Are you reeling from a car accident? Finding the best car accident lawyers in Atlanta isn’t just about legal expertise. It’s about having a fierce advocate in your corner when you need it most. Your medical bills, insurance claims and associated loss of earning capacity add up so fast. In the city of Atlanta, Georgia, where traffic is just as dense, and accidents are unfortunately all too common, it is beneficial to have the best car accident attorney to ensure you get the settlement you are entitled to.
Best Car Accident Lawyers in Atlanta
If you’re looking for car accident lawyers in Atlanta, here are some best options based on various sources:
Andrew B. Cash
Andrew B. Cash is a Top Personal Injury Lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia. He has handled thousands of cases in his over two decades of experience. He has the expertise to effectively prosecute the claims of those victimized by life-altering events. He is rated as a Top 100 Attorney List with Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers in the field of employment law and is included in the Best Lawyers in America list.
His practice is concentrated on serious injury in negligent car crashes, medical malpractice, and product liability. His firm has obtained multi-million dollar recoveries in cases involving car and commercial truck accidents, including a single-car crash caused by negligent road construction resulting in a $17.95 million settlement.
Robin Frazer Clark
Robin Frazer Clark is a top Atlanta personal injury attorney. Her firm was founded on cumulative decades of successful experience securing compensation for injured clients in a variety of cases, from auto accidents and medical malpractice to wrongful death, among others.
She has tried over 75 jury trials, most alone, and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts in cases involving an auto accident. For instance, she won a $24.1 million verdict for a pedestrian struck by a van, $3.75 million for a front-end collision and a $7.5 million settlement on a wrongful death case involving a tractor-trailer. She has appeared over 30 times in front of the Georgia Court of Appeals.
Cale Conley
Cale Conley is a renowned and the most efficient personal injury attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. His services and knowledge in the field of law earned the title “SuperLawyer” consecutively for 16 years as announced by Atlanta Magazine. Product Liability cases, workplace Injury cases, Trucking accidents, business Torts, and wrong-death cases are also some of the most fascinating fields of interest where Conley has delivered remarkable work. He has specific expertise in automotive product liability cases involving seat belt failures, tyre tread failures, or negligent vehicle repairs by tyre or automotive repair shops.
Some of these include product liability cases of auto accidents like that against Goodyear that resulted in a $2.85 million verdict stemming from a fatal tyre blowout on Interstate 85 near Atlanta. Additionally, Cale has won many negligence lawsuits in which the accident itself was a negligent act. One such example is when a garbage truck rear-ended a family’s car, and a jury returned a $1.3 million verdict for the severe brain injury caused to an 8-year-old girl.
James A. Goldstein
James A. Goldstein is the co-founding attorney for Atlanta, Georgia-based law firm Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC. His practice in personal injury law is extremely distinguished, with a particular emphasis on cases involving catastrophic personal injury and medical malpractice. In 1980, Goldstein received his degree from Emory University’s School of Law. During the period soon after he acquired his law degree, he turned out to be one of the most successful lawyers in his field.
He focuses on personal injury claims related to truck and car accidents. He obtained verdicts and settlements for lawsuits concerning a fatal truck accident caused by a drunk driver and cases of brain and spinal cord injuries due to car accidents through the firm. It also includes tractor-trailer crash recoveries worth $7.7m and $17.2 m among its achievements.
Brandon Hornsby
Brandon Hornsby is a renowned personal injury lawyer based in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a dedicated lawyer who commits to representation for seriously injured persons, victims of civil rights, as well as whistleblower clients who have mustered the courage to expose corruption. Honorable Hornsby has the reputation of being a “fearless advocate” and “champion of the underdog.” He has amassed a long list of verdicts won in jury trials and seized large settlements on behalf of his clients.
She has tried major murder cases to judge and jury as both a state and federal prosecutor and was the youngest lawyer ever chosen as Georgia’s Assistant District Attorney of the Year. He has now constructed a practice representing injured plaintiffs that has resulted in several multi-million dollar recoveries for his clients in medical malpractice and negligent injury cases.
Why Choose an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer?
- Local Expertise: Atlanta car accident lawyers understand the specific laws and regulations that govern accidents in Georgia. They know the intricacies of dealing with local insurance companies and courts.
- Proven Track Record: The best car accident lawyers in Atlanta have a history of successful settlements and verdicts for their clients. They are skilled negotiators and litigators.
- Reduced Stress: Knowing a legal professional is handling your case allows you to focus on your recovery and well-being.
- Maximized Compensation: Experienced attorneys understand how to calculate all damages you’re entitled to, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost income.
Qualities to Look for in a Car Accident Lawyer
When choosing a car accident lawyer in Atlanta, consider these key qualities:
- Experience: Look for attorneys who specialize in personal injury law, specifically car accidents. The more experience they have, the better equipped they are to handle your case.
- Reputation: Check online reviews and testimonials from past clients. Reputable lawyers will have a strong track record of client satisfaction.
- Communication: Open and transparent communication is essential. Choose an attorney who keeps you informed about your case’s progress and readily answers your questions.
- Contingency Fees: Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. This ensures they are motivated to get you the best possible outcome.
What is the average settlement amount for car accident cases in Atlanta?
The average settlement amount for car accident cases in Atlanta varies greatly depending on the severity of the injuries, property damage, and other factors like lost wages and pain and suffering. However, some general estimates can be found:
- Minor accidents: Settlements for minor accidents with minimal injuries and property damage can range from $2,500 to $25,000.
- Moderate accidents: Cases involving more significant injuries, such as whiplash or broken bones, might settle for amounts between $15,000 and $100,000.
- Severe accidents: Accidents resulting in severe or permanent injuries could result in settlements exceeding $100,000, potentially reaching the hundreds of thousands.
What are the legal requirements for filing a car accident lawsuit in Georgia?
The legal requirements for filing a car accident lawsuit in Georgia include:
- Statute of Limitations: In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline may vary in certain situations, such as if the injured person is a minor or if the injuries were not immediately apparent.
- Fault Determination: Georgia follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
- Minimum Injury Threshold: To sue for pain and suffering, Georgia law requires that you have suffered a “serious injury,” which could include broken bones, permanent disfigurement, or substantial loss of bodily function.
- Notice to the Defendant: Before filing a lawsuit, you (or your attorney) must give written notice of your claim to the at-fault driver and their insurance company.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, you can file a lawsuit in the appropriate court. The lawsuit must include a complaint detailing your allegations and the damages you are seeking.
- Evidence: To be successful in your lawsuit, you will need to gather and present evidence to support your claim. This may include medical records, police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to either settle your claim with the insurance company or file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. However, there are some exceptions to this general rule:
- Injury to a Minor: If the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations may not begin until they turn 18.
- Hidden Injuries: If your injuries were not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations might start from the date you discovered or should have discovered the injury.
- Wrongful Death: If the accident resulted in death, the family of the deceased generally has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
What types of damages can I claim in a car accident lawsuit in Georgia?
In a car accident lawsuit in Georgia, you can generally claim three types of damages:
- Special Damages: These are economic losses that can be easily quantified with receipts or bills. They include:
- Medical expenses: Past, current, and future medical bills for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other related treatments.
- Property damage: Repair costs or the replacement value for your vehicle or other damaged property.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to your injuries and inability to work.
- Loss of future earnings: If your injuries permanently affect your ability to work, you can claim compensation for the reduced earning potential throughout your lifetime.
- Other out-of-pocket expenses: Any other costs directly related to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments or assistive devices.
- General Damages: These are non-economic losses that are more difficult to quantify but can significantly impact your life. They include:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Mental anguish: Damages for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other psychological conditions resulting from the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for your inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed due to your injuries.
- Disfigurement or scarring: If the accident caused permanent scarring or disfigurement, you might be entitled to compensation for the emotional distress and negative impact on your self-esteem.
- Loss of consortium: In some cases, the spouse of an injured person may be able to claim damages for the loss of companionship, intimacy, and support caused by the injuries.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the at-fault driver’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, the court may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the defendant and deter others from engaging in similar behavior. However, punitive damages are not commonly awarded in car accident cases.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does a car accident lawyer cost in Atlanta?
Most car accident lawyers in Atlanta work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The percentage they take typically ranges from 33.3% to 40% of the settlement or award.
What should I do after a car accident in Atlanta?
Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Report the accident to the police and your insurance company.
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Atlanta?
The average settlement depends on many factors, including the severity of injuries, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company offers me a settlement?
Yes, it’s always a good idea to consult with a lawyer before accepting any settlement offer.