Car Accident Attorney Dekalb County GA
Car accidents are frightening experiences. You may be injured, your car may be damaged, and you may dread the claims process to pay for it all.
When both drivers carry adequate insurance coverage, the process will be more straightforward than if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance. Even in that case, it’s not hopeless. Here is what you need to know.
Do you live in a no-fault state?
In most states, the at-fault driver bears most of the financial responsibility in a crash. However, 12 states (including Georgia) are modified comparative fault states, meaning that a driver who is found to be more than 50 percent liable for the crash may not pursue damages against the other party.
Your car accident lawyer will evaluate your case and determine if you qualify for pursuing an accident injury claim. The attorneys of the law office of The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch are experienced in these types of cases and will do all they legally can to secure the compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies will be quick to offer settlements to drivers. But they may not consider the full impact the crash has had on your life. Have you been unable to work? Lost companionship with your family because of the accident? Pursuing damages from the driver who caused the crash can make a substantial difference in your future.
Should I call police?
Yes. Even if the other driver is at fault but does not have insurance, still call police.
The report put together by the responding officer will be key to pursuing additional damages. The police report will:
- Provide a map of the accident
- Explain weather at the time of the crash
- Include witness statements
- State who the police officer believes was at fault for the crash
Insurance companies will view the police report as unbiased and neutral evidence of which party is at fault. If the injuries and damage suffered in your crash are minor, law enforcement may not respond immediately to the scene of the crash. When this is the case, still follow up afterward to file a police a report.
Should I call my insurance company?
Whenever you are involved in a crash, regardless of how minor or if the other driver was insured, you must call your insurance company.
Some injuries or damage to your vehicle may take time to become visible. When this happens, your insurance company may dispute if those things are related to the crash. With the passage of time, other factors could have caused your injuries or damage.
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver, your insurance company may have a deadline to file a claim. It’s important to file as soon as possible. A seasoned car accident attorney is familiar with the deadlines imposed by insurance companies and the tactics they will try to use to make you settle for less.
Once filed, your insurance company will work to verify the other driver does not have insurance. In doing so, they may also seek an official statement from the driver. That statement could be crucial to your case, and that’s why the team at the law office of The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch will work with your insurance company to get a copy, along with all other records.
What impact will the crash have on my insurance?
Even when you’re not at fault in an accident, dealing with an accident where an uninsured motorist is at a-fault can negatively impact your insurance rates. Is it fair? No, but your insurance company will be on the hook for your injuries and damages so they might raise your rates. Your insurance company will consider you to be a higher risk, even though you weren’t at fault, and may keep your rates increased for three years.
Do I need a car accident attorney?
It’s always a good idea to have a Dekalb County GA car accident attorney on your side to fight for your rights and help you collect the compensation you deserve to help with your injuries and damages to your vehicle. This is even more important when you’re dealing with an accident where the at-fault driver was uninsured. A car accident attorney Dekalb County GA clients count on from the law office of The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch will work closely with you and your insurance company to ensure you are protected and you can quickly put this bad situation behind you. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
