A car accident can leave you feeling shaken up and unsure of what to do next. You may want to file a claim to recover compensation for your injuries but may not know the appropriate steps to take to get there. If you’ve been injured, sustained property damage, and are left deciding how to cover medical bills and repair costs, you’ll want to consult with an experienced Georgia car accident lawyer right away so you can determine if you need to hire a lawyer.
Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC has years of experience representing clients injured in car accidents. Throughout his legal career, Attorney David Brauns has represented both plaintiffs and defendants, giving him an advantage and unique understanding of both approaches to a case. If you’ve sustained injuries in a car accident, reach out to our Georgia personal injury firm today to discuss the next steps for pursuing a claim.
When Do I Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a car accident attorney is beneficial when pursuing fair compensation for an accident that resulted in injuries or property damage.
You may need the help of a Georgia auto accident lawyer if:
- You sustained injuries in the collision
- The accident resulted in property damage
- You’re unsure of how to handle your claim
- The insurance company is offering a low settlement
On the other hand, you may not need the assistance of a lawyer if the accident was minor, or you did not sustain any injuries.
Car accident claims can be challenging to navigate. Consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer is the recommended option if you’re unsure of what to do next after a crash.
A Car Accident Attorney Can Be Your Best Ally
Individuals who hire a car accident lawyer will typically recover more compensation than those who try to seek compensation alone. If you’re inexperienced with car accident claims and have never handled one yourself, it can be difficult to know what steps to take to reach a fair outcome.
A personal injury lawyer can help handle the most critical aspects of your case, including:
- Claim Investigation — First and foremost, if you hire a lawyer, your car accident attorney can help investigate your claim. Claim investigations are vital to uncovering some of the key pieces of evidence in your claim, including the cause of your accident.
- Determining Fault —Establishing who was at fault is crucial for your claim. If you wish to receive financial compensation for your injuries, you must determine who was at fault and prove their negligence caused the accident. During their investigation, your lawyer can help determine who is liable for the accident.
- Collecting Evidence and Documentation —Evidence can be extremely beneficial to your claim. Your attorney knows all the necessary pieces of evidence you’ll need. They can request documentation, including police reports and medical records, to help build your case.
- Legal Strategy —Depending on your particular circumstances, you’ll need to have a clear strategy to tackle your claim and seek compensation. Your car accident attorney has the knowledge and skills to create a plan tailored to your specific case.
- Communication with the Insurance Company —Communicating with the insurance company can be frustrating and overwhelming. Additionally, insurance companies look for ways to limit liability, so it is especially important to watch what you say. If you hire a lawyer, your auto accident attorney can communicate on your behalf with the insurance company.
- Settlement Negotiations —Some cases require longer negotiations with the insurance company in order to help reach a fair settlement. The back and forth of negotiations can become daunting. However, a seasoned car accident attorney will know how to approach negotiations to fight for fair compensation for you.
- Representing You in Court — In some cases, an agreement during negotiations can’t be reached. If your attorney feels it is best to file a lawsuit and take your case to court, they can represent you and your case until a resolution is reached.
What to Look for in a Car Accident Lawyer
When it comes to handling your car accident claim, you don’t want to work with just any attorney. You should feel comfortable with your injury lawyer and confident in their skills and abilities.
Some things to look for when hiring an attorney include:
- Experience —One of the first things you want to look for is a lawyer with experience in the practice area you need. Just because someone is an attorney does not mean they are proficient in car accident law. Having a lawyer that knows and understands how car accident claims work is particularly valuable.
- Satisfied Clients —Hearing or reading about clients’ experiences can give you an idea of what you can expect. It is always a good sign when your attorney has happy clients. Look for client testimonials on the lawyer’s website to read about previous clients and cases.
- Good Communication —The car accident claim process often takes several months. You may want to communicate with your attorney to check in and ask questions or inquire about the status of your case. It is essential to find a lawyer who is easy to reach and who doesn’t mind communicating with clients.
- Rapport —You will be working with your attorney for an extended period of time. It is important to feel like you can easily establish a strong rapport with them. A good relationship will also give you peace of mind knowing your case is in the best hands.
When Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
Ideally, you should consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. An accident attorney will address all your questions and concerns and give you legal advice dependent on the details of your case.
Time is of the essence with car accident cases. If you need to file a lawsuit, you have a limited amount of time to do so due to a strict statute of limitations.
A statute of limitations restricts the amount of time a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit. In Georgia, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. If you need to file a lawsuit and fail to do so within the two-year window, you will lose your right to receive financial compensation.
So, the sooner you hire a lawyer, the better.
Hire a Qualified Car Accident Attorney in Georgia
A car accident claim can be tough to take on alone. A Georgia car accident lawyer could help you seek fair compensation for the harm you’ve suffered and losses you’ve incurred.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Georgia, contact Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, for a free consultation today. Our compassionate car accident attorney will work diligently to not only help you get the compensation you need but also the attention and service you deserve.
