A car crash is never something anyone hopes for.
You were driving home one night in Valdosta, Georgia. It was raining hard, but you were comfortable in your car, so you decided to take the back roads because the interstate was backed up with traffic.
You just wanted to get home safe because you had to work early the next morning. All of a sudden, the driver in front of you slams on their brakes without warning. You slam into them because you had no time to react.
After a car accident, you may find yourself dealing with more stress and confusion than you probably need. While you may not think you can afford a personal injury attorney, it is worth looking into your legal rights. You can always make sure to get in touch with a personal injury lawyer to handle everything for you.
Here’s what to do after you’ve been involved in or injured in a car accident:
01
Make sure you’re breathing deeply and slowly. As you control your nervous system and develop a sense of peace, try to focus your attention on your breath and stay grounded in the present.
02
Make sure to keep an eye on your mental and physical well-being. If you’ve been hurt, get medical help right away. Some injuries to soft tissue and/or the brain have hidden symptoms, so your damage may not be visible immediately. And, because the shock of the accident can often mask the pain you’re experiencing, don’t be surprised if you’re still sore a day or three later. Go ahead and get checked out by a doctor. Give us a call if you’re not sure where to go. We’ll help you connect with a medical provider who can help.
03
Police should be notified of the collision. Call 911 if there are any injuries. If not, dial (229) 242-2606, the non-emergency number for the Valdosta Police Department. If you’re on a state highway, contact the nearest Georgia State Patrol office.
04
Discover the names of the players. What’s the name of the other driver? What is the number on their driver’s license? What kind of vehicle did they have? What is the name of their insurance company? Who was there to witness the collision? Obtain as much information as possible on the other parties involved. It’ll come in handy.
05
Make a call to work and inform them of your circumstance. “Hey, I was in a vehicle accident, and I’m going to see a doctor.” I’ll give you a call at the end of the day to update you on my situation. “I’m not coming in today.”
06
Before you report the collision to your insurance company, call Valdosta car accident lawyers, Issa & Castro. Why? Because insurance companies, including your own, are more concerned with safeguarding their own than with protecting your health. You’ll be asked to provide a recorded statement, and investigators are trained to ask questions that don’t reveal the whole story leading them to undervalue your case.
How much is your case worth?
We all know that lawyers are known for publicizing their multimillion-dollar deals. We know from experience that such people would gladly give their money for their health and mobility any day of the week. Nonetheless, the costs of an accident are high, and you deserve to be compensated for something you did not cause.
So, how much is your lawsuit really worth? “It depends” is a common response from a car accident lawyer. We’re not attempting to avoid answering your question. It really is up to you. Because insurance policy limits and crash conditions vary, each case is unique. And depending on the lawyer you question, you can get a different answer.
One of our clients received the news that their case was worthless. We’ve resolved the identical case for $1,000,000. Is this something that happens frequently? Will it be the case for you? It is debatable. The only way to know for sure is to speak with a car accident lawyer.
We provide free case evaluations using Zoom, so you don’t have to leave your house to meet with us. We’ll listen to your story and give you our view based on nearly two decades of expertise in nearly every Georgia county courtroom.
Ok, but how much do you charge after the free consultation?
We provide contingency-based services, meaning we don’t get paid until you do.
We work on a contingency basis, which means we are only paid if you are successful. That way, we can concentrate on what’s best for you: managing your case to maximize your recovery. Without charging you a dime, we’ll put our knowledge, skill, and resources to work for you right away, providing documentation, investigation, and negotiation.
Call or text 770-LAWSUIT to schedule your free case consultation now if you’d like to learn more about what aggressive and caring representation can accomplish for you after a vehicle accident.
Couldn’t I just handle this on my own?
You can, of course, contact the insurance company and file a claim. You can make an appointment with your doctor by calling him or her. You have the option of accepting or rejecting any offer that comes your way. You do not require the services of an attorney. That isn’t to say that you shouldn’t hire one.
Here’s how lawyers like us can help.
What happens to your car and your body after a car accident is merely the tip of the iceberg. One of our customers was involved in a minor crash and received no visible injuries, but his condition progressed to persistent neck pain, which hampered his mobility.
While things may appear to be fine right now, we want to know what kind of long-term consequences this event may have. We’ll work with your doctors to make sure your health is safeguarded now and in the future.
You’ll also have to spend money on things like auto repairs or doctor visits. You will lose money if you miss work. You must pay for any therapy or medication that is prescribed to you. We can assist you in tracking and recovering these costs so that your finances are not harmed as a result of your car accident.
We’ll also speak with the insurance companies on your behalf, so you don’t have to be concerned about saying something inappropriate. You’ll be stress-free, allowing you to recover as we safeguard your short- and long-term interests.
We’ll help you build a stronger case by preparing it as though we’re going to trial. Don’t get too worked up over it; most disputes are settled without going to court. However, we are not going to approach your case as if it is going to be resolved. We’ll prepare as if your case will be heard in court. This guarantees that you have aggressive representation, which is constantly prepared to take on the insurance company on your behalf.
We’ll keep your mind at ease. Personal injury litigation is difficult to navigate, and numerous decisions must be taken along the road, each with its own set of repercussions. We’ll provide you with strategic advice, so you know how to say yes or no to any offers that come your way, including the option of settling or going to trial.
I’m interested. What kinds of cases do you handle?
We specialize in the strategic resolution of the following issues:
Car Accidents
In the event of a collision between two cars or light trucks, one or both of the following generally happens:
– Head-on
– Rear-end
– Sideswipe
– Hit and run
The intensity of each of these is determined by a variety of factors, including vehicle weight, speed, and direction of movement. Minor property damage might sometimes have serious health repercussions.
Truck Accidents
The majority of these collisions involve a commercial vehicle, such as an 18-wheeler, a bus, or a vehicle transporting hazardous materials. Commercial drivers are supposed to follow strict restrictions, and blame for a collision may fall on many parties. These are tough situations, and you’ll need aggressive representation to make sure the right people are held accountable.
Motorcycle Accidents
Riding a motorbike exposes you to a variety of dangers, as the majority of cars on the road are larger and heavier.
Bicycle Accidents
While riding a bicycle is a terrific way to get some exercise or make quick excursions to the store, it can be dangerous when you’re on a major highway. A negligent motorist may be held liable for your injuries even if they violated a traffic safety law.
Pedestrian Accidents
Isn’t it true that as we write about these types of situations, we’re putting ourselves in more danger? When it comes to vehicles and traffic, walking about can be more perilous than it should be.
Medical Malpractice
You have every right to demand a certain level of care when it comes to your health. When your provider injures you, your life can be turned upside down.
Nursing Home Abuse
As difficult as it is for us to discuss, we understand the misery of watching a loved one become a victim of abuse. You should contact us if your elderly relative shows signs of discomfort, has physical markings that arise abruptly or is missing money after spending time in nursing care. No one should be subjected to the humiliation of abuse.
Premises Liability
If a property is in disrepair, it may provide a risk of trips and falls. A slip and fall that results in harm could be caused by things like damaged railings, obstructed sidewalks, or shredded carpeting
Wrongful Death
Death as a result of a personal injury is tragic. While legal action will not bring your loved one back, it will provide a path to justice and accountability.
You might be eligible to collect medical bills, lost wages, and damages for pain and suffering if you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. Schedule a free case consultation with Issa & Castro today to discover more about your rights and how much your case is worth.
Ok, what kinds of expenses could I recover?
The standard disclaimer applies: it depends. Every case has its own set of elements to consider, such as policy limits, property damage, the number of your injuries, and what the future might hold for you based on medical assessments. Here are some of the expenses we’ll think about in general:
- Doctor’s office visits
- Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, CT scan, etc.)
- Physical therapy
- Medical devices (crutches, neck braces, scooters, etc.)
- Prescriptions and over-the-counter medication
- Lost wages
- Potential future income lost
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Caretakers or help getting around
- Emotional and physical pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Of course, each of them must be related to the law, so if you try to assess your own situation, you might overlook something important or account for something that the law does not. In either scenario, it’s a good idea to seek a case evaluation to figure out how much your case is worth.
Wait. What do you mean pain and suffering can be compensated?
It takes a toll on your energy and mental health while you’re injured. A lot of your life revolves around the injury, and you’re grieving the loss of what was and the loss of what you can’t do. We must not neglect the effects of injuries on sleep, anxiety, and depression. That is suffering and pain.
The insurance company will examine your case and calculate the worth of your claim using a set of averages. But we’re not going to do it. Your narrative and circumstances will be taken into account as we fight for the compensation and recovery you deserve.
The insurance company offered a settlement.
It seems pretty good. Should we take it?
You may probably guess that we’ll respond, “it depends on the specifics of your case” at this point.
What we can tell with certainty is that personal injury claims are a one-and-done affair. You can’t go back and ask for more money if you accept an offer and then need more medical attention for your injuries, which costs more time and money. Personal injury cases aren’t like going to Grandma’s for supper. So, before you accept an offer, make sure it covers both the now and the future.
If you employ us, we’ll provide you with advice, negotiate on your behalf, and do everything we can to protect you under the law. If the insurance company still isn’t treating you fairly, we’ll take your case to court and fight for you.
Alright, what can I do to help my case?
Food is to a party what documentation is to your claim: It’s not required, but without it, the whole enterprise would be a flop. To put it another way, document everything.
Put these at the top of your list:
- Take out your smartphone and document everything with photos and/or video. And by everything, we mean the scene; property damage to your vehicle, the other vehicle, the roadway, signage, or other items that have been destroyed. Don’t be afraid to speak up! This thing is like potato chips: you can’t get enough of it.
- Check for dashcams, security cameras, or roadside cameras. However, you must be quick with this one because the footage might be wiped rapidly. Please contact us as soon as possible so that we can assist you in obtaining these recordings.
- Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to provide their personal details. If at all feasible, record a statement.
- The other driver’s info, including their name, phone number, and insurance details
- How to get ahold of your insurance company
- Your medical provider’s information and all charges
- Any extra expenses you incur, such as riding in an emergency vehicle; the hours you had to take off work (including sick and vacation time), the hours you couldn’t get to work, and so on; alterations to your living space; and any devices you had to purchase, such as walking boots, crutches, or walkers.
Keep a careful record of your health if you want to take your case to the next level. People close to you are generally the first to notice changes in your mood, sleep, or appetite.
- Let’s say you’re forgetful as a result of your injuries. You can’t remember where you put your keys, can’t recall what someone said only a few moments ago, or can’t remember your coworker’s name. Any one of those things is an expected element of being an adult on its own. However, taking all of these factors into account over time could indicate a brain injury. So take out your phone and scribble or dictate a note describing what transpired.
- Pay attention to how you’re feeling. Few of us are perfectly balanced all of the time, so expect some ups and downs during the day. Simply take note of any extremes or responses that appear out of proportion to the circumstance.
- Pay attention to your balance, your five senses, and your coordination. Are you dropping things at a higher rate than usual? Do you find it difficult to write or type? Do you have trouble tying your shoes or buttoning your pants? Is walking causing you more problems than before? Keep an eye on these details.
This type of documentation can give us a better picture of your injuries and what your experience is like, which could be the very thing that allows us to secure for you and a resolution you feel good about.
What should I say to my insurance company?
Your insurance provider may appear to be on your side, but it’s most likely a for-profit firm with a profit motive. You want to file a police report, but you don’t want to reveal any information about your health, fault, or story. Give a recorded statement only after consulting with an attorney.
Here are the dos and don’ts of talking to your insurance company:
- Don’t give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney
- Don’t offer details about your health
- Don’t say you’re “fine” or “ok” or “feeling great today.”
- Don’t tell your story
- Don’t say anything like “I wasn’t paying attention” or “I don’t know what happened”
- Don’t accept any offers without consulting an attorney
- Don’t post on social media
Please contact Valdosta’s personal injury lawyers Issa & Castro to advocate your interests.
Do provide details, such as “about 5:00 p.m., I was traveling 54 miles per hour east when my automobile was struck on the driver’s side by Mr. Smith’s vehicle.”
How soon should I file a claim?
You have two years in Georgia to launch a personal injury claim and four years to pursue a property damage action. But why should you wait? The further away you are from the occurrence, the less likely you are to recall it. When a claim is brought years after the fact, it raises some suspicions.
What should I look for when I want to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Aside from the degrees and awards that most of us have, there is one rule to remember: You can’t do a good deal with a terrible partner. So, if you’re searching for excellent representation, keep an eye out for the following:
- Do you have the impression that this attorney actually cares about you? We understand that you have a lot of options when it comes to hiring an attorney, so trust your instincts. You’ve addressed the most critical factor: safety and trust if you feel like you matter and your story is meaningful when you’re with your lawyer.
- Are you following what your attorney is saying? It may seem odd to ask such a question, but we are aware that many people utilize legal jargon. If your lawyer can communicate with you in a clear and straightforward manner that you understand, you’ve mastered the following step: clear and direct communication.
- Is your lawyer bringing you up in the conversation? It’s your case and your life at the end of the day. Therefore it’s all about you. Is your attorney asking you questions about your health and experience? Is what you have to say of interest to them? You have a third reason to work with your lawyer if they keep the dialogue centered on you: they are invested in your case.
Our goal is to produce a result that makes you happy. As we battle with a purpose to make you whole, we’ll put strategy and empathy to work for you. To book your free case review, call or text 770-LAWSUIT.
