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At Ponton Law, our Sandy Springs car accident lawyer is a fierce advocate for injured victims. With the experience needed to handle the full range of motor vehicle accident cases, we are prepared to protect your rights and your interests. If you or your loved one was seriously hurt in a motor vehicle collision, you need a strong legal advocate on your team. Call our experienced car accident attorneys serving the residents of Sandy Springs at (404) 418-8507 or connect with us directly through our website to arrange a free consultation with a top Sandy Springs auto accident attorney.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Sandy Springs, Georgia

The aftermath of a car crash in Sandy Springs can be confusing and chaotic. Having a plan of action can make a big difference in a Sandy Springs car accident. It is crucial that you know what to do to protect your best interests following a car wreck. Here are four key steps to take after a motor vehicle crash in Sandy Springs, GA to strengthen your car accident case:

1. Stop Your Car and Report the Crash: If you are involved in a car accident in Sandy Springs, Georgia, you need to stop your vehicle and remain at the scene (except for a medical emergency). Make sure to pull over safely and report the crash to the local police, such as the Sandy Springs Police Department.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Care: All car crash injuries in Sandy Springs should be evaluated by a licensed physician. Be sure to seek medical treatment even if you believe that your physical injuries are not that severe—many common car accident injuries are more serious than they initially appear. You must see a doctor to be eligible to bring a personal injury claim.
3. Document the Scene of the Accident: Documentation matters. Use your smartphone to take pictures of the accident scene from different angles, including the damages to your vehicle and others involved, any visible injuries, and any contributing factors to the accident (like road conditions, traffic signs, etc.). If there were any witnesses, collect their contact information for future reference for the police report.
4. Notify Your Own Insurance Provider: You should always notify your own insurance carrier after a crash in Sandy Springs—even if the collision was not your fault. To start, you may be entitled to some benefits through your own coverage regardless of fault. Further, your insurance policy likely includes provisions that require you to notify your insurer.
5. Speak to a Sandy Springs Car Accident Lawyer Before an Insurance Adjuster: Before giving a statement to an insurance adjuster, be sure to consult with an experienced Sandy Springs auto accident lawyer. Insurance companies aim to limit their liability, which can mean offering lower settlements to cover medical expenses or other expenses. An experienced attorney can provide you with advice, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you to get the compensation you deserve for your car accident claims.

The Most Common Reasons Why Auto Accidents Happen

Car crashes happen for a wide variety of different reasons. Though, they tend to share an important commonality: The overwhelming majority of car accidents could have been prevented with due care by all parties. Some of the most common reasons why car crashes happen in Sandy Springs include:

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of accidents worldwide. It includes anything that takes your attention away from driving, like texting or talking on your phone, eating, or using a GPS.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions is a common cause of accidents. Speeding not only makes accidents more likely, it makes them more severe.
• Following Too Closely: Rear-end collisions are the most common type of multi-vehicle crash. The primary reason these accidents happen is because of tailgating.
• Drunk Driving and Drugged Driving: Consuming alcohol or drugs impairs the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely, often leading to accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Reckless driving includes a variety of traffic offenses like tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, or running red lights and stop signs.
• Driver Fatigue: Drowsy driving is a serious problem that can lead to accidents. Fatigue impairs reaction time, judgment, and awareness of hazards.
• Traffic Violations: Some of the most common traffic violations include running red lights, running stop signs, and failing to properly yield the right of way. 
• Roadway Defects: Hazards on the roadway—from loose debris to major potholes to poor design—can contribute to serious crashes. 
• Vehicle Defects: In some cases, vehicle defects can cause a crash or make it worse than it otherwise would have been. A vehicle manufacturer may be strictly liable.

Be Proactive: Two Year Statute of Limitations

Car accident injury claims are time-sensitive. You have a limited amount of time to take legal action after a crash. Under Georgia law, there is a two year statute of limitations for car accident injury claims. There are only very limited exceptions to the rule. If you fail to initiate your claim in a timely manner, you could miss out on your right to take legal action at all. Do not fall behind the insurance company: Consult with a Sandy Springs car accident lawyer right away.

What to Understand About Motor Vehicle Accident Liability and a Car Accident Claim in Georgia

Fault matters in a Georgia car crash. Every accident in Sandy Springs should be thoroughly investigated with a car accident lawyer. The party who is determined to be at fault—meaning that they caused the accident through their negligence—can be held responsible for any damages resulting from the accident. Insurance companies typically determine fault based on evidence from the accident scene, police reports, and witness statements against the at fault party. In a limited number of cases, litigation may be required to determine fault for car accident victims to receive fair compensation through the legal process. Notably, Georgia also follows a modified comparative negligence rule. An injured victim can recover damages even if they are partially at fault, as long as they are less than 50 percent responsible for the accident. That being said, the amount they can recover will be reduced by their percentage of fault. Every percentage point of fault matters. For example, imagine that you suffered $30,000 in damages in a multi-vehicle collision in Sandy Springs. If you were found at fault for 30 percent of your own crash, you would be liable for 30 percent ($9,000) of your own damages. Your compensation would be reduced to 70 percent ($21,000).

We Help Injured Victims in Sandy Springs Recover Compensation

In Georgia, injured victims have the right to seek compensation for economic and non-economic losses through a car accident claim. Sadly, you cannot rely on any insurance company—even your own insurance company—to look out for you and your family. They want to settle claims for less. Our Sandy Springs, GA car accident lawyers help clients seek compensation for the full extent of their damages. Recovery may include:

• Automobile repairs/replacement;
• Hospital bills and other medical costs;
• Physical therapy and rehabilitative care;
• Lost wages and diminished earning potential;
• Pain and suffering;
• Disability or disfigurement; and
• Wrongful death of a family member.

Tips for Dealing With Insurance Adjusters After a Crash in Sandy Springs

Most car accident injury claims are defended by insurance companies. Unfortunately, insurers can be very challenging to work with after a serious crash. They are not on the side of victims or their families. Big insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible in settlement—possibly even denying compensation altogether if they can get away with it. Here are four tips for managing the insurance claims process after a car accident in Sandy Springs: 

1. Decline a Recorded Statement: Insurance adjusters are not on your side. You are not legally required to provide a recorded statement to the insurance company after a crash in Sandy Springs. These statements can be used against you. Insurance adjusters may attempt to twist your words to minimize your claim. 
2. Never Admit or Accept Fault for a Crash: Georgia is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state. With that in mind, you should avoid making statements like “I’m sorry” or “It was my fault”—even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident. Determining fault is a complex process. Let your Sandy Springs car accident lawyer handle fault. 
3. Do Not Rush Through Settlement: A car accident injury settlement takes time—particularly after a bad crash. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters often pressure accident victims to accept a quick settlement. Rushing the process can lead to an undervalued claim. Be patient. 
4. Work Through a Sandy Springs Car Accident Lawyer: You do not have to take on the insurance claims process alone. A top-rated Sandy Springs car accident lawyer can review your case, answer your questions, and develop a comprehensive plan of action to help you seek justice and the absolute maximum available compensation.

Why Trust Sandy Springs Auto Accident Lawyer James T. Ponton

Car accident injury claims are complicated. Our founding attorney James T. Ponton is a former insurance company defense lawyer who uses his unique insight into the system to advocate for the people who need help the most—insurance victims and their families. We know exactly how the big insurance companies operate. When you contact our Georgia personal injury team to file your personal injury lawsuit, you will have a chance to connect with a Sandy Springs car accident attorney who is ready to:

• Listen to what you have to say and answer your car accident questions;
• Investigate your motor vehicle crash, gathering the evidence to prove what happened;
• Ensure that your medical bills and other damages are properly documented;
• Represent you in any insurance settlement negotiations; and
• Do what is needed to help you secure the maximum financial compensation.

Car Accident Claims in Sandy Springs: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I Speak to a Lawyer After a Crash Sandy Springs?

Yes. If you were hurt in a motor vehicle collision in Sandy Springs, you should consult with an experienced attorney right away. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on any insurance company to look out for your rights or your interests after a crash. A top-tier Sandy Springs, GA auto accident lawyer will help you take action to get justice and the maximum available financial compensation. 

What is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident Injury?

There is no true “average” settlement amount for a car accident injury case in Sandy Springs. A settlement in the four, five, six, or even seven figures could be reasonable and appropriate depending on the specific circumstances of your case. An experienced Sandy Springs car accident lawyer can help evaluate your case to ensure you pursue the maximum compensation. 

Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?

Maybe. With that being said, litigation is somewhat unusual in car accident injury cases in Georgia. Most car accident cases in Georgia are resolved through settlement negotiations and do not go to trial. However, if the insurance company disputes liability or the value of your claim, you may need to go to court. A trial-tested Sandy Springs car accident attorney can help. 

What If the Driver Who Hit Me Did Not Have Insurance Coverage?

In Georgia, all motorists need to have minimum mandatory liability coverage. Unfortunately, not all of them actually do. If the driver who hit you did not have insurance, you may still have options to recover compensation for your damages. In Georgia, you can file a claim through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if it is included in your own auto policy. An attorney can help you explore all available options, including legal action against the at-fault driver and/or any third parties. 

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Sandy Springs Auto Accident Attorney?

With Ponton Law, you are never required to pay any upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees. We represent car accident victims in Sandy Springs on a contingency fee basis. If you do not get paid, then we do not get paid. It is as simple as that. Our goal is to maximize your recovery. Your initial consultation with our Sandy Springs, GA car accident lawyers are free and carry no obligations.

Contact Sandy Springs, GA Car Crash Lawyer for a Free Review of Your Case

At Ponton Law, our Sandy Springs auto accident attorneys are standing by, ready to get started on your case to receive a fair settlement. Hurt in a motor vehicle crash? Do not go up against insurers alone without a Sandy Springs car accident lawyer by your side. Reach out to us by phone at (404) 418-8507 or contact our firm online for your no-cost, no-obligation consultation in personal injury law. Our experienced lawyer handles auto accident claims in Sandy Springs, Fulton County, and throughout the region.