If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Atlanta and weren’t at fault, you might wonder if it’s time to take action. The Atlanta car accident lawyers at Bader Scott can not only help you file a claim, but we can negotiate directly with insurers to pursue a fair settlement on your behalf.
We can settle most claims without going to court. Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers are proud of our proven track record for success with personal injury lawsuits. Watch this video testimonial to learn why Bader Scott Injury Lawyers is the first choice for many injured parties and their loved ones.
How Much You Can Get in a Car Accident Claim in Atlanta?
The damage incurred from an auto accident can be wide-ranging. There is the physical damage to your property, the physical injuries, and the emotional toll that you and your passengers have incurred. Your Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you collect compensation for the serious financial consequences you may be facing. Your economic and non-economic damages could include:
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential or future wages
- The cost of damage to your car and property
- Doctor’s bills and other medical expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
Every one of our successful cases began just as yours has. The plaintiff was injured, and they arranged a consultation with one of our car accident lawyers in Atlanta, GA, and we took over from there.
If you lost a loved one in an Atlanta car accident, we offer our sincere condolences. We hope you’ll allow us to seek justice on their behalf through a wrongful death claim. We can recover compensation for the following:
- Their medical bills
- Insurance policies
- The financial support they would have given had they lived
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Lost care and companionship
Here are some of the results our car accident attorneys secured for our clients to compensate them for their damages:
- $425,000 settlement for a client who suffered neck and back injuries in a motor vehicle accident
- $250,000 settlement for another client who suffered neck and back injuries in a motor vehicle accident
- $197,500 settlement for a client who suffered severe back and neck injuries in a parking lot motor vehicle accident
Our experienced car accident attorney can help you recover maximum compensation for:
- Pedestrian accidents
- Atlanta truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Accidents caused by drunk drivers
- Accidents caused by distracted drivers
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Atlanta, call (404) 888-8888
Atlanta Car Accidents FAQs
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We work on a contingency basis. You won’t have to worry about how much a car accident lawyer costs. You won’t have to give us a dime for our effects until your case has concluded. This takes the pressure off of you while you recover.
If you don’t win, we don’t win. That’s how confident we are in our law firm’s ability to negotiate for you.
Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
If you’ve been hurt in a car wreck in Atlanta, you should hire an attorney as soon as possible. Here in the Peach State, the statute of limitations for car accidents in Atlanta is two years. While that might seem like plenty of time, you should not delay seeking legal representation for your case. The longer you wait to file, the more witnesses’ memories will fade, and the greater the chance that valuable evidence will be lost.
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An Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Can Do More Than File Your Claim
Here’s the thing: after an accident, you are going to need help straightening everything out. Getting what you deserve from insurance companies is never easy to accomplish on your own unless you have an attorney by your side and fighting for you. And if you have been injured, let’s face it: you will probably not be in the best shape to tackle the paperwork and negotiations alone.
It’s a good idea to secure the services of an attorney even if you don’t plan to file a lawsuit. Your personal injury attorneys in Atlanta can handle the massive amount of administrative work and red tape that insurance companies require for a claim. We also know how to get a car accident report and have experience filling out the paperwork to get the maximum benefits.
Your attorney will also negotiate on your behalf if necessary. Insurance companies have skilled, talented attorneys working on their behalf, trying their best to reduce your payout. It only makes sense to level the playing field.
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Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You!
Wondering what a car accident lawyer can do for you? Negligence and fault are the keys to any car wreck liability claim. Establishing the other driver’s negligence and determining fault in a car accident is difficult. Your professional attorneys will prove that the defendant negligently caused your injuries and damages. You can expect the following steps as you navigate your lawsuit:
Filing a Claim
You’ll have to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You want to be very careful when filling out this form. You don’t want to inadvertently misrepresent what happened or write something that could be construed as an admission of guilt.
Negotiating a Settlement
While settling may mean taking less of an award than a jury might offer, a pre-trial settlement comes without the high legal costs of a trial. Our auto accident lawyers in Atlanta can negotiate a fair settlement for you. We will research to ensure that you go into the negotiation with the best possible bargaining position.
Taking Your Case to Court
Trials are long, lengthy processes that can be avoided if you have an attorney who understands settlement negotiations. However, sometimes insurers won’t or can’t offer you as much as you’re entitled to. We are fully prepared to defend your interests in court when this happens.
Common Causes of Car Accidents: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe on Atlanta’s Roads
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, often leading to severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. Understanding the common causes of car accidents is crucial for preventing them and protecting your legal rights if you are involved in one. In Atlanta, several factors frequently contribute to collisions. Here’s an overview of the most common causes of car accidents and how to minimize your road risk.
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents not only in Atlanta but across the country. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving.
This can include:
- Texting and Driving: As mentioned earlier, texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it involves visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. The driver’s eyes are off the road, hands are off the wheel, and the mind is not focused on driving.
- Talking on the Phone: Even with hands-free devices, talking on the phone can distract you from driving. Engaging in conversations while driving can reduce your reaction time and increase the likelihood of missing critical cues on the road.
- Eating or Drinking: Many people eat or drink while driving, especially during long commutes. However, this can be a significant distraction, requiring you to take at least one hand off the wheel and focus on something other than the road.
- Using In-Car Technology: GPS, entertainment, and other in-car technologies can be distracting if not used properly. Adjusting the radio, entering a destination in your GPS, or selecting a playlist can all take your attention away from driving.
2. Speeding
Speeding is another major cause of car accidents in Atlanta. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops, pedestrians crossing the road, or vehicles changing lanes. The faster a vehicle travels, the longer it takes to stop, which increases the likelihood of a collision. Additionally, speeding reduces the effectiveness of safety features like airbags and seatbelts, making accidents more severe.
Speeding is particularly dangerous in areas with high pedestrian traffic, school zones, and residential neighborhoods. Even a small increase in speed can significantly raise the risk of serious injury or death in an accident.
3. Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most dangerous and preventable causes of car accidents. Drunk driving impairs a driver’s ability to make sound judgments, slows reaction times, and decreases coordination. This can lead to dangerous behaviors such as swerving, running red lights, or failing to yield the right of way.
In Georgia, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for drivers over 21 years old. However, even a small amount of alcohol can impair driving ability. Driving while intoxicated not only puts the driver at risk but also endangers everyone else on the road.
4. Dangerous Road Conditions
Sometimes, accidents occur not because of driver error but due to hazardous road conditions.
Dangerous road conditions can result from:
- Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, snow, and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Drivers should adjust their speed and driving habits to account for these conditions.
- Poorly Maintained Roads: Potholes, cracks, and uneven road surfaces can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Poorly marked lanes or missing road signs can lead to confusion and accidents.
- Construction Zones: Construction zones often have reduced lanes, changing traffic patterns, and workers present, all of which can contribute to accidents if drivers are not paying close attention.
- Obstacles on the Road: Debris, fallen trees, or objects from other vehicles can suddenly appear in your path, requiring quick reactions to avoid an accident.
5. Reckless Driving
Reckless driving involves a disregard for the safety of others on the road.
This can include behaviors such as:
- Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and road rage are all forms of aggressive driving. These behaviors increase the likelihood of collisions and can escalate into more dangerous situations.
- Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Failing to stop at red lights or stop signs is a common cause of intersection accidents. These collisions are often severe because they typically involve side impacts at high speeds.
- Illegal Lane Changes: Failing to signal before changing lanes, cutting off other drivers, or changing lanes in areas where it’s prohibited can lead to serious accidents.
Understanding the common causes of car accidents is the first step in preventing them. By being aware of the risks associated with distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, dangerous road conditions, and reckless driving, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and others on the road. If you are involved in an accident caused by any of these factors, it’s important to seek legal assistance to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve. At Bader Scott Injury Law, we help you navigate the complexities of personal injury claims and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Frequently Asked Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Questions
These are the most commonly asked questions our clients come to us with. If you don’t find the answers to your questions here, speak to one of our Atlanta car accident lawyers directly.
What Percentage Do Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Take?
If you’re wondering about how much a car accident lawyer costs, you should know that the standard contingency fee arrangement requires you to give your attorney a percentage of your settlement. This is generally between 33% and 40%, depending on the complexity of your case. In general, the more time- and labor-intensive your claim is, the higher the percentage will be.
Can I get compensation if I Am Partially at fault for the wreck?
Damages are money a civil court awards a party to help make them whole again in the eyes of the law. Damages in a wreck usually include economic damages and non-economic damages.
Georgia is a comparative negligence state. This means your auto accident attorney in Atlanta can still recover compensation, even if they were partially at fault in the accident. The award is lowered, however, by their percentage of fault.
For example, if a plaintiff is found to be 30% liable for their injuries, their award will be lowered by 30% to reflect their percentage fault. An Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you figure out how comparative negligence affects your chances of winning in court.
Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a Car Accident in Atlanta?
An obvious benefit of hiring lawyers focusing on Atlanta car accidents is having a legal representative who knows Georgia law. Having an experienced car accident lawyer represent you if you’re injured allows you to focus your energy on healing rather than paperwork.
Many things must be done after an accident, and mistakes can be costly. Your legal counsel can handle many tasks and update you with your case’s status, whether through a phone call, email, or regularly scheduled appointment. It is also important to decide if it is worth seeking punitive damages for your situation, which can be pursued in cases of egregious negligence by the other party. An experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer can guide such claims’ viability and potential value.
An Atlanta attorney can offer invaluable advice and negotiate on your behalf. Insurance companies are known to have skilled attorneys working on their behalf, trying their best to reduce the payout to you, and it only makes sense to arm yourself similarly.
It’s worth a call to an Atlanta car accident lawyer!
How Do I Find an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney?
Before we get into what qualities to look for in a car accident attorney, let’s first go over how to start searching for one.
You should never pick the first attorney you come across. Just because you see their ad on the TV doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for your case.
Choosing the right attorney will take some time and research, so here’s the best way to get started.
Ask Your Friends and Family
Before you open your preferred search engine, you should ask your friends and family for suggestions first.
One of them may have had to work with a car accident attorney in the past, and they can give you some recommendations. If they haven’t hired a car attorney in Atlanta themselves, they might know someone who has.
Your friends and family can also tell you if they liked their attorney and why. This will give you a good platform to jump off from.
Do Your Research
Once you have a few suggestions (or even if you don’t), it’s time to head to the internet.
This is where you’ll do some research to make sure the attorney is a reputable one who is a good fit for your case.
What should you be researching? That’s where the qualities you want to look for in an attorney come in.
What to Look for in a Car Accident Lawyer in Atlanta
It is perfectly acceptable and advisable to trust your instincts. Make sure the auto accident lawyer in Atlanta you hire is a good fit for your case and very communicative. You’re establishing a relationship, and you want someone who is upfront about what you might be facing.
Some cases can take years to resolve, and you should work with someone you’re comfortable with. Once you find an attorney you like, make sure you interview them during a consultation to make sure they’re a good fit for your case. You want someone who is upfront about their fees, their qualifications, and how they can win you compensation for your damages.
There are several factors you have to consider when researching an Atlanta car accident attorney. Having a record of success isn’t always enough.
Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when looking for a car accident attorney.
Positive Testimonials
If an Atlanta car accident attorney has a number of positive testimonials, you can be sure others have had a good experience with this attorney in the past. That’s a good sign.
This doesn’t mean you have to avoid attorneys who don’t post testimonials on their website. But you might want to spend a little more time researching attorneys who don’t have testimonials.
You can also search for reviews and ratings online. These will help you find reputable attorneys in Atlanta.
Good Track Record
You want an attorney who has won their cases in the past, so make sure you check out their track record for getting car accident case results. See if attorneys at the firm are members of special groups, such as the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
If an attorney doesn’t have a high success rate, turn your attention somewhere else.
Credentials
A good attorney will have a number of credentials. Check for things like peer ratings from other reputable attorneys, board certifications, Martindale ratings, Avvo ratings, and other types of legal awards.
If a car accident attorney in Atlanta has earned these credentials, they have provided successful legal services.
Don’t settle for an attorney that doesn’t seem highly qualified. Just because an attorney has a license to practice doesn’t mean they’ll be able to handle your specific case.
Affordability
Don’t forget to consider the money that goes into a car accident lawsuit. These types of lawsuits can get expensive, and so you need to make sure the attorney can afford your case.
Think about the entire process. The attorney might be able to afford your case in the beginning, but will they be able to stick with you until the end? An attorney who has a building in disrepair, insufficient space, or a lack of staff might not have the finances they need to work your case.
If you hire an attorney who can’t afford to handle your case, it’ll be you who suffers in the long run.
Strong Communication
You should know what’s going on with your case, but you won’t get any information if your attorney doesn’t talk to you.
This is one of the most common complaints people have about car accident attorneys who’ve represented them. Strong communication skills should be one of your main priorities.
Your attorney should always return your calls, respond to your emails, and schedule regular appointments with you. They should also answer any questions you might have about your case.
Be sure to ask them about their communication policy. If communication isn’t one of their priorities, you might want to look somewhere else.
Passion
Any attorney you work with should put your needs first. That means they should be more focused on your recovery and not on their personal gain.
If an attorney wants to take your case but then seems to lose interest after reading your file, they might not have the passion to fight for you and your family.
Personality
You should feel comfortable with your Atlanta car accident attorney. After you meet them, please spend some time thinking about their personality. Did they seem like a good fit for you?
Choosing a different attorney is okay if you don’t feel comfortable with your first choice. Your attorney is there to help you, but they can’t do that if you don’t feel secure.
Questions to Ask Your Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys
It’s also important to ask the right questions to ensure that the Atlanta car accident lawyers you choose have a good track record of getting results. Ask them about this during your complimentary consultation; any lawyer worth their salt will happily hand over references and tell you about their wins.
It’s smart to find out who, exactly, will be working on your case. Some of the hotshot lawyers might not ever meet with their clients. Instead, they pawn them off on junior associates, legal secretaries, and paralegals.
That’s not necessarily terrible; those junior members of the legal team are probably perfectly qualified. But you will want to know who is handling the details of your accident case. So go ahead and ask, and make sure you meet at least your primary contact person.
Almost all personal injury lawyers in Atlanta work on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay them any fees unless and until they get you a settlement or win your case. Nevertheless, be smart and double-check the fee structure. In some cases, you may be expected to pay certain costs upfront. These could include fees for expert witnesses or investigators or even administrative costs like filing and copying fees.
Documenting the Accident: Essential Steps for Protecting Your Atlanta Car Accident Claim
When you’re involved in a car accident, emotions can run high, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, taking the right steps immediately following the incident can significantly affect the outcome of your personal injury claim. Documenting the accident effectively is crucial to ensuring you have the evidence to support your case. Below are essential tips on how to document the accident scene thoroughly.
1. Take Comprehensive Photos
Photos are one of the most powerful pieces of evidence you can collect at the scene of an accident. They provide a visual record that can help establish the facts of the incident and show the extent of damage or injury.
Here’s how to ensure your photos are as effective as possible:
- Capture the Scene: Take wide-angle photos of the accident scene from multiple angles. Include the positions of the vehicles, traffic signals, road conditions, skid marks, and any nearby landmarks. These images help establish the context of the accident.
- Focus on Damage: Take close-up shots of the damage to all vehicles involved. Photograph the damage from various angles to capture all details. This will be important in assessing the force of the collision and the points of impact.
- Document Injuries: If you or any passengers have visible injuries, take photos of these as well. Be sure to capture any bruises, cuts, or other visible signs of injury that may be relevant to your claim later.
- Environmental Factors: Photograph any environmental factors that may have contributed to the accident, such as potholes, debris, road signs, or weather conditions like rain or fog.
- License Plates and Insurance Information: Take photos of the license plates of all vehicles involved and the other drivers’ insurance cards. This ensures you have accurate information, even if paperwork gets lost or is incomplete.
2. Avoid Admitting Fault
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, you might feel compelled to apologize or admit fault, especially if you believe you were partially responsible. However, it’s important to avoid making any statements construed as an admission of liability. Here’s why:
- Legal Implications: Admitting fault, even informally, can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Your statements may be used against you by insurance companies or in court to diminish your claim.
- Lack of Full Knowledge: You may not have all the facts immediately after the accident. External factors, such as the other driver’s negligence or road conditions, may have contributed to the incident. It’s best to wait until all information is gathered before concluding.
- What to Say: If you’re asked about what happened, it’s advisable to stick to the facts without expressing opinions or making assumptions. State what you saw and experienced without attributing blame.
- Cooperate with Authorities: While it’s important not to admit fault, do cooperate fully with police officers and provide them with the information they request. Give a factual account of the events and let the authorities determine fault based on their investigation.
3. Gather Witness Statements
Witnesses can be crucial in supporting your version of events and establishing liability. If any bystanders or other drivers witnessed the accident, it’s important to gather their statements and contact information. Here’s how:
- Identify Witnesses: Look around the scene for anyone who may have seen the accident. This could include pedestrians, other drivers, or even nearby business employees. Approach them calmly and ask if they are willing to provide a statement.
- Record Contact Information: Get any willing witnesses’ full name, phone number, and email address. If possible, take a photo of their driver’s license or business card to ensure you have accurate information.
- Ask for a Written Statement: If the witness is willing, ask them to write down what they saw. Please encourage them to be as detailed as possible. If they cannot provide a written statement on the spot, ask if they would be willing to provide one later.
- Consider Recording a Statement: With the witness’s permission, you can use your phone to record a verbal statement. This can be a quick and effective way to capture their account while the details are fresh in their mind.
- Follow-Up: After the accident, follow up with witnesses to see if they are still willing to testify or provide further information. Witnesses can sometimes change their minds or forget details, so staying in contact is important.
Documenting the accident scene thoroughly is vital in protecting your legal rights and ensuring you have the evidence to support your claim. By taking comprehensive photos, avoiding admissions of fault, and gathering witness statements, you can help build a strong compensation case. Remember that your actions immediately following an accident can have long-lasting effects on your ability to recover the compensation you deserve.
2023 Atlanta Car Accident Statistics
Overall Accident Numbers
In 2023, Atlanta experienced 28,278 car accidents, a slight decline from the previous year’s 29,938 crashes.
Frequency of Accidents
Breaking down the statistics further:
- Approximately 2,356 car accidents occurred each month.
- This averages out to about 77 car accidents per day.
- On an hourly basis, there were more than 3 accidents in Atlanta.
Comparison to Previous Years
Recent trends indicate that between 2018 and 2022, Atlanta recorded a total of 182,521 motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 387 fatalities and over 69,000 injuries during those five years.
Recent Fatality Trends
While specific fatality data for 2023 is not available, there has been a concerning trend in traffic fatalities in recent years:
- The average number of traffic fatalities per year was about 55 from 2018 to 2020.
- This number surged to 96 fatalities in 2021.
- In 2022, Atlanta reported 88 traffic fatalities.
Although the overall number of accidents in 2023 shows a slight decrease compared to 2022, the high frequency of crashes indicates that road safety continues to be a significant concern in Atlanta.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident in Atlanta?
When should I talk with a minor car accident lawyer? Let’s give a straightforward answer to this question. If you are injured, even if you believe your injuries are not serious, you should contact a car accident lawyer in Atlanta as soon as possible after the crash. A doctor should look at any injury, no matter how minor. Some injuries take time before the full seriousness of the injury is known. An attorney can protect your right to recover any damages resulting from the wreck.
It’s a truism that Americans have become increasingly belligerent over the past several decades. While plenty of frivolous lawsuits have been filed, that doesn’t mean that accident victims, regardless of how minor the crash may seem, should shy away from pursuing fair compensation with the help of an auto accident attorney.
During a free case evaluation, Atlanta car accident attorneys can review potential client’s insurance benefits and advise them on how much financial compensation they could receive for their damages, including punitive damages.
What Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Prove to Get Compensation From the Other Party
In order for a claim to succeed, the lawyer must prove all of the elements of a legal violation. Many auto accidents are not intentional. That doesn’t mean that the at-fault party is not still legally responsible.
The elements of negligence that must be proven are:
- Duty of care: an obligation to operate their vehicle safely
- Breach of duty: a failure to operate their vehicle safely
- Causation: this failure caused the accident
- Damages: someone was harmed because of the breach of duty, including punitive damages
Our Atlanta car accident lawyers will work with you to gather the evidence you’ll need to prove your claim. We won’t give up until we are satisfied that you have received the highest possible settlement or award.
A busy Atlanta highway. A car accident lawyer can help if you are one of the thousands of car accident victims who are injured in this city each year.
What Kinds of Injuries Are Compensable in an Atlanta Car Accident?
Atlanta car accidents can cause all types of catastrophic injuries. We can help you recover compensation for the following:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Internal bleeding
Schedule a Free Car Accident Case Evaluation Today! It’s On Us.
Our Atlanta car accident lawyers have the experience to help you recover the money you deserve. We do not recommend handling your personal injury claim alone, especially if you suffered severe injuries. Let us protect your rights by managing all communication with the insurance company.
Contact us if you are struggling after a car accident. At Bader Scott, we will ensure that you get the compensation you need to move on with your life as normally as possible.
During your free consultation, our team of passionate and reputable attorneys can answer any questions you may have about your claim, our credentials, our track record, client testimonials, and our communication policy.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
