Seeking Justice in Personal Injury Cases
At Van Sant Law, our experienced attorneys understand that personal injury accidents are unexpected, and the consequences can be devastating. From our Alpharetta office, conveniently located near North Point Parkway, we help accident victims by fighting to hold liable parties responsible for their actions and pursuing the compensation injured parties may be entitled to receive under Georgia law.
Some of the types of claims we represent include the following:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Wrongful death
- Workers’ compensation
- Dog bites
- Food poisoning
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse
- Premises liability
- Defective products
- E-cig and vape pen explosions
- Diminution in value claims
- Department of Transportation claims
What Is a Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit?
A personal injury case arises when an individual suffers harm to their body or mind as a result of an accident. These accidents can be caused by various factors, often stemming from the misconduct or negligence of another person or entity.
If you are injured in an accident, the first step in seeking compensation is often filing a personal injury claim. A claim is a demand for compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses resulting from the accident. This claim is usually filed with the at-fault party’s insurance company, and negotiations begin to reach a settlement.
However, if negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, the next step may be to file a personal injury lawsuit. A lawsuit is a formal legal action in court where the plaintiff (the injured party) asks a judge or jury to determine the outcome.
At Van Sant Law, we are prepared to represent your interest in settlement negotiations and, if necessary, in the courtroom.
Georgia Personal Injury & Car Accident Laws
Georgia is a fault-based state for personal injury claims. This means the person or party found to be at fault for causing the injury is financially responsible for the damages. The injured party can seek compensation through:
- Filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court
- Negotiating a settlement
The state uses a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation. If you are less than 50% at fault, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 in damages but found 20% at fault, you’d receive $80,000.
When it comes to car accidents, all drivers must carry minimum liability insurance:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) is optional but recommended.
Drivers in Georgia are legally required to report an accident to the police if any of the following apply:
- There is an injury or death
- There is property damage of $500 or more
You must report the accident to the local police, sheriff, or state patrol as soon as possible. A police report helps document:
- The scene of the crash
- The involved parties
- Witness statements
- Officer opinions on fault
This report can be critical in proving liability and negotiating with insurers.
The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of the injury (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33).
Hiring an Alpharetta car accident attorney can help if:
- You’re seriously injured
- Fault is disputed
- The insurance company denies or minimizes your claim
- Multiple parties are involved
Our team can handle negotiations, gather evidence, and represent you in court if needed.
Pursuing the Compensation You Deserve
Every case we handle is unique. That is why we develop personalized strategies tailored to our clients’ circumstances. An accident can cause significant disruptions, from physical injuries to financial instability. Our approach focuses on providing compassionate, individualized care to help you through this challenging time while concentrating on your long-term recovery.
We will take a comprehensive approach to building your case to pursue a just result. Our team conducts thorough investigations, gathering relevant evidence to paint a complete picture.
Our process includes reviewing the following:
- Medical records
- Accident reports
- Other relevant documentation
We also collaborate with experts and witnesses to consider every aspect of your case.
Our attorneys are experienced negotiators who know how to work with insurance companies. However, if negotiations do not result in an acceptable settlement, we can prepare to take your case to trial.
We have recovered millions of dollars for past clients, demonstrating our commitment to pursuing favorable outcomes. While past successes are not guarantees for future cases, we know what it takes to seek results.
We Go Up Against Insurance Companies for Our Clients
Dealing with insurance companies after a personal injury is rarely straightforward. While their primary goal is to settle claims, they often aim to do so in a way to minimize their financial exposure.
Tactics employed can involve:
- Disputing liability
- Claiming that the injured party was responsible
- Underestimating the full extent of your injuries
The settlement insurers offer may seem fair from their perspective. Still, it’s critical to remember that their goal is to protect their financial interests — not yours.
Backed by over two decades serving Alpharetta and the surrounding areas, we’ve seen firsthand how insurers attempt to shift blame or devalue claims. Our team includes former defense attorneys who once represented large insurance companies. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate and counter their strategies.
We leverage our deep understanding of insurance company operations to fight for fair outcomes. Our approach is rooted in the belief that you deserve compensation reflecting the impact of your injuries — not a figure that serves the insurance company’s financial stability.
Why Consider Hiring an Alpharetta Personal Injury Lawyer?
At Van Sant Law, our local presence allows us to provide highly personalized service. Being close to our clients means we can offer more than just legal advice — we build relationships. We take the time to meet with you in person, learn about your unique situation, and develop tailored strategies based on your needs. While technology allows for virtual communication, in-person meetings foster a deeper level of trust and collaboration. This personal touch helps us better represent you and lets you feel supported throughout the legal process.
Acting quickly to protect your rights is crucial if you’ve been injured in an accident. Contact us at . We serve the entire area, including Fulton County and nearby Big Creek, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, and more.
What Types of Damages Are Available for a Personal Injury?
If you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, you can seek compensation from the at-fault party. In Georgia, personal injury claims allow for three primary types of damages: special, general, and punitive. Each serves a distinct purpose in helping victims recover from an accident’s financial and emotional consequences.
Below, we expand on the types of damages:
- Special. Special damages compensate for tangible financial losses. These include immediate and ongoing medical expenses for surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation. Special damages also cover lost wages if the injury prevents the victim from working or reduces their earning capacity.
- General damages. General damages compensate for non-economic losses that are more difficult to quantify. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the diminished quality of life resulting from the injury.
- Punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded when the at-fault party’s actions were grossly negligent or intentional, such as in cases involving willful misconduct, fraud, or malice. These damages are not merely to compensate the victim but to punish the responsible party and discourage similar behavior.
At Van Sant Law, we take a meticulous approach to evaluating the full impact of your injury. We consider various factors to pursue damages reflecting the true extent of your losses. Our team will work closely with you to gather detailed information about your medical care, the time you have missed from work, and how the injury has affected your ability to return to your job or everyday activities. We also take into account the emotional toll the injury has had on your mental health and overall quality of life.
