You were injured in a car accident because the driver was drunk and negligent. What’s next? Georgia is a fault state, so you may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the party at fault. However, in the real world, things are never simple after a car accident. Parties and their respective insurance companies often blame one another, and if you don’t act immediately, you may lose valuable evidence and time. In this post, we are sharing more on circumstances, when you must definitely hire an Atlanta personal injury attorney.
- When you have a share in fault
Georgia follows what is known as the modified comparative negligence rule. If you were at fault, you can still file a lawsuit against the other party, provided your fault is less than 50%. Also, your eventual settlement will be reduced by your share of fault (in percentage). The modified comparative negligence rule is actually complex, especially because no one admits fault after a car accident. Hire a personal injury attorney, so that you can protect your rights and interests.
- When you are not sure of fault
Following a car accident, it can be hard to know what exactly happened. If you are not sure of your own action, or if the other driver was at fault, call an attorney. Experienced car accident attorneys know what it takes to investigate a case, and they will do their homework to establish fault and liability. That will further determine the course of action.
- When you are confused about your rights
Should you file a claim with your own insurer? What should you do when the claims adjuster calls for a statement? Should you file a personal injury lawsuit? What happens when there were multiple parties at fault? For answering these questions, you must consult a personal injury attorney. A skilled attorney can explain your rights, legal options that you may consider, and how to handle other aspects of the case.
The good news is car accident lawyers in Atlanta work on a contingency basis. You don’t have to pay the lawyer right away, but only if they win. Also, the first meeting with a personal injury attorney doesn’t have to cost anything either. Consult an attorney right after the car accident, so that you have enough time to review all your options. You can also get a fair overview of the case and expected compensation.