Automobile Accidents and Injuries
There are many issues to sort out following your involvement in an auto accident. Lloyd is skilled and experienced at separating the issues, creating a plan of action, then vigorously pursuing the plan until all of the issues are resolved.
If you were involved in an accident, avoid too much interaction with the insurance company prior to calling an attorney. The insurance company's goal is NOT to just gather information from you, ultimately they want to minimize their own financial responsibility.
Typical Types of Car Accidents lloyd Represents:
- SUV and passenger van rollovers
- Chain reaction collision
- Ran stop sign crashes
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Texting while driving
- Drunk driver collisions
- Head on collisions
- Read end collisions
- Hydroplaning
- Weather-related accidents
What is unbelievable is that a majority of these car wrecks could have been prevented. Many drivers involved in these accidents were tired, intoxicated or distracted. Other reasons for auto accidents include:
- Driver negligence
- Driver impairment
- Driver recklessness
- Defective automobiles and/or parts
- Dangerous road conditions
If you are a victim of any of these accidents, or any kind of car wreck, contact our Atlanta automobile accident law firm today for help.
Fault and Negligence
In an ideal world, automotive technology would prevent injuries from happening in a car accident. But until that time, we live with the reality of physical damage to drivers and passengers as a result of a car accident. To make a personal injury claim after a car wreck, you must be able to prove fault, which means you must determine whose carelessness caused the accident. Most times fault in a car accident is obvious. In many wrecks there is an automatic fault for one party. In most rear end collisions in Georgia, it is automatically the fault of the person who rear ended the vehicle. Likewise, in an accident caused by a driver making a left turn, in Georgia the driver turning left is almost always at fault.
In these situations it is easy to prove fault, but other accidents can be more difficult. Most guilty parties will argue their innocence, which is why an official police report can be very helpful in determining who is at fault after an automobile wreck.
Car Accidents and Commercial Entities
In some instances a personal injury claim will not be brought against an individual, but the company that employs them. According to the law, fault can be assigned to people who are not driving the car, or even present at the accident. Companies assume full responsibility for any employee they put on the road in a work related capacity, so if that employee causes an accident, then their employer can be held liable for the driver’s actions.
There are other situations when the driver is not solely at fault for their own actions. If you allow somebody to drive your vehicle you may be on the line for any damages they cause; once you lend your car to a friend who may not be fit to drive or is reckless, then you have committed negligent entrustment and fault lies with you. Parents can also be responsible for accidents caused by their children. It is important to speak with an experienced auto accident attorney to fully understand who can be held responsible before moving forward with a personal injury claim.
More people are driving recklessly today than ever before, and the main cause of it is the popularity of cell phones. Cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle has been directly connected to the rise in car accidents throughout the country. Georgia prohibits cell phone use by drivers under 18, and texting by any driver. Typically a driver involved in an accident while using a mobile phone is at fault. This works both ways however. If you were involved in an accident that was not your fault while on a cell phone, then it will be a difficult case to argue, as you will assume partial responsibility.
Slight cuts and bruises may seem a small price to pay after a car accident, but many injuries are not as obvious – and can seriously impact your life after a car crash. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Concussion
- Broken Bones
- Dislocations
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Cuts & Lacerations
- Contusions
Typically, you should visit a doctor immediately after an accident to identify possible injuries. And we are here to help. If you are involved in a car accident due to another’s negligence, contact us today for a free consultation to explore your options.
Our firm does not charge any up-front fees to represent you in your case. The attorneys at our firm represent each client on a contingency fee basis. This means that our fee is paid based on a percentage of the money we recover for you. Our consultations are free and we are proud to offer the option to bring our personal legal service to you. We use personal delivery services to get legal documents right to you no matter where you are.
If we do not receive an offer or a verdict on your case or recover any money for you, you will not be charged for any of the attorney’s time spent on your case.
In addition, the statute of limitations is defined as the time period in which a lawsuit must be filed and they typically differ by type of civil claim. In the state of Georgia, there is a two-year limit from the date of the incident for personal injury, fraud and medical malpractice claims. Other claims, such as personal property, trespassing and debt collection have a four-year limit.
If you do not file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations has expired the case will be dismissed and forever barred from being re-filed.
Automobile Accident FAQs
How soon after an auto accident do I need to get a lawyer?
You should speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your auto accident. Legal advice can help you by answering any questions you may have about your claim, insurance policy or identifying bad faith. Attorney Lloyd H. Thomas can assist your case by keeping all necessary information to prove your case and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
What do I do after being involved in a car accident?
Immediately after an accident has occurred, call an ambulance if you have been injured. Then, call the police to file an accident report. Before leaving the scene, collect the names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses and others involved in the accident. You may also want to record statements and take photographs of any damages.
