If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, hire the best auto accident lawyers in Smyrna, GA, to help defend your claim. Car accidents are a traumatic and sometimes life-changing experience, especially when they lead to permanent bodily damage.
The aftermath of the accident may get overwhelming because of mounting medical bills. However, a lawyer with your best interest at heart will ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
The at-fault party’s insurance company is profit-oriented; therefore, they look for ways ot to pay claims or release minimal funds. So you mustn’t go against them alone. This article explores motor vehicle accidents and why hiring a car accident lawyer is imperative after a collision.
Car Accidents in Smyrna, GA
The United States is one of the busiest countries in terms of road traffic, with nearly 284 million vehicles in operation as of the fourth quarter of 2021. Some of these drivers reside in Smyrna and other parts of Georgia.
According to Georgia’s Department of Public Health, motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are the leading cause of injury deaths and the second leading cause of hospitalizations and ER visits in Georgia. In 2020, 4,999 road accidents were reported in Georgia, with 450 killed and 6,640 injured.
These numbers show how prevalent and unavoidable car accidents can be. Auto accidents result from human error manifesting as negligence and other external factors. The following are the common causes of motor vehicle collisions:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Tailgating
- Improper turns
- Wrong-way driving
- Vehicle defects
- Over-speeding
- Adverse weather conditions
- Road rage
Depending on the cause of a car accident and the force of impact, the injuries sustained range from minimal to severe. It is important to note that you may be eligible for compensation if another party is at fault. However, you need expert legal guidance to get you exactly what you deserve.
Why Do I Need the Best Auto Accident Lawyers in Smryna?
Most injury victims believe they can handle their personal injury claims themselves. However, it is best to hire an attorney to increase your chances of success. But if you are still skeptical about it or wondering what a personal injury lawyer can do for you, we’ve highlighted some reasons why you need an attorney.
-
Collecting Evidence and Determining Fault
Once you hire a car accident lawyer, one of the first things they do is to collect every piece of evidence crucial to your case. First, they find out exactly what happened and how it happened to determine the at-fault party.
A good car accident lawyer will conduct extensive investigations to free you of any liability. Evidence, in this case, would include traffic cam footage, data on the black box recorder to determine how fast the cars were moving, eyewitness statements, etc.
A car accident lawyer will also advise you of the shared fault laws in Georgia and how they affect your case if your negligence played a part in causing the accident. For instance, if you shared 20% liability in the collision, you will only recover 80% compensation.
-
Evaluate Damages and Determine the True Value of Your Case
Once all evidence has been collected, your car accident attorney will evaluate the damages and determine the actual value of your injury, i.e., the compensation you’re entitled to. For example, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, property damage, disfigurement, disability, and pain and suffering.
Also, if your injuries left you incapacitated and unable to work, you may be compensated for lost income. The best auto accident lawyers in Smyrna will fight to get you what you’re owed.
-
Negotiate With the Insurance Company
As mentioned earlier, the at-fault party’s insurance company would try to pay far less than you deserve or avoid paying you altogether. This is why having an excellent and experienced car accident attorney by your side is essential.
They know the facts will increase the chances of winning your claim. A good car accident lawyer has the expertise to spot low offers and reject/renegotiate immediately.
-
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
One advantage of having a good car accident lawyer is that they can present you with legal options in simple, clear terms. For example, if the insurance company is unwilling to settle with a reasonable amount, your lawyer may advise you to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Sometimes, a lawsuit might cause the insurance companies to come back with a fair settlement. But if they don’t, your attorney will file the court processes, handle interrogatories and discovery of evidence, and prepare you for deposition.
-
Defend You in Court
Should the case go to trial, having a car accident lawyer is an excellent advantage. Your lawyer most likely has trial experience and knows the right way to present your case to ensure victory.
If the suit doesn’t go your way, your legal team will file an appeal at a higher court. However, note that your attorney will only advise you to appeal a case if the trial court made a fundamental error in law or fact.
What Quality Should a Good Car Accident Lawyer Have?
There are qualities to look for before hiring an auto accident lawyer. Below are some of them:
- The lawyer should have a good record of settlements and judgments for clients.
- The attorney should have excellent testimonials from past clients. Check their firm’s website and online review to see what past clients said about them.
- The lawyer should specialize in personal injury law. However, note that there are different branches of personal injury law, so ensure the attorney specializes in the one that concerns you. For example, car accidents.
- The attorney should offer compassionate representation and sympathize with you. They should understand your pain and do all they can to help you get justice.
- The lawyer should work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not have to pay upfront fees.
Finally, ensure the attorney you hire is trustworthy and has time to handle your case. Never hire a lawyer you cannot trust.
Hire the Best Auto Accident Lawyers in Smyrna, GA
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it’s best to leave the technicalities and legalities of the case to a seasoned Smyrna injury lawyer who has your best interest at heart. At Jamie Ballard Law, our legal team is prepared to help you get maximum compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.
