East Point, GA Car Accident Lawyer
A single car accident is all it takes to completely turn your life upside down. The accident does not even have to be severe. Even just one injury, like an injured arm, leg, or head injury, might be enough to put you out of commission for a while. If you are in such a situation, our legal team can help you assess your damages and file a case to get fair financial compensation.
The aftermath of a bad car accident can be chaotic. It is best to hire a lawyer to help as soon as possible, as the time to file your case might be drawing to close soon. Our team can advise you on your legal options and begin the paperwork and preparations necessary to execute our plans. This might involve assisting you with a difficult insurance claim, filing a personal injury lawsuit, and more. Your damages might be worth substantial compensation, and an attorney can help you make sure you get everything that you deserve.
Get a free, private case evaluation by calling (470) 287-3070 and talking to our Atlanta car accident lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer for Your East Point, GA Car Accident Case
Your attorney can advise you on what your case is worth and whether taking legal action is even worth your time. While many injured drivers want their day in court, it might not be easy or even a good idea for some. If you have a slim chance of succeeding, it might be best to explore other legal options, and your lawyer can help you make an informed decision so you can put your best foot forward.
For example, filing an insurance claim might get you the compensation you need without a lengthy legal battle. On the other hand, if insurance is unavailable or your damages exceed the policy limits, a lawsuit might be the better option. Talk to our car accident lawyers about whether you have already filed an insurance claim, were denied, or if insurance is unavailable to you. Other options for compensation might exist.
Your lawyer can also help you file your case on time. Something a lot of people do not know is that injured victims only have so much time to file a case in court. According to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, plaintiffs typically have only 2 years from the crash to file a lawsuit. If you do not file on time, you might be barred from filing your claims and never get fair compensation.
How Vehicle Crashes Can Happen Around East Point, GA
The precise reason behind any accident can be tricky to determine. Below are a few examples of factors that frequently cause accidents that might be worth discussing with your attorney.
Distracted drivers are a huge problem. Nowadays, most drivers have a phone or GPS system in their vehicle, and they can be helpful at times but distracting at others. If you suspect the other driver was texting, making a phone call, or using another device in their car during the accident, let your lawyer know immediately.
Ordinary traffic violations are another common problem. Drivers sometimes downplay these violations because they seem minor and often do not lead to injuries. However, it only takes one mistake to cause an accident. Maybe the other driver failed to signal a turn and caused the crash. Even if they never use their turn signal and have never encountered a problem, they are still responsible.
Unfortunately, intoxicated drivers cause many accidents every year. Many such accidents are severe, as intoxicated drivers often do not realize how fast they are going, and they lack the reflexes to avoid a collision. If a drunk driver hits you or a loved one, call an attorney right away.
Claiming Damages in a Car Accident Case in East Point, GA
Your damages should reflect your injuries, losses, expenses, and even painful experiences from the accident. Not all damages are obvious to plaintiffs, and you should discuss them with an attorney to make sure everything is accounted for.
Non-Economic Damages
Injuries and losses that cannot be measured in money but are rooted in subjective personal experiences may be counted among your non-economic damages. While these damages are not always tied to money or costs, they may still be financially compensated. Some common non-economic damages include physical pain, emotional distress, psychological turmoil, the loss of enjoyment of your life, and even damages for psychological injuries like depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. Car accidents can be traumatic, and you should not underestimate the value of non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Your economic damages represent your costs and expenses from the accident. Medical care is one of the most significant contributors to many plaintiffs’ economic damages. The cost of hospital bills is known to be high, especially when people need more intensive care. It is not uncommon to see medical bills for thousands, tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
If your vehicle was totaled, you may need a replacement, which might be even more expensive. If you had valuable personal belongings inside your car that were damaged or lost, their value may be added to your damages, too. On top of all that, we should think about whether you can continue working after the accident. If you need to take significant time off from work, or maybe you cannot work indefinitely, you may claim the value of your lost income.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are sometimes awarded to push defendants for outrageously bad behavior. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1(b), punitive damages may be awarded only if we can prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant caused your injuries by acting with malice, fraud, wantonness, oppression, willful misconduct, or such a lack of concern that it can be presumed that they exhibited a conscious indifference to the safety of others. Many car accident cases do not meet the eligibility criteria for punitive damages. Those that do might still not see an award of punitive damages, as the burden of proof is very high.
Typically, punitive damages are capped by statute. Under subsection (g) of this law, punitive damages may be capped at $250,000. However, according to subsection (f), if the defendant was acting under the influence of drugs or alcohol (e.g., a drunk driving accident), the court may lift the limit on punitive damages.
For Help with Your Claims, Call Our East Point, GA Car Accident Attorneys
Call (470) 287-3070 and speak to our car accident lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras for a free, private case evaluation.