Why Choose Our Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys?
Experience & Skill Matter After a Car Crash in Atlanta.
If you have been injured in a car accident in DeKalb County, Fulton County, or elsewhere in Atlanta, you need the help of one of the best car accident lawyers in Atlanta. At The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C., our Atlanta accident attorneys offer free initial consultations, have recovered more than $100 million for our clients, and you don’t pay unless we win your case. Call 404-999-4627 today to schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer near you.
Car Accidents in Atlanta, GA
Car accidents in Atlanta can lead to serious injuries and unique struggles for victims and their families. Some people will need immediate medical attention. Others may feel pain in the days after a car crash. Many car accident victims are unable to return to work for weeks or even months after their car accident. However, all car crash victims have one thing in common: the right to compensation if someone else’s negligence caused the collision.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an Atlanta-area car accident that was someone else’s fault, the auto accident attorneys at The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C., can navigate the Georgia legal system, protect you, and pursue the maximum amount of compensation possible. Call, text, or chat for a free consultation.
The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C. Difference
Our Level of Client Service Stands Out. – Our Atlanta car accident attorneys prioritize reducing your stress levels and giving you the time to focus on your health and loved ones. You can expect regular updates on your car accident case, and we always respond promptly to your phone calls or emails. Our team of accident attorneys treats every client with the respect and compassion they deserve.
We’re Highly Experienced in Auto Accidents. – Our accident attorneys in Atlanta, GA possess extensive experience dealing with complex car accident cases. Our accident lawyers are equipped to handle cases of any size. Our team thoroughly analyzes your accident case and aggressively pursues all available options to recover the maximum compensation.
Our Lawyers Handle Everything. – Dealing with car insurance companies can be overwhelming and stressful. Our Atlanta car accident law firm stands apart from others in that we handle both property damage and personal injury claims for our clients. We assist in obtaining the police report, arranging vehicle repairs, and coordinating medical treatment.
We Prepare Every Case for Court. – Most car accidents in Atlanta settle, but some require an aggressive approach. Our founding attorney, Darl Champion, is a skilled litigator who has successfully taken numerous car accident cases to trial. With this level of preparation, you can be confident that our car accident lawyers in Atlanta are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Know What To Do After A Crash
Be Prepared
Most of us don’t plan for a car accident. But maybe we should. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety offers the following tips so that you can be prepared in case of a car crash:
- Keep relevant documents in your car, such as registration and proof of insurance. Additionally, you should keep a list of medical information that may be important if you are ever seriously injured and unable to communicate with workers yourself. This can include a list of allergies or the name of your regular doctor.
- Keep emergency items in your car, such as flares, cones, and blankets. Also, keep a pen and a notepad handy in case you need to jot down names and contact information for witnesses or the license plate number of a car.
- Ensure that you have the right type and amount of auto insurance for your car to cover expenses if you’re involved in a car accident around Atlanta.
Move to Safety
The first thing you should do after an accident is to ensure the occupants of your car and the other car are okay. Any injuries should be reported to 911 immediately. Additionally, move your vehicle from the roadway if possible to avoid a chain-reaction collision. Have the occupants exit your vehicle if they are able and stand a safe distance from the road.
Don’t Leave the Scene
Under Georgia Law, before you can leave the scene of an accident, you must:
- Contact emergency medical services or the police
- Provide reasonable assistance to anyone who is injured at the scene, if you can
- Exchange contact and vehicle registration information with the other driver, if your injuries permit
- Show your license, if requested by the other driver
Make a Car Accident Report
If you have not already done so, contact 911 to report the accident. If the accident is not serious and there are no injuries, it is sometimes possible to do this online or at the police station rather than waiting for the police on the side of the road. If the police do respond to the scene, be sure to get the name and badge number of the investigating officer and ask where you can get a copy of the police report.
Seek Medical Treatment
Even if you don’t feel hurt, you should seek medical treatment. The adrenaline rush you experience after an accident could mask injuries. Additionally, some injuries present with delayed symptoms, making it hard to know whether you’re injured. Seeking prompt medical treatment is the best way to discover any hidden or delayed injuries that you have.
During your initial medical evaluation and with all further appointments, ask for copies of records, including medical reports, prescriptions, and bills. Additionally, keep a record of missed workdays and a journal of how the injuries have impacted your daily life.
Notify Your Insurer
While the details remain fresh, report the accident to your insurer. You're likely required to report the accident as part of your policy. Answer all of your insurance company's questions truthfully, and inform them of the extent of your injuries. Lying to your insurance provider may lead to penalties including coverage denial.
Contact an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney
It can be invaluable to your case to have someone representing you who is well-versed in the legalities of car accidents and personal injury claims. For a free consultation with one of our experienced Atlanta car accident lawyers, contact us online or by calling (404) 999-4627.
Use Caution When Discussing Your Car Accident in Atlanta
The only individuals you should be discussing your accident with are your car accident attorney, your insurer, and your doctors. Use caution in discussing the details of your car accident with anyone else, including the other driver’s insurance provider.
Don’t give a statement to the other driver’s insurer or sign any of their documentation until you’ve spoken to an attorney. Don’t post about your accident on social media. Remember, any statements you make about the accident can be used against you during the claims process or a personal injury lawsuit.
While agreeing to a quick car accident settlement may seem like an easy way to get the money you need for your injuries, that settlement won’t likely cover your future medical needs or the impact your injuries will have on your quality of life. Once you’ve signed an agreement to a settlement offer, you may not be able to collect more money if you need it in the future.
Hold the Right Party Accountable After a Car Crash.
Common Types & Causes of Atlanta Car Accidents
Driver negligence is the most common cause of car accidents. However, there could be other causes and contributing factors, including:
- Drunk Driving Accidents – Alcohol, prescription medications, and illegal substances can all dull a driver’s senses and reaction times, making it less likely that the driver will be able to respond quickly to sudden hazards on the road.
- Distracted Driving -Any action that takes attention from the road can be a distraction, including talking on a cell phone, texting, adjusting the radio or GPS, eating, drinking, or talking to other passengers.
- Drowsy Driving – When a driver is overly tired, they are more likely to make mistakes. A drowsy driver will react slower or veer out of their lane.
- Reckless Driving – Excessive speed, following too closely, changing lanes without signaling, and weaving in and out of traffic are all forms of reckless driving. These behaviors can lead to accidents.
- Speeding – Driving at excessive speeds can reduce the driver’s reaction time, increase stopping distance, and make it difficult to control the vehicle.
- Elderly Drivers – Some elderly drivers may face a decline in cognitive or physical function, placing them at risk of causing accidents due to impaired vision, inability to turn their heads to check mirrors, or failing to recognize the dangers of their actions.
- Teen Drivers – Teen drivers are more likely to cause a car crash than any other age group. Their lack of driving experience hinders their ability to recognize and respond to road hazards. Their newfound freedom of driving can lead to distracted or reckless behaviors.
- Defective Auto Parts – In some cases, the vehicle’s condition is to blame for an accident. We can help determine whether defective tires or brakes, faulty vehicle design, manufacturer negligence, or unsafe conditions led to the crash.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance – Accidents can occur when equipment, vehicles, or machinery are not maintained properly, leading to equipment failure, breakdowns, or malfunctions.
- Road Conditions -Poorly designed or maintained roads, insufficient signage or lighting, or construction zones can cause accidents.
- Medical Emergencies – Accidents can also result from sudden medical emergencies such as a heart attack, seizure, or stroke while driving.
Types of Atlanta Car Crashes
There are various types of car accidents that occur in Atlanta, and some of the most common types include:
- Rear-end collisions: This type of accident occurs when one car hits the car in front of it. Rear-end collisions can cause whiplash and other injuries.
- Head-on collisions: This is a type of accident where two cars collide head-on, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Side-impact collisions: Also known as T-bone accidents, side-impact collisions occur when one car hits the side of another. These accidents can cause serious injuries, especially when the impact is on the driver’s side.
- Single-vehicle accidents: This type of accident occurs when a car hits an object such as a tree, a barrier, or a wall. Single-vehicle accidents can be caused by driver error, poor road conditions, or mechanical failure.
- Multi-vehicle accidents: These accidents involve three or more cars, often resulting in a chain reaction of collisions. Poor weather conditions, reckless driving, or poor visibility can cause multi-vehicle accidents.
- Rollover accidents: Rollover accidents occur when a car flips over onto its roof or side. These accidents can be caused by speeding, sharp turns, or swerving to avoid an obstacle.
- Hit-and-run accidents: This is a type of accident where the driver who caused the accident leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or offer assistance.
- Pedestrian accidents: These accidents involve a car hitting a pedestrian, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Pedestrian accidents can be caused by driver distraction, speeding, or failure to yield.
- Bicycle accidents: This is a type of accident where a car hits a cyclist. Bicycle accidents can be caused by driver inattention, failure to yield, or poor visibility.
- Commercial vehicle accidents: This type of accident involves large commercial vehicles such as trucks or buses. Commercial vehicle accidents can be caused by driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, or improper cargo loading.
- Merging accidents: This type of accident involves one or more vehicles hitting another car as they transfer lanes. They can be caused by bad blindspots or negligent drivers.
- Red Light Accidents: When a driver doesn’t stop at a red light, there could be severe consequences like injuries, auto damages, or fatalities. If you or a loved one are hurt by a reckless or negligent driver who failed to stop at a red light, call us now.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Atlanta
Car accidents in Metro Atlanta can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises and cuts to severe, life-altering injuries. Here are some of the most common car accident injuries:
- Whiplash
- Back & Spinal Injuries
- Concussions & TBI
- Broken Bones
- Internal Injuries
- Cuts & Lacerations
- Facial injuries
- Knee/Joint Injuries
- Shoulder Injuries
- Burns
- Wrongful Death
Let Us Discuss Your Options & Purse the Maximum.
Insurance Claims, Lawsuits & Compensation After an Atlanta Car Accident
In Georgia, drivers are required to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage limits of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
This means that if a driver causes an accident resulting in injuries or property damage to others, their insurance should cover up to these limits for the damages they caused by filing a car accident insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s carrier.
When your damages exceed these limits or if liability and damages are in dispute, it may be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit to secure the compensation you need to recover.
Here is a general overview of the car accident claims process in Atlanta, GA:
- Report the Accident: Report the accident to your insurance company immediately, and exchange information with the other driver.
- Investigation: The insurance company (your own, the other driver’s, and your Atlanta car accident lawyer) will investigate the accident, which may include reviewing police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- File the Claim: If the investigation finds that the other driver was at fault, you will file a claim with their insurance company. Your insurance company may also be involved if you have certain types of coverage.
- Send a Demand Letter: Your Atlanta accident lawyer may send a demand letter to the insurance company outlining your damages and requesting a settlement.
- Settlement Negotiations: The insurance company will likely make a counteroffer, and negotiations may continue until a settlement is reached. Remember, first offers are usually too low, and you should not accept an offer without discussing it with a car accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA.
- Enter Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, you may need to file a lawsuit and take the case to court.
- Discovery: During the litigation process, both sides will engage in a process called discovery, which involves exchanging evidence and other information relevant to the case.
- Mediation: Before going to trial, the parties may attempt to reach a settlement through mediation, which is a non-binding process where a neutral third party facilitates negotiations.
- Trial: If mediation is unsuccessful, the case will go to trial, where a judge or jury will hear the evidence and decide.
- Appeal: If either party is unhappy with the outcome of the trial, they may be able to file an appeal to have the decision reviewed by a higher court.
What Is Your Car Atlanta Accident Case Worth?
The value of a car accident case depends on many factors, including the severity of the injuries, the amount of property damage, and the at-fault party’s insurance coverage and liability. Medical bills and expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress are also influencing factors.
To determine the value of your Atlanta car accident case, it’s important to consult with an experienced local car accident attorney. They can review the specific details of your case, evaluate the damages you suffered, and advise you on the potential value of your claim. They can also help you negotiate with the insurance companies and pursue legal action if necessary to get the compensation you deserve.
You may be entitled to the following damages after a car crash in Atlanta:
- Your Medical expenses (Bills now and for future medical treatment)
- Any Lost income (Missed wages and being unable to work)
- Your Property Damage (Damage to your vehicle or other personal items)
- Your Pain and suffering (The physical and emotional stress you endured)
- Any Funeral Expenses (If your loved one was killed in a fatal crash)
Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You
A serious car crash is scary, and you’re probably in a lot of pain, worried about things like auto repairs, bills, and paying for medical care. You need someone on your side to explain the law, negotiate with the other side, and represent your interests so you recover everything you deserve.
At The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C., our car accident lawyers have a long history of fighting for car accident injury victims across the Atlanta region and a multi-million-dollar record of settlements and verdicts we’ve won for our clients. Let us help you understand your rights and walk you through the process of filing a claim after an auto accident in Georgia. We can handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance companies and attorneys representing the parties responsible for your injuries. This will give you the time and space to focus on your recovery.
Filing a claim in court can be complex, and the justice system can be daunting. Insurance companies can be intimidating and will likely try to pay you less than you deserve. You need a tough negotiator to pursue the best possible settlement on your behalf and an experienced litigator to take it to trial if necessary.
Atlanta Car Accident FAQs
Do you have questions following your Atlanta car accident? Here are some of the most common questions we discuss with our current and prospective clients.
If I was a Passenger in an Atlanta Car Accident, Can I Get Compensation?
Yes. If you were a passenger in a car accident then you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to recover damages. If you’re not an immediate family member of the at-fault driver, you may also be able to sue for damages. Georgia law grants immunity to spouses, parents, and siblings against lawsuits arising from accidents in which they have injured family members.
If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, the process might look different.
Will My Car Accident Case Go To Court?
Not necessarily. The first course of action will be to determine the value of your case and seek a settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Most personal injury lawsuits are settled before they reach the courtroom. However, your Atlanta personal injury attorney should feel comfortable with representing you in court if it becomes necessary to do so.
Should I Release My Medical Records to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
No. Not before speaking to a car accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA. Medical records should only be released under limited circumstances, as the information they contain could be used against you. Insurers may try to claim that the medical treatment you received was not necessary or that a pre-existing condition caused your injuries.
Can I Recover Compensation If I was Also Responsible for a Car Accident?
Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state, meaning that if you’re less than 49% at fault, you can still recover in the accident. However, any damage award you receive will be reduced by the percentage of responsibility you bear.
Should I Take the Insurance Company’s Offer
If you are offered a settlement before you’ve finished your medical treatment or before your doctor releases you, then the amount offered will likely not cover all of your expenses. If you accept a settlement and then incur more medical expenses, you’ll probably have to pay for those yourself.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer
If you've been injured in a car accident in Atlanta, Fulton County, or elsewhere in Georgia, we can help. Contact our Atlanta accident attorneys today at 404-999-4627 by phone, text, or chat. We don’t charge upfront fees unless we win.