There are times when a lawyer may face a car accident case that is beyond their capabilities to handle. In such a scenario, the lawyer may need to refer the case to another attorney.
If your client is in a car accident in Marietta, it may be beneficial to seek the assistance of an experienced attorney who specializes in such cases. Working with a lawyer who is familiar with the local court system can offer several advantages. Our attorneys have established relationships with defense attorneys and insurance adjusters, which makes it easier to reach a favorable settlement. However, if negotiations fail, it is crucial to have a lawyer with the expertise to take your case to court and present it before a jury.
Call our attorneys for a car accident referral at Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 today for a free case review.
Reasons Why You Should Refer Your Client’s Case to Our Marietta, GA Car Accident Attorneys
Attorneys have a responsibility to provide their clients with competent legal services, especially when it comes to car accident cases. However, there are times when a case may fall beyond their expertise, which could lead them to refer their clients to another lawyer. In such situations, attorneys can turn to our team of car accident attorneys, who are capable of providing excellent representation to their clients. We accept referrals from other attorneys to ensure that every client receives the best possible legal assistance.
Attorneys with Out-of-State Case Referrals
Car accident cases are frequently referred to attorneys from other states. Although a car accident attorney may have the required expertise to handle a case, they may not be authorized to practice in the location where the accident occurred. Filing for most car accident cases is required in the jurisdiction where the accident took place. For instance, if the accident occurred in Marietta, the case would have to be filed in a Marietta court.
An out-of-state attorney may not be well-versed in the complexities of Georgia’s personal injury law or car accident litigation in Marietta. Thankfully, our attorneys for car accident referrals can assist in obtaining the compensation your client deserves, even if you are not licensed to practice in Georgia. Having an attorney familiar with the Marietta judiciary can be beneficial in representing your client’s case.
Attorneys in Other Areas of Practice
While attorneys with expertise in other areas of law may refer car accident cases, it is essential to note that litigating a car accident lawsuit is much different from handling other types of cases. Winning a car accident lawsuit requires an attorney who is familiar with the nuances and complexities of car accidents. Even a highly respected medical malpractice lawyer might not know where to begin in a car accident lawsuit.
An experienced car accident attorney can negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys to ensure that clients receive the maximum compensation they deserve. Inexperienced attorneys might be taken advantage of by insurance adjusters. At our firm, we have the knowledge and experience to obtain the necessary evidence to prove your client’s case. We understand the steps required to get the job done right.
Attorneys with a Case Referral that is Too Complex or Expensive
It is not uncommon for clients to seek an attorney’s assistance for a car accident case that may be too complex or difficult for them to handle. Cases involving multiple drivers, commercial vehicles, or wrongful deaths can be particularly challenging as they may require proving significant injuries. These cases usually need expert testimony, and collecting a large amount of evidence is necessary to support the case. If your law firm has a high caseload or a smaller operating capacity, such cases can quickly deplete your resources.
Legal Issues to Keep in Mind When Referring a Client’s Marietta, GA Car Accident Cases
Referring a client’s Marietta car accident case requires careful consideration of the legal aspects involved. It is crucial for lawyers to be well-versed in Georgia’s laws and regulations to ensure the success of their client’s case. Familiarity with Georgia’s statute of limitations and the rules that govern car accident lawsuits is essential when referring such cases. Therefore, if you need to refer a Marietta car accident case for your client, it is imperative to have a clear understanding of these legal requirements.
The Statute of Limitations of Georgia
Every state has a specific time limit called the statute of limitations to file a car accident lawsuit. However, these time limits vary from state to state. Any experienced attorney is aware that if a case is not filed before the statute of limitations runs out, the client’s case may suffer. For instance, O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 states that car accident victims in Marietta typically have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. So, it is crucial to act fast and consult with a competent attorney as soon as possible in case of a car accident.
At-Fault Insurance
In Georgia, car accident claims are governed by at-fault insurance rules. If you and your client come from a state that follows no-fault insurance rules, you may not be familiar with the at-fault process. Under at-fault insurance, car accident victims are required to use their own car insurance to cover their injuries, and their right to sue is typically limited unless they suffer serious injuries. In Georgia, which is an at-fault state, victims have the option of pursuing compensation through insurance or via a lawsuit and can recover damages from the at-fault driver. If the insurance payment falls short of covering all the victim’s injuries, a lawsuit can be filed to recover the remaining damages.
Contributory Negligence in Georgia
In Marietta, fault is determined in car accident lawsuits using the modified comparative negligence rule. With this rule, your client may still be able to receive compensation even if they were partly responsible for the accident, as long as it is determined that their liability is less than 50 percent. In such cases, the plaintiff’s compensation will be reduced by the percentage that they were deemed at fault.
Vicarious Liability
When assessing a car accident case, it is also essential to consider whether the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident and if their employer can also be held responsible. In most cases, employers can be held accountable for the negligent actions of their employees if they cause an accident while performing their job duties. However, if your client’s accident involved a rideshare company such as Uber or Lyft, there could be challenges in holding them liable for damages in a lawsuit.
Our Marietta, GA Attorneys for Car Accident Referrals Can Help
For a free assessment of your client’s case, contact our attorneys for a car accident referral at Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 today.