The number of car accidents in Atlanta is pretty high. But if that statement seems too far-fetched, there are plenty of statistics to back it up. For example, did you know that between 2020 and 2021, Atlanta saw around 20,000 car accidents, despite the city being under lockdown for most of 2020? Furthermore, the years between 2011 and 2015 witnessed about 243 fatalities, of which 30% of those deaths were pedestrians.
You never know when someone’s negligence behind the wheel might leave you seriously injured and unable to work. Hiring an Atlanta car accident attorney assures you of securing adequate compensation for your injury or an amount proportional to your injuries.
They will collect the evidence, negotiate on your behalf, fill out the legal paperwork, and assist you in every possible way to ensure you win the case. But before you hire an attorney, these are some questions you might consider asking them.
How quickly can they solve the case?
The first thing you should ask your attorney is when they will start working on your case. Also, ask what their turnaround time is like for cases like yours (i.e., how long does it typically take them to respond with a quote or set up an appointment).
They must also understand what kind of response time may be realistic based on factors like injury severity. If you decide to file a lawsuit, how long will the process take? Most lawsuit settlements in Atlanta take between six to 12 months and one to two years to reach a trial after a lawsuit.
How much will it cost to fight the case?
Ask them about the cost of taking up your case. The cost of your case depends on several factors, including the type of case, the lawyer’s experience and reputation, where they practice (local vs. out-of-town), whether they have a website, and more.
You should also ask your car accident lawyer whether they have experience in cases like yours so that you can feel confident that they know what they’re doing and will be able to represent your interests effectively.
If you’re looking for an attorney in your city, that is, Atlanta, look into their past cases before hiring them and what fees are typically charged by that particular practice area. This can help narrow down which attorneys might be best suited for your situation without spending months researching each one individually!
Also, consider asking if they work on a contingency fee basis. Your lawyer will receive their fee only if you win the case, without paying any money beforehand.
How to know if a compensation amount is fair?
You should ask your car accident lawyer how they determine compensation amounts and what factors they consider when deciding a fair amount of compensation.
In most cases, the amount offered by the negligent insurance company will be below your expectations. The reason is simple: they are motivated by profit-making and will do anything to lower the total payable amount.
However, since Atlanta is located in Georgia (an at-fault state), your attorney must first prove the negligence on the driver’s part before seeking compensation. If you are less than 50% responsible, you can claim the total amount or one you think is fair.
What are economic and non-economic damages?
Economic damages include medical care costs, lost wages, present and future earnings loss, and property damage. These are the items that insurance companies cover.
Non-economic damages are:
- Pain and suffering (mental anguish).
- Loss of consortium (losing a loved one to an accident).
- Punitive damages (punishment for wrongdoing).
Even though most states in the USA have a limit on non-economic damages, Georgia and Atlanta do not. You can demand an amount you feel is proportionate to the mental distress you suffered after the injury.
Before hiring an Atlanta car accident attorney, you should consider asking questions like these. Doing so will help you get familiar with the process and know what to expect from them. Your lawyer will ensure you receive the amount you deserve and assist you throughout the claims process.
