Car accidents can result in losses ranging from mild to catastrophic. Typical losses that you may suffer as a car crash victim include injuries and property damage. The injuries can, in turn, lead to hefty medical costs of treatment as well as lost wages due to your inability to resume work. It is possible to recover all these losses with the help of an Atlanta car accident lawyer.
The process for filing a car crash claim and recovering damages against the claim can be quite daunting. You have to deal with insurance companies, insurance agents, and lawyers representing the other party. If the case goes to court, you may also need to go before a judge and a jury to substantiate your claim.
You can undergo all of this on your own, but with no legal experience, you will be hard-pressed to prove your claim. This is simply because you don’t fully know the process, the laws, and the parties typically involved in the claims process. This is where you need the help of a good car accident lawyer.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help You?
As noted above, a car crash claim for damages is a long process that goes through several stages. You have to get together the relevant evidence, draft a demand letter, send the letter to the insurer, receive an offer or a rejection, and negotiate with the insurance agents, and so on. You need legal guidance on literally every step of this process.
Here is how a good lawyer will be able to help you through the process.
Gathering Relevant Evidence
The more evidence you have to back your claim, the more likely it is that your claim will be successful. Relevant evidence includes on-site evidence such as photos and videos of the vehicles, injuries, and skid marks on the road.
Nearby CCTV cameras, dashcams in commercial vehicles, and other nearby cameras may also capture a crash. On your own, you may find it quite difficult to get footage from these sources. A lawyer can help you get this evidence and bring it together for your claim.
Filing a Claim in Time
As per Georgia Code Section 9-3-33, car crash lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. If you are delayed, your lawsuit is sure to meet failure. A lawyer can help you prepare the claim or proceed with a lawsuit if needed within this time frame.
Drafting a Demand Letter
A demand letter is akin to an opening statement for your claim. This is why it is critically important to draft a letter that is effective and gives the insurer an impression that you have a solid claim. This involves using the right tone and wording, organizing the letter suitably, and making sure you include all the relevant details. A lawyer’s help in drafting such a letter can be invaluable.
Negotiating With Insurers
Insurance companies are typically not willing to offer the amount of compensatory damages that you demand. A lot of back-and-forth negotiations take place before you, as a crash victim, and the insurance company reaches an agreed-upon figure for compensation.
If you negotiate with the company on your own, insurance agents can use various tactics to bring down the amount of damages. With a lawyer by your side, you have a lot more say in the negotiations and can seek a fair amount without being pressured into accepting a lower sum.
Filing a Lawsuit
Sometimes, an insurance company may simply refuse to pay up damages even if you have a clear and fair claim to damages. You will then need to take your case to a court of law. At this stage, it is simply impractical to proceed without sound legal help. This is because you may face the entire legal team of an insurance company.
A good lawyer can help you immensely in preparing for a lawsuit and going through related activities such as mediation conferences. Your lawyer will also work with you to prepare you for the trial.
Hiring a Reliable Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer
If you have suffered a car accident in Atlanta, GA, we can help you. Here at the Greene Legal Group, our aim is to work with you and file a claim for damages as soon as possible. We also aim to seek the maximum amount of compensatory damages for your crash-related losses. Get in touch now to discuss your car accident claim with our experienced lawyers.