Lawrenceville, GA Car Accident Lawyer
You’ve just been in a car accident – now what? You’re probably confused, hurt, and maybe frightened about what happens next. And of course, you want to make sure that everyone is ok.
What many people don’t think about after a car wreck is whether they need a car accident attorney. Here’s the truth: you do. Even if you don’t think you’re hurt or there wasn’t much damage, you still need someone who knows the law and is on your side.
What Do I Do After a Car Wreck?
Every year, thousands of drivers in Lawrenceville, GA, are involved in a vehicle collision – a car wreck. Some are just “fender benders,” while others can involve significant injuries and property damages. Car accidents are one of the top causes of injury and death in Georgia.
Immediately after a car accident, call 911 for emergency services. Even if you don’t “feel hurt,” car accidents are notorious for causing soft tissue injuries to the neck, spine, and the muscles and ligaments in your body. Left untreated, these kinds of injuries lead to loss of mobility and chronic pain. Emergency medical responders are trained to find these injuries and direct you to prompt medical care to prevent the condition from worsening.
When you call 911, the police also come. They collect witness statements and create a police report with the details of the accident, including the parties involved, weather and traffic conditions, and most importantly, who is at fault. This is essential, especially in Lawrenceville, because Georgia is an At-Fault State. At-fault means that one driver is responsible for the accident.
What Should I Avoid Doing After a Car Wreck?
Never leave the scene of a car wreck. This is a felony!
Immediately after the wreck, call 911, and check the conditions of yourself and your passengers. You can report that the other driver may need help, too. However, don’t try to move anyone who appears stuck in the vehicle – wait for the experts!
Don’t apologize to the other driver, even if you think it’s your fault. You may be asked to “just exchange information” with the other driver, such as name, phone number, and insurance information, but it’s better to wait until the police arrive to give any information.
Don’t collect witness statements yourself. It may seem important to try to get as much information as possible, but the responding police are experts at gathering information, and they know what questions to ask potential witnesses. Plus, everything in the accident report is admissible in court, should it come to that.
What Are the Consequences Of a Car Collision?
Can accidents can impact your life financially, physically, and mentally. One poor decision or reckless choice by you or another party can cause you to lose your job, mobility, and car. It’s no wonder car accidents stand out in many people’s lives.
Injuries
Injuries may be minor, like a few bruises, or major, including a loss of limb or reduced mobility. Even something that seems common, like whiplash, can have lasting after-effects. Because so many of the injuries from a car accident affect the joints, recovery from a car accident can require ongoing medical care, like chiropractor appointments or physical therapy. Whiplash, for example, can result in chronic headaches that affect your way of life and ability to work.
Other injures from a car accident include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Deep tissue bruising
- Lacerations
- Torn or over-stretched ligaments and tendons
- Burns
- Neck and spine injuries
Financial Impact
Car wrecks, even if it’s not your fault, cause significant complications to your financial circumstances. You may miss one or more days of work because of the wreck, including medical treatments or recovering from your injuries. If you’ve been severely hurt, you may be unable to do the job you used to do. Medical treatment costs money, too, even if you have good medical insurance.
Other financial effects of a car accident include:
- Having to replace your vehicle if it’s been totally damaged
- Repairs to your vehicle, even if you don’t have to replace it
- Medical bills, including emergency treatment, aftercare, and specialist services like a physical or occupational therapist
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
One word – YES! Your car accident attorney is someone who not only knows the ins and outs of the laws in Lawrenceville and Georgia but is also someone who is completely on your side, looking out for your interests. Even if you aren’t at fault in the accident, a car wreck lawyer can ensure that you’re protected if the other party decides to sue. They negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company from the other party.
Insurance companies typically want to settle car accident cases as fast as possible for as little money as possible. They may low-ball you or even claim their client wasn’t at fault. Your lawyer advocates for you, ensuring that all your medical and other expenses are compensated for, including work wages lost due to the accident. Plus, you may need ongoing medical care, which is also part of the overall settlement.
How Can a Lawrenceville Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer’s professional services. The Benton and Benton Law firm has years of experience fighting for their clients after a car collision. They know the law, and they aren’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with big insurance companies. Give us a call today or contact us online to schedule your consultation.
