Georgia Car Accident Attorney

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Auto Accidents

The trauma of a devastating motor vehicle crash can turn your life upside down. Not only could you be dealing with brain trauma, broken bones, back or spinal cord injuries, and other types of damages, but the emotional toll and financial implications could have a catastrophic impact on your life for years to come. 

Do not let the individual or entity responsible for causing your injuries get away with it. Hold them accountable for their recklessness and fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule a 100% free consultation with a respected Georgia car accident lawyer at T. Madden & Associates and learn more about how much your claim is worth and who should be held accountable for your damages.

Photo of a Car Crash

Get a Powerful Legal Advocate 

Having a personal injury lawyer in Georgia working on your case is essential after being in a car accident. At T. Madden & Associates, our firm prioritizes our client’s needs and handles your case compassionately. We will protect you from being taken advantage of by profit-hungry insurers and liable parties. Anyone who attempts to take advantage of you will have to go through us first.

We have a proven track record of success, as evident by our numerous client testimonials and success stories. We have practical insight and are equipped to challenge the insurance company on your behalf. We work for our clients on contingency agreements, making it possible for all car accident victims to get the legal guidance and support they need when they need it most.

We understand the trauma you have experienced and treat our clients as if they were family. You can be sure your case will get the time and attention it deserves with our car accident attorneys working for you.

How an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Our motor vehicle accident lawyers have extensive experience handling various car accident cases. Some of the most common accidents include:

When you have our team fighting for you, you do not need to worry about any of the technical legal details of your case. Instead, you can heal while we build a powerful case against those responsible. Here are some of the benefits when you choose our car accident lawyers to advocate for your rights:

  • We thoroughly investigate the cause of your car crash
  • We gather valuable evidence to establish liability and prove fault
  • We quantify non-economic damages and calculate the value of your car accident claim
  • We explore your legal options for financial relief
  • We regularly update you with case developments
  • We negotiate with insurance companies
  • We prepare all court documents and claim filings
  • We bring your car accident case to trial if an insurance settlement is not possible or insufficient

How Georgia Car Accidents Happen

Georgia is one of the top ten states where car accidents are most common. The most important responsibility of your car accident lawyer is figuring out how your accident occurred and who is responsible. Although every person’s case is different, car accidents generally occur due to dangerous road conditions, negligent driving, or defective motor vehicle parts.

Dangerous Roads

Road conditions are not always safe. There are many instances where dangerous roads are responsible for causing catastrophic or life-threatening injuries. Some examples could include:

  • Large potholes
  • Missing street signs
  • Improperly placed street signs
  • Defective traffic lights
  • Defective crosswalk traffic signs
  • Improperly secured road construction zones
  • Lack of sufficient street lighting
Photo of Car Drivers in an Accident

Negligent Driving 

One of the top causes of car accidents is irresponsible or negligent driving. In most cases, the driver who hit you will be held accountable if they were driving unsafely. Examples of negligent driving include the following:

Defective Motor Vehicle Parts 

Car parts can often malfunction or be defective. The following defective car parts are commonly involved in motor vehicle accidents:

  • Airbag inflators
  • Tires
  • Braking systems
  • Engine
  • Steering columns
  • Seatbelts
  • Headlights or taillights
  • Accelerator controls
  • Child restraints

Establishing Car Accident Liability and Proving Negligence 

Proving negligence is essential if you hope to make sure the at-fault party compensates you for your damages. The civil court system is negligence-based, so we must show the defendant owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and ultimately caused you to suffer substantial injuries or damages. Here are some of the parties frequently named in car accident lawsuits and insurance claims:

Dangerous Drivers

Dangerous or reckless drivers are frequently held accountable when they cause collisions. Any unsafe driving could be a breach of a motorist’s duty of care. Unlicensed drivers can also be held accountable and potentially face criminal charges, traffic citations, and other penalties.

Government Agencies

Government agencies and municipalities are responsible for maintaining the roads. If these agencies failed to do so or failed to make necessary repairs after repeated complaints or traffic accidents, they can be sued for the victim’s damages. Some examples of these parties could include:

  • The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
  • The state of Georgia
  • Local municipalities
  • Government agencies and officials
  • Government-contracted road construction workers, contractors, subcontractors, or independent contractors
  • Government safety inspectors or maintenance workers

Dram Shops and Social Hosts

If your car accident was caused by drunk driving, you may be surprised to learn someone other than a drunk driver could be held accountable. For example, under Georgia’s social host liability laws, if an adult allowed a minor to consume alcohol who went on to cause a car accident, the social host could be held accountable for the minor’s actions. 

Similarly, according to Georgia’s dram shop liability laws under Georgia Code 51-1-40, establishments that serve or sell alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated can be held accountable if that party goes on to cause debilitating injuries or damages.

Auto Parts Manufacturers and Related Parties 

When auto parts are defective or malfunctioning, you may be unsure who should be held accountable for your losses. However, in these types of product liability claims, nearly anyone involved in the chain of distribution of these parts could be held accountable. Some of these parties could include:

  • Auto parts designers
  • Auto parts distributors
  • Auto parts manufacturers
  • Motor vehicle parts suppliers
  • Car dealerships
  • Car maintenance workers
  • Safety inspectors

These are only a few of the parties who could be held accountable depending on the type of accident you were involved in. Only a thorough investigation and analysis of the evidence will reveal the identities of those who should compensate you for your losses.

Photo of a Rolled-over Car

Common GA Car Accident Injuries 

Many car accident victims are concerned that their cases will not be successful since they have not suffered life-threatening injuries. However, just because your injuries are not life-threatening does not mean your life has not been substantially affected by them. It is not your injury that determines your right to compensation but the impact. There are certain types of injuries seen more often in car accident claims, such as:

  • Severe brain trauma
  • Internal bleeding
  • Whiplash
  • Organ failure
  • Spinal cord and back injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Soft tissue and neck injuries
  • Emotional trauma
  • Road rash
  • Third-degree burns

If you have suffered an injury not included in the list above, that does not mean you do not have grounds for a claim. Make sure you contact our office so we can learn more about how your life has been affected by your injuries. This way, we can determine what legal options are available to you and start to craft your claim strategy.

How Insurance Claims Work After a Car Accident in Georgia 

Filing a claim with the insurance company is one way to recover compensation after a car accident. However, you may not be sure how insurance claims work or how to get started. Georgia follows fault-based insurance laws. Instead of filing a claim with your personal auto insurer, you will file a claim with the liable party’s insurance company.

Every motorist in Georgia must have at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage. They must also have a minimum of $25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage. However, drivers are not required to purchase comprehensive, collision, gap insurance, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, or any other type of optional coverage.

Since the amount of compensation you can recover from the liable party’s insurance company is based on their purchased auto insurance coverage, it should be no surprise if your insurance settlement is lacking. For example, if the liable party only has the minimum amount of coverage required by law ($50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage), the insurer will only be required to pay a maximum of $50,000 in medical bills. After a car accident, it is not unusual for victims to have hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills.

Insurance companies also have been known to take advantage of car accident claimants in their greatest time of need. They may blame you for causing the accident, delay the processing of your claim, or misrepresent the policy terms and limits. If you hope to avoid being taken advantage of and get the most out of your insurance settlement, make sure you show the insurance company you mean business by directing them to your car accident lawyer at T. Madden & Associates. We will have the information they need to continue processing your claim and secure the settlement you are entitled to.

Recovering Maximum Restitution for Your Damages 

When filing a car accident claim, you have the right to be made whole. Although no amount of money will compensate for the trauma you went through, it can help you set your future and avoid financial ruin.

Economic Vs. Non-Economic Damages 

Economic damages include financial losses, whereas non-economic damages describe how your life has been affected physically and emotionally. Collectively, these are called compensatory damages and could consist of the following:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Lost wages and earning capacity
  • Healthcare bills
  • Future medical costs
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of household services
  • Diminished vehicle value
  • Costs of purchasing a new car
  • Rental car coverage
  • Scarring
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Shame and embarrassment
  • Indignity and shock
Photo of a Car Crash Scene

Georgia Car Accident FAQ

If you are still healing from the trauma of your car accident, it can be difficult to figure out what your next steps should be. We understand you may have many unanswered questions regarding car accidents, how the claims process works, and who should be held accountable for your losses. 

Although many of these questions will require an in-depth analysis of your case, we have answered some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding car accidents in Georgia below. Any additional questions we did not answer on this page can be discussed when you contact our team for a free consultation.

What is the average settlement for a car accident in Georgia?

There is no average settlement amount for a car accident. Although many other websites will give you information about specific settlement figures, the truth is every person’s case is different. An average settlement would describe both the lowest and highest amount paid out on a claim. This does not help you figure out how much compensation you could expect to be awarded. If you are interested in finding out how much your case could be worth, the best way to do so is to contact a car accident attorney in Georgia to discuss the details of your case, your specific losses, and whether you are going to file a claim with the insurance company, bring your case to court, or a combination of both.

How long after an accident can you sue in Georgia?

You can sue as soon as possible after a car accident. The statute of limitations will determine the maximum amount of time you have to file your claim. We will also need to thoroughly investigate the cause of your accident, figure out how your injuries are expected to continue to impact your life now and in the future, and take other factors into account before we can determine exactly what your case is worth and who is liable. Once our investigation is complete, we can file your claim with the insurance company or bring your case to court. In many instances, insurance claims can be filed within 30 days of the accident, while civil lawsuits can be filed within weeks or months.

What to do if someone sues you for a car accident in Georgia

If someone sues you for a car accident in Georgia, you must take steps to protect yourself. Start by hiring a car accident defense lawyer. Your attorney can then thoroughly investigate the cause of your accident to determine whether you are responsible for causing the victim’s injuries. They will also likely examine whether the injury victim shares blame for the accident or subsequent injuries. Be prepared to have your insurance company pay out on their claim if you are partially responsible. You might also be ordered to compensate the victim for their damages through a trial verdict if insurance does not cover every loss.

What are the common challenges in car accident cases in Georgia?

Car accident victims may face multiple challenges when seeking compensation for their damages. For example, the insurance companies of liable parties are likely to blame the victim for causing the accident. Georgia follows modified comparative negligence rules, which means settlements can be reduced if the victim shares the blame. Liable parties and insurance adjusters attempt to capitalize on these laws to reduce their financial losses and further their own interests.

If there are multiple parties who share liability for your car accident, this could also complicate your case. However, it is a welcomed complication, as the more parties who share liability for your injuries, the greater your chances of recovering maximum compensation for your losses.

What factors determine the value of my car accident claim in Georgia?

The specific details of your case will determine how much your car accident claim is worth. Some of the factors that have an impact include:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • The type of injuries 
  • Your prognosis
  • The impact your injuries are expected to have in the future
  • Whether the defendant has insurance coverage
  • Whether you have no-fault insurance coverage
  • Whether multiple parties share blame for your injuries
  • The value of your vehicle repairs
  • Your emotional distress and physical pain

What is the statute of limitations for car accident cases in Georgia?

If you hope to file a car accident lawsuit in Georgia, you must do so before the statute of limitations passes. Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you have a maximum of two years from the date of the accident before this deadline. However, it is not uncommon for car accident victims to be unsure when the statute of limitations expires. This is particularly true if victims have suffered delayed symptoms, were not diagnosed with an injury until weeks or months after the car accident, or are minors. If you are unsure how much longer you have to file your claim, do not hesitate to contact your car accident attorney so you can avoid being barred from pursuing justice in civil court.

Get Help From Our Georgia Car Accident Lawyers Today

Having to fight for the compensation you deserve when someone else is responsible for causing your injuries can be a burden. Let us lift the weight off your shoulders. Reach out to a dedicated Georgia car accident lawyer at T. Madden & Associates for help making the at-fault party pay. 

We can help you maximize your financial compensation and demand justice. Please find out more about what to do next and get help dealing with the insurer when you contact our team for a no-cost, risk-free consultation. You can reach us via our convenient contact form or phone to start working on your personal injury lawsuit and insurance claim as soon as today.

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