Georgia Car Accident Attorney

Georgia Car Accident Lawyer

Do you need a car accident lawyer? Auto accidents happen every day. The resulting impact an automobile accident can have on someone can be devastating. Even the simplest of fender benders can cause back and neck injuries that have a lasting effect on the victim. Injuries sustained from a car accident can be responsible for not only chronic pain and discomfort, but for medical costs, loss of wages and even permanent disability.

Automobile accidents kill more people each year in the United States than any other consumer product. Automobile accidents can happen in a host of different ways consisting of rear-end accidents, left turn collisions, running of red lights or stop signs, speeding, unsafe lane changes and broadside collisions. No matter how clear liability appears to be, the driver of the other vehicle and his insurance carrier often dispute that they are responsible.  You will need a car accident lawyer.

Because of this, in certain cases car accident lawyer’s employ engineering experts who utilize auto accident re-creation technology to demonstrate how the accident or collision actually occurred. There are also cases where accounting experts may be used to show losses of the victim’s income and the present value of that loss. Your attorney must be able to determine when such experts are needed and how to use them in negotiations with the insurance company to settle your case or for use at trial.

Even in cases that are not complicated, the insurance carrier for the party at fault will often refuse to negotiate reasonably with the victim, believing that they can force a settlement for less than adequate or fair compensation.

A car accident lawyer will do everything possible to settle your automobile accident case without going to trial, but if warranted, we will not hesitate to go to trial.

If you are a victim of an automobile accident, contact us immediately and allow us to protect your legal rights. We will be more than happy to provide you with a free legal consultation and to determine the best course of action to take on your behalf.

Common Causes of Car Accidents 

Common causes of our clients’ car accidents include:

• Speeding
• Reckless or aggressive driving, such as excessive speeding or weaving through traffic
• Following too closely (tailgating)
• Unsafe lane changes, including failing to signal or check mirrors and blind spots
• Unsafe turns, such as from failing to signal or failing to yield to oncoming traffic or traffic and pedestrians in the intersection
• Failure to yield at signs or yield the right of way
• Failure to stop at stop signs and red lights
• Drowsy or fatigued driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distracted driving, usually due to cell phone use, adjusting car radio or navigation units, or interacting with other occupants of the vehicle
• Inexperienced drivers

Common non-driver related causes of car accidents include snow, ice, or pooled water on road surfaces, potholes and broken pavement, low lighting or low visibility caused by heavy precipitation or fog.

Common Car Accident Injuries

A car accident can lead to catastrophic injuries for motorists and passengers. Injuries car accident clients commonly suffer include:

• Bruises (contusions)
• Cuts (lacerations)
• Sprains and tears of tendons, ligaments or muscles
• Broken bones
• Herniated and ruptured discs
• Internal organ injury
• Internal bleeding
• Burns
• Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis
• Head injuries, including skull fractures and eye or ear trauma
• Traumatic brain injuries

Things to Know After You Have Been Hit by a Drunk Driver

If you have been involved in an accident with a drunk driver and were injured, you have the right to receive compensation for your pain and suffering, injuries, and property damage. It won’t be as simple as the other driver’s insurance company simply writing you a check because drunk driving cases are generally far more complex than “standard” car accidents tend to be. It is partially for this reason that it is so important to speak with a Decatur, GA car accident lawyer as soon as you can after you have been hit. Because of the complexities involved in navigating insurance claims and filing a personal injury suit, it is virtually impossible to successfully represent yourself in a drunk driving injury case. Working with an experienced professional will place you in the best possible position for your suit to succeed.

How a Claim is Affected by Drunk Driving

A claims adjuster will handle your claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In most cases, adjusters are taught to settle your claim as quickly as possible for as little as possible. It is partially for this reason that it is important not to sign any insurance-related claims documentation until you have consulted with a GA car accident lawyer. If you agree to unfavorable terms or an inadequate insurance settlement, it may be even more difficult to pursue a successful personal injury claim later on.

Comparative Negligence and Liability

What if the driver who was intoxicated was not the only one who received a ticket from the police? Or what if a witness tells the police you were partially to blame? Most states have a comparative fault rule, which means you may still be able to retrieve compensation for the other driver’s insurance company, even if you are not entirely fault-free from the accident. The compensation you receive would be adjusted according to your share of liability. Your Decatur, GA car accident lawyer can explain how your compensation may be affected if you were partially to blame for the harm you suffered as a result of your accident.

If you have been injured by a drunk driver, it is important you speak with a Atlanta car accident lawyer as soon as is possible. There is too much at stake to try and handle a complicated drunk driving case by yourself. Please consider scheduling a consultation with the Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. today. Our firm would be happy to help advise you of your legal options once we learn more about the details of your accident. You do not have to navigate the legal side of this uniquely stressful life event alone.

The Psychological Impacts of a Car Accident

Your GA car accident lawyer knows that a car accident can be a traumatic and life-altering event, with far-reaching psychological impacts on those involved. Beyond physical injuries, survivors may suffer from emotional and psychological consequences that can persist long after the accident. Understanding the psychological impacts of a car accident is essential in providing appropriate support and interventions to aid in recovery. Reach out to Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. when you need help following a car accident.

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): One of the most common psychological consequences of a car accident is PTSD. Survivors may experience intrusive and distressing memories of the accident, nightmares, flashbacks, and intense emotional reactions when reminded of the event. Avoidance of driving or the accident site and hyperarousal, characterized by increased anxiety and irritability, are also typical symptoms.
2. Anxiety and Panic Disorders: Car accident survivors often develop anxiety and panic disorders due to a heightened fear of driving or being in a vehicle. They may become overly cautious or avoidant, experiencing panic attacks when faced with the prospect of driving or even being a passenger.
3. Depression: The aftermath of a car accident can trigger feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss. Survivors may experience changes in mood, appetite, and sleep patterns, leading to clinical depression in some cases.
4. Phobias and Specific Fears: Car accidents can lead to the development of specific fears and phobias, such as fear of driving, fear of being a passenger, or fear of particular road conditions. These fears can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and independence.
5. Survivor’s Guilt: In cases where the accident results in severe injuries or fatalities to others involved, survivors may experience feelings of guilt and responsibility, even when they are not at fault. These emotions can be overwhelming and lead to self-blame and shame.
6. Emotional Numbing: Some survivors may experience emotional numbing as a coping mechanism, where they distance themselves from their feelings to avoid emotional pain. This emotional detachment can hinder the healing process and lead to long-term difficulties in coping with emotions.
7. Sleep Disturbances: A GA car accident lawyer knows that car accident survivors often struggle with sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or nightmares, related to the trauma of the event. Sleep disruptions can exacerbate other psychological issues and hinder overall recovery.
8. Impact on Daily Functioning: The psychological impacts of a car accident can affect a person’s ability to carry out daily tasks and responsibilities. Concentration difficulties, memory problems, and reduced cognitive functioning are common after a traumatic event.
9. Substance Abuse: Some survivors may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with the emotional distress caused by the accident. Substance abuse can exacerbate psychological issues and lead to further complications.
10. Relationship Strain: Car accidents can strain relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. The emotional turmoil experienced by survivors may affect their ability to connect with others and participate in social activities.

Georgia Car Accident FAQs

Who is at fault in a Georgia car accident?

Whenever a car accident occurs, one of the first questions always involves liability. Whose fault was the crash? An Atlanta, Georgia car accident attorney from Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. can help you figure out the process.

Georgia is an at-fault state, meaning drivers have to pay for any accidents that occurred because of their negligent actions. For this reason, it’s important to prove who caused the accident. Unfortunately, establishing liability isn’t always the easiest thing to do, legally speaking.

In many cases, there is just one driver at fault. But what evidence do you need to prove it? Some insurance companies will try to blame the other driver to reduce the amount of a claim they have to pay.

Is Georgia a no-fault state?

No, Georgia is an at-fault state.

There are some basic rules for proving fault in Georgia, including:

• If one driver broke a traffic law, and the other driver did not, then the one breaking the law is at fault.
• If one of the drivers drove with negligence, such as eating or talking on the phone while driving, then that person most likely is at fault.
• If one car wasn’t properly maintained and that led to the car crash, such as brake lights not working, then that car’s driver is most likely at fault.
• For rear-end accidents, the driver behind is typically at-fault because they are considered to be driving “too closely” to the other vehicle.

There are some exceptions. For example, if you are driving behind someone who is driving erratically or if they changed lanes suddenly, then you may not be found responsible.

Who determines fault in a car accident?

For all car accidents in Georgia, you’ll need to file a police report and notify your insurance company. The adjuster from the insurance company will investigate the case and review the facts to provide an opinion of who was at fault.

The adjuster will look at the following evidence to gain a better idea of car crash liability:

• Police report
• Statements from both drivers and witnesses
• Investigation of the accident scene (such as glass on the road or skid marks)
• Weather conditions at the time of the crash
• The physical condition of both cars involved

The adjuster uses this information to reconstruct the crash and show who was at fault. Insurance adjusters can be extremely biased, however, especially if they are representing the other driver. They may look for opportunities to ensure that their customers (and company) are not at fault and cast blame on you instead. That is why Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. highly recommend you get a car accident attorney in Atlanta, GA to assist with getting your claims.

Can both drivers be found at fault in Georgia?

Yes, both drivers may be found at fault. Georgia has laws that define comparative fault, which is when an accident is evaluated and finds that both drivers share in the cause of the accident. If you have been negligent in any way or your vehicle wasn’t maintained properly, you could share in the blame.

If you are found to be negligent in any way, it might not be possible to collect any money from a claim. However, Georgia law says that as long as you were less than 50 percent at fault for the accident, you can still recover at least some of the total damages.

There are 2 rules when it comes to recovering damages in at-fault states like Georgia:

1. You may recover damages in relation to how much the other driver was found to be at fault. For example, if the other driver was found to be 80 percent at fault, then you can recover 80 percent of the total costs.
2. If it’s determined that you were at least 50 percent at fault, you will not be able to recover anything.

Finding the Help You Need 

The psychological impacts of a car accident can be profound and long-lasting, affecting survivors’ emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. Understanding these effects is critical in providing appropriate support and interventions to aid in recovery. With the right resources and support, survivors can work through their trauma and rebuild their lives after a car accident. Get in touch with a GA car accident lawyer from Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. when you need help after a car accident. We take cases in Atlanta, Decatur, DeKalb County, Lawrenceville, and Duluth.