Here, we provide general responses to some of the most common questions we receive from clients about auto accidents. If you would like more specific information about your auto accident in Georgia, you can also contact Griffin Law Firm to schedule a Free Consultation. Please feel free to fill out our online form or call 877-734-6529.
How much is your personal injury claim worth?
The most asked question by someone with a personal injury claim is how much my claim is worth. Why? Because if you know how much it's worth, you have a goal. Without knowing the value of your personal injury claim, you'll be at the mercy of the insurance company. However, even though knowing the projected value of your injury claim is important, it is even more important to hire the Griffin Law Firm so we can fight to get you the personal injury settlement or verdict that you need and deserve.
Can you recover a personal injury settlement and a workers' compensation settlement from the same accident?
- Yes, you can if the claimant was on the job when injured in an accident caused by someone who is not a co-worker.
- Personal injury claims arise when someone is hurt due to someone else's negligence.
- Workers' compensation claims occur when an employee is injured in a work accident while doing his job duties for their employer.
- Workers' compensation claims are usually the only claim you can have against your employer for on-the-job injuries. This is often referred to as the "Exclusive Remedy Defense"
- In the below video, Attorney Richard Griffin describes a truck accident case in which the client had a workers' compensation claim against his employer since he was on the job when the collision occurred, and he had a personal injury claim against the third party negligent driver.
What Types of Auto Accidents Are There in Gwinnett?
The types of auto accidents are the same anywhere, including single-car accidents or collisions between other vehicles, people, property, or animals.
- Single auto accident
- Multi-car accident
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Rideshare accidents
- Public transit accidents
- Wildlife-vehicle collisions
- Car accidents involving pets
- Car accidents involving children
How Do I Get Compensation for an Auto Accident in Gwinnett?
One of the main things that accident victims have to worry about is being fairly compensated for their injuries. Unfortunately, without an attorney, insurance companies will always try to delay, deny, or underpay your personal injury and property damage claims. Adjusters save the insurance companies money at your expense whenever they can. Attorney Richard Griffin and the Griffin Law Firm have a track record of obtaining excellent auto accident recoveries for their clients. Our injury law firm fights for our clients using effective negotiation and aggressive litigation to win your case, even if your case has some weaknesses.
What are the two main ways that personal injury claims are resolved?
- Settlement: In an auto accident, resolving a case in a settlement means accepting the amount of money an insurance company offers. One of the main benefits of handling a case this way is that it will typically end a case much quicker than going through the court system. In addition, a client and their attorney have a good deal of power during this process–they can negotiate until they get the amount they want and reject any settlement that isn't acceptable. The Griffin Law Firm's attorney fee is only 33 1/3% when a case is settled without litigation. Settlements also avoid the high costs associated with litigation, such as filing fees, service of process fees, court reporter fees, deposition transcript charges, and expert witness costs.
- Going to Court: Victims who don't receive a fair settlement offer may need to file a lawsuit for fair compensation. Lawsuits may result in a higher payout, but they typically take much longer, and there is no guarantee that a court will side with you. The Griffin Law Firm always recommends settling if the insurance company's offer is fair, but litigation is a great option when the adjusters negotiate in bad faith. The Griffin Law Firm's contingency fee increases to 40% because litigation requires extensive additional work to try your case effectively.
After a Car Collision in Georgia, Who Do I Sue?
Many parties might be liable for your injuries, and ultimately it will depend on the facts of your specific case. An experienced lawyer will be able to help determine who the best person or people are to seek compensation from. The negligent driver and the negligent driver's employer are common defendants in personal injury lawsuits.
If the other driver was driving under the influence or failing to obey the rules of the road, they could be liable. If a vehicle malfunctions, the car manufacturer or a repair shop could be liable for the personal injury claim. In some cases, a government entity could even be held liable if the conditions on the road are what causes a crash.
Should I Release Medical Records to Another Driver's Insurance Adjuster?
Attorney Richard Griffin does not think giving the insurance company a Medical Release is a good idea. Why? Because this allows the insurance company to gather all of your medical records even if the medical records are not involving your auto accident. Generally, it is essential to remember that the other insurance adjuster involved in the case wants to pay you as little as possible. While they may ultimately need to see your records, they only need to see specific records about your accident. If records are unnecessary, but the insurance company receives them, they could use any health information against you. An attorney can help edit this request to ensure that only the records needed are released. The seasoned attorneys at the Griffin Law Firm know how to highlight the information in your medical records to present your personal injury claim in the best possible light.
Also, having an attorney with you is always essential, even when speaking to your insurance company. You want to give only the facts. Your insurer has its own company as its priority, too, and it also wants to prevent a payout. This is especially true when you must file a first-party claim with your insurance. Injured claimants often mistakenly believe that their auto insurance carrier will "do the right thing" and "fairly pay their auto accident claim." This misconception could cost you tens of thousands of dollars. You should hire the Griffin Law Firm so we can make sure you are fully compensated for your personal injury and property damage claims.
Should you let the insurance company take your recorded statement?
Absolutely not. The Griffin Law Firm has received many calls from injured claimants who have ruined their personal injury claims by allowing the adjuster to take their recorded statements. How? Adjusters are trained to ask questions that may cause you to guess at the time, distance, and speed when the auto accident often happens so quickly that you do not know these facts. A guess that is not plausible creates a potential defense for the insurance company to deny or underpay your injury claim. Attorney Richard Griffin rarely allows adjusters to take his client's recorded statement. Still, on the rare occasion it is permitted, he prepares his clients and is on the phone to object to any improper questions or misstatements of the facts by the adjuster.
How Much Money Can I Get from an Auto Accident Claim?
This is a very popular question -- everyone wants to know how much they could get from their auto accident claim in Georgia. Unfortunately, one answer to this question does not exist. Any settlement or jury award will be based on your case's unique facts and circumstances. Settlements can range anywhere from hundreds of dollars to millions of dollars or more. It also depends on the attorney you hire. Some are more inclined to settle as quickly as possible, while others are willing to fight at all costs to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
The Griffin Law Firm has a track record of significant personal injury settlements and verdicts. Call us at 877-724-6529 or request a settlement evaluation using our Contact Us form. Our injury law firm will let you know the projected value of your injury claim and explain how we can help you get the settlement you need and deserve.
If I Don't Feel Hurt after an Auto Accident, Do I Have to See a Doctor?
Specific injuries might not present symptoms immediately after an accident, and getting to a medical professional can catch those injuries. In addition, an opposing attorney or insurance adjuster might try to argue that a delay in seeking medical treatment means that a victim's injuries were not actually from the accident. Going to the doctor after an accident can cut against these kinds of arguments.
What Should I Do After an Auto Accident in Gwinnett?
First and foremost, you should contact emergency services and seek medical attention. But you also want to:
- Exchange information with the other parties to the accident, which includes names, insurance, driver's license, and phone numbers.
- Gather evidence, like pictures and video of the scene, the surrounding location, the vehicles, property damage, and injuries (if any).
- Get any eyewitnesses' names and contact information and a brief recorded statement if you can do so because their recollection will be best on the scene, and preservation of it will be best if recorded in writing or by video.
- Consult with an attorney so that you can obtain a good understanding of whether you have a compensable case and how to go about pursuing what you are legally owed.
What Should I Not Do After an Auto Accident in Gwinnett?
In juxtaposition to what you should do if in a car collision, here is what you should not do.
- You should never leave the scene of an accident. If you leave a scene, especially when someone is injured, it is a hit-and-run, a criminal offense. If someone is injured, you must stay with your vehicle and contact emergency personnel.
- You should not leave your vehicle where it can pose a risk to others. If you can, you can move the vehicle to a safe location. If you need help moving it on your own, you can contact someone who can.
- You should not ignore calling 911. Even when no one is injured, you should still contact 911. The police will investigate and write a report that can later be used to help identify liability.
- Remember to exchange information. Try not to let fear or anxiety get the best of you. You'll need to obtain contact and insurance information from the other party involved in the collision. Insurance will be critical to your recovery of compensation.
- Do not underestimate your injuries. Some injuries are delayed (like whiplash), while other injuries may not seem serious (like bruising as there may be internal bleeding). It would be best if you got checked out by a doctor.
- Do not admit fault. Even if you think or know you are at fault, do not admit it. The other party may have contributed in some way, too. In comparative negligence states, you can still recover in most situations if both parties contributed to the accident.
- Do not contact or give a statement or documents to the other party's insurance company. You must speak to your insurance company but are not obligated to do the same with any other insurance company. To do so could jeopardize your case. Your attorney or insurance company can communicate with the other party's auto insurer.
How Much Will an Auto Accident Attorney Cost?
Here's another question where everyone wants to know how much they will have to pay -- many are reluctant because they are already financially vulnerable, and hiring an attorney without the assurances of winning is a scary matter. One thing to consider is an attorney who takes on these cases on an hourly or contingency basis. Also, the complexity of your case may indicate steeper costs because expert testimony and other expenses may be required. A contingency fee means you only pay an attorney if you win your case. If you lose your case, you pay the law firm nothing.
Our contingency fee for personal injury claims is outlined below:
- Settlements Without Litigation: The Griffin Law Firm's contingency fee is only 33 1/3% of the settlement if the claim settles without litigation.
- Recoveries After a Lawsuit is filed: Our contingency fee increases to 40% of the total recovery if the claim is resolved during the litigation process
Why should you hire the Griffin Law Firm?
Legal problems can be incredibly stressful. During this challenging time, a dedicated and reliable attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your matter. If you're seeking legal guidance, We have the expertise that you need. The Griffin Law Firm is focused solely on the needs of our clients. We provide professional and effective representation. We encourage you to learn more about our firm's representation by reviewing the following:
Contact The Griffin Law Firm For A Free Consultation
We have advocated for our Georgia clients for decades. There's no need to handle these difficult matters of law all alone. Call us today at 877-PAIN-LAW or use our Contact Us form below for your free consultation and claim evaluation.
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