Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. It is home to almost 500K people, with even more coming into the city each day to go to work, school and enjoy all the amenities offered.
While living in Atlanta has countless benefits, there’s also a downside. Due to all the traffic, car accidents are inevitable. In fact, it’s estimated that there are around 151 car accidents in Fulton County every day.
If you are one of the unfortunate individuals to be involved in a car accident, you may wonder what to do and what rights you have. One of the best things you can do is contact our legal team at Hines Law. We have experience handling all types of car accident cases in Atlanta and can work to protect your rights.
Besides contacting us, keep reading to learn what to do and your rights after being involved in an Atlanta-based car accident.
Car Accident Laws In Atlanta
Georgia is an at-fault state. If you are the injured driver and did not cause the accident, you are eligible to receive compensation for all related costs. However, there are a few steps you need to take to protect these rights to compensation.
Types of Compensation You Are Entitled to After a Car Accident
What you are entitled to receive after a car accident is determined by who is at fault. If it is determined that the accident took place because of another driver’s inactions or actions, they are said to be “at fault.” Based on tort law in Georgia, this means the liable or at-fault driver is required to cover your damages and costs.
Some of the most common types of damages you have the right to claim compensation for include:
Medical Expenses
After an accident, you may require medical treatment. Had the accident never occurred, you would not need medical treatment, which is why the at-fault driver must cover these costs.
To ensure you receive full compensation for your medical costs, you need to keep a record of all related medical bills. Some of the costs you may incur include:
- Payments or bills from doctors and hospitals
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy costs
- Prescription medications
- Travel costs when going to medical appointments
- Future costs related to the accident
While the at-fault driver and their insurance company must pay these costs, they don’t pay each time you go to the doctor or receive treatment. You must undergo treatment or reach “maximum medical improvement” before you know the full cost of medical treatment.
Pain and Suffering
Along with medical costs, you can also recover damages for pain and suffering. There is no explicit amount you will receive, and this is highly dependent on your situation.
Your attorney can help determine a fair amount of compensation for the pain and suffering you experience caused by the accident.
Some examples of pain and suffering your attorney may be able to claim compensation for related to your car accident include:
- Humiliation
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental disorders related to the accident
- Mood swings
- Anger and fear
Lost Wages
There’s a good chance you will miss work after being involved in a car accident. If you suffer a more serious injury, you may be out of work for an extended amount of time. If this happens, your attorney can make a claim for any lost wages you experience.
Protecting Your Right To Compensation After An Atlanta Car Accident
It is up to you to protect your right to compensation after an Atlanta car accident. Some of the steps you should take to do this include:
- Collect information from the other people involved in the accident
- Collect information from any witnesses
- Take videos of photos of the accident scene and damage to your vehicles, the position of the vehicles, etc.
- Take photos or videos of your injuries
- Never admit fault to anyone
- Talk to the police
After you have received a medical evaluation and you are in a safe place, it is a good idea to get in touch with an Atlanta car accident attorney.
Contact Our Atlanta Car Accident Law Firm
Car accidents are scary. The aftermath can be a whirlwind of activity and leave you with your head spinning. While this is true, you can receive the compensation you deserve based on the damages you suffered when you take steps to protect your rights.
Do you need help with your Atlanta car accident case? If so, contact our team of legal professionals at Hines Law by calling (770) 746-7909. Our team is here to discuss your case and help you recover the compensation you deserve for the injuries and damages you suffered. We are your partner and will fight for you and protect your rights.
