Car crashes happen in seconds, but their effects can last for years. Injuries, paperwork, and worrying about what’s next are common after a wreck. Working with a skilled car accident attorney makes a tough time more manageable. We’ll listen, explain your options, and work hard for the results you need. Contact Gonzalez Torres Law to schedule a free consultation with a Lilburn car accident attorney.
Why Hire Gonzalez Torres Law For Your Car Lilburn Accident Case?
Choosing the right car accident lawyer could make all the difference in your recovery process. Here’s why we’re a great option:
- Our firm leads with experience, but more importantly, with empathy and fairness for everyone we represent.
- We serve both English and Spanish-speaking communities, so you never have to worry that you can’t get the help you need because of a language barrier
- We never pass cases out – we stay in direct contact and guide you through the entire process, answering every question.
If you want an experienced partner on your road to recovery, you’ve found the right team. Reach out to our Lilburn injury attorneys today.
How a Lilburn Car Accident Attorney Can Help You After a Car Crash
Being involved in a car accident can leave you confused and overwhelmed, but a skilled attorney can help support you during a stressful time. Here’s how:
- An attorney investigates your crash to uncover who was truly at fault
- Your lawyer handles negotiation with insurance companies, keeping you from being pressured into unfair settlements.
- With the right legal help, you won’t have to worry about paperwork or phone calls – your attorney takes care of it so you can focus on healing.
Letting a trusted attorney stand up for you is one of the most important steps you can take after an accident.
Deadline for Filing Car Accident Lawsuits in Georgia
If you have been hurt in a car accident in Georgia, you only have a limited period to take legal action. State law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the person or party responsible for your injuries.
Except as otherwise provided in this article, actions for injuries to the person shall be brought within two years after the right of action accrues, except for injuries to the reputation, which shall be brought within one year after the right of action accrues, and except for actions for injuries to the person involving loss of consortium, which shall be brought within four years after the right of action accrues.
This time frame is strict. If you miss it, you usually cannot take your case to court to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or other damages.
Possible Exceptions to the Two-Year Limit
While two years is the general rule, a few unique circumstances can alter the deadline:
- If the accident victim was under 18 at the time of the crash, the two-year period starts on their 18th birthday.
- When a government vehicle or worker is involved, shorter notice periods or special requirements may apply, essentially shortening the deadline.
- For accidents where injuries or their cause were not immediately clear, you may have more time to file.
Different factors can impact the timeline in specific situations, so it’s important to ask a qualified lawyer whether any exceptions might apply to your accident.
How To Prove Liability in a Car Accident Case
Proving who is at fault in a car accident case is essential for getting compensation for your injuries and losses. Here are the main factors that go into establishing liability:
Police Reports
After an accident, police officers usually fill out a report that details what happened and may include their opinion on who was at fault. This document often becomes a crucial piece of evidence when determining liability.
Eyewitness Testimony
Statements from people who saw the crash take place can help clarify the events and support your version of what happened. Witnesses may provide insights that simply can’t be seen in photos or reports.
Photographs and Video Evidence
Pictures from the accident scene, including the positions of vehicles, skid marks, damage to the vehicles, and traffic signals, can offer visual evidence about how the collision occurred. In some cases, traffic cameras or dashcam footage may also be available as evidence.
Accident Reconstruction
Sometimes, professionals like accident reconstruction experts are used to analyze the scene in detail. They use physics, measurements, and available evidence to recreate how the crash occurred and help assign blame.
Traffic Laws and Citations
If one driver was ticketed for speeding, running a red light, or another violation, this citation can serve as powerful support for a claim of negligence.
Each car accident case is unique, so gathering the right evidence and presenting it clearly is an important part of showing who was truly responsible.
Who Can Be Liable in a Car Accident?
Determining liability in a car accident involves looking at all potentially responsible parties. Here are some of those who might be held accountable:
- Another driver who was speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or violated traffic laws
- The owner of the vehicle who allowed an inexperienced or unfit person to drive
- An employer if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash
- A manufacturer if a faulty vehicle part or design failure contributed to the accident
- A government agency responsible for poorly maintained roads or missing traffic signals
- Sometimes the victim may be found partially responsible for the accident. Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault.
Where an action is brought against one or more persons for injury to person or property and the plaintiff is to some degree responsible for the injury or damages claimed, the trier of fact, in its determination of the total amount of damages to be awarded, if any, shall determine the percentage of fault of the plaintiff and the judge shall reduce the amount of damages otherwise awarded to the plaintiff in proportion to his or her percentage of fault.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Code section or any other provisions of law which might be construed to the contrary, the plaintiff shall not be entitled to receive any damages if the plaintiff is 50 percent or more responsible for the injury or damages claimed.
If you are found to be 50% or more responsible for the accident, you cannot receive compensation for your injuries.
Liability can involve more than one party, so it’s important to investigate the details fully to ensure all sources of responsibility are considered.
Contact Gonzalez Torres Law To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Lilburn Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Our team is committed to helping you get compensation for your injuries, time off work, and emotional recovery. Let us stand by your side as you push for what you are entitled to. Contact Gonzalez Torres Law to schedule a free consultation with a Lilburn car accident attorney.