Car Accident Lawyer
Were you or a loved one injured in a car crash? Georgia expert car accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Julian Sanders can help you navigate the road to success in your case.
Here in Georgia, news stories of serious and fatal car accidents are an everyday occurrence.
Driving is dangerous - especially in the Metro-Atlantic area, which is one of the highest ranked places in the country for traffic fatalities. Because of our large population and overcrowded roads, Atlanta residents are at a high risk of being involved in a crash at some point in their lives.
Such a high prevalence of auto collisions means that local civil courts are easily overwhelmed by endless car accident lawsuits. Getting the maximum compensation possible for your personal injury claim in such a burdened system requires a lifetime of experience and knowledge. The law offices of Julian Sanders understand the serious nature of auto accident injuries, and we will fight hard to not only make sure that justice is served, but that you receive the maximum compensation rather than just a fair settlement for your personal injury case.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Car accidents are completely unexpected, which means you probably feel like your life is turned upside down when tragedy hits you. However, during this crisis, it is important to remember the necessary steps you need to take in the minutes, days and months after a crash to help facilitate any future legal action. Safeguard your legal rights by following these post-accident tips:
Dial 911.
Your number one priority following a car wreck is the safety of you and your passengers. If possible, put your hazard lights on and move your car to the side of the road to avoid any oncoming traffic. Call the police if someone hasn't done it already, and find out if anyone involved in the collision – including the other driver – is injured and needs an ambulance. When police officers arrive, be cooperative and ask them for a copy of the police report to keep for your records.
Gather information.
While still at the scene of the accident, try to collect as much information as possible about the automobile accident – including eyewitness accounts and contact info, photos of the accident scene, name and insurance company of the other motorist, vehicle parts that broke off, etc. In the coming months, be sure to keep all documents and receipts pertaining to the accident or your medical treatment from the crash.
Seek medical attention.
Even if you feel fine after an accident, you should always get a professional health evaluation from your doctor to ensure you aren’t injured. People often experience an adrenaline rush in the moments following a collision which masks pain that crops up later.
Consult a car accident lawyer.
In addition to looking out for your legal rights, a skilled personal injury attorney with the right background and experience in car crash cases can expertly navigate you through the complex and tedious legal process of filing an injury lawsuit in Georgia.
Common Causes of Car Crashes
Although the term car “accident” is widely used, the reality is auto collisions all have an instigator. Meaning, most motor vehicle accidents aren't accidents at all, but rather the result of someone's negligence, a product malfunction, or other external factors.
The most common causes of car crashes in Atlanta include:
Dangerous Roads
Dangerous Roads
Government entities can sometimes be held partly liable for accidents and injuries caused by improperly maintained or dangerous roads.
Driver Error
Driver Error
A majority of accidents can be blamed on a driver's negligence behind the wheel and their distracted driving. Whether disobeying traffic laws like speeding or running a red light, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a driver who puts others at risk by failing to act responsibly can be held liable for injuries and emotional distress they caused.
Weather/Low Visibility
Weather/Low Visibility
Poor road conditions caused by rain, hail, fog or wind can reduce driver visibility or control, leading to an accident.
Mechanical Failure
Mechanical Failure
Accidents resulting from a defective vehicle part can lead to a product liability lawsuit in which the manufacturer is held liable for injuries and damages.
Car Accident Injuries
There are several types of damages accident victims can claim in a personal injury lawsuit – one of which is medical expenses for treatment of physical injuries sustained during the car crash. Injuries can range in scope from soft tissue damage to catastrophic injuries, and most commonly include:
Head and Back Injuries
Trauma to the head and spinal cord injuries are some of the scariest and most serious car accident injuries. Skull fractures, herniated disks, and paralysis often leave victims unable to work and in tremendous pain.
Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can range from a mild concussion to a coma, and have long-lasting physical, psychological and emotional scars. Medical treatment for these injuries are complicated and costly, leaving victims financially injured as well.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
A sudden and violent jerk of the neck can often result in serious injuries. Whiplash is the most common car accident injury, and occurs most frequently in rear-end collisions.
Broken Bones
The blunt force of a high-speed collision can fracture or snap bones in a moment. These injuries can take months or even years to recover from, and prevent a person from being able to work.
Wrongful Death
A fatality might be considered the ultimate injury a victim of a car crash can experience. When such a tragedy occurs, surviving family members and loved ones may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible driver or party.
Types of Car Accidents
Car accidents can come in many shapes and sizes. In Atlanta, the most common types of crash cases we handle are:
Side-impact Crashes
Another common vehicle collision that occurs when the side of a vehicle is hit by another car; often also called a “t-bone” accident
Head-on Collisions
A frequently fatal accident that occurs when the front-end of two vehicles collide, often at high speeds
Multi-vehicle Wrecks
Most common on busy roads and interstates, especially in the Atlanta area, these accidents involve 3 or more vehicles; also known as “pile-ups”
Should I Sue?
With the help of a car accident attorney, the benefits available under the negligent driver's insurance policy can be used to compensate your financial losses due to the accident, such as medical bills, property damage and lost wages. Having legal representation from an experienced attorney will be able to help you identify the liable parties and with the settlement negotiations to make sure you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
A driver may also be able to file a lawsuit against a third-party, not including the other driver, if the third-party contributed to the accident. For instance, if a defective car part was a factor in the collision, the plaintiff may choose to sue the manufacturer. Other occasions when third-party lawsuits occur is when an employee of a government agency is responsible for a wreck or when dangerous road conditions contribute to a serious crash. In such cases, an individual may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault party.
After determining liability, a car accident attorney will calculate how much your case is worth. A number of factors are taken into account when estimating the value of your case, including:
- Medical Costs – both current and future expenses related to the medical care required to treat injuries sustained in an accident, such as hospitalization, physical therapy, medicine, other medical records, etc.
- Lost Wages – compensation for past and future missed time at work as a result of injury recovery/rehabilitation
- Pain and Suffering – mental and emotional trauma caused by the accident, such as depression, anxiety, fear and other non-physical, yet life-altering injuries
- Loss of a Loved One – financial costs associated with the death of a loved one in a fatal car accident, such as funeral expenses, loss of consortium and other wrongful death damages
Think you can negotiate a good settlement on your own?
Think again.
On average, people who hired a personal injury lawyer received 4 to 5 times more compensation than those who didn’t. What’s more, you’re more likely to receive a payout when represented by an attorney. On average, the insurance payout for car accident victims with an attorney doubled or tripled, compared to those who settled without personal injury lawyer.
Sources: Martindale-Nolo Research’s 2017 personal injury study, The Insurance Research Council’s study, 1999
Don’t take a risk with your injury settlement.
Hire an experienced attorney.
How You Can Recover Financially from your Georgia Car Accident
Ascertaining the compensation to which you are entitled to in your Atlanta car accident case depends on numerous factors, including whether you followed all the proper steps after the collision, what caused the crash, what injuries you or your passengers sustained and who was at-fault. With so many influential components, it is essential to discuss your case with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Why Hire a Atlanta Auto Accident Attorney?
In addition to ensuring you receive the maximum benefits possible under your PIP policy, a skilled car accident attorney will help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver by proving that the extent of your injuries is severe enough to warrant additional compensation.
If your insurance claim is denied or inadequate, a car accident attorney can also negotiate with insurance adjustors on your behalf for the maximum payout. If your attorney and the insurers are unable to reach an agreement, the lawyer may have to file a lawsuit against the insurance companies involved in the accident to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
When disaster hits, don't just call any personal injury law firm. Find a legal professional who cares about you and who wants to fight for justice and get you the fair compensation you deserve. Call today to speak with an expert Atlanta car crash lawyer at The Law offices of Julian Sanders. Our legal team is comprised of experienced car accident attorneys who are experts in the personal injury field and have the track record to prove it. During your FREE consultation, we'll show you how our family is committed to fighting for you.
Meet your Georgia car accident attorney
Julian Lewis Sanders founded The Law Offices of Julian Lewis Sanders and Associates in 2003. The dedicated team proudly serves the communities of Georgia in personal injury law.
“Growing up in a military family, I learned the importance of dedication and honor early, which established a foundation for my eventual
law career.”
Let me tell you this is the BEST Law Office to use. The staff is awesome, when I say they look out for you. Julian Sanders staff is awesome as well. It’s been three weeks and they have checked on me each week. If you need an accident Lawyer giver them a call for sure cause they care about you. – Natalie Hill
We want to help you. Give us a chance to listen to your needs, answer your questions, and show you how we will take swift strategic action to help right the wrong that has been done to you.
Cities We Serve
Call or text the Law Offices of Julian Sanders & Associates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
(678) 705-9581