When a car accident happens to you in Decatur, Ga., it can be a terrifying and stressful experience. The first thing you must think about is your safety and health. Be sure you get emergency care if recommended and follow up with all physician and testing appointments.
The best thing you can do to protect your rights is to retain a skilled car accident attorney who will work for you. At SHElaw firm®, we care about our clients. We will get you the damages you deserve. Our expert car accident lawyers want to share ways we can help protect your rights if we represent you.
Initial Interview
At your initial interview with SHElaw firm®, we want to hear your story. We want your version of the accident. How you were treated by the other driver, responding officers, witnesses, EMTs, and anyone else at the scene. Were you able to take any photos of the cars? Did you get any witness information? What was your initial impression of the other driver? Did they admit fault, or were they charged? We want to hear about any medical care you have or may need to receive in the future. Have you been able to work, go to school, or perform your pre-accident activities? What is the condition of your vehicle? How has the accident changed your life? Have you contacted your insurance company? Has the other insurance carrier contacted you? Has an attorney for the other driver or their insurance company contacted you? Have you given an official statement to them? We will share our first impressions and projections of your chance at winning the case. There is no charge for our initial interview. If we take your case, we work on a contingency basis, so you do not pay us until your case settles.
Accident Reconstructionist to Evaluate the Accident
Our Accident Reconstructionist will go to the accident scene to evaluate the cause of the accident and document the evidence. It is helpful if you have taken photos of the scene when the cars were in the actual wrecked position. They will talk to witnesses, get the police reports, and speak with the responding officers. Our staff will research all information available to recreate the accident, moments before, and what happened immediately afterward. We have found evaluating the other drivers’ behavior in the weeks following the accident useful in other cases.
Communications with Insurance Carriers and Attorneys
We take those time-consuming, annoying, and confusing discussions with the insurance carriers and their attorneys for you. Opposing attorneys have jeopardized victims’ jobs by phoning them constantly and asking repetitive questions. Some work very hard to confuse the victim and sometimes even intimidate them into agreeing to drop their case. Many accident victims give up on their claims simply because they are frustrated by all the calls and confusing information. Our experts take over all these communications with other attorneys, so you can get back to your life. We keep you informed of all the crucial steps. To avoid trial, we can attempt to negotiate a settlement that you are pleased with.
Trial Preparations
If negotiations do not work, we will be fully prepared to go to trial in the Decatur, Georgia area with you. In Georgia, a comparative negligence standard determines the level of fault. Simply put, this means that if you are at any percentage of fault, your award for damages is reduced by that percentage. If you are determined to be 10% at fault, you can only receive 90% of what you have requested. There are four main elements evaluated to determine the level of fault.
- Duty of Care – Each driver is responsible for operating the vehicle with a level of care equal to that of every other driver.
- Breach of Duty of Care– If a driver does not show the appropriate responsibilities, they can be in violation.
- Causation – The damages suffered are a direct result of the other driver’s disregard for Duty of Care.
- Damages – Current and future expenses sought for recoupment incurred due to the wreck.
We identify violations of these elements to establish fault and prove you are due damages. We then determine the exact damages you should be eligible for. This portion of the preparations can be very detailed and lengthy. It is imperative that we work closely together to ensure you receive all the damages you are due.
There are two or possibly three types of damages that you may be eligible to recover.
Economic Damages
Economic Damages are actual monetary damages shown by estimates, bills, and receipts.
- Property Damage: Estimates for your auto repairs and any property loss
- Medical Bills: All medical services that you have received and future services that you will need
- Lost Wages: Salary lost for time out of work directly related to the accident
- Future lost wages: Salary you will not collect due to inability to work in the future
Non Economic Damages
Non-Economic Damages account for expenses resulting from the accident that may be more difficult to calculate.
- Physical impairment, scarring, and disfigurement: Documentation of permanent physical impairment, disfigurement, or scarring and how these may affect the future
- Anxiety, depression, and mental anguish: Proof of psychiatric care and projected effects of trauma
- Decreased quality of life: Proof of inability to enjoy life in the same way as pre-accident
- Pain and suffering: Proof of prolonged chronic pain and loss of satisfaction in life
Punitive Damages
Punitive Damages are possible when there is proof of recklessness or malice in the at-fault driver at the time of the wreck. Some examples are driving under the influence, excessive speed, and careless driving. Driving a vehicle that is improperly maintained can also be a reason for filing for punitive damages.
Get the Best Car Accident Lawyers on Your Case!
SHElaw firm® has an experienced court attorney in Shequel P. Ross. She is dedicated to the success of her cases and making her clients whole clients. We are committed to protecting the rights of our clients after an auto accident. Our team has achieved exceptional outcomes by effectively representing clients in auto accidents, demonstrating damages, and ensuring recovery of losses. Contact us for a free consultation or call 470-378-1162 today.
