Smyrna Car Accident Lawyer

Smyrna Car Accident Attorney

Being involved in a serious car accident can be a traumatic experience that can be difficult to move past. Even a minor fender bender can cause severe mental trauma in certain circumstances. It is crucial that you take the proper steps to protect yourself if you are ever in a car accident, regardless of your degree of injury. If you wish to pursue legal action against the responsible party, reach out to a Smyrna car accident lawyer as soon as you can.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident in Sandy Springs, call our Sandy Springs accident attorneys at 404-975-1775.  Georgia law states a person must bring his claim for an auto accident within two years of the accident; however, not receiving immediate medical treatment or seeking legal representation can prove costly.

Getting in a Car Accident in Georgia

A car accident can happen out of nowhere and cause serious devastation to your life. The most extreme cases can cause life-long physical, mental, and emotional trauma that can be difficult to move past if you ever do. Choosing to hold the right people accountable and pursue legal action against them may be a good way to start your healing process and get a sense of closure.

If you decide to pursue legal action against the liable party, it is vital that you adhere to the state of Georgia’s statute of limitations for a car accident claim, which is two years. The state gives you two years to establish grounds for your claim, build a solid case, gather the appropriate 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-year period has passed, there is a good chance your claim will be denied, your case will be dismissed, and you will lose your legal right to file for damage recovery. Building a strong car accident claim can take a lot more time than you’d expect, so you should begin the process as soon as you can. If you are worried that your case isn’t strong enough, a Smyrna car accident lawyer can review it and give you advice.

We Specialize

We are Smyrna injury and car accident attorneys. We do not handle any type of case other than those in which our clients or their family members suffered an injury from a car accident. This simply means our lawyers devote every moment of their legal practice handling car accidents, tractor trailer accidents, and motorcycle accident cases. By specializing in this manner, we pursue cases that we are most zealous about but it also means we offer our clients a specialized law practice that allows us to apply a precise legal knowledge to our client’s cases for the best results.

Top Priority after a Car Accident: Medical Treatment

It’s critical that you visit your local emergency room as soon as possible after your car accident. Then, it’s important to follow up with your primary physician.  We can also help you find a medical doctor or chiropractor if you do not already have one.

If you believe your injuries are minor, it’s still wise to seek treatment in the event you begin to experience new or worsening symptoms a few days after the accident.

As your attorney, we are looking for strong points in your case; conversely, the insurance company is looking for weaknesses in your case and one argument they often use is that there was a “gap in treatment.” This occurs when a person does not seek medical attention in a reasonable time following an accident.  For example, someone is involved in an accident and they wait a month before going to the doctor.  That would be considered a gap in treatment. Even if you have a gap in treatment, we can still provide you with aggressive legal representation.

What is a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia?

A personal injury lawsuit in Georgia is a method to obtain compensation for an individual who was harmed by the negligence or misconduct of another party. The subject of personal injury lawsuits could be medical malpractice, wrongful death, product liability, vehicle accidents, slip and falls, or any other type of personal injury that resulted in harm, loss or damage to another party.

To prevail in a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia, the plaintiff must show that the defendant owed the plaintiff  a duty of care, that the defendant breached that duty through behavior that rose to the level of negligence or willful misconduct and, as a result, the defendant is legally responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries.

A plaintiff who prevails in a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia may be entitled to so-called “economic” or “compensatory” damages which include medical expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs. A plaintiff may also be entitled to “non-economic” damages for pain and suffering and emotional distress. These costs are more difficult to quantify, however. In very rare cases, a plaintiff may be entitled to punitive damages from the defendant. These are awarded only in egregious cases, however, where the court feels that the defendant acted intentionally or recklessly.

What To Do After a Car Accident in Smyrna, Georgia

The actions you take in the aftermath of a car accident may be determining factors in the success of your accident claim. With that in mind, it is vital that you take the proper steps to protect yourself in the event of an accident. Making the right decisions in the moment can make all the difference. Here are some crucial steps you can take after a car accident to make sure you are protected:

• Stay Calm: After being involved in a car accident, you may have the instinct to immediately panic, but you should try your hardest to remain calm. Panicking won’t help your situation, and could potentially make it worse. Compose yourself, take a few deep breaths, and assess your situation.
• Remain at the Scene: It is very important that you do not try to flee the scene of the accident. Georgia state law requires any driver who is involved in an accident resulting in injury, property damage, or death to stop and report the accident to the proper authorities. Failure to do so could result in significant legal penalties.
• Check for Injuries: Once you have calmed down, you should check yourself and any passengers in your vehicle for injuries that may have been sustained. Look for red or wet spots, bruising, sprains, broken bones, and protrusions. If you don’t have any visible injuries but are still in pain, be sure to mention that to the EMTs once they arrive. A medical evaluation is crucial even if you feel unharmed.

FAQs

Q: How Much Do Accident Lawyers Charge in Georgia?

A: Accident lawyers in Georgia typically charge varying fees depending on the case. Every car accident case is different, which means every car accident lawyer may charge you differently. Additionally, lawyers’ fees often change to reflect the ever-changing market. When a lawyer tells you their fee, it is based on many different factors, including their availability, experience, education, and resources.

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

A: There is no average settlement amount for a car accident in Georgia. Every car accident case is going to be different, with every case having its own unique details and circumstances. Certain factors have to be taken into consideration, such as the severity of your injuries, the amount of property damage expenses, and your lawyer’s negotiation skills.

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 were injured in a car accident due to the negligent actions of another driver, you can bring an accident claim against them and seek compensation for medical bills, property damages, lost wages, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more. To secure this compensation, you must prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident.

Q: Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident in Georgia?

A: Yes, you should get a lawyer for a car accident in Georgia. Pursuing legal action of any kind can be a stressful, complicated endeavor. You may not be prepared to navigate it on your own, even if it seems like a simple case. You should consider reaching out to an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you figure out your next steps and make sure the process and paperwork are properly handled from the start.

Contact Us

There may be very few events in your life that are as traumatic, painful, and emotionally draining as a car accident. Pursuing legal action against the negligent party can prove stressful, especially if you are trying to do so on your own while dealing with your recovery and financial matters. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer to assist you in your pursuit of compensation may be the most important decision you make for your case.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, call the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm today at 404-975-1775.  Our Smyrna injury and car accident attorneys are here to walk you through the process. We can help you develop your case, gather the necessary evidence, and make sure you are not taken advantage of at any point in the process. Contact us as soon as you can to schedule a consultation with a valued team member and begin building your case.

Emergency Contact Information:

Smyrna Police Department
2646 Atlanta Rd SE
Smyrna, Georgia 30080
770-434-9481

Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital
2540 Windy Hill Road
Marietta, Georgia 30067
770-644-1000

Smyrna City Fire Department
2620 Atlanta Rd SE
Smyrna, Georgia 30080
770-434-6667

Major Streets / Roadways:

Interstate 75
Interstate 285
Windy Hill Road
Cobb Parkway
South Cobb Drive

If you have further questions or need to discuss a potential claim, contact us at 404-975-1775 or via our free case review form.