If another driver makes a bad decision on the road, that choice can negatively impact the lives of others. When accidents occur, passengers of the involved vehicles may suffer dramatically due to an event that was not even their fault. If this describes the situation you have currently found yourself in, a reputable Duluth car accident lawyer can offer you help.
Barrios Virgüez understands the hardship and financial strain that can arise following car accidents caused by negligent drivers. We strive to help our clients obtain the resources they need to recover comfortably. Through a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover damages for injuries and property damage that you suffered due to the actions of a negligent driver.
Car Accidents Change Lives Dramatically
Cars can move at incredibly high speeds, and when a speeding vehicle collides with another, the resulting accident can lead to devastating injuries. Not every car accident leads to personal injury, but when they do, the victims have the right to pursue compensation for their emotional and physical suffering.
In Georgia in 2020, there were more than 300,000 car crashes in the state, and 1,588 of these accidents were fatal, killing a total of 1,730 people. Across all of these accidents, approximately 125,000 people reported being injured.
If you or a family member were injured or killed in a car accident, you have the right to pursue maximum compensation from the at-fault drivers. Once you accept what their insurance company offers you, there will not be another opportunity to get what you are actually owed. That is why we recommend you collaborate with an experienced car accident lawyer in Duluth, GA, to recover the appropriate damages from the negligent party.
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Duluth, call 678-888-2222
Establishing Liability for a Car Accident in Duluth
One of your Duluth car accident attorney’s most important tasks will be figuring out who should be compelled to compensate you for your damages. Several parties could share liability, depending on how your collision occurred. Some common causes of car accidents in Duluth include:
- Drunk driving
- Drugged driving
- Traffic safety violations
- Reckless driving
- Aggressive driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Distracted driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Defective car parts
- Hazards on the roadways
The type of car accident you were involved in will determine who is at fault for your damages. For example, if a drunk driver caused your collision, your lawyer will examine the driver who hit you and local dram shops. They will also investigate social hosts to ensure all potentially liable parties are brought to justice.
Only a thorough review of the evidence in your case will reveal the person or persons who should be compelled to compensate you for your suffering.
Duluth Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 678-888-2222
How to Handle Car Accidents
When car accidents occur, the ensuing chaos can cause confusion, leading people to make unwise decisions. Therefore, it is essential to understand exactly what steps should be taken following an accident. If you have already been in an accident, understanding these steps can help you better recognize whether your actions were appropriate in the given circumstances.
Step 1: Find Out if Anyone Needs Medical Attention
First and foremost, you need to assess the situation at the crash site to determine if any of the passengers need medical attention. If you or anyone else involved in the crash suffered injuries, call 911 immediately and let them know you need an ambulance to come to pick someone up.
Regardless of how extreme the medical situation may seem, please do not attempt to move anyone unless they are in immediate danger. You should exercise caution, even if you have received training that would allow you to do so safely without potentially worsening their condition.
Step 2: Contact the Police
If you have not already called 911, do so. When a police officer arrives on the scene, they will produce an accident report related to the crash. This report can be used in court to prove the other driver’s liability, so make sure you always perform this step.
Step 3: Get the Witnesses’ Contact Information
If there are witnesses, you may need them to testify to further validate your personal injury claim. It is imperative to collect information from other individuals who were involved in the crash. Be sure to exchange insurance information with the drivers directly affected by the accident.
Step 4: Take Pictures of the Crash Scene
You can use pictures as evidence, which may help your personal injury case. Take pictures of anything relevant to the accident, such as the vehicles involved, visible injuries, tire marks, relevant street signs, and nearby traffic signals. Your car accident lawyer in Duluth, GA, at Barrios Virgüez will use these images to build a case showing the other driver’s liability in the accident.
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company
If you have been involved in an accident, your insurance company needs to know immediately. Of course, notifying them is not more important than seeking any medical attention you need, but it is vital that you contact them as soon as possible. They will provide you with more information about what you can do to file a claim with them if necessary.
Step 6: Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Duluth, GA
Some people choose to file car accident claims on their own, though this is often to their detriment. Without skilled legal counsel backing you, insurance companies have more ability to take advantage of you in your time of need. Instead of allowing this to happen, contact a Duluth car accident lawyer to have your case evaluated by a professional.
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Choosing a Duluth Car Accident Attorney
The lawyer you choose to represent you in your car accident case is important. If you go with the wrong firm, you lessen your chances of recovering maximum compensation from the at-fault drivers. Having someone with knowledgeable and experienced backing will give you better protection that your rights will be upheld through negotiations and, if necessary, in court.
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Car Accident Claim Compensation
The amount of compensation you receive for your car accident claim often depends on the specific details of your case. How much you recover also depends on whether the insurance company is willing to offer a fair settlement or if you need to take the case to court to get a fair verdict.
Economic Damages vs. Non-Economic Damages
There are two primary types of compensatory damages. These are known as economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include all your financial losses, whereas non-economic losses do not have a financial value. This could make it more challenging to determine their worth.
However, both types of damages can have a substantial impact on victims’ lives and should be taken into account accordingly. Your car accident attorney will separate your losses into these categories to ensure every loss is included. Some examples of potentially recoverable economic losses include:
- Vehicle repair costs
- Rental car expenses
- Loss of income
- Healthcare expenses
- Medical device fees
- The diminished value of your vehicle
- Increased auto insurance cost
- The cost of purchasing a new vehicle
- Loss of employee benefits
- Diminished earning capacity
- Future medical bills
Non-Economic Damages
Some examples of potentially recoverable non-economic losses include:
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement
- Inconvenience
- Damage to your reputation
- Loss of household services
- Physical chronic pain
- Psychological distress and suffering
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages describe an award issued by the court system for behavior they have deemed punishable. Generally, punitive damages only apply in instances of malicious, intentional, or grossly negligent conduct. For example, if your car accident was caused by a drunk driver who had a history of DUI convictions, the court may find it appropriate to award punitive damages in your case.
Get Help with Your Car Accident Claim
If you have been involved in a car accident, this is not a battle you should fight alone. Get access to the legal knowledge and resources you need to recover maximum compensation by calling Barrios Virgüez.
A highly-talented Duluth car accident lawyer at our firm is prepared to help you win your case by proving that the other driver was negligent, causing the accident. To get started with a free case evaluation, contact us online or give us a call.
Call or text 678-888-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form