CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN AUGUSTA, GEORGIA
Are you searching for a car accident attorney in Augusta, Georgia? The experienced attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter are ready to assist you. We are committed to helping the people of Augusta receive fair compensation after being injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver.
After an Augusta car accident, you probably have many questions. What should I do first? Should I attempt to talk to the insurance company on my own? How will I get my medical bills paid? Our skilled car accident attorneys are here to help answer these questions and keep you informed throughout your case.
Car accidents and the subsequent injuries they cause occur often and are one of the most litigated types of civil claims in Georgia. The Augusta car accident attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter will assist you through every step of the claims and litigation process to get you the fair compensation that you deserve. Our firm has an excellent track record and numerous satisfied clients who can attest to our performance.
To help answer some of your Augusta car accident questions, here are some helpful tips:
WHAT NOT TO DO AFTER AN AUGUSTA CAR ACCIDENT
Seek Medical Treatment
First, never ignore the injuries you sustained after a car accident. Delaying or not seeking medical treatment following the accident is both bad for your health and bad for your injury claim. Keep your medical records and bills organized as proof of the type and extent of your injuries.
Contact an Augusta Car Accident Attorney and Your Insurance Company
Second, never speak to the at-fault driver’s insurance company without contacting an Augusta car accident attorney first. You are not obligated to provide them with a recorded statement. Although cordial and empathetic, the insurance adjustor at the at-fault driver’s insurance company is not your friend. However, it is important to contact your own insurance company to preserve any potential uninsured or underinsured motorist claim.
Avoid the At-Fault Insurance Company Without an Attorney Present
Third, never sign any documents sent to you by the at-fault insurance company without first reviewing them with your Augusta attorney. You do not want to be tricked into giving up your rights or accepting a low settlement offer.
Finally, do not accept any payment from the at-fault driver’s insurance company without first speaking to an experienced car accident attorney who is familiar with Augusta litigation. Insurance companies will often attempt to settle a personal injury claim before the injured person knows the extent of their injuries and total cost of their medical bills. If you accept the small payment, you may be preventing yourself from receiving additional compensation for your injuries in the future if your injuries turn out to be worse than originally thought.
THE 5 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER AFTER AN AUGUSTA, GEORGIA CAR ACCIDENT
- Call 911 to report the accident to the police. You are required by Georgia law to report car accidents that result in personal injuries or property damage greater than $500.
- Take pictures of the damage. Photos are powerful evidence that can help prove fault and liability.
- Exchange information with the other driver. Make sure to get their name, contact information, and automobile insurance name and policy number.
- Don’t admit fault at the scene. Even if you think you may be at fault, liability is best determined by your Augusta car accident attorney.
- Seek medical care immediately if you are injured. A delay in treatment can be used against you by the at-fault insurance company during settlement negotiations and at trial.
THE THREE STAGES OF AN AUGUSTA, GEORGIA CAR ACCIDENT CLAIM
Augusta car accident claims have three stages: (1) Pre-suit, (2) Litigation, (3) Trial and Appeal.
Pre-Suit Stage
The pre-suit stage is also referred to as the investigation stage because your Augusta car accident attorney will be investigating and collecting information about your case. He or she will gather insurance information, accident reports, 911 recordings, and police dash and body camera footage. Witnesses may be interviewed and any needed experts may be hired.
During this pre-suit stage, your Augusta car accident attorney may send a settlement demand under O.C.G.A Sec. 9-11-67.1 to the at-fault insurance company in an attempt to obtain a fair settlement before having to file a lawsuit. If a fair offer is made by the at-fault insurance company and you accept, then the case will be settled. Unfortunately, these demand letters often bring in offers that are far below full value of an Augusta car accident claim. When a fair offer is not made by the at-fault insurance company, your car accident attorney will file suit on your behalf and with your permission.
Litigation Stage
Once your Augusta car accident attorney files suit for your claim, you have entered the litigation stage. During this stage, you will go through the discovery period, which lasts for at least six months. Discovery involves both parties in the lawsuit exchanging information in the form of written questions, producing documents, and taking depositions. Once the discovery period is complete, the judge may require both parties to go through mediation in an attempt to settle your Augusta car accident case. If your case does not settle during the discovery period or during mediation, then your attorney will prepare to take the case to trial.
Trial and Appeal Stage
Taking your Augusta car accident claim to trial and entering the time period for any potential appeals is the third stage in the process. The possibility of a jury trial is usually the most intimidating part of the lawsuit process for any litigant. This is why it is especially important to hire an experienced attorney for your Augusta car accident case. Your attorney at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter will be prepared with your evidence, have all the witnesses subpoenaed, will have filed pre-trial motions, and will be ready to maximize your recovery.
Most Augusta car accident cases are tried in the State Court of Richmond County. There are 7 parts of your case: (1) Jury Selection, (2) Opening Statements, (3) Plaintiff’s Case in Chief, (4) Defendant’s Case in Chief, (5) Closing Arguments, (6) Jury Instructions, and (7) The Verdict. With so much riding on the outcome of the trial, it is imperative that you hire an Augusta car accident attorney that knows how to try cases.
Once a verdict is rendered and a judgment is entered, some litigants choose to appeal. Either the plaintiff or the defendant can appeal to the Court of Appeals of Georgia. If the plaintiff or defendant thinks the Court of Appeals of Georgia decision is incorrect, subsequent appeals can be made to the Supreme Court of Georgia.
When an appeal is made to the Court of Appeals of Georgia, the court will do one of three things: affirm the judgment that was rendered at the state court; reverse the judgment that was rendered and require a new trial; or reverse the judgment in favor of the party that appealed. If the Court of Appeals of Georgia grants a new trial, your Augusta car accident case would return back to the State Court of Richmond County.
CALL OUR ATTORNEYS TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
If you were injured in an Augusta car accident because of someone else’s negligence, the experienced car accident attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter are ready to help. Contact us today at 833-LEGALGA (833-534-2542) to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to helping you.
