If you or a loved one was hurt in a car accident in Atlanta, you might be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. An Atlanta personal injury lawyer at our law firm can fight for your financial compensation if a negligent party caused your crash.
Kaine Law has decades of experience with personal injury claims and regularly helps car accident victims. Our Atlanta car accident lawyers can identify the liable party, retrieve evidence to prove fault, and recover the compensation you deserve. We offer a free case review and work on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay no fees unless you win. Call us today to get started on your legal claim and personal injury lawsuit.
What Our Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys Can Do for You
While you focus on recovering, an Atlanta car accident attorney from our firm will handle every aspect of your case. Our accident law firm will take on the responsibility of preparing your case to secure fair compensation. When you hire us for legal representation, we will take on the following tasks:
- Answering any questions or concerns you may have
- Handling all communication on your behalf
- Advising you on decisions you need to make throughout the legal process
- Filing your accident injury claims
- Gathering evidence to determine fault and liability, such as medical records, traffic camera footage, police reports, and receipts from out-of-pocket expenses
- Hiring an accident reconstruction expert to start an investigation at the accident scene
- Collecting statements from eyewitnesses at the accident scene
- Calculating your losses, both economic and non-economic
- Reviewing settlement offers
- Negotiating with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement
- Representing you at trial, if necessary
- Keeping you informed throughout your case
Our Atlanta car accident lawyers know how overwhelming the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can be. We’ll deal with the insurance adjusters, the liable party’s law firm, and anyone else involved in your case. This way, you can seek the medical care you need and focus on your recovery.
For a free legal consultation with a car accident lawyer serving Atlanta, call 404-214-2001
Results Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Have Produced
Led by Attorney Evan Kaine, our Atlanta car wreck lawyers have achieved sizable recoveries for several of our clients, and we will fight for the fair value of your losses, too.
Some of the case results our Atlanta personal injury attorneys have secured include the following:
- $11 million for a car accident
- $5.75 million for a car accident caused by a roadway defect
- $4.3 million for a DUI accident
- $900,000 for a car accident
- $571,498 for a car accident
Don’t make the mistake of accepting a low settlement offer. Our car accident lawyers in Atlanta will make sure your settlement demands are consistent with your losses. We’re here to guide you throughout the claims process and ensure you feel confident about any settlement offer you decide to accept.
Testimonials From Our Clients About Our Car Accident Lawyers Serving All of Atlanta
Kaine Law has served Atlanta for multiple decades, and many of our clients have expressed satisfaction with their results. Here are a couple of client testimonials from car accident victims who worked with our law office:
- “I was involved in an auto-accident with a drunk driver and after several weeks of frustrating interactions with their insurance company, I decided to contact (Attorney) Evan Kaine. He was upfront and honest about how the process works and never made any promises or raised my expectations…Bottom line – (Attorney) Evan Kaine gives lawyers a good name.” — M.T.
- “I was in a minor car accident and wasn’t sure that I even had a case. I met with (Attorney Evan Kaine) and he explained the law in terms I could understand. I immediately hired him and (Attorney Evan Kaine) turned my questionable case into more than $50,000.00! …I highly recommend Attorney Evan Kaine.” — G.S.
If you would like help pursuing compensation after a car accident in Atlanta, call Kaine Law for a free case consultation.
Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 404-214-2001
Recoverable Damages an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Will Seek
Injuries from a car accident can quickly become costly, and you should not have to pay those costs if someone else is responsible for your accident. Our Atlanta car accident lawyer can investigate your recoverable losses, which may include the following types of compensation:
Medical Expenses for Your Recovery
Medical costs following a car accident can be extensive and varied. Surgery may be required immediately after the accident or later to address complications or ongoing health issues. Physical therapy is often necessary to regain strength and mobility and can be a long-term requirement, depending on the severity of your injuries. Costs associated with hospital stays can accumulate quickly, including charges for emergency room care, inpatient services, and specialized treatments.
Continuous health care may involve ongoing medication, follow-up visits, and specialized care like chiropractic sessions or psychological counseling. Additionally, home renovations might be necessary to accommodate disabilities resulting from the accident, such as wheelchair ramps or modified bathrooms. It is crucial for you to understand that compensation can cover all these aspects, aiming to restore your life to the pre-accident condition as closely as possible.
Your Non-Economic Damages Deserve Compensation
Non-economic damages represent the intangible losses that don’t have a direct cost associated with them but deeply impact your quality of life. Emotional distress includes conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, reflecting the psychological impact of the accident. Pain and suffering accounts for the physical pain and discomfort you endured due to the accident and subsequent medical treatments.
Diminished quality of life covers changes that hinder one’s ability to enjoy daily activities and life events. Loss of enjoyment of life refers specifically to the inability to partake in hobbies or activities you previously enjoyed before the accident. Our Atlanta car accident attorneys know these damages are subjectively evaluated, but they are just as real and compensable as physical injuries.
Economic Damages Related to Employment
Recovery from a car accident can often mean significant time away from work. This loss not only includes immediate lost wages but also lost benefits, such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and other perks associated with employment. In more severe cases, an individual may suffer from reduced earning capacity, where their ability to earn a similar income as before the accident is compromised due to long-term or permanent injuries. Compensation aims to bridge the financial gap created by the accident and ensure economic stability for you.
Repair or Replacement of Property Damage
Property damage compensation covers the costs associated with repairing or replacing a vehicle damaged in the accident. This compensation can range from minor repairs to a total replacement if the vehicle is deemed a total loss. This category may also include compensation for personal items damaged in the car at the time of the accident, such as cell phones, electronics, car seats, or other valuable goods.
Punitive Damages May Be Awarded
Punitive damages are a rare type of damage that you may be awarded. These damages are used to punish the at-fault party for their actions. Typically, the judge or jury in your case may award them to you if the liable party’s actions were intentional, reckless, or egregious. They may be awarded if the defendant was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fleeing the accident scene, or committing overtly aggressive actions.
Wrongful Death Damages the Family May Pursue
In cases of wrongful death, the financial implications extend beyond the immediate funeral expenses, although these too are recoverable and can include costs related to burial costs, memorial services, and other related final expenses. Beyond this, compensation can cover the loss of financial support that the deceased would have contributed to their family and the loss of protection and care, reflecting the contributions and security that are no longer present. These damages aim to provide some measure of relief for the financial and emotional void left by the loss of a loved one.
Each of these categories of damages plays a crucial role in the holistic recovery process for victims and their families, addressing both tangible and intangible losses to aid in recovery and compensation.
This list is by no means exhaustive because no two cases are exactly alike. Your settlement will be unique to your needs, so there is no average car accident settlement value. An Atlanta car accident attorney at Kaine Law will pursue maximum compensation to cover all your losses.
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Deadline to File a Lawsuit After an Accident in Atlanta
To protect your right to fair compensation, you need to be aware of the statutory deadline affecting your car accident claim. The statute of limitations (O.C.G.A § 9-3-33) for personal injury cases in Georgia is generally two years after the date of the car accident. If you do not file your lawsuit with the Fulton County courthouse within two years of the accident, you may be unable to recover compensation.
However, other factors may affect the time limit, such as the victim’s age or if a government entity is liable for the accident. The legal team from Kaine Law can confirm your case’s deadline and help you meet this and other applicable deadlines.
Deadlines in Wrongful Death Cases
If you have lost a loved one in a car accident in Atlanta, please accept our condolences. We understand the tremendous grief you and your family are experiencing right now and want to help. Under O.C.G.A § 9-3-33, families have the same time limit as personal injury cases, two years. However, the deadline to file a wrongful death lawsuit starts on the day your loved one passed away from their car accident injuries.
Our Atlanta auto accident attorneys can explain the deadlines that affect your case and who may file a lawsuit.
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Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Atlanta, Georgia
If you are involved in an accident, we recommend following these steps. Be sure to share anything about the accident with your Atlanta car accident lawyer at Kaine Law. Your information helps your legal counsel build a stronger, more robust case for compensation:
Check for Injuries and Make Sure You Are Safe
After the accident, check yourself for any injuries. If you have passengers, check on their status as well. If it is possible, move the car to the side of the road to avoid any further collisions and injuries. If you cannot move the car and you won’t harm yourself any further, leave the car and move yourself and your passengers to the side of the road, but do not leave the accident scene.
If it is possible, check on the status of the other driver, but don’t endanger yourself by doing so. Keep your conversation brief. Do share theories and make accusations, and absolutely do not admit fault.
Contact Emergency Services
Call 9-1-1. Let the operator know where you are, what direction you were traveling, and who needs medical attention. Those involved in the accident may require medical attention, vehicles may need to be moved, and the police can create a report of the accident. That police report can provide information that our legal team can follow up on to prove fault and liability.
When you speak to the police, follow the same rules as speaking with the other driver. Give just the facts as you know them, and again, do not admit fault.
Take Pictures of the Accident Scene
If you are able and in no danger of further injury, take as many pictures of the accident scene as possible. Take pictures of where the accident occurred, the vehicle damage, license plates, bodily injuries, and whatever you feel will help document the accident and your injuries.
If you are physically unable to take pictures, do not injure yourself further by trying to. If you can, ask someone else at the scene to take pictures.
Collect Detailed Witness Information
If there are any eyewitnesses at the scene of the accident, and you can do so without hurting or endangering yourself, see if they can provide a statement about what they saw. Politely ask for their full names, contact information, and a brief description of what they observed.
Their firsthand testimony can be invaluable in constructing a comprehensive and accurate account of the incident, which can be helpful during insurance claims and legal proceedings. Witness statements can help to establish facts and contribute to determining liability, especially in complex situations where the cause of the accident or the sequence of events is unclear.
See Your Healthcare Provider and Follow Their Orders
Every accident is different, and accident injuries are just as wide-ranging. Some accident victims suffer severe lacerations and broken bones, requiring an emergency ambulance ride to the hospital, surgical intervention, and extensive rehabilitation. Others suffer internal injuries that do not manifest immediately, like internal bleeding or injured organs. These catastrophic injuries often require a level 1 trauma facility, such as Grady Memorial Center or a similar hospital.
Even if you believe you did not suffer a severe injury, you could begin to see symptoms manifest days or weeks after the accident. For example, Mayo Clinic notes that it can take that much time for symptoms of whiplash to appear. So, schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible. If necessary, go to the emergency room and have them perform a full medical examination.
Keep in mind that some insurers may hold it against you if you wait too long to see a doctor or fail to complete your treatment plan. The insurance company might argue that your injuries were not caused by the car accident, or your injuries were not as severe as you claimed. They can then use this as evidence to justify undervaluing or outright denying your insurance claim.
Record Your Version of Events
After the car accident, you should start to document your recollection of the event while the details are still fresh in your mind. Use your phone or a notebook to make detailed notes about the incident. Include the direction you were traveling, your speed at the time of the accident, the weather conditions, and any evasive actions you attempted to avoid the crash.
You should continue this journal with your medical progress. Record your doctor’s appointments, what was discussed, treatments you had, surgeries you underwent, and your progress in recovering from your injuries.
Promptly recording these details is beneficial as memories can fade quickly, and accurate, timely documentation can play a significant role in the legal process. This personal account can provide your Atlanta car accident attorney with a clear and immediate perspective of the accident and your recovery, helping to protect your rights in the pursuit of any claims.
Inform Your Insurance Company of the Accident
Report the accident to your insurance company, but do not give opinions or admit fault. Provide just the basics: where the accident occurred, when it happened, and who was involved. Avoid giving a statement or signing anything. Also, don’t post about the accident on social media. Insurance companies can use anything you say against you to undermine your claim, including social media posts.
The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. Most likely, they will look at the vehicle damage, photos, and accident report. From their findings, they may offer a settlement. If you accept that settlement, you cannot go back to them after and request more. You can ask an Atlanta car accident lawyer from our law firm to review your case and settlement offer before you accept.
Collect Documentation Related to the Accident
Start a file of all the photos, reports, invoices, and bills since the accident. This file should also include any old pay stubs to reflect lost income due to your absence from work. Most importantly, collect a copy of the police report and all your medical records.
If your injuries prevent you from gathering this information, do not stress. Our legal team can step in and collect these documents during our investigation.
Talk to an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney
As a crash victim, you are not required to hire an Atlanta car accident attorney to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, but their experience handling auto accident cases could be quite beneficial. They can review your case and determine its strengths and your next steps. They know how personal injury law will affect the outcome of your case, and they can also manage the case while you recover from your injuries.
Liable Parties Who May Owe You Compensation in Atlanta Car Accident Claims
The liable party in a car accident claim depends on who was at fault for the accident. Our Atlanta car accident lawyers can determine who caused your accident and prove they owe you compensation. Liable parties may include:
- Negligent drivers
- Employers whose employees cause a car accident while on the job
- Government agencies tasked with roadway maintenance
- Auto manufacturers
Our car accident lawyers in Atlanta will use evidence to establish the cause of the accident.
Proving Negligence to Establish Your Right to Financial Compensation After a Car Crash
There are four elements of negligence we must prove in any personal injury case, including your car accident. Those elements are:
- Duty of care: The at-fault party was obligated to keep all other road users safe.
- Breach of duty: The at-fault driver did not uphold their duty of care, instead driving recklessly.
- Causation: The negligent driver’s actions caused the accident and injuries.
- Damages: Finally, the injured person suffered financial, physical, and emotional losses.
Our Atlanta car accident attorneys prove these four elements with the evidence we collect during our investigation. Evidence may include the following:
- Police accident reports
- Photographs or video evidence
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert testimony
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Proof of your medical care
This evidence will be the foundation of your claim.
Types of Atlanta Car Accidents Our Lawyers Handle for Our Clients
Kaine Law represents people injured in a wide range of car accidents. Our Atlanta car accident lawyer will provide legal services if you were involved in one of the following types of accidents:
- DUI accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Backing up accidents
- Rollovers
- Accidents involving leased cars
- T-bone car accidents
- Multi-car accidents
- Total loss accidents
- Rideshare accidents
- Uninsured motorist accidents
We also help those hurt in pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents. If you lost a loved one in an accident, our wrongful death lawyers can represent your family.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Atlanta
Whether an aggressive driver rear-ended you on I-75 or a distracted driver hit you while exiting the Georgia Aquarium, a wide variety of factors can contribute to car accidents. The Atlanta car accident attorneys with Kaine Law have handled cases involving many of the common causes of car accidents:
Distracted Driving
Between talking on cell phones, texting, adjusting the radio, following GPS directions, and paying attention to passengers, drivers today have more distractions than ever. When people take their eyes off the road for even a couple of seconds, it drastically reduces reaction times and can result in serious collisions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), distracted driving costs the lives of nine people a day.
Reckless Driving
Also referred to as aggressive driving, this behavior refers to drivers who exceed speed limits, tailgate, change lanes without looking, or make quick turns that endanger others.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Per O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. DUI accidents also include the use of or driving while under the influence of drugs and medication. Our Atlanta motor vehicle accident lawyers can hold an at-fault driver accountable for drunk driving.
Equipment Malfunction and Defective Parts
If a vehicle part is not working correctly, a driver could lose control and hit other motorists. These accidents may be due to poor vehicle maintenance or a defective auto part.
Operating a Vehicle While Fatigued
It is unsafe for drivers to operate a vehicle if they are too tired. According to the CDC, fatigued driving is comparable to drunk driving. Falling asleep at the wheel creates a dangerous situation for everyone on the road and leads to severe car accidents.
Poor Road Conditions
Bad weather, ice, and loose gravel on roads are also common causes of vehicle accidents. When conditions are poor, motorists should reduce their speed and take reasonable care to avoid collisions. More than bad weather, though, if the road is not maintained or engineered properly, the local municipality may be liable for accidents.
If you sustained injuries in a car accident caused by a liable party, our personal injury law firm can review your case for free and help you fight for compensation.
FAQs About Atlanta Car Accidents
Here are some common questions our Atlanta car accident lawyers hear regarding car accident lawsuits:
What Happens if the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
You might have uninsured motorist protection coverage as part of your policy. O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11 says the insurer must have offered uninsured motorist protection coverage when you bought your insurance policy. If you rejected this option, then you must have done so in writing.
If you have this coverage, you could file a claim with your own insurer to recover damages. Talk to your Atlanta car accident lawyer about other avenues that might be available to recover compensation.
Do You Have to Accept a Settlement Offer?
Absolutely not. If the insurer extends an unfair settlement offer, you are under no obligation to accept it. Do not sign an offer until you speak with your Atlanta auto accident lawyer. If you accept their offer, you cannot go back and ask for more later.
Another thing to consider is whether you have fully recovered from your injuries or require continuing care. If you accept a settlement before your doctors determine your future medical needs, you may not have enough to cover those expenses later. Make sure you have a good idea of your future healthcare needs before agreeing to a settlement. Your Atlanta car collision lawyer can help you.
What if You Lost a Loved One in a Car Accident?
You may qualify to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent driver who caused the fatal accident. You must abide by certain provisions, such as:
- You must file your case within two years from the date of your loved one’s passing.
- You have four years to pursue compensation for loss of consortium (if applicable).
- You must be a qualifying family member (like the decedent’s spouse, parent, or child) to pursue damages.
We can handle your wrongful death claim or lawsuit while you spend time with your loved ones.
What Should You Do if the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Contacts You After an Accident?
If you are contacted by the other driver’s insurance company, it is important to remember that you are not obligated to discuss any details of the accident or your injuries with them. Their goal is often to settle the case quickly and for as little as possible. Here are a few tips on how to handle such contact:
- Do not provide a recorded statement: You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Such statements can be used against you to minimize your claim.
- Avoid discussing fault: Do not admit any fault. These conversations can be misconstrued or taken out of context.
- Direct them to your lawyer: The safest approach is to refer any inquiries from other parties’ insurance companies to your Atlanta car accident lawyer. They will handle all communications, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you do not say anything that could jeopardize your claim.
- Consult your lawyer before signing anything: Never sign any documents from the other driver’s insurance company without consulting your Atlanta car accident lawyer. What may seem like a benign document could waive your rights to adequate compensation.
Are There Any Other Laws You Should Be Aware of?
Georgia has several accident laws related to car wrecks. These laws may impact the outcome of your personal injury claim:
- Reporting traffic accidents: According to O.C.G.A § 40-6-273, drivers only have to contact the police to report an accident if the collision results in any injury, a loss of life, or property damage over $500.
- Sharing Information: As outlined in O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270, Georgia requires you to stop at the scene of an accident. Drivers who leave the scene can face criminal charges if they drive away without providing their information to the other driver. You should also share your name, address, vehicle registration, and insurance information.
- Contributory negligence: Under O.C.G.A. § 15-12-33, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you may be barred from collecting compensation. If you are less than 50%, you may collect compensation, but your recovery will be reduced by your degree of fault.
Call Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Review of Your Atlanta Car Accident
Kaine Law prides itself on having a team of fierce negotiators and litigators. When it comes to our clients, we are ready to fight for the compensation they deserve. Our Atlanta car accident lawyers will not back down in seeking justice for you. We’re also proud to support future leaders through our Making an Impact Scholarship – you can find full terms and conditions here.
An Atlanta car accident attorney from our firm is prepared to take on your case. Speak with a member of our firm during a free initial consultation. Call us today. Hablamos Español.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
