MONTICELLO, GEORGIA CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER
Every 60 seconds a car accident occurs in the United States. Injuries sustained in a car accident may cause severe pain or permanent disability. While car accidents can leave you with unwanted injuries, that might not be your only concern. Stress and financial burdens linked to car accidents can escalate out of hand very quickly. Whether you are the victim or a loved one of the victim, it can be a large burden to carry. At Benton & Benton, we understand how stressful your situation can be and we want to help. A lawyer can help you defend your rights and recover the money you deserve for your losses.
RAMIFICATIONS OF A CAR ACCIDENT
It is disheartening to know that one driver making one poor decision has the power to change your life forever. You may be left with an undrivable vehicle, an injured body, possible loss of work even temporarily, and a pile of bills. It would be understandable if you felt overwhelmed by the physical, emotional, and financial stress caused by a car accident. Following are some of the negative ramifications of a car accident:
INJURIES
Depending on the severity of the injury sustained in a car accident, your life could dramatically change. Even small injuries can have a negative impact and possibly become chronic. If you have been injured in an accident that you did not cause, you should be compensated for the difficulties that your injuries have created whether big or small.
In the unfortunate case of a more severe injury, the life of the injured and those close to them may be significantly changed. Sometimes full recovery is not an option causing permanent suffering. The stress and burden of being injured or having an injured loved one can be overwhelming. Especially when the injured party is the primary breadwinner of the family, it can be a devastating financial burden to the family.
The injuries from a car accident could include the following.
- Head injuries including traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Nerve damage
- Neck injuries including whiplash
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
FINANCIAL RESTRAINTS
If you are injured in a car accident, you may have to miss work for an unknown amount of time. You may also have to miss work due to car accident-related appointments. This lack of work may cause you to risk losing your job altogether, decrease your hourly income and put an overall financial strain on your family’s finances.
After an automobile accident here are some of the various expenses you might encounter:
- Having to purchase a new vehicle
- Repairs to your vehicle if salvageable
- Medical bills including doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, or other medical professionals
DECREASED QUALITY OF LIFE
If sustaining an injury in a car accident renders you unable to participate in your favorite activities, your overall quality of life will be diminished. The nature of your relationships with the people around you can also be negatively affected by a variety of problems caused by the accident whether they be mental or physical.
WHY SHOULD I SEEK HELP FROM A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER?
Being involved in a severe car accident can cause serious trauma. This can manifest in both physical and emotional ways. During this tough time, a car accident lawyer can be a huge benefit in dealing with all of the aftershocks of the accident.
It is strongly recommended that you appoint a lawyer to represent you in your car accident claim right away. A lawyer can gather crucial information that is needed in a specific time period. They will speak to your witnesses, gather the facts, work with the insurers, and discuss terms for a settlement.
If you delay your decision of who or if you should get a lawyer to help you, then said lawyer will have a tight deadline and might not be able to deliver the best results. As soon as a case is filed, you should know exactly who to call for help immediately. A car accident lawyer is on your side to help you claim your rightful compensation if you are involved in a car accident in Georgia.
WHY CHOOSE BENTON & BENTON AS YOUR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS?
Choosing the right car accident lawyer can seem like too much to deal with during an already stressful time. We know you have a variety of options to choose from, but we also know there are a number of reasons why the attorneys at Benton & Benton should be your first call for your car accident case.
ABOUT BENTON & BENTON
Benton & Benton is a smaller law firm. Our goal is not to represent a large volume of clients at once, but to give our attention and our best work to a few loyal clients. This allows clients to have more direct access to their attorneys.
The attorneys are from Monroe, Georgia. They are incredibly invested in this community.
Benton & Benton has the legal experience to represent you well but the type of experience is what sets our law firm apart from the rest.
Gene Benton has served for 16 years as a Superior Court judge. Having a greater understanding of how a judge thinks helps him be able to represent his clients in court.
Bartlett Benton has previous experience as part of a large law firm defense team representing insurance companies in personal injury lawsuits. Bart’s experience makes him uniquely qualified to represent your case, and competitive insight into the strategies used to defend insurance companies.
CAR ACCIDENT FAQS
The world of insurance is complex and confusing for a reason. Big companies want you to feel intimidated and back down so that you do not get the settlement you deserve. The following are a few commonly asked questions that can hopefully give you a better understanding of car accident laws in Georgia.
IF I’M IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN GEORGIA, WHO IS AT FAULT?
Georgia follows a comparative fault framework. The method used to assess who is more responsible for a car accident is known as comparative fault. Insurance companies do not want to be the ones responsible for payment and will often insist that the other driver is at fault.
With the help of an experienced car accident lawyer in Monticello, Georgia you could be entitled to more cash compensation for your accident by minimizing your fault. Anyone found to be at fault for 50 percent or more would not be able to claim compensation. Insurance companies know this and will do their research to try and find any small flaw you as the victim could have made.
WHAT IS THE GEORGIA STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS?
The state of Georgia allows you to file a car accident claim up to two years from the date of the crash. However, if the citation is issued by the other driver, the date is 2 years after the criminal case has been concluded, which typically means that the citation has been paid or found guilty in court by the other driver. This law is meant to give a window of time for car accident injuries to manifest themselves. Not all injuries are evident immediately after an accident. This also gives victims time to heal and get back on their feet before having to address the issue.
Because insurance companies are aware of this timeline they can sometimes use it to their advantage. Wasting time on long negotiations can leave you in an impossible situation where you could potentially run out of time to get the settlement you deserve.
Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking that two years is plenty of time. These processes take time and two years will fly by if you are not careful and intentional every step of the way. This is why it is essential to hire an experienced car accident lawyer immediately. Don’t postpone help from the experts at Benton and Benton in Monticello, Georgia.
SHOULD I TRUST INSURANCE ADJUSTERS?
The insurance companies are looking after their own best interests. They will save every dollar they can by paying the least amount possible in claims. They will do everything in their power to find information that decreases your settlement. In these scenarios, it is best to have a professional in your corner to build a case for you.
WHAT DAMAGES AND COMPENSATION CAN I CLAIM AFTER A GEORGIA CAR ACCIDENT?
Car accident damage includes a wide variety of things. Our lawyers in Monticello, Georgia will fight for compensation for all of these damages on your behalf. Some of them include lost earnings, medical costs, rental cars, property damage (including repair or replacement of the vehicle), and wrongful death.
Types of car accidents we can help with
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian v automobile accidents are fairly common, especially in more populated areas. The injuries sustained by the pedestrian can often be severe. However, if you were the driver you could also have a strong case against the pedestrian if they were not in a designated crosswalk.
Motorcycle Accidents
If you are driving or riding a motorcycle and are involved in an accident, you probably have a case. Motorcyclists are commonly missed by other drivers causing an increase in these types of accidents.
Truck Accidents
18 wheelers are the largest rigs on the road. Accidents that involve a truck are usually very expensive and can cause a lot of damage. Truck accidents also have a lot of red tape regarding insurance, so having Benton & Benton on your side would be largely beneficial.
Safe driving tips to avoid a Monticello, GA car accident
People who are more likely to be involved in car accidents are elderly and distracted drivers. That is why insurance premiums for the oldest and youngest age groups of drivers are typically increased. If you fall into either of those groups, be extra vigilant on the roadways, and don’t drive if you feel underqualified for the conditions.
The best ways to stay safe on the road, regardless of age, are to follow the laws. This will also keep you from being at fault in an accident.
Here are our best safe driving tips for all drivers:
- Drive the speed limit
- Properly wear your seatbelt
- Do not drive impaired
- Do not operate a cell phone while driving
Even when we do everything in our power to stay safe on the road, accidents still happen. Don’t hesitate to contact us for all of your legal car accident concerns.
BENTON & BENTON HELPS CAR ACCIDENT VICTIMS IN GEORGIA
If you or a loved one were the victim of a car accident, let Benton & Benton in Monticello, Georgia get the justice you deserve. We will fight for fair compensation and for the negligent party to be held responsible for their actions.
At Benton & Benton you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case. Don’t delay bringing justice to your case. What do you have to lose? We will fight to protect your rights and get you back to living your life.
When filing a lawsuit, timing is always imperative. Contact our law office today to learn more or talk to one of our representatives.
