Bicycle Accident
Fry | Goehring successfully helps the injured recover the compensation they deserve.
Cases We Handle
Personal Injury
Cumming Car Accident Lawyers
Car crashes are some of the most devastating accidents a person can experience. Even if you drive carefully, there is little you can do about other motorists on busy Georgia roads. All it takes is a speeding, distracted, or drunk driver to leave you in a dire situation, and if the incident is severe, you may be looking at surgery, lengthy treatment procedures, rehabilitation, and therapy. In addition, you may be forced to miss work and lose the ability to earn income, which can be financially, physically, and mentally distressing.
Let’s say that someone else’s negligence resulted in a car accident that injured you or a member of your family. In that case, the law allows you to seek compensation for sustained injuries and losses. However, dealing with negligent motorists and insurance companies is no walk in the park. As such, it’s crucial to arm yourself with the right information and have an experienced Cumming car accident lawyer help you with the claim.
At Fry | Goehring, our skilled legal team is ready to help you through every step of the claims process. Communication and constant contact are critical to our personal injury practice. Call 404-969-1284 to schedule your free case review and find out how we can help.
What Can I Do To Protect My Rights After a Car Accident?
A lot of people feel lost and scared after an accident and have no idea what to do next. Your actions at this stage are essential to protecting your rights and ensuring you have a compelling personal injury case. Some of the steps to take after an auto accident in Cumming include:
1. Call 911
In the event that someone is hurt, calling the paramedics ought to be the first thing done on the scene. Other than acting right, calling 911 helps avoid accusations of negligence and scuffles with other involved parties.
If no one was injured, it’s still important to call the authorities to make a police report of the incident. This report is crucial for establishing your case in the event that you and the opposing party have different versions of events.
2. Document the Scene
It’s advisable to document the scene, specifically by taking photos and videos of injuries sustained, damage to vehicles, weather conditions, and nearby road signs. In addition, gather the statements and contact information of witnesses. They can help paint a picture of what occurred before, during, and after the incident.
3. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay and there are no apparent injuries, it’s crucial to have a doctor check your body. Adrenaline may hide some injuries, while others take days or even weeks to become apparent. A physician’s notes, treatment records, and medical bills can be essential in proving the extent of your injuries.
Also, make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions regarding restricted activities. The last thing you want to do is worsen your condition and give the insurance provider a reason to argue your injury was not as severe as you claim.
4. Consult a Car Accident Attorney
In the aftermath of a reckless car accident, knowing your rights and how to enforce them is much easier with the help of an experienced attorney. An experienced Cumming car accident lawyer can also provide guidance on how to make the most of the evidence collected at the accident scene.
How Can a Cumming Car Accident Lawyer Help When Dealing With the Insurance Company?
Another vital reason to have a legal representative is to have someone to deal with the insurance adjusters on your behalf. Most people make the mistake of thinking auto insurance companies are their friends since they pay premiums for protection. However, protecting their bottom line is a top priority, and they will attempt all kinds of strategies to deny or underpay a claim.
Some of these tactics include:
- Rushing you to accept a settlement and leaving you to cover the bill from your pocket once you realize extensive medical treatment is needed.
- Using seemingly friendly language to get something they can use against you, like apologizing, admitting fault, or saying you feel better.
- Delaying the claim in order to make a small settlement offer when you begin to become anxious about the bills.
It is worth noting that these companies have legal teams standing by to defend them. By allowing a seasoned Cumming car accident lawyer to handle correspondence, you don’t have to worry about their sketchy tactics, and you can instead focus on recovering from your injuries.
What Damages Can I Claim From My Car Crash?
Several types of damages can be awarded in a Cumming car wreck claim. Keep in mind that the nature and extent of your injuries and losses play a crucial role in determining the damages to be awarded.
Medical Expenses
These are some of the most common damages an individual can claim following a car accident in Cumming. They include any past, current, and future medical costs related to the injuries, such as payment for doctor and hospital bills, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
Following a severe accident, you may be unable to work during the treatment period or go back to your previous position. This can cause tremendous financial strain for you and your family. As such, you can claim compensation for lost wages and your diminished earning capacity. This is calculated based on the severity of the injury, age, type of job, and career potential.
Property Damages
Your car and other items may have been damaged due to the accident. This type of compensation covers the cost of car repair or replacement and other damaged property during the incident.
Physical and Emotional Suffering
It’s not just the financial hurdles of a car accident that can affect a victim. You may also experience physical pain, suffering, emotional distress, a loss of life’s pleasures, and a loss of social life. These are considered when awarding damages.
Punitive Damages
These are awarded when the party at fault is found to be grossly negligent or intentional in their actions. Punitive damages are put in place to punish such individuals for their actions and discourage repeating that behavior.
How Much Will My Car Accident Settlement Be?
Car accidents are never the same, so it can be hard to give a figure you can expect from your claim without a comprehensive case analysis. However, some of the factors that come into play include the amount of negligence of the other party and the extent of the injuries and losses.
It’s important to note that Georgia is a modified comparative negligence law state. This means that you can only recover damages if you’re found to be less than 50% responsible for the accident. Still, the total settlement amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Do I Have To Go to Court To Win My Claim?
No. In fact, most of the car accident claims are resolved out of court. More often than not, the insurance providers are playing games and will act tough to make you settle for a low offer. With a lawyer on your side, insurers will be more likely to be open to negotiations, and if you have a compelling case, you can expect a fair settlement without going to trial.
In cases where both parties don’t come to an agreement, the right Cumming car accident lawyers will file a lawsuit and represent you in court in pursuit of maximum compensation. And that’s what you can expect from our experienced legal team.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most people hesitate to take legal action, fearing that it may cost them an arm and a leg. However, this is not the case. Reputable car accident lawyers in Cumming, like those at Fry | Goehring, operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t have to pay unless you win a settlement. This eliminates the risk of covering legal fees for a case you did not win. The payment is usually a percentage of the total settlement amount, and it’s agreed upon during the initial stages of the case.
Should I Take Time To Recover From My Injuries First?
Focusing on treatment and recovery from injuries is essential, but it’s also worth noting that there is a deadline for filing car accident claims, referred to as the statute of limitations.
In Georgia, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. After this, you will no longer have the legal basis to initiate a claim. While the period may seem more than enough, remember that the longer you wait, the weaker your case becomes.
Contact Our Cumming Car Accident Attorneys Today for Legal Advice and Representation
Car accidents, no matter their scale, tend to lead to physical harm, emotional distress, and financial strain. In such moments, you need more than just legal representation; you require unparalleled advocacy to help you through the storm. At Fry | Goehring, our team of Cumming car accident lawyers has the necessary skills and resources to ensure you get the justice you deserve. We keep our clients updated as they focus on recovery, and if it comes to it, we are not afraid to take your case to trial.
Call us today at 404-969-1284 for a free initial consultation! Or fill out our online contact form to get started.
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- Our Firm is Dedicated to Giving Back to the Community We Serve
- We Communicate Effectively & Take the Time to Understand Your Pain
- Our Attorneys Are Backed by Over 20 Years of Legal Experience
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Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (404) 969-1284.
