CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER FOR MACON
If you have sustained an injury in a Macon, Georgia, car accident, the legal professionals at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter are ready to help. We care about the people of Macon, and we pride ourselves on fighting for their legal rights every day.
Not sure who to turn to after a car accident in Macon? Our experienced staff can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your injuries. From investigation through trial, our talented attorneys are ready to provide you top-notch legal service.
Our firm has a long history of success in the courtroom, and we have satisfied clients to prove it. To learn more about your legal options following a car crash, see our detailed guide below.
WHAT NOT TO DO AFTER A MACON CAR ACCIDENT
First, resist the temptation to call the lawyer you see in the cheesy television commercials. Lawyers that take on too many cases can make mistakes that cost you money. Do your research and find a law firm that you can trust.
Second, never ignore your injuries following a Macon car crash. Your health should be your priority and delaying treatment could worsen your injuries. What’s more, failing to seek medical treatment in a timely manner could harm your injury claim. You will need medical records to document your injuries in order to prevail at trial.
Third, never agree to give a statement to the opposing insurance company. You are under no obligation to speak with them, and you should always refuse to do so. The other insurance company is not your friend; talking to them on your own is never a good idea. Speak with a car accident attorney before even considering responding to a hostile insurance company.
Fourth, do not sign any documents provided by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters can be tricky, and some are not above attempting to get you to waive your claim in writing regardless of whether you understand the document put in front of you.
Lastly, never accept monetary payments after a car wreck without speaking with an attorney first. It is possible that an insurance company will send you a small check in an attempt to resolve your claim for pennies on the dollar. Your attorney can guide you on whether a settlement offer should be accepted or not.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER AFTER A MACON CAR CRASH
- Stay at the accident scene until law enforcement arrives
- Dial 911 right away. You are required to call the authorities after an injury accident.
- Collect evidence. Take as many pictures of the accident scene as you can, especially before the vehicles are moved. Photographs are powerful evidence at trial.
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver.
- Collect the names of any witnesses.
- Call your insurance company. Your insurance policy likely requires that you contact them as soon as possible after an accident. Failing to do so could cost you to cover for uninsured motorist claims.
- Never admit fault. Even if you believe you caused the accident, do not discuss it at the scene.
- Seek medical care. Your health is your top priority after a Macon car wreck.
- Maintain your records. Keeping a complete case file can be beneficial in your injury claim.
- Contact an experienced car accident lawyer.
THREE STAGES OF A MACON GEORGIA CAR WRECK CLAIM
The three stages of every Macon car wreck claim include (1) Pre-Suit, (2) Litigation, and (3) Trial & Appeal.
The pre-suit stage primarily involves an investigation into your claim. Your attorney will gather documents from your insurance company, law enforcement, and your medical providers. During this stage, your attorney will also consider whether expert testimony is needed.
Georgia law allows a car wreck victim’s attorney to send a pre-suit settlement demand prior to filing a lawsuit. O.C.G.A. § 9-11-67.1. In some cases, these letters will begin the negotiating process. Many times a car accident injury claim will settle before the lawsuit is ever filed.
If a settlement is not possible, your attorney will file the lawsuit. Typically, a Macon car accident lawsuit is to be filed in the State Court of Macon-Bibb County. During the lawsuit, both sides will conduct discovery that can last for several months. The discovery process involves the exchange of documents between both sides. This ensures that both sides have fair access to the evidence to be used at trial. After the parties complete discovery, the court will often order mediation. If mediation does not resolve the case, it is time for trial.
TRIAL OF A MACON CAR ACCIDENT CASE
The third stage of an injury lawsuit begins with the trial. A jury trial can be intimidating but your attorney will prepare you for what to expect. At trial, both sides will have the opportunity to call witnesses and put on evidence. Thankfully, the heavy work of preparing for trial will be done long before a jury is selected. Your attorney should have witnesses prepared, motions finalized, and evidence organized long before the day of your car wreck trial.
At the close of evidence, the judge will provide the jury with instructions before sending them to deliberate. Once the jury reaches a verdict, they will return to the courtroom where the judge reads it aloud.
In some cases, the losing side will appeal the trial verdict. Appeals from Macon-Bibb County are heard by the Court of Appeals of Georgia in most cases. The decision of the court of appeals can be appealed directly to the Supreme Court of Georgia. Either the Supreme Court agrees to hear the case or will announce the decision of the Court of Appeals is final.
There are a variety of outcomes in an appeal. An appellate court can affirm the judgment of the lower court, reverse the judgment and require a new trial, or reverse the decision and enter judgment for the losing side. When a new trial is ordered, the case will return to the trial court for new proceedings.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
If you or a loved one has sustained a severe injury in a Macon car accident, our experienced injury lawyers are ready to assist you. Contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter at (833) LEGALGA or (833) 534-2542 to schedule your free consultation.
