Accidents like car crashes, dog bites, and slip-and-falls have unfortunately become an almost daily occurrence in Georgia. However, when it’s the negligent or careless actions of another person or entity that are to blame for the accident, they should be held liable for the damages the victims incur.
Our College Park personal injury lawyers at Humphrey & Ballard Law have many years of experience representing injury cases just like yours. There is a great deal involved, and it is not an arena you should attempt to enter without an attorney on your side. We will do all of the difficult work to make sure that you are represented well.
Give our personal injury lawyers in College Park a call today at 404-341-0499 for a free consultation.
What Should I Do After an Injury?
Once you have been in an accident, it can be challenging to determine the appropriate steps to take. How you handle it will play a significant role in the way things turn out. For instance, if you panic and start talking too much, there is a chance that you may reveal information that will one day be used against you. If you have any questions on how to react, here are some tips that would be pretty useful.
Take Photos/Video if Possible
Most people have a mobile device available to them while on the road, and it should be used to your advantage. Use your phone or tablet to take videos and photos at the scene. You should get footage that shows the extent of the damages to all vehicles involved. These can be quite useful when it comes to determining who was at fault.
Get Contact Information from Witnesses
It can be challenging to prove that someone else was in the wrong during an accident, especially if you and the one responsible are the only ones present. Once you have been in an accident, it is imperative that you survey the scene and locate any potential witnesses. Ask for their contact information in case they need to be asked some questions later.
Report the Incident
Report the incident right away. This may involve calling the police to make sure there is a report filed, and statements are taken at the scene. In addition, you should contact the property owner or manager if the accident happened at a business or on someone’s property. This is absolutely necessary, and it is a step that should never be omitted during this process.
Never Admit Fault
Even if you were at fault, this is something that you never want to reveal to anyone besides your attorney. While at the scene, avoid apologizing and taking responsibility since these statements can be used to hold you liable. It is the job of the other party to prove that it was your fault, and you do not want to give them any information to work with.
Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
Always get in touch with a personal injury lawyer to handle your accident case. Things may seem clear-cut and straightforward, but there is always the possibility of things becoming complicated, and you have to be prepared for that. Get in touch with a lawyer right away and allow them to handle things on your behalf. This includes interviewing potential witnesses and having communication with insurance companies.
It is vital for you to follow this advice to the letter. How you handle things at this point can set the stage for your case and have an impact on the outcome. If you need any assistance or have questions about any of this, you can feel free to call us at 404-341-0499.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
Having a competent legal professional alongside will go a long way in helping out. Here are some of the ways our College Park personal injury lawyers can assist you.
Case Preparation / Filing a Lawsuit
Preparing a personal injury case involves more than walking into a courtroom and telling your side of the story. There is a lot of preparation that needs to be done, especially if it has been decided you will be filing a lawsuit. This is a process that can be highly challenging, and it would be best to allow a professional to take the lead. Things like gathering evidence, preparing paperwork, and citing applicable case law should be tasks you allow a lawyer to handle.
Settlement Negotiation
In many personal injury cases, a settlement is reached, and there is no reason to go to trial. With that being said, this is something else you should never try to negotiate on your own. Whether you are contacted by an insurance company or someone representing the other party, you should refer them to your lawyer.
At this firm, we have many years of experience with settlement negotiations. We make sure that any settlement offered is fair and you are not taken advantage of.
Trial Preparation & Representation
If you are unable to reach a settlement, then it will be time to take this to a courtroom. Once you are there, it is crucial that you act in a way that will be favorable to your case. A personal injury lawyer will work directly with you in order to ensure you are prepared and offer the best representation. The odds are against anyone who tries to head towards a legal arena without the proper legal help.
What Type of Damages Can I Recover?
There are three different types of damages you may be able to recover as a result of your accident. This includes:
Economic Damages
These are damages that are paid to someone in order to compensate them for out-of-pocket expenses they incurred as a result of the accident. This covers medical bills, future lost earnings, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-Economic Damages
This kind of damage is not easy to prove since it can be subjective, but it covers losses that are not financial, like mental anguish, pain, and suffering, loss of consortium, and emotional distress.
Punitive Damages
If it can be proven that the responsible party injured you purposefully or acted especially recklessly, you may be entitled to additional damages. A lawyer can help you determine whether you should seek punitive damages in your particular case.
How Is Liability Determined?
In order to establish liability, your lawyer must prove the four elements of negligence.
- Duty of Care: This refers to the legal obligation to be responsible and abide by laws and rules to avoid others being injured.
- Breach of Duty of Care: When someone acts in a way that does not take the safety of others into account, it is said that they have breached their duty of care.
- Causation: This is when an act by someone else leads to the injury of another.
- Damages: It must be determined what type of damages occurred and how the defendant is liable for that.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Georgia?
In the state of Georgia, you have two years from the date of injury to file a claim. If you fail to do this before the statute of limitations is up, your case will be considered void.
Personal Injury Claims Process
This process involves locating and hiring a personal injury lawyer, understanding all of the laws that are pertinent to your case, filing a complaint, gathering evidence, attempting to negotiate a settlement, and possibly going to trial. Each step of the process needs to be navigated appropriately in order to increase the chances of a favorable outcome.
How Much Will a College Park Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Our personal injury lawyers handle cases on a contingency basis. This means that you do not owe anything unless you win the case. The amount they receive is deducted from the settlement. This means you do not have to worry if you are injured, and you are not in good financial standing.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle at Humphrey & Ballard Law
Here at Humphrey & Ballard Law, we handle the following cases:
Car Accidents
Whether you are a driver in another car or a pedestrian, you can file a car accident claim when you are injured. Whether this is due to speeding, lack of attention, or some other factor, you may be entitled to compensation.
Trucking Accidents
Accidents involving trucks are more likely to be caused by the driver. If you are injured as a result of a trucking incident, the driver and the company they work for may be held liable.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles offer limited protection. Most motorcycle accidents cause severe injuries or death. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, call our law firm today for help.
Rideshare Accident
Calling a rideshare company has become one of the most convenient ways to get around. If you are injured and need some help representing yourself against a transportation giant like Uber or Lyft, we are here to assist.
Wrongful Death
Any death due to the negligence of others is a potential wrongful death lawsuit. While compensation cannot ease the grief of losing a loved one, it can allow the family to cope with the economic burdens. Our compassionate attorneys can help you hold the responsible party accountable.
Speak With a College Park Personal Injury Lawyer
There is a great deal involved when it comes to personal injury law, and it is not an arena you should attempt to enter without having Humphrey & Ballard Law on your side. We will do all of the difficult work to make sure that you are represented well. Give us a call at 404-341-0499 so we can discuss the details of your case and determine what the appropriate steps are.
