Decatur Car Accident Attorney
Decatur residents enjoy their close proximity to the bustling mecca of downtown Atlanta, but it also leaves their roadways open to traffic overflow, commuters, and truckers heading into and out of the Atlanta perimeter. With congested roads and 6 major interstate highways, Decatur is an unfortunate contributor to Georgia’s high car accident statistics.
When we get into a car, we expect to safely arrive at our destination, but some daily commutes or trips to the supermarket end in unexpected catastrophes. If you’ve been injured in a car wreck in Decatur and someone else caused the accident, you need an attorney to represent your best interests. A Decatur Georgia car accident claim can help you gain back the financial damages your accident caused while you focus on overcoming the physical damages. Call Bowen Painter Trial Lawyers today for a legal team that’s ready to take on the insurance companies on your behalf to secure the full compensation you’re due.
Fault and Liability in Georgia Car Accident Claims
In Georgia, it matters who caused an accident. Unlike Florida and several other states, compensation for car accident property damage and personal injury damages in Georgia depends on proving who is liable for the car accident. The insurance company of the person at fault in the accident must pay out on damages claims. Even if you contributed to the accident, you can still recover damages minus the percentage you’re found to be at fault. If someone rear-ended you, but an investigation finds you 20% at fault because you slammed on your brakes to avoid a squirrel, you can still recover 80% of your damages. Sadly, insurance companies who don’t have your best interests at heart often use the state’s comparative fault law against you to try to increase your percentage of fault in order to lowball a settlement amount. Don’t let this tactic succeed. Instead, a Decatur car accident attorney can aggressively advocate your case in order to maximize your claim so you receive ample compensation.
What Compensation Can I Gain From a Decatur Personal Injury Claim?
Serious car accidents have serious consequences on a family, often causing financial stress at a time when physical recovery should be a priority. If a state agency neglected to maintain a traffic sign or signal or another driver’s negligence, distracted driving, intoxication, or reckless speeding caused your accident, you can recover the following damages:
- Medical costs and potential future medical expenses
- Wages and earnings lost during your recovery time
- Future lowered income potential if you’ve suffered a disabling injury
- Pain and suffering
- PTSD, anxiety, emotional trauma, and other non-economic damages
Non-economic damages are often the most damaging aspect of a car accident. While financial compensation for pain and suffering can’t undo the accident it can help relieve financial burdens while you focus on healing from your personal injuries.
What You Should Do After a Car Accident in Georgia
In a fault-based insurance state like Georgia, taking certain steps after a car accident can help protect your physical and financial state after the accident. Take the following steps with your phone or hand your phone to someone else to do them for you if you are seriously injured:
- Call 911 to report the accident
- Take photos of the damaged vehicles, the accident scene, and any contributing factors like traffic signals, road signs, and hazards
- Use your phone to collect the contact information of other drivers and eyewitnesses
- Seek a complete medical evaluation and tell the doctor about every symptom, asking for a detailed medical report
- Get a copy of the accident report
- Gather all relevant evidence and your medical bills and call a Decatur car accident lawyer to represent your best interests before you speak to insurance representatives.
Why Choose Us for Your Decatur Car Accident Lawyers?
The attorneys at Bowen Painter Trial Lawyers have years of experience in crafting compelling cases for victims of car accidents to maximize compensation. Our local reputation and winning track record make insurance companies more willing to offer an ample settlement so you’re less likely to need a courtroom appearance.
We only get paid if you are awarded compensation. With free case evaluations and contingency-based fees, you have nothing to lose except your pile of medical bills. Contact our Decatur office today so we can begin a legal strategy for your accident claim.