It can be worth getting a lawyer for a car accident in Atlanta if you suffered injuries, missed time from work, or are having trouble with an insurance company.
Our Atlanta car accident lawyer will look into the crash, handle conversations with the insurance company for you, and pursue the full compensation available under Georgia law. We will lead your claim and keep you up to date as you focus on recovery.
When Is It Worth Hiring a Lawyer After a Collision in Atlanta?
Not every accident requires legal representation. A minor crash with no injuries and little vehicle damage may be resolved without much difficulty. In many cases, an attorney becomes more valuable when an accident involves:
Serious Injuries
Some injuries affect far more than the days immediately after a crash. A broken bone, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injury may require surgery, rehabilitation, follow-up appointments, or ongoing care. As treatment continues, medical costs and time away from work often continue as well.
Disputes Over Who Caused the Crash
Insurance companies do not always agree about who caused the crash. Our attorney gathers evidence that helps show what happened and who should be held responsible.
Large Financial Losses
Medical expenses, lost income, future treatment, and other damages can add up quickly after a serious collision.
Multiple Insurance Companies
When accidents involve several parties, they also involve more than one insurance company that may be responsible for paying damages. This can complicate claims and require more time to sort out who to seek compensation from.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Actually Do?
Many people know they can hire a lawyer after an accident, but they are not always sure what the lawyer does or how they help a case. A lawyer’s job is to take on the legal and insurance issues so that you can spend more time focusing on your health.
The work depends on the facts of the accident and the injuries involved. In many cases, a lawyer begins by gathering the evidence needed to show what happened. That may include:
- Reviewing the crash report.
- Collecting medical records.
- Speaking with witnesses
- Preserving evidence, such as photos and videos, before it disappears.
Lawyers also look at insurance coverage, determine the value of the case, and handle talks with the insurance company. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the lawyer can file a lawsuit and continue representing you throughout the case.
Good legal representation involves building a claim that accurately reflects how the accident has affected your life and identifying the sources of compensation so that you can receive financial recovery that helps you move forward.
What Crash-Related Damages Can a Lawyer Help Recover?
Damages from a car crash can include medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost income, reduced earning ability, property damage, and the physical and emotional effects of the injury.
If the injuries result in a permanent disability or change how someone is able to live their daily life, those losses may also become part of the claim.
If a family loses a loved one because of a negligent driver, Georgia law may allow certain surviving family members to pursue damages related to that loss, such as funeral and burial expenses and lost household income. Our Atlanta wrongful death lawyers handle these legal matters for families while they focus on their loved one.
Can a Lawyer Identify Other Sources of Insurance Coverage?
The driver who caused the crash is not always the only party that may be responsible. Some accidents involve other people or companies whose actions contributed to what happened.
For example, an employer may be responsible if the driver was working at the time of the collision. A trucking company, the owner of the vehicle, or a business that failed to maintain it could also be involved in certain cases.
Looking at the full picture can help us uncover additional insurance policies that may help cover your losses. That is one reason a thorough investigation matters, especially when serious injuries or significant financial losses are involved.
Does Hiring an Attorney Mean Your Case Will Go to Court?
Many claims settle without a trial. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company and only file a lawsuit if it becomes necessary.
You can still hire someone to represent you if you have already contacted the insurance company. Speaking with an adjuster does not usually prevent you from hiring legal representation afterward.
Talk With an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer About Your Options
Many people ask if it is worth getting a lawyer for a car accident in Atlanta. The answer often depends on the injuries, the insurance issues, and the financial losses involved. Even cases that appear straightforward at first can become more complicated as medical treatment continues or fault is disputed.
Van Sant Law has served Georgia residents for more than 25 years and has recovered hundreds of millions for injured clients. Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience to every case, and founding attorney David M. Van Sant previously represented a major insurance company. That experience provides insight into how insurers review claims.
We know that deciding whether to hire a lawyer is a big decision. We will guide you through the process and review your options during a free consultation. We also offer electronic case sign-up and in-home visits for your convenience. Make the Right Call. Contact us today to get started.
