Although car accidents are a leading cause of injuries and deaths in Georgia, they are almost always preventable. The majority of traffic collisions are caused by driver errors. You may have suffered a life-changing injury in a car accident. If someone else is responsible for causing the crash, you may be able to hold that person accountable for your injuries and other losses.
Discuss your case with an Athens car accident lawyer at BMW Law today. We can help you understand and defend your rights in the overwhelming aftermath of a car crash.
How Can Hiring a Car Accident Attorney Help You?
Handling a car insurance claim on your own in Georgia makes you vulnerable to tactics insurance companies use to diminish the value of your claim. The insurance company in charge of your case will prioritize its own profitability over your recovery.
An attorney can fight back on your behalf, negotiating for maximum financial compensation to bring you what you need to move forward. An Athens personal injury attorney can handle many legal tasks for you, including investigating your car accident and collecting evidence of fault, while you undergo medical treatments.
Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Athens, GA
Driver error is the number one cause of motor vehicle accidents in Athens and throughout the U.S. Although every driver has a legal obligation to take due care behind the wheel to avoid accidents, many drivers overestimate their abilities and make dangerous lapses in judgment that lead to preventable collisions.
Common examples of hazards that cause car accidents in Athens include:
Alcohol and drug use
Distracted driving/texting and driving
Speeding
Reckless driving
Drowsy driving
Breaking roadway rules
Making unsafe lane changes
Roadway defects such as potholes
Poor vehicle maintenance
Auto part defects
The cause of your car accident will point to the person or party who is financially responsible for paying for your medical bills and property damage. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to hold one or more parties accountable for causing the wreck.
Is Georgia a No-Fault State?
No, Georgia is not a no-fault state. Like most states, it relies on a fault-based insurance rule to determine liability for a car accident. The fault rule states that whoever caused the car accident will have to pay for damages.
All drivers in Georgia are required to carry at least minimum amounts of car insurance to pay for victims’ losses after at-fault accidents. No-fault states, on the other hand, require all drivers to carry personal injury protection insurance to cover their own losses, regardless of fault.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Athens, Georgia
There are steps you can take after a car accident in Athens that will improve your ability to recover a monetary award for your injuries. Do not worry if you do not complete all of these tasks before speaking to an attorney. A skilled Athens car accident attorney can take over your case no matter what you have done since the collision.
Call the police to report the accident.
Check yourself for injuries and go to a hospital right away.
Exchange information with the other driver. Do not admit fault.
Take photographs and talk to eyewitnesses while still at the scene.
Call your insurance company to file an initial claim as soon as possible.
Consult with a car accident attorney for assistance with the next steps.
Once you contact a car accident lawyer, he or she can take over your case. You can focus all of your attention on recovering from your physical and emotional injuries while your lawyer handles difficult tasks for you.
Contact an Athens Car Accident Attorney Today
You do not have to deal with a car accident claim alone after being injured in a collision. The Athens, Georgia car accident lawyers at BMW Law can stand by your side and guide you through the legal process every step of the way. We are passionate about helping accident victims protect their futures.
