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Do You Need A Car Accident Lawyer?
If you were injured in an accident in Dalton, GA, that was caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another, you may be entitled to compensation. At the Hines Law Firm, a Dalton personal injury lawyer can guide you throughout the legal process and help you fight for the fair compensation you deserve for an accident that was caused by the negligence of another.
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Do I Need to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
Hiring a car accident lawyer can be beneficial in several ways.
While you are not required by law to hire a lawyer after a car crash, doing so can significantly increase your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries, vehicle damages, and other losses.
When You Should Consider Hiring a Car Accident Attorney:
1. Serious Injuries or Fatalities
- If you or someone else involved in the accident suffered significant injuries or if the accident resulted in a death, hiring a personal injury attorney is highly recommended. A lawyer can help you recover maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical expenses.
2. Disputed Liability
- If there is a disagreement over who caused the accident, an experienced lawyer can help gather evidence (such as police reports, eyewitness testimony, and accident reconstruction) to prove your case and establish fault.
3. Insurance Company Issues
- If the insurance company is offering a low settlement or denies your accident injury claim, an attorney can negotiate with them to ensure you get fair compensation. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and an experienced attorney knows how to challenge these tactics.
4. Complicated Legal or Medical Issues
- Accidents involving multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, or government-owned vehicles can involve complex legal and insurance issues. Additionally, if you have long-term or permanent injuries, an attorney can calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical costs and loss of earning capacity.
5. You’re Being Blamed for the Accident
- If the other party or their insurance company is trying to place partial or full blame on you, an attorney can defend your case. In states with comparative negligence laws (like Georgia), your compensation may be reduced if you're found partially at fault, so legal representation is critical to your financial recovery.
6. Unclear or Complex State Laws
- Car accident laws vary by state, and some have specific rules about things like comparative fault, minimum insurance requirements, and no-fault insurance systems. A personal injury lawyer will help you navigate these complexities, ensuring that you file the correct accident claims within the proper deadlines.
7. Negotiating a Fair Settlement
- While insurance companies are supposed to offer fair compensation, they often attempt to settle personal injury claims for less than they are worth. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the full value of your claim, including both economic and non-economic damages, such as emotional trauma.
8. You’re Considering Filing an Accident Lawsuit
- If your case cannot be settled with the insurance companies, or if the settlement offers are inadequate, you may need to file a lawsuit. An attorney can help you prepare your case for court, file the necessary legal documents, and represent you throughout the entire legal process.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?
Motor vehicle accidents can result in life-changing injuries, steep ongoing medical expenses, lost wages, and a totaled vehicle.
During this time, you must take legal action against the negligent party as soon as possible to hold them accountable for the harm you have suffered.
When you hire an auto accident lawyer, they will handle every aspect of your accident claim, from filing paperwork and gathering evidence to negotiating with the insurance company and representing you in court.
At the Hines Law Firm, our legal team can also help crash victims by:
01Investigating the Accident
Your attorney will conduct an in-depth investigation to identify what caused the collision and which party was to blame.
They will gather evidence such as:
- Accident report/police report
- Photos of your injuries, vehicle damage, and photos of the accident scene
- Video footage, if available
- Phone records
- Vehicle repair estimates
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert testimony
- Pay stubs
- Medical records
- Medical bills
And more.
Your attorney will gather vital evidence that can help support your claim and your demand for compensation.
And more.
Your attorney will gather vital evidence that can help support your claim and your demand for compensation
02Consulting with Experts
Your car accident lawyer may also meet with experts to help strengthen your claim and prove the severity of your injuries and other damages.
At the Hines Law Firm, our legal team may work with the following types of experts:
- Accident reconstructionists
- Forensic accountants
- Life care planners
- Private investigators
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Engineers
- Mechanics
- Economists
And other industry professionals.
03Negotiating with the Insurance Company
The other driver’s insurer may be quick to contact you by phone and ask for your side of the story. A claims adjuster will ask to record your statement, as they ask misleading and confusing questions meant to get an accident victim to admit fault or say something else that could harm their claim. When you hire a car accident attorney at the Hines Law Firm, they will handle all interactions with the insurance company, including settlement negotiations. The initial offer made by an insurance company is often too low to cover the true cost of your accident-related losses.
An experienced car accident lawyer will have assessed your damages and will know what your claim is worth. They will handle all negotiation discussions with the insurance company and bring you every offer the claims adjuster makes, advising you on whether to accept the offer or make a counteroffer.
04Representing You in Court
If the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, your car accident lawyer may advise you to file a lawsuit. They will only recommend pursuing compensation in court if they believe you stand a better chance of recovering the compensation you deserve.
During this time, as they prepare for trial, they will continue to negotiate with the insurance company. Fortunately, most auto accident claims are settled out of court. An insurance company does not want to spend time and money on a long trial.
Why Choose Hines Law Firm?
- Proven Track Record
- Personalized Legal Strategies
- Compassionate And Dedicated Team
- Over 40 Years Of Combined Experience
- 90% Trial Success Rate
/ Testimonials
What Our Clients Have To Say
Mari Gutierrez Happy Client
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What Types of Accident Damages Can I Recover After a Car Crash?
The damages you can recover after being involved in a motor vehicle collision with a negligent driver can depend on many factors, such as the severity of your injuries, prognosis, lost wages, and many other variables.
At our accident law firm, your car accident attorney will carefully review your case and assess damages to ensure you pursue the compensation you’re owed for your economic and non-economic losses.
In some cases, an auto accident victim can recover financial costs for the following types of damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Past and future medical care costs
- Loss of quality of life
- Damage to vehicles
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost wages
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent disability
- Punitive damages
What Types Of Injuries Are Common in Auto Accidents?
A car accident can cause minor injuries, such as soft tissue damage, or catastrophic injuries, such as a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injuries.
Some other common car accident injuries include:
- Spinal Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Internal Injuries
- Neck Injuries
- Leg Injuries
- Burns
When you work with an attorney on our legal team, they will review your medical records and consult with experts to ensure you pursue the appropriate amount of compensation when filing your auto accident claim.
What is the Statute of Limitations in Georgia?
In Georgia, an accident victim will have a time limit of two years from the date of the collision to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Failure to file a lawsuit by this deadline will result in a case being dismissed, preventing the injured party from recovering compensation from the liable party.
When you hire a legal professional from the Hines Law Firm, they will ensure that your lawsuit is filed correctly and within the statute of limitations.
If you've been involved in a car accident and need personal injury protection, Hines Law Firm can help you navigate your insurance claim and ensure you get the financial compensation you deserve.
At our personal injury law firm, you can schedule a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer to assist with the claims process and to help you understand your legal options.
Free Evaluation
Top Rated
Lawyers
Our highly experienced lawyers will contact you for a Free Legal Consultation.
Contact Us Today!
If you were injured in an accident that was caused by the negligent actions of another, contact a personal injury lawyer at the Hines Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation. Let our legal team guide you through the complex legal process, every step of the way and recover the compensation you deserve, as soon as possible. Contact us today to learn more.
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