Douglasville, GA Car Accident Lawyer

While you can avoid it most of the time, it is a near inevitability that a negligent driver will hit you. Car accidents might be common in Douglasville, but the financial damages and emotional harm you suffer are not.

When a negligent driver injures you, our lawyers can help you get compensation for your losses in a lawsuit. We want to file your claim as soon as possible, so we will quickly determine how long you have to file a lawsuit and gather the evidence for it. However, we want you to be prepared before you meet with our team. After your collision, speak to the police and give them details of the crash without admitting fault so they can draft an accident report. While on the scene, take pictures of things you think will be useful to your case later. From there, get immediate medical care and continue with your treatment.

To have your case reviewed for free by our car accident attorneys, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras today at (470) 287-3070.

Beginning a Car Accident Lawsuit in Douglasville, GA

Whether or not to begin a car accident lawsuit is a major decision that every accident victim must consider. In most cases, though, it is best to begin your case as soon as you are reasonably capable. Every type of legal claim has a “statute of limitations” that limits how long it can be filed. For a car accident, O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 extends just two years from the day you are injured to file a lawsuit. Once that window closes, the court has no choice but to dismiss your case if filed after, leaving you responsible for the damages.

The only way to get around this strict rule is to qualify for an exception, which our car accident attorneys can help determine and gather evidence for. For instance, if a car accident victim is a minor or is under a legal disability that prevents them from filing a lawsuit, § 9-3-90 will stop the statute of limitations until the victim reaches 18 or the disability no longer prevents them from exercising their legal rights.

Nearby Atlanta is a major southeastern hub of commercial traffic. With Douglasville positioned just off of I-20, connecting Atlanta to Birmingham and the greater west, it is common for truckers and other commercial drivers to cause accidents here. However, many of these drivers and companies are not headquartered in Douglasville or Georgia.

If the defendants are located outside the state, you typically have more time to file a lawsuit under § 9-3-94. The fact that these companies use Douglasville roads and resources is enough to give the court jurisdiction over them, but not all respond when served a lawsuit. The time it takes for them to return to Douglasville should not be held against you. We can help you use long-arm statutes to bring them to justice here or monitor for their return.

What to Do at the Scene of a Car Accident in Douglasville, GA and After

Even a minor car accident scene can be seriously chaotic. The rush of adrenaline and unbelief about what is happening can make it very challenging to keep your cool. While these feelings are perfectly normal, staying focused after the crash can help you get the treatment you need while building your legal case for the future. If your injuries allow you to, be sure to take the following steps after your car accident in Douglasville:

Call for Help

The absolute first thing you should do after a car accident is call 911 for help. Both emergency medical services and the police should respond to the accident.

If law enforcement arrives first, speak to them about the crash. They will get your contact information and details of the accident from your point of view. Law enforcement will also speak to the other driver and any eyewitnesses still on the scene. Getting your facts in the report is important because your police report will be integral to our negotiations with the insurance company. Our team can help you get the report from the Douglasville Police Department or the law enforcement agency that investigated your collision.

If emergency medical services arrive first, let them treat you on the scene. When the police do make their report, it will typically note whether you accepted treatment on the scene. Paramedics might take you to the hospital before you have a chance to speak to the police if your injuries are serious. That is fine, as you can speak to the police at the emergency room after getting critical care.

Gather Proof

While waiting for the police and EMS, you can gather evidence if you are not too injured. Proof in your car accident claim will often come in several forms. Eyewitness testimony can back up your statements regarding the accident, increasing your chances of winning your case. If witnesses stopped to give aid, talk to them about what they saw and if you can contact them later. If you left the scene before getting their contact information, we can usually get it in the police report.

You can also create evidence for your claim by taking photos and videos with your phone. Evidence from the crash site will not last long. The damaged vehicles, road debris, and other important details you should photograph will be cleaned away very soon after you leave. You can also take pictures of your injuries at the hospital before and after doctors treat you.

Continue Medical Treatment

As mentioned, be sure to get medical care on the scene and at the hospital. After that, you will probably need some form of treatment to regain full health, such as physical therapy. You might have a few doctor appointments a week. You must follow your treatment plan as it is prescribed. If not, you risk losing some of the compensation you deserve.

When You Need Help Recovering Compensation, Contact Our Douglasville, GA Car Accident Lawyers Immediately

Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras today at (470) 287-3070 for a free analysis of your case with our car accident attorneys.