Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer

Often, people injured in accidents find ways to blame themselves. In reality, many people are injured because of someone else’s negligence, and they can sue that person for their damages and injuries. A personal injury lawsuit is not an easy undertaking, and it is best to talk to a lawyer.

If you decide to take legal action, you must do so soon, as the clock on your claims might already be running out. While plaintiffs in Georgia usually have 2 years to file personal injury claims, they can sometimes toll the limitation period and get a little more time to prepare. Your lawyer can help you determine whether this is possible while assessing evidence and damages to get an idea of how strong your claims are. Personal injury claims may comprise a wide range of accidents and injuries, and you should find an attorney who knows what to do for claims like yours.

Receive a private initial case review for no charge by calling (470) 287-3070 and speaking to our personal injury lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras.

How Long You Can Wait Before Filing a Personal Injury Case in Georgia

It is perfectly fine to take some time to think about your legal options. Filing a personal injury lawsuit can be a major endeavor, and it is reasonable to take time to think it over. You might also need time to recover from your injuries. While waiting a little while is okay, you should avoid waiting too long, as your claim comes with an expiration date.

The statute of limitations in Georgia for personal injury cases is only 2 years, according to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. This time limit, sometimes called the limitation period, begins on the day your accident occurs. Put another way, the clock starts ticking almost immediately, and time is of the essence. If you believe your limitation period is about to end or has ended, talk to our personal injury lawyers about whether tolling the statute of limitations is possible.

Tolling may be done only under specific circumstances. People who were minors or had mental conditions or disabilities that hindered their understanding of their rights may have the state tolled until they turn 18 or their disability is removed, according to § § 9-3-90(a)-(b). Further, a plaintiff might have the statute tolled if the defendant has left the state. For example, a driver in a hit-and-run accident might leave the state to avoid liability, or they might not be a Georgia resident and simply go back home. Under § 9-3-94, the limitation period may be tolled until the defendant is back in Georgia or can be brought within its jurisdiction.

Finding Evidence to Support Your Georgia Personal Injury Claims

Evidence can be challenging to obtain because it could be almost anything as long as it is relevant to your case and meets admissibility standards set by the Georgia Rules of Evidence. Since so many different things might be considered evidence, plaintiffs are often overwhelmed and do not know where to begin. This is where your lawyer comes in handy.

Your attorney can begin by helping you gather valuable testimony. Depending on where and how your accident happened, numerous other people might have seen everything go down. These people may provide valuable eyewitness testimony. The trick is finding them. If possible, exchange information with others at the accident scene. If you contacted law enforcement, they might have spoken to witnesses and included their information in their report. Your own testimony might also be incredibly valuable, and you should be prepared to testify.

Records might also help us prove certain details of your case. For example, your medical records may help us establish the severity of your injuries and the cost of medical care. If you were injured in a store or business, certain business records might shed light on the situation.

If an item or object somehow contributed to your accident, we should collect it as physical evidence. This might include a defective product that injured you when it malfunctioned. It might also include an instrument or weapon used to cause harm. Talk to your lawyer about it. If physical evidence is important, it needs to be gathered before it is lost or destroyed.

How an Attorney Can Help You Begin Your Personal Injury Case in Georgia

Your attorney is like your lifeline in a personal injury case. Any and all issues, questions, and concerns you have should be brought up with your lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you begin your case by evaluating your cause of action. Not every injury gives rise to a valid legal claim. Your attorney can review your case and determine whether you have a cause of action or if other legal options should be pursued instead.

Your lawyer can also help you assess damages and evidence, which may determine how we develop legal strategies. Your damages may be quite extensive, and keeping track of everything on your own might be too difficult, especially if you are recovering from painful injuries. Your attorney can track economic costs like medical bills and property damage. They can also help you find evidence to prove these damages, like using your medical records or interviewing witnesses from the accident.

Simply having the right evidence is only half the equation. You also need to navigate the complex legal procedures of the courtroom. This includes drafting the initial complaint, filing motions, exchanging evidence during the discovery phase, and so much more. Your lawyer can assist you through all of it.