If you’ve been in a car accident, you might find yourself wrestling with medical appointments, calls to your insurance company, and worries about how you’ll cover the costs associated with the accident. It’s a lot to manage, especially when you should be focused on healing.
You might be wondering if hiring a lawyer is necessary. After all, insurance companies are supposed to help, right? The reality is that insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line over your recovery. That’s why having a skilled car accident lawyer in Athens on your side can make all the difference.
At Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys, we understand how difficult this time can be. Our Athens car accident attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process and help you rebuild your life.
Steps to Take Immediately Following a Car Accident in Athens
After a car accident, your safety and well-being come first. Here’s what to do right away:
1. Check for Injuries – Get medical attention for yourself and others involved. Even minor symptoms should be checked out, as injuries like whiplash or concussions can worsen over time.
2. Call the Police – A police report will provide an official record of the accident, which can be crucial for your case.
3. Document the Scene – Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and anything else that may be relevant.
4. Exchange Information – Get the other driver’s name, contact details, insurance info, and license plate number.
5. Contact an Attorney – The sooner you involve an Athens car accident lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Athens, GA
Here are some of the most frequent causes of crashes in Athens:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who take their eyes off the road to text, check GPS, eat, or talk can cause serious accidents.
- Speeding: This is the leading cause of car accidents. Whether someone is running late or driving too fast for the conditions, speeding makes it harder to react in time to avoid a crash.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment and reaction times, making it much more likely for them to cause an accident.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive drivers who tailgate, weave through traffic, or ignore traffic signals put everyone on the road at risk.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Running red lights, failing to yield, or ignoring stop signs are common causes of crashes, especially in busy intersections like those near downtown Athens.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents
Car accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, which vary from mild to severe. Here are some of the most common injuries that people suffer:
- Whiplash: This is a neck injury that happens when your head is suddenly jerked back and forth. It’s very common in rear-end collisions.
- Broken Bones: The impact of a car crash can easily break bones. Common fractures occur in the arms, legs, ribs, and wrists.
- Concussions: A concussion is a type of brain injury that occurs when the brain is jolted inside the skull. It can lead to symptoms like headaches, confusion, dizziness, and memory problems.
- Internal Injuries: The force of a crash can cause internal organs to be bruised or damaged, which might not be immediately obvious without medical attention.
- Cuts and Bruises: Flying debris, broken glass, or impact on parts of the car can cause various cuts and bruises, which are painful and can sometimes lead to further complications if not treated properly.
- Burns: If a vehicle catches fire after a crash or if the skin comes into contact with hot fluids, surfaces, or steam, burns can occur, which may require long-term treatment.
Types of Damages That Can Be Awarded in Georgia
In Georgia, if you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to several types of damages.
First, there are economic damages, which cover the direct costs resulting from the accident.
This includes your medical expenses, from emergency care to ongoing treatments, and lost wages if you’ve been unable to work. It also covers the cost of repairing or replacing your car and any other property damage.
Then, there are non-economic damages, which are more about the subjective impacts of the accident.They compensate for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and a loss of enjoyment in life activities you could partake in before the accident. This type of damage can be harder to quantify but is just as important.
Lastly, in cases where the behavior of the at-fault party was particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded.These aren’t about compensating you. Instead, they’re meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are less common and are not tied to the direct costs or impacts of the accident but to the nature of the behavior that caused it.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact us immediately. The sooner you contact our team, the stronger your case will be. Let our experienced car accident lawyers in Athens GA fight for your rights while you focus on healing.
Call Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys at 706.354.1000 for a free consultation.
FAQs
+ How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. It’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and build your case.
+ What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
+ How do I know if I have a valid car accident claim?
The best way to determine if you have a valid claim is to discuss your situation with a car accident lawyer. They can assess the details of your accident and advise you on the potential for a successful claim based on factors like fault, damages, and the evidence available.
+ How long does a car accident claim take to settle?
The duration of a car accident claim can vary widely. Simple cases may settle in a few months, while more complex ones, especially those that go to trial, can take a year or more. The specific circumstances of your case will influence how long it takes to settle.
