Car Accidents
Were You Injured in an Auto Accident?
Car accidents, even minor fender benders, can cause injuries that result in chronic pain and loss of mobility. As you try to recover from your injuries, you’re also facing high medical bills, ongoing treatment, and lost wages as you’re unable to work.
Fortunately, there is hope as you move forward because you may be entitled to compensation for the pain, suffering, and economic losses you’ve faced. When you need an auto accident lawyer in Marietta, reach out to The Fitzpatrick Firm, LLC.
Our team of personal injury attorneys has represented hundreds of accident victims, working tirelessly on their behalf to get the compensation they need to overcome their financial losses and move forward with confidence.
From negotiating favorable settlements to fighting for you in the courtroom, we’re on your side to help you achieve justice.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident?
If you’re involved in an automobile accident, it’s important to take certain steps to stay safe as well as protect your legal rights.
Move Out of Traffic
If possible, move your vehicle over to the shoulder or side of the road out of traffic. This allows emergency vehicles to reach you more easily and safely and allow traffic to continue to flow around you. If you can’t move your car, turn on your hazard lights to increase your visibility.
Check for Injuries
Check yourself and anyone else in the vehicle for injuries. Even if everyone seems uninjured, it’s still important to get checked out by a medical professional after the accident.
Call 911 or the Police
Even if everyone seems okay, if the damage is significant, you should call 911. First responders will arrive on the scene to make sure everyone is okay and be present in case a fire occurs. If the damage to the vehicle is minor and all passengers appear uninjured, call the police non-emergency line so a law enforcement officer can create a report of the accident, which is necessary for filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Exchange Information
Get information from the other driver:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Insurance company name and policy number
When you’re getting information from the driver, avoid talking about the accident in any way because that could be used against you during a civil case or settlement negotiation. If the other driver does want to talk about it, ask to wait until the police arrive on the scene.
Take Photos
Use your phone to take photos of the accident and the scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, and factors that may have led to the accident. These photos can assist your claim.
Get Witness Information
If there are people who witnessed the accident, get their names and contact information. Eye witness testimony can be valuable for either an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
Get Medical Attention
Often, the shock and adrenaline you feel after a car accident can mask serious injuries, especially whiplash. See a doctor as soon as possible to determine if any injuries occurred so you can get the care you need.
Connect With Auto Accident Attorneys
If you were injured in an automobile collision, you need a car accident lawyer who will fully investigate your case, stand up to insurance companies, and help you recover damages.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Marietta
If you or a loved one sustained serious injuries after a vehicle collision, you need an experienced auto accident lawyer in Marietta to take on your case.
Too often, accident victims will attempt to pursue damages without an attorney, but the insurance companies are not looking out for injury victims.
Instead, they’re more focused on profits and avoiding payouts, resulting in minimal settlements that barely make a dent in medical bills and lost wages.
Even worse, they will avoid paying out anything at all by running out the statute of limitations or having their lawyers attempt to prove victims were at fault or not seriously injured.
When you have car accident attorneys fighting for you, you are much more likely to receive fair compensation.
At The Fitzpatrick Firm, LLC, our team of experienced personal injury lawyers know how to investigate the accident to determine fault, will speak to medical experts to determine the true extent of your injuries, and will know what fair compensation for your case is.
Whether we are negotiating a settlement or taking your case to court, we’re fighting to secure a favorable outcome.
As your car accident attorneys, we will guide you through the claim process, including:
- Filing the police report
- Gathering evidence
- Taking pictures of the car accident scene
- Hiring experts, when necessary
- Contacting witnesses
- Preparing and filing legal documents
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
- Pursuing a settlement or taking your case to court, if necessary
Why Choose The Fitzpatric Firm, LLC As Your Personal Injury Attorneys
We know there are hundreds of car accident lawyers serving Marietta, Georgia, and the surrounding area, and choosing the right one may seem overwhelming. At The Fitzpatrick Firm, LLC, we offer over 30 years of combined experience and aren’t afraid to stand up to the insurance company and win your case.
Just as important as fighting back, we understand the trauma you’ve suffered and the fear you’re going through. That’s why we’re here for you 24 hours a day to guide you through this process, answer your questions, and help you navigate this challenging ordeal.
Types of Damages We Recover
- The spinal cord, back, and neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Brain and head injuries
- Loss of Life or Death
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive Damages
- Disfigurement
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Property damage
Auto Accident FAQs
After an automobile accident, we know you have questions. To help you better understand what you can expect, our car accident lawyers have compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Filing a Claim After a Car Accident?
In Georgia, you have two years after the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you don’t file a claim during that time period, you will lose the opportunity to recover damages. Often, insurance companies will try to “run out the clock” to avoid paying out compensation.
It’s important to hire a car accident attorney as soon as you can to ensure the incident is fresh in your mind so you can provide more accurate information. Also, the more time an attorney has to investigate the case and build a strategy, the more likely you are to have a better outcome.
Should I Seek Medical Attention After an Accident?
Absolutely. Often, serious injuries don’t show up immediately, especially spine and neck injuries. Getting checked out as soon as possible ensures you get faster treatment and have a better record if you choose to seek damages.
If I was Partially to Blame for the Accident, Can I Still Get Compensation?
Yes, Georgia has a rule known as “modified comparative fault.” This means that an individual may be awarded monetary compensation if the jury finds that the plaintiff (injured party) was no more than 49 percent at fault for the accident.
For example, if the plaintiff experienced catastrophic injuries in a car accident that occurred when the plaintiff ran a red light, but the plaintiff was speeding, the jury may find that the plaintiff was 10 percent at fault. Under the rule of comparative negligence or modified comparative fault, the plaintiff may still recover damages.
What Is the Compensation for Pain and Suffering?
There isn’t a set monetary value for pain and suffering, and no amount of money can truly make up for the lasting physical and emotional trauma caused by a car accident. However, the more serious the pain and suffering, including disability, the inability to work, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other factors are all considered when determining damages.
How Long Does It Take to Receive A Car Accident Claim?
Every car accident claim is different and there isn’t a set timespan for receiving a settlement. Our experienced team doesn’t send a demand to an insurance company until we are completely clear on the full extent of your injuries and have thoroughly investigated your case. This ensures we have an accurate value of the damages you are owed. However, once we settle your case, you should receive your settlement within a few weeks.
What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Georgia?
The average car accident settlement in Georgia is $21,600, with $5,900 going toward property damage and $15,700 going toward injury. However, the more serious the accident, the higher the settlement, generally, and every case is dependent on the facts and factors that led to the injury.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Car Accident Lawyer in Marietta Today
If you or a family member have been injured in a car accident, let our Marietta car accident lawyers fight for your rights. Schedule a free consultation with a member of our personal injury law firm immediately to get your best chance at securing compensation for your injuries.