Experience & Service Matter.
Our Woodstock Car Accident Lawyers Know How to Help
You may feel scared and confused in the aftermath of your car crash. Fortunately, you can rely on an experienced car accident lawyer in Woodstock, GA, at The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C. to help you recover maximum compensation and bring the liable party to justice.
With our accident attorneys advocating for your rights, you will not get stuck dealing with the fallout of someone else’s negligent action. Contact our Woodstock injury lawyers to schedule a free consultation today and learn more about what is next for your car insurance and civil claims.
Call 404-999-4627 today. Our car accident lawyers offer free initial consultations, work on a contingency fee basis, and have years of experience in Cherokee County courtrooms.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Cherokee County
Generally, negligent driving is one of Woodstock’s top causes of car accidents. Some examples of negligent driving include:
Drunk Driving Accidents
Illicit drugs, certain prescription medications, and alcohol can make it difficult or impossible for impaired motorists to operate their vehicles safely. This means they could have a slower response or reaction times and may be more likely to cause drunk driving accidents.
Distracted Driving
Manual, visual, and cognitive distractions are the three primary types of distracted driving. These can include anything that takes someone’s mind off driving, eyes off the road, or hands off the wheel. Examples of distracted driving include changing the radio, using a cell phone, eating, drinking, or even speaking with vehicle passengers.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy drivers have slower reaction times and are likelier to make serious mistakes when operating a vehicle. Drowsy drivers have swerved out of their traffic lanes, causing critical car crashes.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving includes unsafe behavior, such as changing lanes without a turn signal, driving over the speed limit, or following too closely.
Teen Drivers
As new drivers, teens lack the experience to drive as safely as possible. This means they are less likely to recognize or respond to dangerous road conditions. Teen drivers may also engage in reckless driving, including speeding or distracted driving.
Defective Car Parts
Defective motor vehicle parts are also a common cause of car accidents. When there is an issue with the braking system, tires, airbag inflators, or any other auto part, your Woodstock car accident attorney will be prepared to fully hold the liable party accountable.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Woodstock, GA
Here are some of the essential steps you must take after being involved in a car accident in Woodstock, GA:
1. Your Safety Is Your Top Priority
The most important thing is your safety. Be sure to immediately contact 911 and law enforcement officials and remove yourself and your vehicle from the middle of the road if possible. Remaining on the roadway increases the likelihood of a multi-vehicle accident. Make sure you move safely from the street to protect yourself from further injury or death.
2. Never Leave the Accident Scene
Georgia law requires you to remain at the scene of the accident and contact law enforcement and emergency responders. You must provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured at the accident scene, even if they are responsible for causing the accident.
You must also exchange contact information and vehicle registration details with all involved parties. Failure to meet these requirements means you could face felony hit-and-run charges with severe criminal penalties.
3. File a Police or Accident Report
When the police arrive at the accident scene, even if there are only minor injuries or the accident is not severe, you should file a police report. Police reports can contain valuable information to support your case, including who is responsible for causing the car accident.
4. Gather Evidence and Information
Do what you can to collect as much evidence as possible to support your case at the accident scene. This includes:
- The other involved party’s name, car registration details, insurance information, license number, and vehicle make and model.
- The names and contact details of bystanders and witnesses to the accident.
- Photos of the vehicle damages, surrounding property damages, weather conditions, nearby traffic signs, and even the traffic conditions at the time of the accident.
5. Get Medical Help
It is crucial to obtain a medical evaluation after the accident. Initially, you may feel a rush of adrenaline that prevents you from feeling the full extent of your injuries. Failure to treat invisible injuries could result in catastrophic consequences, including death.
When you get immediate medical health, you can begin compiling critical medical records that can later be used to prove the severity of your injuries with the insurance company or at trial.
6. Notify The Insurance Company
You must report your car accident to the insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. This includes the at-fault driver’s insurance company and your insurance company. You must file your claim within the policy deadline requirements. Generally, it is advisable to notify all insurers within 30 days after the accident.
7. Be Cautious When Discussing Your Car Accident in Cherokee County
Do not discuss the details of your car accident with anyone other than your physician or car accident attorney. You should never discuss the accident with the insurance company unless your accident attorney is present. Do not post anything about your car accident on social media, as anything you say could be manipulated and used to argue that you share liability or exaggerate the extent of your injuries.
8. Contact a Woodstock Car Accident Attorney for Help
Contact a car accident lawyer in Woodstock, GA, for help. This way, you can focus on healing from your injuries while your car accident lawyer handles every legal detail of your case. You can contact our respected Woodstock car accident attorneys when you fill out our contact form or call 404-999-4627.
Get Answers & Help after a Car Accident.
FAQs about Woodstock Auto Crashes
Having many questions regarding the car accident claims process and what to expect from your case is typical. Here are answers to some of the top questions we received from our current and potential clients:
Can I Get Compensation If I Was a Passenger in a Car Accident?
Absolutely! Passengers have the same right to compensation as drivers do. You could claim damages if you were a passenger in the vehicle during the accident.
How Do I Prove Fault in a Woodstock Car Accident Case?
Your accident attorney must prove the defendant’s liability and negligence to prove fault in a car accident. To do this, we must show that:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- The defendant breached their duty of care
- The defendant’s breach caused your accident
- You suffered considerable damages or injuries due to the defendant’s negligence.
The breach of the duty of care is what is known as negligence. Negligence can be proven in a variety of ways. Evidence of negligence could include witness statements, statements from the drivers, accident reconstructions, video recordings, vehicle black box data, and physical evidence at the scene.
What Is the Value of My Car Crash?
Your car accident lawyer in Woodstock will need to carefully review your damages to determine the value of your claim. You have the right to compensation for economic and non-economic damages, some of which could include:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Property damages
- Diminished quality of life
- Mental anguish
- Physical pain and suffering
Will I Have To Go To Trial If I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
You may or may not have to go to trial if you hire a car accident lawyer. It depends on how much compensation you can obtain through your insurance settlement. If it is not enough, going to trial may be the best way to recoup your damages in full.
Who Has Access to My Medical Records?
No one should have access to your medical records unless you permit them access. Do not give the insurance company the right to access your medical records. Your Woodstock accident attorney can ensure they have access to the information they need to process your claim promptly.
If I Share Fault, Can I Recover Compensation?
Yes, Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system which means if your portion of liability does not exceed 49%, you can still recover compensation for your damages. However, expect your settlement to be reduced in proportion to your shared liability.
Can I File Against a Government Entity?
Yes, you can file a claim against a government agency when a government entity or its employees are responsible for causing your injuries. However, there are typically strict requirements for sending notices to the relevant governmental entities within a specified period after an accident.
This is called an ante litem notice requirement. Georgia has requirements for sending notices to the State, counties, and cities, and the details of what must be included in the notice depend on which government entity is involved.
What Happens if My Damages Exceed the Other Driver's Insurance Policy?
If your damages exceed the other driver’s policy limits, you may have the option of filing a claim with your insurer if you purchased uninsured motorist insurance coverage. Otherwise, you could bring your case to trial and seek maximum restitution for your damages.
How Do I Tell If the Car Accident Settlement is Enough?
Your car accident attorney can help you determine whether your insurance settlement offer is sufficient. If it does not cover every loss, you should be prepared to bring your case to trial to get the most out of your claim.
Consult a Woodstock Car Accident Lawyer
Your car accident injuries and damages will influence nearly every aspect of your life. Make sure you have access to the compensation you will need to cover your costs so you can rebuild your life without financial insecurity.
Contact a respected car accident lawyer in Woodstock, GA, at The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C. to learn more about how the claims process works, who could be sued for damages, and the value of your claim. Please fill out our quick form or call our office at 404-999-4627 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.