With sprawling highways and heavily congested traffic, Atlanta is a dangerous city to drive in and ranks among the worst cities for drivers. Atlanta drivers face numerous hazards on a daily basis, many of which intensify during rush hour. Suppose you have been the unfortunate victim of another driver’s negligence. In that case, you need to contact an Atlanta car accident lawyer to help you recover your losses and hold the other driver accountable.
At Munley Law, we make sure that you do not have to deal with the fallout of an Atlanta accident by yourself. We know how overwhelming it can be dealing with medical expenses, vehicle damage, and lost income, and we work diligently to make sure you receive the resources you need to regain control of your life. An Atlanta personal injury lawyer will protect your rights and communicate on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.
There is no fee unless we win your case.
How Munley Law Can Help You After a Car Accident in Atlanta
Munley Law knows how stressful car accidents can be, and we are here to handle your case for you. With over 65 years of experience, we are familiar with the intricacies and challenges that come with every case. We customize our approach to your specific situation, so you get targeted support and better results. When you hire our team, you can trust that we will:
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Take the time to listen to you and prepare you for what to expect
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Handle the logistics of your case and advocate for your needs
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Thoroughly investigate the accident and gather evidence
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Protects your rights and settlement
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Negotiate with the insurance company, hospital, repair shop, the opposition, and more on your behalf
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Communicate on your behalf in court if necessary
When you hire us, you get the benefit of working with a firm that has local knowledge of Atlanta and the perils drivers face every day. We are also familiar with the city’s court system, and have many relationships within the legal community and with industry experts, so we can serve our clients better.
Secure Legal Representation Without Worrying About the Cost
Car accidents can be quite costly and leave you struggling under the weight of the financial burden. To make sure that the cost of legal representation is not a deterrent, Munley Law works on contingency and we do not get paid unless we win your case. We only deduct our attorney fees from awarded settlements or verdicts so you have access to legal services without having to pay anything out of pocket. Learn more when you schedule your consultation with our team.
Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys Can Handle Various Types of Car Collisions
Many different types of car accidents can occur on the roads and highways of Atlanta. Numerous variables can impact how cars collide with each other and what the resulting outcome is. The severity of the accident, the type of injuries, and the damages you claim are all affected by the angle and force of the collision. These factors mean each accident presents a unique set of considerations in a case. Below is a look at some of the most common types of car accidents in Atlanta:
Head-On Accidents
Head-on accidents are among the most dangerous types of accidents there are. In this type of crash, an oncoming car makes a direct impact with another vehicle or object. Both the frontal collision and the sudden deceleration of the vehicle cause severe injuries and significant vehicle damage. These types of accidents often result in traumatic brain injuries, chest injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries.
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of accidents. These collisions may be minor or severe depending on the speed involved at the time of the accident. Occupants are likely to suffer from whiplash, neck, and spine injuries from the force applied during impact. The size of the vehicles also makes a difference, as a smaller vehicle will usually absorb more of the transferred energy in a crash.
T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents can be severe and even fatal. Depending on where an individual is sitting in relation to the point of impact, occupants may be exceptionally vulnerable to harm since there is minimal protection on the side of a vehicle compared to that of the front or back. While these accidents are generally caused when a driver runs a traffic light or stop sign, who is at fault in a T-bone accident will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident.
Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents occur when a vehicle moves into another lane while another vehicle is already there. This can happen if a driver is distracted, fails to use their turn signal, or does not see another vehicle in their blind spot while attempting to change lanes. These accidents can be serious because an unsuspecting driver may overcorrect to avoid being sideswiped and cause more harm to themselves or other drivers.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents exert an extraordinary amount of force on the body and result in multiple points of impact as the car flips. These accidents can cause severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, internal damage, and more from the force of the vehicle’s movement. For some, it may also result in catastrophic harm. Vehicles with higher centers of gravity may be more prone to these types of accidents.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents are stressful because the at-fault driver leaves the scene instead of stopping to assess safety or exchange information. This means that as the victim, you are not able to file a claim with their insurance company for your losses. You should provide detailed information to the police so they can try to find the driver who hurt you. If the driver cannot be found, a claim may have to be filed with your own insurance instead.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Multi-vehicle accidents can be dangerous and complicated to resolve. It may not always be clear who initiated the accident, due to the chain reaction or the direction of impact. These collisions typically involve three or more vehicles and may also affect non-motorists in the vicinity during the crash. These types of accidents require the skilled experience and knowledge of a multi-vehicle accident lawyer.
Single Vehicle Accidents
A single-vehicle accident is one where a car hits an object rather than another car. For example, losing control and running into a tree, backing up into a light pole, or veering off the road and hitting an embankment to avoid an animal would constitute a single-vehicle accident. Other parties can contribute to single-vehicle accidents as well. However, if another party is not at fault, then you will have to file a claim under your own insurance policy if you have the right type of coverage.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Atlanta
Human error is the most common cause of accidents overall. As such, these accidents are typically avoidable with the proper level of caution. Collisions can also be the result of a driver’s willful disregard of other motorists and the rules of the road. Regardless of the accident’s cause, though, drivers can be held liable under Georgia’s various negligence and traffic violation laws. Some of the most common causes of accidents include the following:
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Distracted driving
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Speeding
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Road rage, aggressive driving, and reckless driving
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Fatigue
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Alcohol and drug impairment
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Traffic congestion
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Poor weather and road conditions
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Failure to obey signs, signals, and right-of-way
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Lack of experience
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Poor maintenance and mechanical issues
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Defective parts
The cause of the accident makes a difference in how your case is handled. For example, an accident caused by a drunk driver often points directly to the driver for liability. However, one caused by defective or poorly manufactured parts may require more investigation to determine the responsible parties, which may not be the driver. A car accident attorney in Atlanta will conduct an in-depth investigation so they can accurately identify the cause and make sure you have a strong case.
Car Accident Injuries Vary Considerably in Atlanta
Car accidents run the gamut from minor fender-benders to fatal crashes. This means that you could sustain a wide variety of injuries in a crash, which could heal within weeks or leave you to deal with the after-effects of your injuries for the rest of your life. While emergency response services should be contacted after a crash for initial care, a full medical examination is the only way to truly know the scope of your injuries. While every crash is different, some of the most common types of injuries include:
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Whiplash
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Broken bones and soft tissue damage
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Traumatic brain injury
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Neck, spine, and back injuries
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Chest and rib injuries
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Internal bleeding and organ damage
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Nerve damage
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Paralysis, disability, or disfigurement
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Burn injuries
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Chronic pain
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Wrongful death
It is important to get medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. Even if you think your injuries are minor, you should still see a doctor. They can make sure you do not have any delayed or internal conditions that could cause you serious harm. Your doctor will run tests to identify and diagnose your injuries so they can create an effective treatment plan that will allow you to regain your health and autonomy as quickly as possible. Keep all documentation associated with your injuries for your claim.
Quick Action Preserves the Outcome of an Accident Claim
What you do after a car accident is very important and will be closely scrutinized by insurance adjusters. Knowing what to do after a car accident can save you a lot of time, stress, and headache dealing with insurance. To be proactive and improve the outcome of your claim, take the following steps to the best of your ability:
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Seek Medical attention: It is essential to make sure you and other occupants are safe immediately after a crash. Call 911 so first responders can assess the situation and administer initial treatment. Be sure to receive thorough medical attention from a doctor, and document your medical care and expenses thoroughly.
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File a police report: It is important to request a police report of the accident. This creates an official record and details the time, location, and cause of the accident, who was involved, and so much more. You should also get copies of the Atlanta Police Department accident reports for your records and your claim. Insurance adjusters and lawyers will review the report to verify and process your claim.
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Collect evidence: Evidence is essential to support your claim, so try to get photos and videos of the scene of the accident, your vehicle damage, and your injuries. You can also try to get statements from witnesses who saw the accident. Medical records and journals should also be kept to document ongoing losses.
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Exchange information: You are required to stop at an accident to lend aid and exchange information with all parties involved, per Georgia Code § 40-6-270. You should exchange driver, contact, and insurance information at the scene, if possible. You will need this information to file your claim.
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Hire an attorney: An Atlanta car accident attorney can help you submit your claim and deal with the insurance company. They protect your rights, negotiate for you, and make sure the insurance company pays you fairly. They can also represent you in court if needed. Hiring a lawyer before moving forward with the claim process can improve your overall outcome.
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Contact the insurance companies: Notify your insurance company that you have been in an accident, and provide them with the information you received from the other driver. Contact the other driver’s insurance company to submit your claim and supporting evidence. They will process your claim before issuing you a settlement offer. Make sure a lawyer reviews all offers first.
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Avoid discussing your case: Protect your settlement by not talking about the accident openly or on social media. Insurance companies may contact your friends and family, or look up your online accounts. What you say or post could come back to haunt you if the insurance company uses it against you.
Failing to take these steps could make your case harder to resolve and give the insurance company the reason they are looking for to offer you a lower settlement. Your lawyer will help you prevent this by making sure your case is optimized. They will also communicate on your behalf and demand better coverage from insurance so that your losses are adequately compensated.
You Must Establish Liability Before Recovering Compensation in a Car Accident Case
Liability is an important aspect of any car accident case. It provides clarity on who caused the accident and who must pay for the damages. When you claim another driver is at fault, insurance adjusters will not just take your word for it. They will investigate the accident and evaluate it from all angles to determine the factors that contributed to it. While the other driver may be at fault, there is always a chance that you were partially at fault, or a manufacturer is liable for creating defective parts, for example.
Once the accident has been evaluated, a car accident attorney in Atlanta, Georgia, will establish the other driver’s fault by showing their negligence and how it has impacted you specifically. Your lawyer will use evidence to build your case and demonstrate the four key elements of negligence:
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Duty of Care: The other driver had a duty to exercise caution, obey the rules of the road, and remain alert while driving to avoid causing harm.
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Breach of Duty: The other driver was careless or intentionally engaged in unsafe driving practices that disregarded their obligation to safety.
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Causation: The other driver’s actions triggered the accident that caused your injuries, vehicle damage, and other losses.
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Damages: Because the other driver harmed you, they are responsible for paying for the damages they caused you.
Only by satisfying each element can a car accident case be resolved. This process may take a while, depending on how complicated the case is, so it is important to work closely with your lawyer and provide all the evidence you have compiled. They are prepared for challenges that may arise and can effectively handle them. Once liability has been established, you can recover compensation for the losses you have suffered.
Recover Damages to Ease Your Loss After an Atlanta Car Accident
You have the right to pursue restitution from the driver who injured you by filing a claim against them for compensation. Atlanta car accident lawyers will evaluate all of your losses and determine the value of your settlement. They will also help you understand damages in a personal injury case so you know what you may be able to recover, which may include:
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Emergency medical expenses
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Ongoing care, rehabilitation, equipment, accommodations, and assistive technology
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Cost to repair or replace your vehicles and personal belongings
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Lost wages or earning capacity
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Funeral and burial expenses, as well as other death benefits
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Pain and suffering
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Loss of enjoyment
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Reduced quality of life
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Loss of companionship and/or consortium
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Emotional distress
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Anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep problems
Every settlement is unique, so your recovery will be specific to your situation. Your lawyer will determine how much your case is worth by calculating the value of all your losses. They will also take into account certain variables that can impact your final sum. Factors that can affect your settlement value include the severity and extent of your injuries, pre-existing conditions, partial fault, and insurance company cooperation. Your lawyer will optimize your case for maximum results and aggressively negotiate for you.
Atlanta is One of the Most Dangerous Cities for Drivers
Atlanta is a sprawling metropolis that spans two counties: Fulton County and Dekalb County. Because of this, Fulton and Dekalb Counties see the highest number of car accidents in the state. During the most recently reported year of county fact sheets, there were 52,997 crashes in Fulton and 37,575 in Dekalb. Atlanta is also the 19th most congested city in the world.
Several major intersections and highways in Atlanta help drivers get around the city. However, many of them are dangerous due to traffic volume, congestion, and aggressive driving. Atlanta is consistently among the worst cities to drive in.
According to AAA, I-285 is among the most nerve-wracking roads in the country. The highway is 64 miles long and circles Atlanta. This highway is often congested and merges with several interstates, creating an elevated risk of accidents and fatalities. Other dangerous highways and roads include I-20, I-75, I-85, Buford Highway, Moreland Avenue, and Peachtree Street. The Georgia State Patrol has a strong presence along these and other roads throughout the city to enforce safer driving.
This data highlights the seriousness of the city’s traffic problem and the daily dangers drivers face as a result. Motorists must remain alert at all times and use extreme caution to avoid causing or being injured in an accident in Atlanta, Georgia
Drivers Must Meet Georgia Insurance Requirements and Be Aware of Insurance Company Tactics
Drivers are required to meet auto insurance requirements in Georgia. While motorists may elect for higher limits, they must at least retain an auto insurance policy that meets the minimum liability limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 per accident for property damage. If a driver is discovered to be uninsured or underinsured after a crash, they may face penalties and may have their license suspended or revoked by the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
When accident victims file a claim against an at-fault driver’s insurance, what they can recover will depend on the extent of their losses, as well as the other driver’s insurance policy limits. However, insurance companies want to pay as little as possible, so they will find reasons to reduce a settlement offer further. They may try tactics such as delaying your claim, blaming you for the accident, lowballing you, or denying your claim based on a technicality.
Insurance companies take advantage of crash victims’ need for compensation and lack of knowledge about their rights and ability to negotiate. This is why it is essential to hire a lawyer to be sure you receive a fair settlement. Lawyers are effective negotiators who are not afraid to make the insurance company pay you what you deserve. If the insurance company remains uncooperative, then your lawyer can litigate your case to get you fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Atlanta Car Accidents
What is the Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Claims in Georgia?
While your injuries and medical care will keep you preoccupied after an accident, waiting too long to file a claim can prevent you from recovering compensation. Georgia places a 2-year statute of limitations on all personal injury cases. This means that if you do not file your claim within this period of time, you will be barred from recovery and will have to pay for your losses out of pocket. Car accidents can take a while to resolve, so be sure to hire a lawyer right away and file your claim.
How Long Will it Take to Resolve my Case and Receive a Settlement?
Every car accident case is different, and how long it takes to resolve will depend on several factors. The complexity of your case, negotiations, the insurance company, and more can impact the overall timeline of your case. Once compensation has been agreed upon, how long it takes to receive your settlement will depend on the method of payment and any debts or liens that must be paid out of your settlement first. A lawyer can help streamline both processes so you can receive payment as swiftly as possible.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I am Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Possibly. If you are injured, you are not immediately barred from recovering compensation for your injuries. Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law states that individuals who are partially at fault can recover compensation as long as they are less than 50% at fault. Compensation will be reduced in proportion to an individual’s level of fault, though. Parties that are over the 50% threshold are prohibited from compensation, per Georgia’s comparative negligence rules.
What Kinds of Evidence Can I Use in My Case?
You can use various types of evidence in your case to support your claim and demonstrate the other party’s liability. Evidence may include your medical records and bills, a copy of the police report, photos and videos, surveillance footage, witness and expert testimonies, reconstruction data, property damage estimates, and journals detailing your pain and suffering.
Entrust Your Atlanta Car Accident Case to Munley Law Today
Munley Law is equipped to handle your car accident case regardless of what you are dealing with. We tailor our strategies to provide you with the custom care you deserve. You are our priority from start to finish, and we work diligently to secure maximum compensation in your case. Learn more about how we can serve you when you contact us and schedule your free consultation.
