Gainesville, GA Car Accident Lawyer

Gainesville, Georgia Car Accident Attorney

Being in a bad car accident can be an intensely traumatic experience, depending on the circumstances. A car accident can be a minor moment of your day or a disaster that changes the trajectory of your life. Every case is different, and there’s no telling what your accident will be like. If your injury was particularly bad, you could be looking at severe injuries that may take years or even decades to properly heal. A Gainesville, GA, car accident lawyer can help.

Have you or a loved one been involved in a car accident in Gainesville, GA? Call our Gainesville accident attorneys at 404-975-1775.

You Know How Much Compensation You Deserve?

If you were hurt through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation. You were the victim of someone else’s negligence. You know that you should not be responsible for the medical bills, loss wages, but do you know how to get the full compensation you deserve? Do you know how much your claim is worth?

Do not expect the “at fault” party’s insurance company to do what is right for you. The insurance companies do not make money by giving money to accident victims. Even if the insurance company does not delay or deny your claim, they may offer a low settlement that is far less than you deserve. The role of an attorney is to review and assess your case, determine the appropriate amount of compensation, and fight to get you the money you need.

Why should I consider filing a lawsuit?

Filing a lawsuit for personal injury is a serious matter that should be carefully considered. Having an attorney to help you decide when it is appropriate to file suit is advised. However, there are certain times when filing a lawsuit may be in your best interest.

The strength of your case is a huge consideration. Were you at fault? Were the injuries you suffered a direct result of the accident? If you were not at fault, and the injuries you have are a direct result of the accident and you have evidence of this, you will likely have a strong case.

Another consideration is the amount of damages you have and whether or not you are likely to actually recover them from the other party. Were they insured? If so, how much liability coverage did they have?

Also, if you have tried negotiating with the other party or parties and feel like you are getting nowhere, filing a lawsuit may be in your best interest.

As with any lawsuit, you need to be certain that the statute of limitations has not expired. If it has, you may be barred from filing a lawsuit no matter how strong your case is. Again, speaking with a Gainesville, GA injury and car accident attorney can help you determine the statute of limitations for your case.

The Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Cases

You should always be aware that the chance of a car accident while on the road could fluctuate between high and low, but it is rarely ever zero. An accident can happen at any time, so you should always be aware of your surroundings. Even if you consider yourself to be a safe driver on the road, other drivers may not be. A car accident can result in serious trauma, both physically and emotionally. Holding someone accountable can be a good start toward healing.

If you decide to pursue a car accident claim, which is considered a personal injury claim, you should keep in mind that the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in the state of Georgia is two years. You will have two whole years from the date of your accident to develop your case, gather the evidence you need, consult with a car accident lawyer, and file a claim for compensatory damages. Be sure to file quickly, or your case may not go the way you expect.

If you are unable to file your claim before two years have passed, there is a chance your claim will be dismissed outright, your case will be denied, and your opportunity to seek damages may pass by without any legal action taken. Building a strong case can take time, so you may want to start developing yours sooner rather than later. If you don’t think your case is strong enough, you may want to bring what you have to a lawyer.

More Than 50 Years Of Combined Experience

Gainesville is Georgia’s Poultry Capital of the World due to the numerous poultry processing plants situated in the city. With a population of approximately 33,800 in 2015, the probability of accidents occurring has increased. Most accidents in Gainesville occur on these major streets: Bradford Street, Main Street, Spring Street, and Washington Street.

However, no one knows when or where accidents may happen. Merritt & Merritt Law Firm wants to be there for you when an unexpected accident occurs. Our attorneys can help you navigate through the hassles of filing a lawsuit, talking to insurance companies, and seeking compensation for damages and injuries from the driver and their insurance company.

Car Accident? Need an appointment call us at 404-975-1775.

Accidents can create chaos in someone’s life. Your inability to remember what exactly happened can lead to the judge dismissing the case based on insufficient evidence.

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)?

It may shock you to know that Georgia has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the whole country. Nearly a quarter of Georgia drivers do not have car insurance. This means, that if someone with no insurance causes an accident, there is no coverage available for injured parties to pursue. Here is what you can do. Call the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm immediately.
Your first line of defense is to ensure that you have active uninsured motorist coverage on your vehicle. This coverage will ensure that most of your medical bills get paid.

How does UM work? UM is a contractual agreement between an insurance company and it’s insured (You). According to most insurance policies, the UM carriers will compensate for injuries, pain, suffering, mental anguish, and any other non-economic losses caused by an uninsured driver. However, UM does not automatically kick in! First, you must still prove that the accident was caused by another party. Sometimes, UM carriers fight just as hard as any other insurance company to pay the claim.

What To Do in the Event of a Car Accident

It is important to remember that the actions you take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident can determine the validity and strength of your future accident claim. That’s why it is so important to take the proper steps to protect yourself after you have been in a car accident. Being able to remain focused and make good decisions can make all the difference. Here are some things you should keep in mind after you have been in a car accident:

• Try Not to Panic: Panicking won’t help your situation. In fact, it may make things worse for you. It can be hard to ignore the urge to panic after a traumatic event but try your hardest. Stay as calm as you can and try to assess your situation.
• Don’t Flee: It is absolutely imperative that you do not flee the scene of the accident. Doing so could result in severe legal penalties. Georgia state law declares that any driver who is involved in a vehicular accident that results in someone’s death, significant property damage, or injury must stop immediately and report the accident to the authorities. If you don’t, you could be looking at legal action against you.
• Check Yourself for Injuries: Once you have calmed yourself, you should check your body for any injuries you may have sustained from the accident. Even if you don’t feel injured, you could be experiencing shock and should check anyway. Look for wet spots, red marks, bruises, sprains, broken bones, and protrusions. If you feel pain but can’t identify any injuries, mention that to the EMTs once they arrive at the scene.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Settlement Amount for a Car Accident Case in Georgia?

A: There isn’t exactly an average settlement amount for a car accident case in Georgia. Every car accident case is going to be different, as every case has its own unique details and circumstances. Certain factors need to be considered when calculating a car accident settlement amount, such as the severity of your injuries and the level of cooperation from the insurance company.

Q: How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge in Georgia?

A: The amount that a car accident lawyer may charge you in Georgia is entirely dependent on the lawyer themselves. Every lawyer is likely going to charge a different amount for their services, taking into account their experience, education, resources, and availability, among other factors. Most accident lawyers tend to work on a contingency basis, which means you only pay them if they win your case.

Q: Can You Take Legal Action After a Car Accident in Georgia?

A: Yes, you can take legal action after a car accident in Georgia if you suffer an injury or property damage as a result of someone else’s actions. In order to pursue damages in a court of law, you need to be able to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. If you are found to be partially at fault, you can still pursue damages, but your compensation may be reduced.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Case in Georgia?

A: Technically, you do not need to hire a lawyer for your car accident case in Georgia. If you want to pursue legal action on your own, there is no law that says you can’t. Still, it is recommended that you seek legal counsel whenever you are dealing with a legal situation. Having someone on your side who understands the law and can offer you advice can be beneficial in the long run.

Reach Out to Merritt & Merritt Today

The legal team at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm can help you figure out the next steps in pursuing damages after a car accident. Reach out to our office to schedule a consultation today and get started on your case with the help of a valued team member. Contact our Gainesville, GA accident Attorneys at 404-975-1775 or 1-800-738-WE-WIN. We can setup an appointment the same day or the next day.

Emergency Contact Information:

Gainesville Police Department
701 Queen City Pkwy
Gainesville, GA 30501
770-534-5252

Northeast Georgia Health System & Medical Center
743 Spring St. NE
Gainesville, GA 30501
770-219-9000

Guilford Immediate Care
1250 Jesse Jewell Pkwy SE
Gainesville, GA 30501
770-532-0800