Marietta Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents can turn lives upside down. When cars crash, people might get hurt or even lose their lives. Those who get hurt might have to deal with big doctor bills, not being able to work, and feeling really sad or scared.

The law in Georgia says if you’re hurt because someone else wasn’t driving safely, you can ask for money to help with those problems. This law is there to make sure people who get hurt aren’t left to deal with everything on their own. For example, O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6 lets people ask for this help if someone else’s mistake caused them harm.

To get this help, you need to show that the other driver made a mistake, like speeding or not paying attention, and that’s why the crash happened. You also need to show how the crash hurt you, like your injuries and how much money you lost because you couldn’t work. Sometimes, figuring this out can be really hard, especially when you’re trying to get better. That’s why the law gives you two years to start asking for this help, according to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, but it’s better to start as soon as you can.

At Wetherington Law Firm, we’re here to help people in Marietta who’ve been hurt in car crashes. We know how to deal with the tricky parts, like talking to insurance companies and making sure you get all the money you should. We want to make sure you can focus on getting better while we take care of getting you help. If you or someone you know needs help because of a car crash, give us a call. We’re ready to help you get through this tough time.

Understanding Your Rights After a Car Accident in Georgia

After a car accident in Georgia, you have rights that can help you deal with the aftermath and get support for your recovery. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Right to Medical Care: If you’re hurt in a car accident, you have the right to see a doctor and get treated for your injuries. This is important for your health and also for documenting your injuries if you decide to ask for compensation.
• Right to Compensation: Georgia law says if someone else caused the accident because they weren’t careful, you can ask for money to help with your medical bills, money you lost because you couldn’t work, and even for your pain and suffering. This is based on the idea that the person who caused the accident should help make things right.
• Right to Report the Accident: You should tell the police about the accident, especially if someone got hurt or if there was a lot of damage. The police report can be a helpful piece of evidence when you’re explaining what happened.
• Right to Not Admit Fault: It’s important not to say the accident was your fault, especially right after it happened. The full situation might not be clear yet, and saying it was your fault could affect your ability to get compensation later.
• Right to Legal Help: You can talk to a lawyer who knows about car accidents and get their help to understand your rights and how to ask for compensation. Our lawyer can deal with insurance companies and paperwork for you, so you can focus on getting better.

The Impact of Car Accidents on Victims and Families

Car accidents can deeply affect both victims and their families, touching every part of their lives. Here’s how:

• Physical Injuries: People in car accidents might get hurt really badly. They could break bones, have cuts, or even more serious things like head injuries or back problems. These injuries can take a long time to heal, and sometimes people might not get all the way better.
• Emotional Stress: Getting hurt in a car accident can be very scary and stressful. Victims might feel sad, scared, or angry for a long time. Families also feel worried and stressed, especially if they’re taking care of someone who got hurt.
• Money Problems: After a car accident, there might be big doctor bills to pay. If the person who got hurt can’t work, it’s hard for families to make enough money to pay for things they need. Sometimes, they might need money to fix or replace their car too.
• Changes in Life: Some people who get hurt in car accidents might not be able to do things they used to do, like playing sports, working, or even doing everyday tasks. Families might have to change a lot to help take care of them.
• Legal and Insurance Issues: Dealing with car insurance and legal stuff can be confusing and take a lot of time. Families might need to talk to lawyers and insurance companies to get help with bills and to figure out how to get money to help with their problems.

Steps to Take Immediately Following a Car Accident

If you’re in a car accident, it’s important to know what to do right away. Here are some steps to help keep you safe and make things easier later on:

• Check for Injuries: First, see if you or anyone else is hurt. If there are injuries, call 911 right away to get medical help.
• Move to Safety: If you can, move to a safe place near the accident scene. But, if your car is badly damaged or someone is hurt, it might be best to stay where you are until help arrives.
• Call the Police: It’s important to have the police come to the accident. They can make a report, which you might need for insurance or if you need to go to court.
• Exchange Information: Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance info from the other drivers. You should also write down the car types and license plate numbers.
• Take Photos: If you have a phone or camera, take pictures of the accident scene, any damage to the cars, and any injuries. These photos can be very helpful later.
• Look for Witnesses: If people saw the accident, get their names and phone numbers too. They might be able to help explain what happened.
• Call Your Insurance: Tell your insurance company about the accident, but be careful about what you say. It’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer before you give a lot of details or agree to anything.
• See a Doctor: Even if you don’t think you’re hurt, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Some injuries might not be obvious right away.
• Keep Records: Save all your medical records, receipts, and any other papers about the accident. You’ll need these if you ask for money to help with your injuries or damage to your car.
• Talk to a Lawyer: Our lawyer can give you advice, help you deal with insurance, and make sure you get the help you need. It’s especially important to talk to a lawyer if you’re hurt or if there’s a lot of damage.

Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims

Car accident victims in Georgia have the right to seek various types of compensation for their losses and injuries, under specific laws:

• Medical Expenses (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6): Victims can receive compensation for medical treatments related to the accident. This includes hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and any ongoing medical care needed due to injuries sustained in the accident.
• Lost Wages (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-4): If injuries from the accident prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income. This law ensures victims can recover wages lost during their recovery period.
• Pain and Suffering (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-4): Georgia law also recognizes compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This is considered a non-economic damage, offering compensation beyond just medical bills and lost wages.
• Property Damage (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-4): Victims can claim the cost of repairing or replacing their vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Punitive Damages (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1): In cases where the defendant’s actions were especially egregious or demonstrated willful misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
• Loss of Consortium (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-4): Spouses of car accident victims can claim compensation for the loss of companionship and support due to their partner’s injuries.

FAQS About Car Accidents in Marietta

How do I know if I have a car accident claim?

Car accident victims in Georgia have the right to seek various types of compensation for their losses and injuries, under specific laws:

• Medical Expenses (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6): Victims can receive compensation for medical treatments related to the accident. This includes hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and any ongoing medical care needed due to injuries sustained in the accident.
• Lost Wages (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-4): If injuries from the accident prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income. This law ensures victims can recover wages lost during their recovery period.
• Pain and Suffering (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-4): Georgia law also recognizes compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This is considered a non-economic damage, offering compensation beyond just medical bills and lost wages.
• Property Damage (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-4): Victims can claim the cost of repairing or replacing their vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Punitive Damages (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1): In cases where the defendant’s actions were especially egregious or demonstrated willful misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
• Loss of Consortium (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-4): Spouses of car accident victims can claim compensation for the loss of companionship and support due to their partner’s injuries.

Who can be held liable for my car accident injuries?

In a car accident, several parties could be held liable for your injuries, depending on how the accident happened:

1. Another Driver: If the accident was caused by another driver’s mistake, like speeding, not paying attention, or not following traffic laws, that driver can be held responsible.
2. Car Manufacturer: If your accident was caused by a problem with your car, like faulty brakes or airbags that didn’t work, the company that made the car might be liable.
3. Government Entities: Sometimes accidents happen because roads are in bad shape or not properly marked. In these cases, the government agency responsible for maintaining the roads could be held liable.
4. Employers: If the person who caused the accident was working at the time, like a delivery driver, their employer might be responsible for what happened.
5. Property Owners: If poor property maintenance, like a badly designed parking lot, contributed to the accident, the property owner might be liable.
6. Service Providers: If the accident was due to poor maintenance or repair work on the vehicle, the service provider could be held liable.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Georgia?

you were hurt in the accident, you need to start your legal claim within two years to seek compensation for your injuries.

If you’re claiming for property damage, like damage to your car, you have a bit more time. The statute of limitations for property damage claims is four years from the date of the accident (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32).

It’s important to start the process early, though. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence and might even make it impossible to file a claim if you miss the deadline. If you’re considering filing a claim, talking to a lawyer soon after your accident can help make sure you understand the deadlines and get everything filed on time.

Do I need to go to court for a car accident claim?

Not always. Many car accident claims in Georgia are settled before they need to go to court. After an accident, you or your lawyer will usually talk to the insurance company of the person who caused the accident. You’ll try to agree on how much money they should pay you for your injuries, lost wages, and other costs.

If you and the insurance company can agree on a fair amount, you won’t need to go to court. You’ll just accept the settlement, and that’s the end of the claim.

But sometimes, you and the insurance company might not agree. Maybe they don’t want to pay as much as you think is fair, or they don’t believe their client caused the accident. If you can’t settle, you might decide to go to court to get a judge or jury to decide.

Why should I hire a car accident attorney instead of handling the claim myself?

Hiring a car accident attorney instead of handling the claim yourself can make a big difference for several reasons:

1. Expert Knowledge: Lawyers know the law really well. They understand the legal process for car accident claims in Georgia and can help make sure everything is done right and on time.
2. Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies are good at paying as little as possible. A lawyer can talk to them for you and work to get you a fair deal. They know the tricks insurance companies might use and how to respond.
3. Figuring Out Compensation: It can be hard to know how much money you should get after an accident. Lawyers can look at your medical bills, how much work you missed, and other costs to figure out a fair amount.
4. Proving Your Case: To get compensation, you need to show the accident wasn’t your fault and that it really caused your injuries. Lawyers can help gather evidence, like police reports and medical records, and might even talk to witnesses or experts.
5. Going to Court: If you need to go to court to get what you’re owed, having a lawyer is very important. We prepare your case, file legal papers, and speak for you in front of the judge.
6. Saving Time and Stress: Handling a car accident claim can take a lot of time and can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to get better. A lawyer can take care of most of the work, so you can focus on healing.

If you’ve been in a car accident in Marietta and are feeling overwhelmed by the thought of dealing with insurance companies, legal paperwork, and seeking fair compensation, let Wetherington Law Firm help.

Our experienced car accident attorneys know exactly how to navigate these complex situations to secure the best possible outcome for you. Don’t go through this challenging time alone; contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s work together to get you the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.