Accidents

Single-vehicle accidents involve only one vehicle and can occur for various reasons, including driver error, adverse weather conditions, or obstacles on the road. Examples include running off the road, hitting a tree or utility pole, and rollover accidents.

Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups

Multi-vehicle pile-ups involve several vehicles and typically occur on highways or busy roads. These accidents can be extremely dangerous due to the multiple impacts and the potential for fires and explosions.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver involved in an accident flees the scene without providing contact information or aiding the injured. These accidents can leave victims without immediate assistance and complicate the process of obtaining compensation.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents happen when a vehicle collides with a pedestrian or a cyclist. These accidents can occur at crosswalks, intersections, or along roadsides and often result in severe injuries due to the vulnerability of pedestrians and cyclists.

Parking Lot Accidents

Parking lot accidents are common and can involve vehicles backing out of spaces, drivers not noticing pedestrians, or collisions at low speeds. While these accidents usually result in minor injuries, they can still cause significant property damage.

Understanding the various types of car accidents can help drivers in Decatur, GA, stay alert and take necessary precautions to avoid them. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, the Law Offices of Andrew Lynch is here to help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.

How an Insurance Claim is Processed in Georgia

Georgia is a state that assigns fault in car accidents. This is counter to no-fault states because drivers must have insurance that will apply to the accidents and protect the victim with coverage from the at-fault driver. Filing a claim is the first step when contacting the insurance carrier. The adjuster will investigate the accident and determine how much each person should pay for each insurance policy. The adjuster usually collects enough information to apply the collision details to a settlement offer. Then, the victim can either accept the offer or reject it stating that it is not enough. The rejection usually occurs with the help of a car accident lawyer in Decatur, GA so that the injured party understands how much the compensation should provide. 

In many circumstances, the two drivers will contact and process the entire event through the insurance companies attached for coverage. However, some accidents require a third-party claim against the carrier. These usually start because of negligence from the other driver. Using personal injuries as the subject of the claim, the plaintiff will need the services of a car accident lawyer to initiate the matter in the state. Even with a third-party claim, the insurance company may still attempt a settlement offer. The individual can either take the claim or pursue the matter in court based on the advice and help of the lawyer hired for the legal concern. The claim in the courtroom will rely on liability, comparative fault, and evidence to build the case. 

A lawyer from The Lynch group Law can present different aspects and arguments for each condition and how the plaintiff requires a certain range of compensation because of the damages incurred by the other driver. 

Decatur Car Accident Law Infographic

Different Types of Damages That Can Be Caused in a Car Accident in Decatur, GA

Car accidents can lead to a wide range of damages, affecting both the vehicle and the individuals involved. Understanding these damages is crucial for victims seeking compensation. Here are the different types of damages that can be caused by car accidents in Decatur, GA:

Property Damage

Property damage includes the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident, such as personal belongings inside the car or nearby structures like fences and lampposts.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses cover the cost of emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor appointments, medication, physical therapy, and any other medical treatment required due to the accident. This also includes future medical costs for ongoing treatment.

Lost Wages

Lost wages refer to the income a victim loses due to being unable to work after the accident. This includes the time taken off work for medical treatment and recovery. In severe cases, it may also cover the loss of earning capacity if the victim is unable to return to their previous job or work in the same capacity.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering damages compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This can include chronic pain, mental anguish, anxiety, depression, and the overall impact on the victim’s quality of life.

Loss of Consortium

Loss of consortium refers to the negative impact the accident has on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or family members. This can include the loss of companionship, affection, support, and sexual relations.

Permanent Disability or Disfigurement

Permanent disability or disfigurement damages are awarded when the victim suffers long-term or permanent physical impairments or scarring. This can significantly affect the victim’s ability to perform everyday activities and impact their quality of life.

Emotional Distress

Emotional distress damages compensate for psychological effects resulting from the accident, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. These damages recognize the profound emotional impact that a traumatic event like a car accident can have on an individual.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Loss of enjoyment of life damages are awarded when the victim can no longer enjoy activities and hobbies they once loved due to the accident. This recognizes the broader impact on the victim’s life and well-being.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly reckless or egregious. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Car accidents can cause a variety of damages, each with significant impacts on the victims’ lives. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Decatur, GA, the Law Offices of Andrew Lynch can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case and understand your legal options.

What Can a Car Accident Attorney Do

While much depends on the specifics and the complexity of your car accident case, in general, a car accident attorney in Decatur, GA can:

Communicate with the Other Driver’s Insurer

In any personal injury case, your attorney will open up a line of communication with the insurance adjuster for the other party (or parties) involved. The adjuster has the pocketbook, so it is critical for a plaintiff’s lawyer to have good communication and a good relationship with the adjuster.

Obtaining Necessary Evidence of Liability

A good attorney can help obtain all of the evidence that you will need to prove liability in a car accident claim. Although you may have already taken photographs of the accident scene, your attorney will probably go back to the scene him/herself to see what it looks like. While a picture may be worth a thousand words, actually seeing the scene can be worth a thousand pictures. The attorney will make sure to get all of the accident or police reports in the case and will often speak with the investigating police officers and witnesses. 

Obtaining Necessary Evidence of Damages

This is where a good attorney can be essential to your case, especially when you’ve suffered significant car accident injuries.

It is critical to obtain all documentation related to your injuries, but it isn’t always easy to get your hands on those records and bills from healthcare providers. Although the records are technically yours, and you have an absolute right to them, sending medical records to patients and attorneys is just not a healthcare provider’s first priority.

Small doctors’ offices may not have the staffing or the time to respond to medical record requests on a timely basis. Large hospitals may have specific procedures that must be followed in order to respond to medical record requests. If you don’t follow their procedures (which they often don’t publicize very well), they simply won’t respond to your request.

Then, when the healthcare provider does respond to the request, the records may be incomplete. Any attorney’s secretary or paralegal will tell you that they often have to request the same records more than once and that they have to follow up endlessly with the provider’s office.

Finally, it may turn out that the doctor did not use the “magic words” as to causation, prognosis, and disability in his or her notes. In order to successfully prosecute any type of personal injury claim, you must be able to prove, through medical evidence, exactly what your injury, disability, or physical limitation is, and that it was caused by the defendant’s negligence.

Doctors often don’t mention the causation and extent of the injury or disability in their medical records. If this happens in your case, The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch attorney will write the doctor and ask for a special letter in which the doctor gives his/her opinion that the accident caused your injury or disability and that, as a result of the accident, you will be hindered or disabled for a specific period of time.

Negotiating with Lien Holders

If you received benefits from a health, disability, or workers’ compensation insurer, that insurer will have a lien on your claim. A lien means that the lien holder gets paid before you do, out of any settlement or judgment you receive. A good attorney will work with the lien holder to try to get the lien holder to reduce its lien. This is important work. Every dollar less that the lien holder takes is one more dollar that goes into your pocket

Negotiating with Insurers/Defendants

Negotiation is a very specific skill (some might even call it an art). A car accident attorney in Decatur, GA is always going to be far better at settling a car accident case than a layperson would be. A good attorney knows how much the case is worth and knows how to work the case and conduct the negotiations in order to arrive at the best outcome for the client.

Millions of Americans get into a car every day without thinking that a crash will happen, but when one does, you may need a car accident lawyer Decatur, GA, from Law Offices of Andrew Lynch. While cars have become far safer over the past few decades, accidents still happen. While these safety features help prevent many car crashes, they can’t always account for factors like a driver engaging in reckless behaviors, poor road conditions, and bad weather. 

You Deserve an Attorney To Represent You 

Car crashes come in many shapes, ranging from minor bumps in the parking lot to catastrophic accidents that can result in serious medical issues like traumatic brain injuries. Not every car crash necessarily warrants help from a Decatur car accident attorney. For example, in our first example, your insurance company might efficiently resolve a small bump in a parking lot might be quickly resolved by your insurance company even if the other party fled the scene. However, receiving compensation often becomes harder the more serious a situation becomes. 

Decatur Car Accident Law FAQs

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Decatur, GA?

Immediately after a car accident, ensure everyone’s safety and call 911 for medical assistance and to report the accident. Collect contact information and insurance details from the other driver(s), take photos of the scene, and gather witness statements if possible. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Finally, contact a car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Georgia?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, you have four years. It’s important to consult with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you meet all necessary deadlines and preserve your right to compensation.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After a Car Accident?

Victims of car accidents in Decatur, GA, may be entitled to various types of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and, in some cases, punitive damages. A car accident lawyer can help you determine the full extent of your losses and pursue the appropriate compensation.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Most car accident lawyers, including the Law Offices of Andrew Lynch, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any upfront fees; instead, the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award. If you don’t win your case, you don’t owe any legal fees.

What if the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Additionally, a car accident lawyer can explore other potential sources of compensation and help you navigate the claims process to ensure you receive the maximum possible recovery.

The Lynch Law Group Decatur Car Accident Lawyer

125 Clairemont Ave Suite 470, Decatur, GA 30030

Decatur Local Body Shops

• Caliber Collision – 2995 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
• Crash Champions Collision Repair Decatur – 2818 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
• Harley Collision Centers – 126 Maple St, Decatur, GA 30030

Talk to Our Decatur Car Accident Lawyer Now

You can discuss the details of your case and learn more about your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages. The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch has equipped car accident lawyers in Decatur, GA who are ready and willing to help you win your case.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and you’re ready to discuss your options, contact The Lynch law group and speak to one of the seasoned car accident attorney in Decatur, GA.