Jasper Car Accident Lawyer

Jasper Car Accident Attorney

Even the most cautious drivers in Jasper can be injured on the road. When those accidents and injuries are caused by someone’s negligence, the injured party can hire a Jasper car accident lawyer to hold the at-fault driver accountable. A skilled auto crash attorney can obtain compensation for roadway accidents, which can pay for the amount of medical bills and other costs incurred by the victims of a car collision.

Common Injuries That Can Result From a Car Accident

Car accident injuries can range from minor to severe. A serious auto collision can even lead to fatalities. Someone dies from a car accident every 13 minutes on average in this country. Among non-fatal injuries, these are the most common.

• Whiplash: This is a neck injury caused by a sudden movement of the head, typically in rear-end collisions. It can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. These symptoms can affect one side or both sides of the neck, depending on the severity and specifics of the injury.
• Broken Bones: Fractures can occur in any part of the body during a car accident, commonly affecting the ribs, legs, arms, and collarbones. The severity can range from minor fractures to complex breaks requiring surgery.
• Head Injuries: These include concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can occur when the head strikes an object or is violently shaken. Symptoms can vary from headaches and dizziness to more severe cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in total or partial paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the wound. This type of injury often requires long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass and physical impacts can leave drivers or passengers with cuts. Call 911, and report any bleeding or other serious injuries so that EMS can promptly treat cuts and lacerations. Use a clean cloth to apply direct pressure on the wound.
• Internal Injuries: These are damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or lungs, often caused by blunt force trauma. Internal injuries can be life-threatening and may require immediate surgery.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: These include injuries to ligaments, muscles, and tendons, such as sprains, strains, and tears. Soft tissue injuries can cause significant pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: A traumatic brain injury, also known as a TBI, can cause serious secondary injuries, like bruising and internal bleeding. The symptoms of a TBI may not fully manifest for days. Brain injuries can lead to impaired mobility, memory loss, paralysis, and other serious symptoms. Recovery time for a TBI is often lengthy because the brain heals on a very different timeline than the rest of the body.

No matter which type of injury you suffered from the car crash, you can work with a car crash attorney to seek fair compensation for your injuries. Georgia’s at-fault driving laws require the driver who caused the auto accident to pay for any damage they caused.

How Can I Be Compensated for My Injury?

Following a car accident case, the first source of compensation is the at-fault driver’s car insurance carrier. Georgia state laws require all drivers to maintain liability insurance policies.

Ideally, receiving a fair settlement should be an easy process, but insurance companies may try to accuse you of causing the accident. In some cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier may offer a settlement that does not cover all your medical expenses.

One way that you can improve the chances that you receive a fair and timely settlement is by hiring an attorney who can negotiate such a settlement on your behalf. Insurance companies may think that they can get away with lowballing you with an inadequate settlement offer, but they would be reluctant to try that if you have legal representation.

A fair settlement offer should compensate you for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Loss of earning capacity
• Rehabilitation costs
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium

If the final settlement does not fully compensate you for these and other losses, your personal injury attorney can explore the possibility of filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Litigation often results in a settlement offer that can pay for any costs that you incurred and even future losses.

Can I Sue the At-Fault Driver?

There are many situations where filing an accident claim is necessary and appropriate. One reason would be if the driver’s misconduct on the road was so egregious that punitive damages are warranted.

Punitive damages are intended to deter similar behavior from the defendant while punishing them for their recent negligence. To pursue punitive damages, you typically need to demonstrate that the defendant’s conduct went beyond mere negligence and involved a conscious disregard for the safety of others.

An example would be someone who is racing another car and weaving in and out of traffic at high speeds. In those situations, holding the at-fault party accountable can provide a sense of justice and potentially prevent similar incidents in the future.

Another reason you may consider filing a personal injury claim is when the at-fault driver is underinsured or uninsured. If you are unable to recoup medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier, you may be left with one choice: litigation.

Suing the responsible party can help ensure that you are financially covered for both the immediate and long-term impacts of the accident. Not every car accident can or should be resolved through litigation. Your attorney can review your case and provide advice on which options can provide you with fair compensation for your injuries.

Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

Dealing with an automobile insurance company or considering legal action after a car accident can be overwhelming. If you’ve been injured in a car wreck, you likely have numerous challenges to navigate, from medical appointments to managing your injuries.

An attorney can manage the legal complexities as they work to secure fair compensation, allowing you to focus on your recovery. They can provide guidance and support during difficult times, ensuring you can prioritize what matters most to you.

One reason people are reluctant to seek legal or professional help is because car accident lawyers have a reputation for being expensive. Personal injury attorneys often work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they are not paid until you receive a settlement.

FAQs

Q: What Should You Do If Someone Sues You for a Car Accident in Georgia?

A: If someone sues you after a car accident in Jasper, Georgia, you can and should hire an attorney to defend you. Not having legal representation can leave you open to financial liability, even if you did not cause the car accident. Even in cases where you are partly to blame for causing the car accident, having legal representation can reduce the chances that you are held financially liable.

Q: How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim for an Injury in Georgia?

A: You can take legal action soon after a car accident in Georgia. While there is no waiting period for filing a personal injury claim, you must take action within two years of the date of the injury. This is known as the statute of limitations, and missing this deadline could mean that you cannot rely on the courts to help you obtain compensation.

Q: What Happens If I Am Partly to Blame for the Accident?

A: Georgia’s car accident personal injury cases adhere to a modified comparative fault rule. This rule dictates that if you share fault in an accident, your compensation decreases proportionally to your percentage of fault.

It is important to remember that if your fault surpasses 50%, you may not receive any compensation. This approach aims to distribute liability and damages equitably, considering each party’s degree of responsibility for the accident.

Q: Do You Have a Right to a Rental Car After a Car Accident in Georgia?

A: In Georgia, the at-fault driver in an accident is usually liable for covering the rental car expenses of the other party involved. Their insurance should pay for your rental while your vehicle is repaired, within the policy limits. If their coverage is insufficient or delayed, your own insurance can be used to cover the costs of a rental.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Personal Injury Case in Georgia?

A: The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury case is two years. This legal deadline starts the day of the injury. There are few exceptions to this deadline, and a late filing would likely be dismissed by any civil court in Georgia.

One way you can avoid missing out on the opportunity to pursue legal remedies for your injury is by consulting an attorney soon after you are injured.

Schedule Your Car Accident Consultation Today

If you were injured in a car accident, you should not have to suffer the financial consequences of the at-fault driver’s negligence or misconduct. You can hold the at-fault driver accountable by hiring an attorney from our law firm who understands the state’s car accident laws.

With proper legal representation, you can be fairly compensated for your injuries and any expenses you incurred as a result of the accident. The legal team at Teague Law is here to help. We can fight for your rights and interests. Contact our office today so we can schedule your consultation.