Gainesville, GA Car Accident Lawyer
Professional Car Accident Lawyers Representing Victims in Gainesville, Georgia
Unfortunately, car accidents take place each day in Georgia. Many times, accident victims are left to deal with serious and long-term injuries, and in some cases, avoidable deaths may even result. If you have been hurt in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you need to reach out to a Gainesville car accident attorney as soon as possible. We understand that dealing with the aftermath of a collision may be stressful, but you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to discuss your options with a dedicated Gainesville, GA car accident lawyer. Our lawyers have years of proven success in car wreck cases and have the expertise and resources to maximize your financial recovery.
Bringing A Personal Injury Claim After A Car Accident
Despite increasing public awareness of the dangers of careless driving, many people still fail to use the proper precautions behind the wheel. For example, a driver may speed excessively, swerve erratically between lanes, engage in tailgating or other aggressive behaviors, get behind the wheel while fatigued or intoxicated, fail to take poor weather conditions into account, or text behind the wheel.
If you were hurt in a car accident that was not your fault, you may be able to recover damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, from an at-fault party by filing a negligence lawsuit. Negligence takes place when a driver causes an accident because they failed to use reasonable care. This is defined as how a prudent person would act in the same or similar circumstances. To win in a negligence claim, the plaintiff must show that the defendant driver failed to drive safely and that their unsafe behavior resulted in the crash in which the plaintiff was hurt. In some cases, other parties may also be liable, such as the driver’s employer if you were struck by someone who was on the job at the time. Manufacturers also may be held liable for auto defects that contribute to accidents. Sometimes, a defective road condition contributed to the collision and remedies are available against the entity responsible for constructing or maintaining the roadway, its shoulders, and signage. We have handled car wreck cases with virtually every issue that can arise with great success.
Some car accidents unfortunately claim a victim’s life. When this happens, their family may be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against a driver or any other party that may have been responsible. They may be able to seek compensation for costs related to the victim’s medical treatment and burial expenses, in addition to their own emotional and financial losses caused by the death.
Just like other states, Georgia sets a time limit in which a personal injury claim must be filed, known as the statute of limitations. Generally, a car wreck victim has two years after a car accident to file a personal injury claim. However, there may be shorter deadlines within which certain notices must be given if a governmental entity is involved. It is important to investigate these cases promptly so that the plaintiff’s attorney can explore what exactly caused the crash, construct a strong case, and give the appropriate notices.
Today, most modern vehicles and nearly all tractor-trailers have engine control modules (“ECM” or “black boxes”) that may be downloaded. These ECMs usually record throttle, speed, braking, airbag deployment, and other data. This data is often important but can disappear quickly if not properly secured. Many insurers will attempt to download this information within 48 hours of a serious wreck. You will need a lawyer who is experienced in this area and knows the best experts to hire to be sure your rights are protected.
Seek Guidance from Our Gainesville, GA Car Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt in a car accident that was not your fault, you should not need to pay for any related expenses out of your own pocket. At Cook Law Group, our Gainesville, GA car accident lawyers can examine the circumstances of your case and develop a legal strategy accordingly. We proudly assist injured people and families in Atlanta, Athens, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Marietta, Smyrna, Lawrenceville, Norcross, Valdosta, Augusta, and Columbus, among other communities in Hall, Clarke, Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, Lowndes, Richmond, and Muscogee Counties. For a free, no-obligation consultation with a personal injury or wrongful death attorney, call us at 678-928-3899 or contact us online.