The Athens Car Accident Lawyer

If you've been involved in a car accident in Athens, it’s essential to take the right steps to protect your health and your potential claim. Here’s what to do:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health is the first priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries might not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical evaluation ensures your injuries are documented, which is crucial for your claim.
2. Document the Accident Scene: If you’re able, gather as much information as possible. Take photographs of the accident scene, damage to all vehicles involved, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from any witnesses and exchange information with other drivers. Accurate documentation can provide solid evidence to support your case.
3. Limit Statements to Insurance Adjusters: Insurance adjusters may reach out to gather statements, but it’s best to avoid giving any recorded statements without legal guidance. Be cautious when discussing the accident, as insurance companies often try to use statements against you to minimize their payout. Instead, consult your Athens car accident attorney before speaking with adjusters.

Common Insurance Company Tactics

After a car accident, it’s common for insurance companies to employ various tactics to reduce or deny claims. Knowing these strategies can help you counteract them effectively:

• Offering a Quick, Low Settlement: Insurance companies may offer a lowball settlement quickly after the accident, hoping you’ll accept it before understanding the full extent of your damages. These initial offers often fail to cover ongoing medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Consult with our car accident lawyer in Athens to evaluate any settlement offer and ensure you receive full compensation.
• Questioning the Severity of Injuries: Some insurers may argue that your injuries are less severe than claimed, especially if there was a delay in seeking medical attention. They may try to claim that injuries are unrelated to the accident or pre-existing. This is why seeking prompt medical care and following all recommended treatment plans is vital. Documentation from a medical professional helps substantiate the legitimacy and severity of your injuries.
• Placing Blame on You to Reduce Liability: Insurance companies may try to assign a greater portion of blame to you to limit their liability. Working with a skilled Athens car accident attorney can help you gather evidence that supports your version of events and minimizes your fault.
• Delaying the Claims Process: By delaying claim processing, some insurance companies aim to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement. Extended delays can be financially burdensome, especially if you’re dealing with medical bills and lost wages. An experienced attorney can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring your claim proceeds as efficiently as possible.

Can I Recover Compensation If I'm Partially at Fault?

In order to secure compensation for injuries and other damages sustained in an automobile collision in Georgia, you must show that you are less than 50 percent at fault for the crash. Georgia follows what is known as the “modified comparative fault,” or shared fault, rule. 

Under this rule, you may still be able to collect compensation if you were partially at fault for an accident, as long as the other driver is determined to have been more at fault.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Georgia include:

• Distracted driving, including texting while driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol
• Reckless driving, including speeding and street racing
• Engaging in road rage behaviors
• Following too closely (“tailgating”)
• Inexperienced drivers
• Fatigued driving and/or falling asleep at the wheel
• Failing to stop at red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield the right-of-way

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Georgia? 

This list is not exhaustive; if you believe your accident was caused by another motorist engaging in any of these or other negligent behaviors, reach out to our car accident lawyer in Athens as soon as possible. In most cases, you only have two years from the date of the accident to bring a personal injury claim.

Real Life Situations of Real Clients 

Imagine you're the following person:

On my way home, I came upon a large intersection that I pass through everyday. As I proceeded through the intersection, all I remember is that everything went black as I heard a massive metallic crushing sound. Continue Reading.

Hear From Real People We've Helped

"There are not enough words to express or say what a fantastic lawyer that Joshua W. Branch is. I would highly recommend Joshua W. Branch to anybody. He is a lawyer that takes his clients very seriously as if they were his children or his family. I have not had to ask him anything, he kept me up to date and advised me of everything without question. I was seriously hurt in a car wreck and he resolved my case beyond my expectations. I would recommend him to be the lawyer of the year. Also, his staff has been very courteous and I highly recommend him and his staff." - Gloria, Personal Injury Client

Put our extensive experience on your side; call us at (706) 760-9220 for a no-cost consultation with the Athens car accident attorneys at The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC. We are here to help!

Car Accidents:  The Importance of Uninsured Motorists/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

More often than not we deal with defendants who do not have adequate insurance coverage on their motor vehicle.  The State of Georgia only mandates $25,000 in liability coverage to have the minimum required.  So, you can imagine a scenario in which the injured victim from a car accident has over $100,000 in medical expenses but the defendant driver has only the state minimum of $25,000 in liability coverage – sadly, this happens quite often. 

Thankfully, the solution is simple: MAKE SURE YOU CARRY AS MUCH UM/UIM COVERAGE ON YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY THAT YOU CAN AFFORD so in those such instances you have additional insurance coverage to purpose so that justice can be obtained in such situations.  

Remember, the insurance coverage (liability and UM/UIM) is the extent of available recovery in your personal injury case, so having substantial UM/UIM allows you seek a full and just recovery if the at-fault driver is without coverage or has inadequate coverage.

Often clients become concerned that if they use their own coverage that their rates/premiums will increase; however, there is a statute in the State of Georgia that prohibits such retaliatory conduct from insurance companies and it is codified at O.C.G.A. 33-9-40.  In essence it says that an insurance company cannot punish a customer for using their own insurance in situations which they were not at-fault.

If you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM), you might still have options to make a recovery if you were wise enough to ensure you have adequate UM/UIM coverage on yourself and your family.

• Uninsured motorist insurance is meant to cover your losses and damages if you are hit by a driver with no auto insurance coverage. This type of insurance can also apply if the other driver can’t be identified, such as after a hit-and-run accident (Granted, an independent witness needs to be present to verify such a hit-and-run).
• Underinsured motorist insurance is meant to cover the losses and damages that are left unpaid after using up the other driver’s insurance policy coverage. For example, if your medical bills were $50,000 but the liable driver’s insurance only covered $20,000, then your UIM coverage could provide the remainder of what is fair based upon your pain and suffering and total medical expenses and lost wages.  However, the details of the UM/UIM policy will dictate so ensure you have as much UM/UIM as possible.

Importantly, make sure your UM/UIM coverage is “add-on” or “excess” so that it can stack on the liability coverage and not be reduced by the at-fault driver’s coverage.

Claims filed using UM/UIM insurance coverage are first-party claims. Both types of insurance have a coverage cap, too, so it is always recommended that you purchase a UM/UIM insurance policy with the maximum cap that you can reasonably afford. 

If there are any issues, disputes, or denials with the insurance coverage, its caps, and/or your eligibility as a covered party, then it could mean that you end up in a legal contest with your own auto insurance provider, rather than that of another motorist.

Your Trusted Local Advocate for Car Accident Cases in Athens

Living in Athens, Georgia, presents unique challenges, especially when navigating our busy streets. With a vibrant community filled with students, families, and visitors, car accidents can occur unexpectedly, often resulting in severe injuries and distress. A legal team that understands the local environment and specific issues related to car accidents is essential for your recovery.

Our firm is well-acquainted with local law enforcement and traffic regulations enforced by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. We stay informed about local traffic patterns and accident hotspots, allowing us to build a strong case that reflects your unique circumstances.

Local Resources for Car Accident Victims

If you find yourself injured in a car accident, several local resources can provide vital support:

• Athens-Clarke County Police Department: They can assist you in filing a police report and provide immediate assistance following an accident.
• Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center: A reliable facility for urgent medical care, ensuring you receive prompt treatment for any injuries sustained.
• Georgia Department of Driver Services: This office can provide information about your driver's license and accident reports and guide you through the necessary steps. 

One notable concern for Athens residents is the tactics employed by insurance companies, which often prioritize their profits over the well-being of injured individuals. With the high traffic volume, particularly near the University of Georgia, these companies may try to rush you into accepting a quick settlement that doesn’t adequately cover your damages. We are prepared to challenge these tactics and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Contact us online or call (706) 760-9220 for a free consultation with The Athens Car Accident Attorney. We have secured millions on behalf of our clients; find out how our firm can help you today.