Other Frequently Asked Questions
The following links will provide answers to some frequently asked questions about personal injury law:
-
Common Misconceptions About Auto Accidents in Georgia
CLEARING UP CONFUSION ABOUT YOUR ACCIDENT CASE
If you are in an accident, it is in your best interests to retain a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible. At Kaine Law, we work diligently to help clients understand every aspect of their case and pursue fair compensation for their injuries.
The following are common misconceptions about car crashes in Georgia:
- Compensation: Many people believe that they are entitled to compensation if they are hurt in an accident, regardless of the severity of their injuries or who caused the accident. This is not the case. Each case is different. Talking to an attorney is the best way to understand whether there are grounds for compensation.
- Automobile black box: The concept of a motor vehicle black box is sometimes likened to that of an airplane black box. However this is not accurate. Because a car black box does not record ground speed, the information it gathers is not a perfect measure of speed. Additionally, the government has not set any regulation about the accuracy of these devices, making black box data difficult to use in litigation.
- Lengthy court battle: A large number of accident victims believe that filing a lawsuit automatically means a lengthy courtroom battle. This is common in the movies and on television but not in real life. While every personal injury case is different, most are settled out of court.
- Any lawyer can help you: Most people do not realize that there are different types of attorneys. Not just any Atlanta accident lawyer can help you with your case. You need an attorney who focuses his or her practice on assisting victims of negligence on the part of other drivers. At Kaine Law, we have dedicated our practice to helping anyone who sustains injury in an accident.
Many other common misconceptions surround lawsuit litigation. Let Kaine Law, the Atlanta personal injury lawyers, help you eliminate your misconceptions so you can better understand your case.
Contact skilled lawyers in Atlanta, GA
If you or a loved one suffered injuries as a result of a car accident or another unfortunate situation, you need a skilled and experienced lawyer. Everyone at Kaine Law — from our highly qualified lawyers to our dedicated staff — is ready to serve you. We realize that auto accidents can cause serious injuries that can affect every aspect of your life. If you are the victim of a car accident, we want to be your voice. To speak to an experienced lawyer, contact us today by phone at 404-214-2001 or via our online form. Hablamos Español.
-
The monetary compensation you may obtain for your individual injury depends upon many factors, including the type of injury you suffered, the permanency of your injury, any preexisting injuries, your present and future medical bills, the pain and suffering caused by your injury, your loss of income due to the injury, and your ability to proceed with your life as you did prior to the injury. A skilled attorney can guide you through the complexity of these factors, which is why it is essential to seek counsel earlier rather than later in the negotiation process.
-
“It came out of nowhere.”
This is frequently heard from people involved in car accidents. Although it’s not true in terms of where a driver came from, car accidents can seemingly come from nowhere and occur when you least expect them.
Car accidents can leave the most level-headed motorists shocked, stunned and more than a little shaken.
The first few calls that you should make after you’ve been involved in a car accident should be to the police, your insurance agent or a personal-injury lawyer. Amid the conflicting advice online, we’ll take a look at what you should do in the event you’re involved in a scrape, smash or other unfortunate car accident.
Read more at CNN: What to do after a car accident
-
Georgia Driver Responsibility Act — TADRA
LEARN MORE ABOUT DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY IN GEORGIA
Understanding driving laws in Georgia is important to your safety and the safety of those around you. The Driver Responsibility Act is known in Georgia as TADRA (Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act). Like a number of other states, Georgia put TADRA into place to reduce the number of auto accidents throughout the state.
The law was designed to significantly change the way new drivers earn and maintain the privilege of driving. TADRA provides controlled environments for new drivers to gain experience. Though the law focuses on young drivers, it also includes provisions designed to affect drivers over the age of 21, particularly with regard to DUI prevention and regulation.
Unlike other teenage driving laws in Georgia, TADRA involves a three-step educational process that allows young drivers to slowly gain experience and confidence behind the wheel:
- An Instructional Permit is granted to 15-year-olds upon successfully passing a written examination. While a driver has this permit, he or she must be accompanied by a licensed passenger at least 21 years of age while driving.
- An Intermediate or Class D License is granted to drivers between the ages of 16 and 18 who have had an Instructional Permit for 12 months, have passed a driving test and completed a driver’s education course approved by the Department of Driver Services. Additionally, the driver must have completed at least 40 hours of other supervised driving experience, including at least six hours at night. While a driver has an Intermediate License, he or she cannot drive between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.Drivers are also not permitted to have any passengers in their car, aside from their immediate family, for the first six months they are in possession of a Class D License. During the second six-month period of the Class D License period, a driver is not permitted to have more than one passenger in the vehicle, aside from immediate family members, under the age of 21. Finally, during the second year a driver has a Class D License, he or she cannot drive with more than three passengers, aside from immediate family members, who are less than 21 years of age.
- A Full License, or a Class C Driver’s License, is granted to drivers 18 years of age or older who have a Georgia Class D License and have incurred no major traffic violations during the previous 12 months. A driver is not eligible to receive a Class C License if that driver is convicted of the following: DUI, evading a police officer, reckless driving, hit and run, drag racing or any other violation that leads to four or more points on the driver’s license.
Contact an experienced law firm in Atlanta, GA
TADRA has proven to be an effective program that has made Georgia roads a safer place for all drivers. If you or loved one is victimized by a driver in violation of TADRA, contact Kaine Law, Atlanta auto accident lawyers who are committed to the aggressive representation of accident victims. Call us at 855-217-2798. Hablamos Español.
Everyone at Kaine Law — from our highly qualified lawyers to our dedicated staff — is ready to serve you. We realize that auto accidents can cause serious injuries that can affect every aspect of your life. If you are the victim of a car accident, we want to be your voice.
-
Knowing where to turn and what to do after an auto accident can be stressful. However, the two most important steps you should take are to seek medical attention immediately and to contact an experienced lawyer.
Below you will find helpful forms:
- Accident Report Form
- Georgia Advanced Directive for Health Care
- Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information (HIPAA Medical Authorization)
- Personal Injury Questionnaire
- Wage & Salary Verification
Contact a knowledgeable attorney in Atlanta, GA
If you suffer injury in a car wreck, the auto accident attorneys at Kaine Law are here to serve you. Experienced and unyielding, we look forward to taking your case. To speak to a highly qualified lawyer, contact us today by phone at 404-214-2001 or via our online form. Hablamos español.
Everyone at Kaine Law — from our highly qualified lawyers to our dedicated staff — is ready to serve you. We realize that auto accidents can cause serious injuries that can affect every aspect of your life. If you are the victim of a car accident, we want to be your voice.
-
The monetary compensation you may obtain for your individual injury depends upon many factors, including the type of injury you suffered, the permanency of your injury, any preexisting injuries, your present and future medical bills, the pain and suffering caused by your injury, your loss of income due to the injury, and your ability to proceed with your life as you did prior to the injury. A skilled attorney can guide you through the complexity of these factors, which is why it is essential to seek counsel earlier rather than later in the negotiation process.
-
The law applicable to your claim depends upon the type of case. For instance, in a motor vehicle accident scenario, you must be able to prove that another person’s negligence, that is the failure to exercise ordinary care, caused your injury. If your carelessness contributed to your injury, your damages may be reduced proportionately. A knowledgeable personal injury/ auto accident attorney in Atlanta can advise you of the law and whether, under the facts applicable to your case, you have a claim against another for your injuries.
-
At Kaine Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee means that our personal injury clients do not pay us any money up front. Instead, our personal injury clients simply sign our contingency fee agreement to hire us as their personal injury attorneys and then, we are only compensated if we are able to obtain a personal injury settlement or financial recover / verdict on their behalf.
We only earn a percentage of the amount obtained from the personal injury settlement or verdict; and if there is no settlement or recovery, our clients do not pay us at all. -
Historically, one of the most frequent complaints made against lawyers is lack of communication with their clients. At Kaine Law, we not only fight for our personal injury client’s rights, but we also keep our clients informed about the status of their cases. In fact, we strive to contact our clients proactively every 2 – 3 weeks so that our injured accident victim clients know the current status of their case and have open lines of communication with our attorneys.
-
Hiring an accident attorney to represent you is an important decision and should not be taken lightly. When determining which attorney to hire to handle your case, do your homework.
Far too often we have seen people who have suffered personal injuries and they have not gotten the proper legal assistance they deserve. We encourage you to speak with us about your legal rights before you sign a release, agree to a personal injury settlement or even accept a check from an insurance company.
-
VALUABLE INFORMATION FROM AN ATTORNEY
If you or a loved one is seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, you may find yourself worrying about mounting medical bills and lost wages. You are encouraged to contact Kaine Law, an accident law firm, to discuss your case. But you may find that some of your concerns are addressed by the answers to the following questions:
Contact an accident lawyer
Kaine Law offers a free case evaluation to anyone who is injured in a motorcycle accident. To discuss the details of your case with our experienced legal team, contact us online or call 404-214-2001. Hablamos Español.
Will a lawyer cost me a lot of money?
Many people who sustain injuries in motorcycle accidents do not take legal action because they are afraid it may cost them a lot of money to hire an Atlanta personal injury attorney. This is not true. In fact, at Kaine Law, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that you only pay us if you collect a settlement.
What if the accident was partially my fault?
Georgia abides by what is known as the modified comparative negligence 50 percent rule. According to this statute, if you are 49 percent or less to blame for your injuries, you can still recover compensation, although your damage reward is then reduced in proportion to the amount of your fault. If your fault level reaches 50 percent, however, you cannot recover any damages. If you believe that you may be partially at fault for your accident, it is important that you discuss the matter with attorney Evan Kaine for more details.
How much time after my accident do I have to file an injury claim?
In injury cases, statutes of limitations limit how long you have to take legal action following an accident. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury actions is two years, meaning you must initiate a claim and possibly file a lawsuit against the party who caused you harm within two years of your injury. Failure to do so could permanently bar you from taking legal action.
How much money can I recover for my injuries?
The amount of your recovery depends on the nature and extent of your injuries. In general, however, you may be entitled to a number of different damages, including those for:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of wages
- Pain and suffering
To receive a detailed evaluation of how much your case may be worth, speak with an motorcycle accident attorney at Kaine Law.
Will I have to go to court?
Every injury case is different. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to avoid court altogether. The majority of personal injury case victims collect settlements.
What are the motorcycle laws in Georgia I should be aware of?
First, you must be aware that there is a mandatory helmet law in Georgia. This means that it is illegal to operate a motorcycle without wearing a proper safety helmet. Next, you should realize that lane splitting is illegal. For more information on motorcycle laws, contact us today.
Everyone at Kaine Law — from our highly qualified lawyers to our dedicated staff — is ready to serve you. We realize that accidents can cause serious injuries that can affect every aspect of your life. If you are the victim of an accident, we want to be your voice. To speak to an experienced auto accident lawyer, contact us today by phone at 404-214-2001 or via our online form. Hablamos Español.
-
Our clients frequently ask us how they can get a copy of their police report after an auto accident. In Georgia, it depends on where the accident occurred. You can obtain a report in at least two ways:
- You can show up at the police station in person and pay the copying cost.
- The Georgia Department of Transportation has partnered with www.BuyCrash.com to allow motorists to obtain copies of their police reports directly off the Internet.
The fee for this Internet service is $10.00 — half goes to the law enforcement agency that made the report and the other half supports the online service. This online resource has made the process of obtaining copies of police reports substantially easier for drivers involved in an auto accident in Georgia.
IMPORTANCE OF FILING ATLANTA POLICE REPORTS
After a car accident, you may feel nervous and shaken up. However, auto accident attorneys can explain to you that filing a police report is important in order to make sure all the details of the accident are reported. In some cases, a police report is the only accurate piece of evidence that contains information about the accident. As a result, it can greatly speed up the process of receiving a settlement from your insurance company.
Below is some additional information you should know about filing a police report:
- File an accident report in Atlanta or your local community no matter how minor the collision: Even if the accident appears to be minor, it is still in your best interests to file a police report. While the physical damage to your car and property may not be significant, in time, you may notice physical injuries resulting from the crash.
- Be honest with the police: Never lie to the police when you are filing a report. Not only can this delay the insurance claim process, but it can cause legal problems for you as well.
- Acquire the contact information of the officer who filed your report: After you receive a copy of your car accident report, you should have the contact information of the police officer who filed the report. This is important because the police may remember specific details about the accident that can help your legal case later on.
Contact our accident attorneys today
Our attorneys in Atlanta do not charge a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf. So if you or a loved one is injured and looking for an Atlanta automobile accident attorney to represent you, please contact Kaine Law today for a free case evaluation or call us toll free at 404-214-2001. Hablamos español.
Everyone at Kaine Law — from our highly qualified lawyers to our dedicated staff — is ready to serve you. We realize that auto accidents can cause serious injuries that can affect every aspect of your life. If you are the victim of a car accident, we want to be your voice.
-
Often, the nature and extent of your injuries are not clear until some time after the accident. An adjuster will try to encourage you to quickly settle based on a “formula.” Do not be misled. Do not settle your case with an insurance adjuster until you have sought the advice of counsel.
CNN 360’s Anderson Cooper reveals Auto Insurance Company’s Questionable Practices
-
No. An insurance company will only settle if they can dispose of your entire claim.
-
ADVICE FROM AN ATLANTA LAWYER
Following are some frequently asked questions about hiring an attorney after an accident.
Contact an accident lawyer
Kaine Law offers a free case evaluation to anyone who suffers an injury in an accident. To discuss the details of your case with a legal team with more than 15 years of experience, contact us online or call 404-214-2001. Hablamos Español.
Do I need a lawyer?
You are not required to hire attorneys if you are in an accident in Georgia. However, doing so can greatly increase your chances of filing a successful claim. If the defendant has his or her own counsel, it is of the utmost importance that you retain an experienced lawyer. Additionally, the law can be complicated and a knowledgeable car wreck lawyer can explain the process to you in an easy-to-understand manner.
Can an attorney get me compensation?
An attorney can greatly improve your chances of receiving compensation by gathering evidence and helping you to file a claim. However, ultimately, whether you receive compensation depends on the extent of your injuries and whether you are able to prove that the defendant is liable.
My insurance company offered me a settlement, should I accept it?
Any time you are in an accident, never sign or settle anything without speaking to a lawyer. Insurance companies may offer you a low-ball settlement to resolve your case quickly and save money. An injury attorney can help your obtain a fair settlement.
How do I know if I have a strong case?
An experienced accident lawyer can give you an honest assessment of your case. At Kaine Law, we can review your case, investigate the circumstances and point out any strengths or weaknesses.
How soon after my accident should I seek legal aid?
Immediately after your accident, you should contact a lawyer. While according to the statute of limitations you have two years from the time of your injury to take action, delaying will only cause you and other witnesses to forget important details about your case.
Everyone at Kaine Law — from our highly qualified lawyers to our dedicated staff — is ready to serve you. We realize that auto accidents can cause serious injuries that can affect every aspect of your life. If you are the victim of an accident, we want to be your voice. To speak to an experienced lawyer, contact us today by phone at 404-214-2001 or via our online form. Hablamos Español.
-
You can greatly assist in your own recovery if you document everything you can about the injury. For instance, write down everything you remember and keep names, addresses, and phone numbers of all those involved who may have observed the accident. Also, any photographic evidence you can obtain can also be very helpful. Most importantly, talk to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible, before making statements to insurance company representatives, so that your ability to recover will not be jeopardized. Remember, there is a time limit on your right to file a claim.
-
We know that it can be difficult to find the “right” legal fit when hiring an attorney. We know that our team can assist you with the respect, knowledge and communication about your case that you deserve. However, it is important to be prepared when sitting down to begin any type of legal process. Below you will find some information that may help you as you evaluate your options to hire an attorney:
- Know Who You Are Hiring
- It’s always a good idea to look at your potential lawyer’s background, education and expertise.
- Ask how much experience the attorney has handling cases like yours?
- What has the lawyer’s success rate been in winning cases similar to yours?
- The potential lawyer needs to be just as candid with you as you are with them.
- Strategy
- Every lawyer should have a game plan—know their game plan and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- What is the strategy for handling your specific case?
- Possible outcomes?
- Timeline?
- In legal disputes, is a settlement, mediation or arbitration an issue?
- Are there any potential problems that your case may encounter?
- Manage and Money
- Who will be handling your case?
- Will there be paralegals handling your case as well?
- How much does the law firm charge per hour?
- Is there a different hourly rate for an attorney vs. a paralegal?
- Is there a contingency fee?
- Is there any way to reduce the total cost of legal fees?
These 3 subjects are to help you or a loved one choose the right attorney. For us, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible advice and assistance with their personal injury cases.
- Know Who You Are Hiring
-
Thousands of auto accidents occur in the United States every day. This is not a surprising statistic but it is definitely frightening when you or a loved one becomes a part of that figure. The time immediately following an auto accident can be both traumatic and confusing. This time period is also crucial to your case should you need to file a lawsuit. At Kaine Law, our Atlanta personal injury lawyers are here to help you understand your case and guide you through the litigation process.
Below are steps on what to do if you are injured in an accident:
- Remain calm: Although motor vehicle accidents can be terrifying, you must remain calm. Check to make sure you and your passengers are safe. If anyone has sustained injuries, call for medical help. Your health must be your primary concern.
- Move your vehicles if the accident is minor: If you are in a minor accident, move all cars to the roadside to reduce the likelihood of additional accidents.
- Call the police: You should have a police report during the claims process. If you are in an area where police do not visit the scenes of auto accidents, go to the police station or visit the Department of Motor Vehicles website to file an accident report.
- Exchange information: Exchange and collect information with other drivers, including telephone numbers and insurance information. If any witnesses were present, be sure to obtain their contact information as well.
- See a doctor or medical professional: Injuries from a car accident do not always appear immediately. Doctors are likely to discover any injuries you might have suffered. And they provide a complete medical report that can later be used in your case.
- Follow your doctor’s orders: You must follow the treatment and orders of your doctor after the accident. Failure to do so can jeopardize your health and your case.
- Call an attorney: Make sure you speak with experienced lawyers immediately. Do not speak to anyone, including fellow victims or insurance adjusters.
Contact a committed lawyer in Atlanta, GA
If you or a loved one is involved in an accident, please contact us online or call the offices of Kaine Law at 404-214-2001. We will fight for the fair compensation you deserve. Hablamos Español.
Everyone at Kaine Law — from our highly qualified lawyers to our dedicated staff — is ready to serve you. We realize that auto accidents can cause serious injuries that can affect every aspect of your life. If you are the victim of a car accident, we want to be your voice.
OUR PEOPLE
