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Reasons to hire a car accident lawyer and types of compensation available

Reasons to hire a car accident lawyer and types of compensation available

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia, you might be aware of the high rates of car accidents, as evidenced by statistics. For example, the city saw about 20,000 cases between 2020 and 2021, with a noticeable percentage of fatalities among those.

And that is why you can never overestimate the importance of hiring car accident lawyers in Atlanta. Cases of such nature are complicated since the onus of proving the other party’s negligence falls upon you. Further, the legal paperwork is voluminous, requiring expertise, time, and resources.

But in which ways can a lawyer specializing in car accidents help you out? Read on to know in this article.

Seeking the proper compensation

The process of seeking compensation after a car accident can be challenging. It can be intimidating and overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with the legal system and don’t have access to a lawyer.

For your case to be successful in court, it must meet specific criteria set forth by law. For instance, your injuries must result from another person’s negligence.

Your conduct or actions cannot create liability on their part; this includes driving too fast or recklessly while intoxicated. It also excludes drivers who were only partially responsible for causing an accident (such as if they were distracted).

However, the exact compensation amount will depend on various factors, including bodily harm, damage, and financial hardship. The average compensation amount in Atlanta varies between 50,000 USD and 200,000 USD.

Gathering the necessary evidence

Your attorney will gather the necessary evidence, for example, by taking photographs of the scene of your accident. They will also photograph any evidence at the location—for example, broken glass pieces or debris left behind by other drivers involved in an accident with yours; footprints from approaching vehicles; skid marks, if there were any, etc.

Moreover, Georgia is an at-fault state, which means you must prove the accused party’s negligence to claim compensation in Atlanta. Further, you must be at least 50% responsible for receiving adequate compensation.

Negotiating on your behalf

Lawyers can also negotiate settlements on behalf of their clients—and sometimes even get them more than they would have received. They know how to ensure that their clients receive fair compensation for their injuries by negotiating with insurance companies or other parties involved in an accident.

The average time for lawsuit settlements in Atlanta, Georgia, is between six to 12 months for successful settlements. After filing a lawsuit, most cases take one to two years to reach a trial.

Types of available compensation

Cost of medical treatment

Medical bills are one of the most significant expenses incurred after a car accident. While medical care is a necessity, it can also be costly and difficult to afford if you don’t have insurance coverage or other sources of income.

If your injuries are severe enough to require surgery and rehabilitation, the costs will likely be even higher than those for medications alone. You must get an official estimate of your medical expenses if you are injured, which helps determine the compensation amount.

Lost wages and other benefits

Lost wages are the money you would have earned if you had not been injured. You can roughly calculate it by multiplying your pre-injury income by your expected future income and then subtracting the time it will take to find a new job and earn that amount.

Mental anguish

Emotional distress is mental anguish caused by a car accident. This can happen if you were involved in an accident and suffered emotional trauma, even if it wasn’t your fault.

Emotional distress differs from physical injuries such as broken bones or bodily cuts. The damage done to your mental state may not show up until months or years after the accident happened, though how long this takes depends on how serious those injuries are.

For example, if someone has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they might experience symptoms right away. In contrast, others will be seen later down the line when they can cope better with their situation due to therapy sessions.

Car accident lawyers in Atlanta can help you receive fair and adequate compensation for injuries caused by someone’s negligence. They will assist you throughout the process, from collecting evidence to representing you in negotiations and legal proceedings, if necessary.

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