Have you been injured in a recent car accident? A car crash can set your life back immensely, with expensive medical bills and injuries leaving you unable to work. A Valdosta personal injury lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against the responsible parties to recover your injury-related losses.
The team at Van Sant Law collectively shares decades of legal experience and has recovered millions of dollars for clients, including car accident victims. We will fight tirelessly to secure compensation for your medical bills, lost work income, and more.
Make the Right Call and reach out to us today. Fill out our contact form to schedule a free case consultation with a car accident lawyer in Valdosta.
Why You Need a Valdosta Car Accident Lawyer After an Accident
If you’ve been hurt in a collision, you’ll likely be filing an insurance claim to cover your losses. However, insurance companies are businesses, so they will do everything they can to minimize payouts and maximize their profits. This puts them in a naturally adversarial position to you during the claims process.
A lawyer can provide leverage and legal representation on your behalf. We can push back when insurers try to diminish your claim, and negotiate for a settlement that provides adequate compensation for your short- and long-term losses.
The stakes are high in car accident claims, so you need a professional on your side to level the playing field. Van Sant Law is here to offer our assistance. Contact us today to schedule a talk.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Valdosta
One of the most important parts of filing a car accident claim is identifying the causal factors contributing to the crash.
Below are some of the most common causes of car accidents we encounter in our practice:
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, talking to passengers, etc.)
- Impaired driving
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Ignoring traffic and road signs
- Failing to yield
- Following too closely
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Defective auto parts
- Poor road conditions
Who Is Liable for Car Accidents in Valdosta?
Several parties could be liable for your car accident and ensuing injuries.
Some of the most common include the following:
Negligent Motorists
Negligent motorists are one of the most common causes of car accidents. Drivers are negligent insofar as they violate traffic laws and create unnecessary risk to others.
For example, a driver who’s texting and doesn’t notice a stop sign would be negligent and therefore liable if they caused any accidents.
Auto Manufacturers
Auto manufacturers can be liable when accidents happen due to defective auto parts. Manufacturing errors or design defects can cause components like tires or brakes to fail under normal operating conditions.
In these cases, you’d be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Third Parties
Any third party that contributed to the crash can be a party in a car accident lawsuit.
For example, imagine a construction crew unsafely diverts traffic around a worksite. If an accident occurred, the maintenance crew could be liable for any injuries.
Compensation You Can Recover After a Car Accident
Compensation in car accident lawsuits is called “damages,” which exists to make up for the losses you suffered.
There are three main types of damages a Valdosta car accident lawyer can help you pursue:
- Economic damages. Economic damages are meant to cover your explicit financial losses, such as medical bills, lost work income, property damage, and your reduced lifetime earning capacity.
- Non–economic damages. Non-economic damages include compensation for your psychological losses, like pain and suffering.
In rare cases, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. Unlike the previous two categories, punitive damages are meant to punish the offender for egregious or malicious conduct.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Valdosta?
Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims sets a two-year time limit on all lawsuits for car accidents. The two-year timer starts counting on the date the crash happened.
The two-year timer is incredibly strict and has very few exceptions. If you are even just a day late, the court will reject your lawsuit, regardless of how severe your injuries are.
That’s why your best option is starting as early as possible and calling a lawyer. A Valdosta car accident attorney can start gathering evidence, reach out to insurers, and expedite your claim to avoid delays or complications.
Contact Our Offices to Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer in Valdosta
A bad car accident can change your life forever, but you are not alone, and help is available. Van Sant Law can manage every aspect of your car accident claim, from initial investigations to final negotiations. If necessary, we can also take the insurance company to court in a formal lawsuit.
We are dedicated to our clients and won’t compromise just to get a quick win. Contact our offices online or call today to speak to a Valdosta car accident lawyer about your case.
