The aftermath of even the most minor car accident can feel disorienting. If you suffered serious injuries in the crash caused by someone else, you may be facing costly medical bills, time away from work, and significant changes to your daily life as the result of a crash.
Dealing with insurance company adjusters and paperwork while facing the challenges of recovering from injuries can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t have to handle everything on your own. A knowledgeable Georgia car accident lawyer can help you handle the details of a car accident injury claim and seek the compensation you need to recover.
At Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., our attorneys have decades of experience handling complex car accident cases throughout Georgia. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist with your claim.
Causes of Car Accidents in Georgia
Many car crashes involve multiple contributing factors. The most common causes of accidents in Georgia include:
- Distracted driving – Drivers who are focused on texting, phone calls, or any other activities that distract their attention while driving are significantly more likely to overlook potential road hazards and cause accidents.
- Impaired driving – When a driver is intoxicated or impaired by drugs behind the wheel, the driver’s reaction time, awareness of surrounding traffic, and judgment can be dangerously compromised.
- Reckless driving – Reckless drivers exceed posted speed limits, tailgate other vehicles, and make hazardous driving maneuvers without regard for the safety of others.
- Drowsy driving – Driving without enough sleep can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. Drowsy drivers are more likely to crash due to blurred vision, delayed recognition of hazards, and even nodding off behind the wheel.
- Inexperienced driving – Teen drivers and those with limited driving experience are less likely to recognize dangerous traffic scenarios or respond in time to avoid collisions.
- Driving errors – Driving errors such as running a red light, failure to yield the right-of-way, and making unsafe passing maneuvers commonly lead to accidents.
What Are Some Signs You Need an Attorney?
In minor accidents involving only damage to vehicles, it may be possible to reach a settlement agreement with the insurance company on your own.
However, it’s a good idea to reach out to a qualified injury attorney if any of the following apply to your case:
- Another driver was at fault and you were injured
- Multiple parties may be at fault for the accident.
- You sustained significant injuries as a result of the accident
- Your injuries required extensive and costly medical care.
- You were forced to miss work as a result of your injuries.
- Your injuries will likely prevent you from returning to your job.
- You will likely require long-term treatment to recover from your injuries.
- Your injuries left you with permanent disfigurement or disability.
- You suffered emotional trauma as a result of the accident.
- The accident involved a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian.
- The accident involved a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle.
- The accident took place in a road construction zone.
- The insurance company tries to minimize or deny your claim.
- You feel uncertain about engaging in settlement negotiations on your own.
- You suspect you may need to take your case to court.
Injuries Caused by Car Accidents in Georgia
A Georgia car accident can cause painful injuries with long-term effects. At Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., we frequently work with car accident victims who sustain injuries such as:
- Face and jaw injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Herniated discs
- Spinal cord injuries (including partial or total paralysis)
- Internal injuries
- Fractured bones
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
- Heat or chemical burns
- Road rash
- Amputations
- Permanent scarring
- Strains and sprains
- Joint injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Wrongful death
Reasons Why an Attorney Can Help
If you’ve never needed legal representation, the idea of hiring your own attorney can feel intimidating. Here are some reasons why working with a lawyer can be helpful after a Georgia car accident:
- Attorneys are familiar with state laws and the legal systems – Lawyers understand the local laws and filing deadlines that may affect your ability to file a claim for compensation.
- An attorney can communicate with others on your behalf – You can avoid the risk of making a statement that harms your case by allowing your lawyer to speak with insurance companies and other attorneys on your behalf.
- Attorneys can estimate the value of your claim – Lawyers have extensive experience calculating the value of car accident claims and will have an informed perspective on whether an insurance settlement offer is reasonable based on the details of the case.
- An attorney can gather evidence to prove liability – Your lawyer can conduct an independent investigation of the car accident to identify useful evidence and demonstrate who was at fault.
- Attorneys are seasoned negotiators – A good lawyer will not hesitate to demand the full compensation you are owed and will negotiate aggressively to pursue a favorable settlement.
- An attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court – If the insurance company refuses to agree to a reasonable settlement, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit holding the at-fault party accountable and seeking full compensation for you.
How to Pick the Right Attorney for Your Claim
To find the best personal injury lawyer for your Georgia car accident claim:
- Talk to friends and family members – Ask people in your network whether they have ever worked with a personal injury attorney. If they had a good experience, request a referral to the law firm.
- Check online ratings, reviews, and testimonials – Experienced lawyers will have numerous positive reviews on websites like Google and Avvo. Client testimonials are a great way to find out what other people have said about a firm’s legal services.
- Review previous experience and case results – It’s important to make sure your lawyer has specific experience handling cases similar to your case. It’s a good idea to check out their practice history and case results.
- Evaluate fees and payment options – A good attorney will be transparent and up-front about the fee structure. Most personal injury lawyers handle cases on a contingency fee basis. They do not charge for their services unless they win compensation for the client through a settlement or court award.
- Seek a free consultation – The best way to evaluate an attorney is to speak to them directly. Most firms offer free consultations so you can speak to potential lawyers with no charge or obligation.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Attorney Today
For high-quality legal representation, don’t hesitate to contact Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., for a free consultation. Our friendly attorneys are ready to listen to your concerns, review the circumstances of your injury and provide guidance about your legal options to help you move forward.
