Dalton Car Accident Lawyer

Dalton Car Accident Attorney

A devastating car accident is one of the most traumatic situations you can endure in your life. A car accident could be an irritating moment in your day, a life-changing catastrophe, or anything in between. Depending on how bad your accident was, you could be dealing with severe injuries and ongoing medical treatments. You might be counting on a settlement to pay for those treatments. A Dalton car accident lawyer can help you figure out the next steps for a claim.

Involved in a car accident in Dalton? Call our Dalton accident attorneys at 404-975-1775. Regardless of what caused your accident, it’s your attorney’s job to prove that another party’s negligence led to your accident. The Dalton Car Accident Attorneys at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm have experience handling a variety of vehicle accident cases ranging from semi truck collisions to drunk driver wrecks.

Dalton is one of the most beautiful cities in Georgia.  Although known for its carpet manufacturing, it also has its share of auto accidents. If you have been involved in an unpredicted accident, we can offer you our assistance. We will use our experience and expertise to offer legal guidance and advice to walk you through the process. Our aim is to hold the other party responsible for your medical expenses and injuries.

A Car Accident in Georgia

It is important to remember that a car accident can happen at any moment. Even if you are a safe driver, you should never forget that you share the road with other drivers who may not be as safe. The physical trauma you may suffer from a severe accident, as well as the emotional pain, can take years or even decades to fully heal from. Deciding to hold someone accountable can be a good start to pursuing closure.

Deciding to pursue legal action against the responsible party is a big step, and a car accident lawyer can help. It is important that you adhere to the statute of limitations for car accident claims in the state of Georgia, which is two years. You will have two years to establish grounds for your claim, build a solid case, gather the necessary evidence, consult with a car accident lawyer, and, ultimately, file a claim for compensatory damages.

If you are unable to file your claim before the two years are up, there is a good chance that if you file late, the claim will be denied, your case will be dismissed, and your chance to pursue damages for your accident may pass. Building a good case can take time, so you may want to get started sooner rather than later. If you are concerned about the strength of your case, have it evaluated by a car accident lawyer who can give you advice on how to strengthen it if necessary.

Our concern is you! Our priority is you! Give us a call at 404-975-1775.

Why should you have to go it alone? We are here to provide you with answers and draw up a plan to help you get fairly compensated — the money you are owed for another person’s negligence. If you have been involved in car accident on Pentz Street, West Waugh Street, Oxford Street, Spring Street, Bishop Street, or another part of the city, get in touch with us today so that we can file your claim and start prepping you for settlement or trial. If you are unable to come to us, we will come to you!

How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident?

Pursuant to Ga. Code §40-6-273, “(t)he driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death of any person or property damage to an apparent extent of $500.00 or more shall immediately, by the quickest means of communication, give notice of such accident.” However, there is no statutory requirement for when a person in a car accident has to file a claim with the insurance company. Therefore, there are other factors which must be considered when deciphering the time you have to file a claim after a car accident.

If your claim is being filed with your own insurance company, it is best to look at your insurance policy and see what it says your timeframe is for filing a claim. If it does not specify, it is a good idea to speak with our Dalton injury and car accident attorneys who are experienced in this area to find out what they advise.

If your claim is being filed with the insurance company of the other driver, you have no contractual obligation with them. Still, it’s best to file a claim as soon as you can after the accident occurs.

We have successfully won against the following types of parties:

• DUI Drivers
• SUV Drivers
• 18-Wheeler Trucks
• Dump Truck Drivers
• Delivery Truck Drivers
• Ambulances
• Police Cars
• Motorists

We understand the stress and pressure you must be facing. We can offer you answers and peace of mind.   Allow us to worry about your case verses you.

• Broken Bones
• Paralysis and Nerve Damage
• Head, Spinal, and Neck Injuries
• Organ Damage and Internal Bleeding
• Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations

How To Protect Yourself After a Car Accident

The steps you take to protect yourself after being in a car accident can influence the validity and strength of your claim when the time comes to file. That’s why it is vital that you take appropriate action when the time is right. Having the focus to make informed decisions in a time of crisis can make all the difference for your claim. Here are some of the steps you can take to make sure your claim is protected:

• Remain Calm: Being in a car accident can be a frightening ordeal. Depending on how serious the accident is, your first instinct may be to panic. It is vital that you don’t panic, as panicking could make things worse for you. Remain calm and try to assess the situation.
• Stay on the Scene: Above all, you must never flee the scene of a car accident. Under Georgia state law, any driver who is involved in a vehicular accident that results in somebody’s death, a serious injury, or significant property damage must stop immediately and report that accident to the proper authorities. Otherwise, they could incur hefty legal penalties. If you get in an accident, stay put.
• Check for Injuries: Depending on the severity of the accident, you might be dealing with serious injuries you aren’t aware of. Be sure to check yourself for these injuries and do the same for any passengers you may have. Check your body for red spots, wet spots, protrusions, sprains, bruising, and broken bones.

If you are in pain but don’t seem to have an obvious injury, make sure you mention that to the EMTs when they arrive at the scene. Be sure to get a full medical evaluation in case you have an invisible injury, such as slow internal bleeding.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Deadline for Reporting a Car Accident to Insurance Companies in Georgia?

A: In Georgia, there is no specific deadline for reporting an accident to your insurance company. The majority of car insurance policies require prompt reporting of any accident, and you should notify your insurance carrier as soon as you can. For some companies, you may have as little as 24 hours to report an accident before it impacts your claim.

Q: What Is a Good Settlement Figure for a Car Accident Claim?

A: A good settlement figure for a car accident claim is any amount that you feel is appropriate and considerate of all of the damages you sustained because of the accident. Remember, you never have to accept a settlement amount that you feel is unfair or inappropriate. Your lawyer can help you negotiate a proper settlement amount. If you feel that the opposing counsel isn’t going to cooperate with you, you may want to take your claim to court.

Q: How Much Settlement Money Should I Ask for in a Car Accident Case?

A: Generally, you should ask for more settlement money than you think you’re going to get. If you start the negotiation process with a higher number, the opposing counsel may be willing to counteroffer with something you feel is appropriate. You always want to leave room for negotiation while also demonstrating that you are serious about your claim. Your lawyer can help you negotiate an acceptable settlement amount.

Q: What Injuries Pay the Most in a Car Accident Case?

A: Usually, the injuries that pay the most in a car accident case are the ones that cause the most severe damage to a person. Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and other near-fatal injuries can often result in a significant settlement amount. Your settlement should reflect the amount you may have to pay in medical bills and other damages.

Reach Out to a Car Accident Lawyer Today

When you are involved in a car accident, you may be unsure of what to do next. You might be dealing with severe injuries, financial strife, and mental trauma. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you figure out the next steps and start building a strong case to recover damages. The legal team at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm understands that you’ll need effective legal counsel for your case. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a valued team member today.

When you are involved in a car accident, you need attorneys who can properly assess the situation, collect evidence, and provide you with a winning solution, and that firm is us! If you live in Dalton or surrounding area and you need attorneys with experience, contact the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm at 404-975-1775 or 1-800-738-WE-WIN.

Emergency Contact Information:

Whitfield County Sheriffs’ Office
805 Professional Blvd
Dalton, GA 30720
706-278-1233

Hamilton Emergency Department
1200 Memorial Dr.
Dalton, GA 30720
706-272-6150

Hamilton Medical Center
1200 Memorial Dr.
Dalton, GA 30720
706-272-6000