$8.0 M Medical Negligence
$5.0 M Wrongful Death
$3.5 M Car Accident
$2.5 M Truck Accident
$2.3 M Semi Truck Accident
Justia Lawyer Rating
Georgia Trial Lawyers Association - Champion 2022
AVVO Rating 10.0 Superb - Top Attorney Personal Injury
Clients' Choice Award - AVVO
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers

Injury accidents can occur in the blink of an eye, but can negatively impact victims’ lives for months or even years. As a nationally recognized personal injury law firm serving Georgia residents since 2003, Van Sant Law understands the financial and emotional challenges victims face.

In fact, our lead attorney, David M. Van Sant, is listed among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Georgia and has been identified as a Georgia “Super Lawyer” since 2014. Each personal injury attorney on our team is committed to fighting tirelessly to provide the support our clients need, and to help them obtain full and fair compensation for their injuries.

If you need a personal injury lawyer near Atlanta, GA, look no further than Van Sant Law. We serve victims throughout the state of Georgia from offices conveniently located in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Athens, Cumming, Duluth, Lawrenceville, and Gainesville. Also, as an adapting and safety-conscious personal injury law firm, we are fully equipped to sign up your case electronically without the need for face-to-face meetings. We are also happy to schedule an in-home visit if that is your preference.

Personal Injury

Many personal injury lawsuits are brought under a theory of negligence. This means showing that the defendant owed you a duty of care, departed from the duty of care, and caused your damages. If you can establish liability, you may be able to recover compensatory damages. Georgia follows the rule of modified comparative fault. This means that your damages can be reduced by an amount equal to your degree of fault, if any. You cannot recover damages if you were 50 percent or more at fault. Our local personal injury lawyers can help Atlanta residents prevent defendants from improperly shifting blame to them.

Car Accidents

After a car accident, you can sue an at-fault driver for damages. In most cases, you will need to show another driver’s negligence. Common reasons for car accidents include speeding, driving while distracted, driving while fatigued, drunk driving, talking on a cell phone, driving unsafely for weather conditions, and tailgating or driving aggressively. After a complex car accident with multiple parties potentially at fault, your Atlanta car accident lawyer may conduct accident reconstruction to determine all the parties that should be brought into the case to maximize your damages.

Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can be especially devastating because of the size and weight of the truck. Many truck accidents could have been prevented if the truck driver and the trucking company had followed safety regulations. For example, some accidents result from a truck driver failing to follow hours of service and rest break rules. The truck driver may bear some fault, and their employer may have contributed as well by failing to check the driver’s logbooks or by actively encouraging him to break the rules to make faster deliveries. Our Atlanta personal injury attorneys can hold truckers and trucking companies accountable to victims.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders may suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries when they collide with a larger vehicle. Drivers of larger vehicles may not see motorcyclists or may fail to understand that motorcyclists have the same rights as them. Often, insurers and juries are biased against motorcyclists and may look closely for ways in which they might have been at fault. This makes it crucial to retain an attorney who knows how to present your case in the way that is most likely to yield a favorable outcome.

Premises Liability

Not all property owners abide by their duty to use reasonable care to keep their premises safe for visitors. When a property owner does not warn about or fix a dangerous condition on their premises, and you are harmed as a result, you may have a basis to bring a premises liability lawsuit. You will need to show that the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous property condition before the accident. Showing notice can be complex, but we understand how to preserve, gather, and present evidence to prove the liability of a property owner.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or other health care provider fails to abide by their professional duties and causes injuries. Common examples of medical malpractice include surgical errors, misdiagnoses, medication errors, and birth injuries. Top personal injury lawyers will often retain qualified experts, even before filing suit, to evaluate the facts and medical records, and to determine whether you have a viable basis to recover damages. With the complaint, we will need to file an affidavit by the expert that states at least one negligent act perpetrated by the defendant health care provider and provides a factual basis for the complaint.

Nursing Home Abuse

When you place a loved one in a nursing home, you probably do not imagine that they might sustain serious injuries or death as a result of the staff’s actions. Unfortunately, nursing homes may be understaffed, or staff members may not be adequately trained to care for elderly or disabled people. Nursing home abuse may involve emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. All nursing homes are required to follow federal and state regulations and laws. If they fail to follow these regulations or laws, this may substantiate a claim of negligence.

Defective Products

If you were injured because a product was defective, you may be able to sue the manufacturer or seller for damages. Generally, products can be defective in terms of marketing, manufacturing, or design. A product liability lawsuit may be pursued under a theory of negligence or strict liability. When strict liability is asserted against a manufacturer, you will not need to show that the manufacturer’s actions fell below a standard of care. Instead, a personal injury and accident lawyer in the Atlanta area will need to prove that the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s control, and the defective condition of the product caused your injuries.

Dog Bites

Dog bites can result in catastrophic injury, and even death, for adults and children alike. Sometimes victims may need reconstructive surgery or other expensive treatments. Dog owners may be held liable for the injuries that their dogs cause to others. Under Georgia law, someone who owns or keeps a vicious or dangerous animal of any sort may be held liable for injuries caused by the animal if they allowed the animal to run free or carelessly managed the animal.

Wrongful Death

When you lose a loved one in an accident, you may be overcome with grief, and you may also face substantial expenses. A wrongful death lawsuit has two parts. The estate claim allows the estate to recover medical expenses, funeral expenses, and damages for pain and suffering before the death. Meanwhile, the full value of the life of the decedent is a distinct claim. In most cases, this is a surviving spouse’s claim. However, when there are also surviving children, the reward should be shared. The decedent’s spouse should not get less than one-third of the recovery.

Workers' Compensation

If you were injured on the job, you may be able to obtain medical, rehabilitation, and income benefits through the workers’ compensation system. This is no-fault insurance. In other words, you do not need to prove that your employer was at fault for your injuries. Likewise, your employer cannot get your compensation reduced by showing that you were partially to blame for your accident, as it could in a civil lawsuit. You are covered by workers’ compensation from your first day working for your employer.

Key Things to Know After a Personal Injury Incident in Georgia

Understanding the steps you should take after an injury accident, and knowing what to expect with your personal injury claim, can make the entire process easier. Everyone should understand their legal rights to compensation after suffering personal injuries in Georgia.

If you do not obtain legal representation, you run the risk of settling your claim too fast, and for a lesser amount than you might otherwise have received. Our skilled attorneys know that insurance companies are only looking out for their own bottom lines, and we are passionate about ensuring accident victims obtain competent legal advice for Georgia personal injury claims.

Consultations

The road to recovering fair compensation typically starts with a consultation with a personal injury lawyer in your area. During this initial meeting, your legal professional will work to understand the details of the incident, help you understand your rights and options, and answer your questions.

Filing a Claim

If we determine that you have a valid claim against one or more responsible parties, we will begin the process of filing your claim, following Georgia civil court rules. Many claims are settled out of court after negotiations with insurers. However, our attorneys will prepare to take your case to court if the other party is unwilling to agree to fair terms.

Settlement Negotiations vs. Trials

Negotiations can be an ideal solution in many personal injury claims, offering a cost-effective alternative to a lengthy court proceeding. Civil court trials can be time-consuming and costly, encompassing several procedural stages such as discovery, examination/cross-examination, opening and closing statements by counsel, and deliberation by the trier in fact.

Time Considerations

There is also a statute of limitations in Georgia, or a time limit, for filing personal injury claims. This limit is generally two years from the date of the injury accident (or the victim’s death in a wrongful death claim). However, there are circumstances where different time periods apply. It is important to consult with a skilled attorney as soon as you feel up to doing so, in order to understand applicable timing considerations.

Legal Expenses

When you choose to work with Van Sant Law, there are usually no upfront costs. In addition to offering free initial consultations, we work on a contingent fee basis. This means that we are only paid if we are successful in securing a settlement or court award for you. In that case, we will take a pre-agreed-upon percentage of your settlement to pay our fees.

Settlement Amounts

The amount you might receive in compensation for your injuries depends on a variety of factors. The best lawyers for personal injury claims are adept at valuing victims’ losses based on accident severity, damages sustained, and how victims’ injuries are likely to impact all areas of their lives — in the short term and the long term. Your injury and pain and suffering lawyer will work closely with you to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Comparative Negligence

Under Georgia law, if an injured accident victim is partially responsible for the accident, but the other party was more than 50% responsible, then the victim can still recover damages. However, the amount of those damages will be reduced proportionally to the percentage you are at fault. This is a modified comparative negligence rule.

How Our Law Firm Helps Injured Victims

When you engage a Van Sant Law personal injury attorney, you will have a dedicated legal advocate in your corner. Your lawyer will help in several key ways:

  • Conduct a Thorough Evaluation. During your initial consultation with us, we will seek to understand what occurred, and what the extent of your injuries are. We will ask you questions about your job status during the incident, time needed away from work, your medical expenses related to the accident, and more.
  • Gather Evidence. To prove your claim for damages, your attorney will need to demonstrate, through evidence, who was at fault and what damages you sustained.
  • Provide Representation. We will represent you throughout the duration of your claim, acting on your behalf and in your best interest to protect you.
  • Seek Expert Opinions. When appropriate and when it will help further your claim, we may consult with expert witnesses and accident reconstructionists.
  • Calculate Damages. We will work hard to calculate your economic and non-economic damages, including those you have already realized as well as anticipated future medical costs.

If you want to pursue full and fair compensation for your injuries, it is crucial to understand the process. When you choose Van Sant Law, you can be confident you have an experienced and compassionate legal partner on your side. We will be there for you, protecting your best interests and helping you navigate the legal system with confidence, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney in the Atlanta Area

If you sustained injuries in a serious accident, you should consult the seasoned personal injury attorneys at Van Sant Law. We are committed to seeking justice for accident victims. We have offices in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Athens, Cumming, Duluth, Lawrenceville, and Gainesville. Call us at (855) GA-INJURY or complete our online form.

Do’s and Don'ts After an Accident
  • DON’T

    Do not sign anything without having a personal injury or car accident lawyer review it first. Doing so could jeopardize other claims you may have.

  • DON’T
    Do not discuss the nature or extent of the injuries with an insurance adjuster (even your own) until you are certain of the full extent of the injuries.
  • DON’T
    If your accident involves a DUI driver then do NOT settle your property damage claim until you speak with your Van Sant Law Georgia car accident lawyer.
  • DO
    Seek medical treatment immediately – a gap in treatment can be harmful to your claim (if you do not have health insurance I can help get treatment that will not cost anything until the case is settled).
  • DO
    If your car was damaged and needs to be repaired (or has already been repaired) you may be entitled to a check for the diminished value of your car. This is based on the reality that an automobile that has been wrecked and repaired is worth less than an automobile that has never been wrecked.​
Client Reviews
★★★★★
From the first time I called them to the current status of my case, has been by my side through it all. I would like to thank everyone in Van Sant Law for answering any questions that I have in a timely manner. I can personally say, Everyone in deserves recognition for being honest, hard working, ethical, logical, dedicated people. The only reason I rated them 5 stars is because it would not let me go higher! Hilary
★★★★★
I was in a car accident with a tractor trailer two years ago and David Van Sant came highly recommended for someone I could talk to about the situation. Best decision I've ever made! He fought for me in ways that was truly amazing. David and his crew worked so hard to come to a great conclusion on my case. Thank you David, Michael and everyone in the office. Mary
★★★★★
Attorney David M. VanSant is one of the best injury trial attorneys here in the Atlanta area. They are precise and unique in their approach. When I had my car accident, my whole world was turned upside down, but with Attorney VanSant and his team of professionals dedication and quality of service, my life is back on track. Let the VanSant team handle your case! You're in good hands. Crystal
Why Choose Van Sant Law?
Mission Statement

At Van Sant Law we fight to obtain fair compensation for the injured with a focus on excellent work product, superior customer service and heartfelt compassion for each and every client.

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Proven Record of Results Van Sant Law has recovered millions in compensation for our clients’ benefit.
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Years of Experience Van Sant Law is committed to professional and experienced personal injury representation.
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Awards and Accolades 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo™, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, National Trial Lawyers Association Top 40 Under 40
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Strategic and Aggressive Our legal team includes former defense attorneys for large insurers who know how they settle injury claims.
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Personal and Compassionate Our firm works hard to ensure that your needs are taken care of during your recovery time. We work for you so you can get your life back.
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No Fee Guarantee Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. Meaning there are no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you!
FAQ
What Are Personal Injuries?

The term “personal injury” refers broadly to damage or harm suffered by someone’s body or mind. It can also apply to suffering that an injured person incurs, often resulting from a preventable accident. People often think of car accidents when they hear “personal injury.” While motor vehicle accidents are...

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What Is Georgia’s Statute of Limitations?

Personal injury victims have rights under Georgia law, including the right to seek compensation. However, those rights do not extend indefinitely. If a legal claim is not made on time, then it will be barred by the Statute of Limitations. The Statute of Limitations varies by state...

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What Types of Damages Are Available in a Georgia Personal Injury Lawsuit?

If you were injured because of someone else’s actions or negligence, you have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault or negligent party. In many cases, the wrongdoer and/or their insurance company will not offer to pay victims the full...

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Fill out the contact form or call us at 855-GA-INJURY to schedule your free consultation.

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