ATLANTA PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

If you regularly drive in Atlanta traffic (whether you are ITP or OTP), you know that the number of cars on the road exceeds the capacity of both surface streets and interstates. The infrastructure grew as the city exploded, but not at a fast enough rate. So many vehicles driving through the city daily increase the chances of a collision exponentially.

If you were hurt in a traffic accident, our attorneys can help.

The primary focus of our personal injury practice is representing victims injured in:

• Atlanta Car Accidents
• Atlanta Truck Accidents
• Atlanta Motorcycle Accidents
• Atlanta Pedestrian Accidents
• Atlanta Bicycle Accidents
• Atlanta Drunk Driving Accidents
• Atlanta Uber and Lyft Accidents
• Atlanta Wrongful Death

We understand how accidents occur and know how to build a case. We can investigate your crash and prove the other driver violated traffic laws and caused the collision. Under Georgia law, we can hold that driver legally responsible for your injuries. We know how to navigate this process, present a solid case to support our clients’ claims, and take the necessary actions to help them seek compensation.

At Buckhead Law Saxton Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., our attorneys handle accident injuries covering a broad spectrum. Some clients have fractures, joint injuries, or soft tissue injuries. They recover completely in a few weeks or months, return to work, and put the whole thing behind them after their settlement.

Others suffer catastrophic, life-altering injuries. The second the accident occurred, their life changed entirely. They will require ongoing monitoring, treatment, care, and support for the rest of their lives. Some may return to work in a different capacity or relearn their job despite their new disabilities. Others may never work again.

After more than 40 years of handling injury cases, we know how to document injuries, care costs, and future medical needs and expenses. We can work with experts so insurers consider our clients’ future care costs.

We have experience handling many types of injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Concussions
• Neck and back injuries
• Significant injuries to limbs
• Burns and scarring
• Fractures
• Crush injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Severe lacerations
• Internal injuries
• Loss of limb injuries

When we pursue compensation for our injured clients, we consider their current expenses, losses, future costs, and non-economic damages. We document their damages and determine a fair settlement value for their claim. This serves as the target for our settlement negotiations with the insurer.

If you’re involved in an Atlanta accident, here are some important steps to take:

1. Check for injuries: The first step is to check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 and request emergency medical assistance.
2. Move to a safe location: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and use flares or cones to warn other drivers.
3. Exchange information: Get the name, contact information, and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Also, get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
4. Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, skid marks, and any other relevant details.
5. Report the accident: Report the accident to the police. They will create an accident report, which can be important for insurance and legal purposes.
6. Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and it’s important to document any injuries for insurance and legal purposes.
7. Contact a personal injury lawyer: If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the legal process and protect your legal rights.

Remember to stay calm and avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident with anyone except the police and your lawyer.

Usually, the negligent party is also the legally liable one. Some cases may involve other liable parties. For example, Georgia law recognizes a vicarious liability for employers. If the driver who caused the above accident was a commercial truck driver behind the wheel of their big rig, their employer might also be liable for your accident and injuries.

Our attorneys know how to determine fault, negligence, and liability in Atlanta personal injury accidents. We can build a case against the liable parties and seek compensation for you based on your injury or accident.

Because we have extensive experience handling personal injury cases in Atlanta, our personal injury attorney team at Buckhead Law Saxton Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., can often quickly determine the best way to approach these cases. During your initial case assessment, we can review your case, answer all your questions, and outline your possible options for pursuing compensation.

While we base these recommendations on the circumstances in your unique case, a few options include:

• Filing an insurance claim based on the at-fault party’s coverage and negotiating for a fair settlement
• Suing the at-fault party in court and negotiating for a settlement
• Suing in a Fulton County court and seeking an agreement through mediation
• Suing and taking the case to trial, where we ask the jury for a verdict in your favor

We often agree with the insurance company without needing to file a lawsuit. In others, we negotiate a settlement after filing a suit. These cases rarely go to trial, but we will not back down if it’s necessary in your case.

Even in cases when we sue the liable party or parties, we often begin by trying to settle the case through an insurance claim alone.

This process requires us to:

• Identify the insurance coverage available (usually a liability policy held by the liable party)
• Gather evidence and build strong support for the claim
• Send a demand letter to the insurer asking for fair compensation
• Respond to their counteroffer and begin negotiations

Insurers want to protect their bottom line by only paying out as much as necessary in a case. This can make it challenging to get the compensation you need to pay your medical bills and cover other costs. We fight for a fair and just settlement and refuse to accept less than we believe your case is worth.

You shouldn’t have to pay for expenses caused by someone else’s negligence. Our team can fight for your justice, including fair compensation. If necessary, we can sue and take your case to trial.

Regarding how long you can wait to pursue compensation in your case, we recommend acting as soon as your injuries allow. At Buckhead Law Saxton Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., our lawyers can begin working on your case quickly after we agree to work together. We know that the sooner we begin our investigation, the sooner we can identify, gather, analyze, and compile crucial evidence.

We must meet state deadlines if we need to sue the at-fault party in a Fulton County court to recover compensation. Under Georgia law, we generally only have two years from the injury date to begin this process by filing the initial complaint. This is true in every county in Georgia, including those in the greater metro Atlanta area.

Some exceptions to the rule give you even less time to act. We can discuss the possible timeline for your case during your free case review.

The time it takes to resolve a personal injury claim in Atlanta or anywhere else can vary widely depending on various factors. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as each case is unique. Some key factors that can influence the timeline for resolving a personal injury claim in Atlanta include:

1. Severity of Injuries: Cases involving severe injuries or long-term medical treatment may take longer to resolve, as it may be necessary to wait until the full extent of the injuries is known and the prognosis is clear.
2. Liability: If there is a dispute over who is at fault for the accident, it can prolong the claims process. Investigations and legal proceedings may be required to determine liability.
3. Insurance Company Cooperation: The responsiveness and willingness to negotiate of the at-fault party’s insurance company can significantly impact the timeline. Some insurance companies are more cooperative than others.
4. Negotiation and Settlement: If both parties agree on a settlement quickly, the case can be resolved relatively fast. However, if negotiations are protracted or if the case goes to trial, it can take significantly longer.
5. Legal Representation: Having an experienced personal injury attorney can expedite the process. They can navigate the legal complexities, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and promptly.
6. Court Backlog: In some cases, court dockets may be congested, causing delays in scheduling hearings or trials.
7. Georgia’s Personal Injury Laws: Laws and regulations regarding personal injury claims in Georgia can affect the timeline of a case. Thus, you need an attorney with familiarity with the local legal system.

Consult with an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney from Buckhead Law Saxton Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C.  to get a better estimate of how long your specific case may take to resolve. We can provide you with a more accurate timeline based on the specifics of your situation. Keep in mind that while a quick resolution is desirable, it’s essential not to rush the process at the expense of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Your attorney can help you navigate the legal process and work toward a favorable outcome.

Yes, you may still be able to recover damages in Atlanta, Georgia, even if you were partially at fault for an accident. Georgia follows a legal principle called “comparative negligence” or “modified comparative fault.” Under this system, your ability to recover damages is not necessarily barred just because you were partially responsible for the accident. However, the amount of compensation you can recover will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault.

Here’s how comparative negligence works in Georgia:

1. 50% Bar Rule: Georgia follows the 50% bar rule, which means that you can only recover damages if your degree of fault is less than 50%. In other words, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any damages from other at-fault parties.
2. Reduction in Damages: If you are less than 50% at fault, you can still seek compensation for your injuries, but your total damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for an accident and your total damages were assessed at $100,000, you would be eligible to receive $80,000 (i.e., $100,000 minus 20%).

It’s important to note that determining fault and applying comparative negligence can be complex and often involves negotiation and legal proceedings. Insurance companies and legal teams may assess fault differently, and disputes can arise. This is why it’s crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in Atlanta if you believe you were partially at fault for an accident.

An attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that your degree of fault is accurately assessed. They will work to maximize your potential compensation while navigating the complexities of Georgia’s comparative negligence system.