A car accident can seriously disrupt your life in more ways than one. Not only do you have to contend with painful physical injuries, but you must also figure out how to cover your mounting expenses.
Immediately after a car accident, you or someone with you should call for help. Dial 911 immediately and ask for emergency medical assistance and law enforcement to be dispatched to your location. If possible, you can begin photographing the scene and speaking to potential witnesses while you wait for help. After getting medical attention, you can contact our legal team about filing a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. We can help you recover economic damages for the money you lost because of the crash. We can also help you claim non-economic damages for your pain, suffering, humiliation, and more. Lawsuits for things like car accidents sometimes last for a long time, although settlement agreements can help cut the process short.
Our Warner Robins, GA car accident lawyers are here to help you file your case and get the compensation you need to recover. Call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free case review.
What You Should Do After a Car Accident in Warner Robins, GA
Immediately after a car accident, you should call for help. If you have a cell phone with you, call 911 right away. If you do not have a phone or are too badly injured to make the call yourself, someone in the area should make the call for you. Emergency medical personnel and law enforcement should be dispatched to the crash scene to help you. Our Warner Robins, GA car accident attorneys can help you determine your next steps once you receive medical attention.
As you wait for help to arrive on the scene, you can begin gathering evidence if you are able. People often take photos and record videos of the scene and their damaged vehicle for an insurance claim. However, these photos and videos can also be used as evidence in a lawsuit against the other driver. Photos and videos from the accident scene might contain important details that are lost when the scene is cleaned up by law enforcement.
If you can get out of your car and walk about the scene, you should exchange information with any other drivers involved in the collision and anyone who might have seen the accident. You must identify the other drivers to file an insurance claim and lawsuit. We also need as many witnesses as possible to testify about the crash.
How to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Warner Robins, GA
After you have gotten to a hospital and been treated for your injuries, you should call an attorney about how to get compensation for the crash and your injuries. Our Warner Robins, GA car accident lawyers can help you navigate your insurance claim in addition to filing a lawsuit for damages.
Many drivers prefer to file a claim against the other driver’s insurance rather than initiate a lawsuit. While an insurance claim might net you some compensation, insurance companies are notorious for being difficult and lowballing injured drivers during settlement negotiations. Filing a lawsuit can help pressure insurance companies to speed things along or offer a better settlement deal.
Lawsuits are also necessary when insurance companies deny claims and refuse to compensate injured drivers. This is sometimes the case when accident victims cannot come up with strong evidence from the accident. If you were too badly injured, you might be unable to take photos or videos of the crash. In addition, your accident might have happened on a remote road or late at night, and perhaps no witnesses were present who could back up your claims. A lawsuit can help you get the compensation you need when insurance claims do not cut it.
Recovering Damages in a Warner Robins, GA Car Accident Lawsuit
The purpose of a lawsuit is to recover damages from a negligent defendant. Damages encompass the losses and injuries suffered by the plaintiff and may include economic and non-economic injuries. Calculating damages is very important and should be done carefully. Our Warner Robins, GA car accident lawyers can help you add up your damages and maximize potential compensation.
Economic damages include the losses and injuries you sustained that are attached to a predetermined price or value. For example, your medical bills will likely make up a large portion of your economic damages in a car accident lawsuit. On top of that, you can claim the value of your totaled vehicle as part of your economic damages.
Non-economic damages encompass the plaintiff’s personal experiences during and after the accident. For example, you can claim damages for your physical and emotional pain and suffering. You can also claim damages related to humiliation or damage to your reputation. Generally, the value of non-economic damages can be assessed based on how deeply they impact your daily life.
How Long Do Car Accident Lawsuits Last in Warner Robins, GA?
Civil lawsuits have a bad reputation for taking a long time to complete. The time your case takes depends on various details unique to your situation. If you are afraid your case might take longer than you are comfortable with, our Warner Robins, GA car accident attorneys can help you speed things up or explore alternative legal avenues.
One way to avoid a lengthy and protracted court battle is to reach a settlement agreement with the defendant. Settlements occur outside the courtroom and are private, legally binding agreements between the parties. Typically, the defendant will agree to pay for some of the plaintiff’s damages and, in return, the plaintiff drops their case.
How much compensation you get from a settlement depends on how we negotiate the agreement. The more evidence you have and the more likely you will win in a trial, the more compensation we can get the defendant to pay in a settlement.
Deadline to File Your Car Accident Case in Warner Robins, GA
The deadline to sue for car accident injuries is governed by O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. Typically, you will have two years from the date of a crash to obtain payment for the harm you incurred. Failure to comply with this deadline may cause you to miss out on important compensation.
Even though you may have up to two years to bring your case to court, you should not wait to begin working on your car accident claim. Crucial evidence may become difficult to collect or preserve as time passes. The more quickly you begin building your case, the more efficient the process will be.
Furthermore, in addition to filing your lawsuit on time, there are multiple other requirements that must be satisfied in order to file a successful claim. For example, you will need to file in the proper jurisdiction, attach supporting documents, pay any necessary fees, notify all named defendants, and ensure that you are filing a complete claim. Failure to satisfy any of these conditions may force you to re-file your case. By filing early, you can make sure you have time to file your lawsuit again if necessary.
Thankfully, our car accident attorneys can file a case on your behalf. We can also handle all communications with the defendant and their insurance company during the process of pursuing payment.
Common Sources of Car Crashes in Warner Robins, GA
There are multiple forms of negligence that frequently lead to car crashes in Warner Robins. If your motor vehicle collision stems from any of the following, then our legal professionals can guide you on the path to monetary damages:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving stands out as a very common cause of car accidents in Warner Robins. Many collisions occur because drivers divert their attention from the road. This distraction may result from texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other activities that take their focus away from driving safely. Motorists should minimize such distractions to focus on the road and prevent potential collisions.
Speeding
Excessive speed is another significant factor contributing to car accidents. When drivers exceed posted speed limits, they have less time to react to unexpected situations on the road. Speeding reduces the margin for error, making it a leading cause of accidents and increasing the severity of collisions.
Impaired Driving
Accidents often happen because of impaired driving, usually caused by alcohol or drugs. Driving under the influence significantly impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, leading to an increased risk of accidents. In Georgia, strict laws are in place to deter and penalize those who drive while impaired.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving encompasses various risky behaviors on the road, such as aggressive driving, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic. These actions can escalate situations quickly, resulting in accidents that could have been avoided with more cautious and responsible driving.
Failure to Adjust Driving for Dangerous Weather Conditions
Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, contribute to a considerable number of car accidents in Georgia. Reduced visibility and slippery roads make it challenging for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. It is crucial for drivers to exercise caution, reduce speed, and adopt safe driving practices during adverse weather to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signals
Disregarding traffic signals and signs is a common cause of car accidents. Running red lights, failing to yield, or ignoring stop signs can lead to collisions at intersections. Drivers must adhere to traffic regulations to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
Inexperienced Drivers
Inexperienced drivers, particularly those who have recently obtained their licenses, may lack the skills and confidence needed to navigate various driving situations. Inexperience can lead to poor decision-making and errors on the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Ongoing education and training are essential for new drivers to enhance their skills and awareness.
Vehicle Defects
Car accidents can also occur because of vehicle defects or mechanical failures. Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or other malfunctions can compromise a driver’s ability to control their vehicle. Regular maintenance and addressing recalls promptly are crucial for preventing accidents caused by vehicle defects.
Fatigue
Fatigued driving is a significant contributor to accidents. Drivers who are tired or drowsy have impaired concentration and slower reaction times, similar to those impaired by alcohol. Long hours of driving without adequate rest can lead to serious accidents on the road.
Poor Road Conditions
Lastly, neglected or poorly maintained roads can contribute to accidents. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and inadequate signage can catch drivers off guard and lead to collisions. Local authorities must ensure that roads are properly maintained to reduce the risk of accidents caused by poor road conditions.
Importance of Seeking Legal Representation Quickly After a Crash in Warner Robins
Calling our attorneys promptly after your car accident is imperative because swift action can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Time is of the essence when gathering crucial evidence, documenting the scene, and interviewing witnesses while memories are still fresh. Our legal professionals can swiftly assess the details of the collision, ensuring that no crucial information is lost or overlooked. Additionally, contacting us promptly allows for a timely initiation of the legal process, including filing necessary paperwork and meeting deadlines. By reaching out quickly, you may maximize your ability to obtain monetary damages for your car accident injuries.
Sharing Fault for Car Accidents in Warner Robins, GA
Even if you are partially to blame for your car accident in Warner Robins, you may still obtain payment from the at-fault party for the damages you sustained.
Courts in Georgia will abide by the doctrine of “modified comparative negligence” when assigning payment in car accident cases. In other words, damages in are awarded based on percentages of fault. As an example, if you are 10% at fault for your crash while another driver is 90% responsible, then they may be responsible for 90% of your damages while you are left to account for the 10% that is leftover.
Still, it is crucial to remember that you may not bring a car accident claim against another party if your share of fault meets or exceeds 50%.
Call Our Warner Robins, GA Car Accident Lawyers for Help Now
The person or people who caused your accident should be held liable and made to pay you compensation for your injuries. Our Warner Robins, GA car accident lawyers can discuss your case in a free case evaluation. Call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for help now.
