Sandy Springs Car Accident Lawyer

Getting into a car accident of any kind can be a frightening experience. The aftermath can bring its own challenges, including medical bills, injury recovery, lost wages, and emotional suffering. A Sandy Springs car accident lawyer can help you through the legal process while you focus on your recovery.

Why Choose Us?

Keith D. Leshine Attorney at Law, LLC has experience assisting our clients to achieve favorable outcomes for personal injury cases, including car accidents. He works to see you get the compensation and justice you deserve. He can look at the evidence and compile an appropriate case for you, seeking the greatest possible outcome so you can move forward with your life.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

While many accidents occur due to negligence or recklessness on behalf of one or more drivers involved, some accidents occur that are outside of the drivers’ control. Some common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted driving. With the increase in technology, distracted driving continues to be one of the main reasons for car accidents. This includes texting, scrolling, eating, or adjusting the GPS system while driving.
• Reckless driving. Speeding, weaving in and out of lanes, ignoring traffic laws, and tailgating puts others at risk on the road for accidents. When someone is driving recklessly, they have a decreased chance of being able to maneuver in emergency situations, increasing the risk of an accident.
• Drunk driving. Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is illegal, but drunk driving still happens. Alcoholic influence causes a person to have inhibited reaction times, which puts everyone on the road at risk for a serious accident.
• Weather conditions. In some cases, inclement weather increases the likelihood of accidents. Snow and ice can cause slippery roads, while heavy rain and fog can inhibit drivers’ vision.

These accidents can result in serious injuries, including whiplash, broken bones, spinal cord injury, cuts and lacerations, bruises, internal injuries, and even death.

Georgia Car Accident Laws

While many states impose a no-fault system when it comes to car accidents, Georgia implements a fault-based system. This means that the responsible driver will be liable for financial damages. This generally means that the responsible driver’s insurance company will pay for losses up to the liability coverage amount.

If you decide to file a personal injury claim in addition to what you receive from insurance, Georgia operates on a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that you can still be awarded some of your damages if you share the blame for an accident, but the amount will be reduced based on how responsible you were. So, if you were considered 20% at fault and you filed a claim for $10,000, you will be awarded $8,000.

However, if you are considered more than 50% at fault, you will not be able to recover any damages.

In Georgia, there is a certain amount of time that you have to file a personal injury claim if you suffer injury from a car accident and want to recover your damages. Typically, you have two years from the date of the accident to file this claim. This statute of limitations also applies to wrongful death claims. While two years may seem like a long time, it is recommended that you file as soon as possible in case there are any delays.

What to Do After a Car Accident

If you are involved in a car accident and anyone involved has immediate injuries, seek medical attention right away, especially if these injuries appear to be life-threatening. Report the accident, and do not leave the scene until law enforcement clears you to go.

In Georgia, car accidents must be reported if the accident results in the injury or death of another person or if there is property damage that exceeds $500.00. The crash must be reported to the proper authorities. Even if you are unsure whether the injuries are serious or the property damage is above the $500.00 threshold, contact the police anyway to be safe.

Move your vehicle to a safe place and exchange insurance and vehicle information with the other driver. Get as much information as you can about the accident and write down what happened. Notify your insurance company and the Department of Motor Vehicles of the accident. If you suffer injuries, speak with an attorney about your options.

FAQs

Q: Is It Worth It to Hire an Attorney for a Car Accident?

A: It may be worth it to hire an attorney for a car accident, as an attorney can drastically improve your chances of receiving compensation, especially if you have suffered injuries or lost wages or if there is disagreement over liability. A Sandy Springs personal injury lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies, collect evidence, and fight for your rights. They can help you maximize your settlement and navigate the legal process.

Q: What Are Most Lawyers’ Fees for a Car Accident?

A: Each lawyer charges their own amount for car accidents. Many of them charge on a contingency fee basis, which means their fee is a percentage of what their client wins. Therefore, the lawyer’s fee will vary based on the specifics of the case and how much the client is awarded.

Q: How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?

A: Each car settlement amount varies since car accident settlements depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Because each situation is unique, the amounts will vary. Factors that influence a settlement amount include the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Usually, the more serious an accident is, the higher the settlement will likely be.

Q: How Long Do Most Car Accident Settlements Take?

A: The amount of time it takes to settle a car accident will depend on a variety of factors, including injury severity, negotiations, and any disagreements about liability. Some cases resolve in a short amount of time, but others can take longer if there are disagreements, litigation, and extensive negotiations involved.

Contact Keith D. Leshine Attorney at Law, LLC Today

If you have been involved in a car accident, Keith D. Leshine Attorney at Law, LLC can help you recover your losses. Contact us today to get started.