Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys
Helping You Fight for a Fair Recovery
Unfortunately, car accidents occur on Atlanta-area roads and highways every day. Thousands of people are injured or killed in automobile collisions in Georgia every year, and many of these accidents are the result of negligence.
If you were injured or your loved one was killed in a car accident and the other driver was at fault, you may be entitled to financial compensation. This is intended to serve as recovery, meant to cover the cost of medical expenses, lost wages, and other economic and non-economic damages. Contact the experienced Atlanta car accident attorneys at Whiteman, Hamilton & Conklin, LLC to discuss your situation today.
Injured in a car crash? Call 404-800-4661 or submit an online contact form to request a free consultation!
Georgia Car Accident Statistics
According to the NHTSA, in 2017 there were a total of 1,540 fatalities due to traffic accidents. This means that every day, there were more than 4 fatal car accidents in Georgia. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 23% of fatal accidents were a result of alcohol impaired driving.
Car accidents can cause serious injury to those who are involved and depending on the situation, the details of accidents may not always be clear. It’s important to contact one of our accident attorney in Atlanta when you have been involved in an accident due to someone else’s negligence.
How Negligence Causes Car Accidents
While some accidents are truly unavoidable, most car collisions are the result of careless and/or reckless drivers. In other, rarer instances, the negligence of another party—such as an automobile manufacturer—may lead to an accident. In either case, the injured party can seek financial recovery from the liable party.
There are many ways in which negligence can contribute to an accident; some common examples include:
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Reckless driving, including street racing and road rage
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Failure to stop at red lights/stop signs
- Inexperience
- Careless driving
- Unsafe and/or illegal driving behaviors
- Fatigued driving
- Following too closely (“tailgating”)
- Automobile defects
- Dangerous and/or defective road design
This list is not exhaustive; there are nearly infinite ways in which negligence can lead to accidents. When this is the case, the negligent party can be held legally accountable.
After a Car Accident: 5 Important Steps
When a car accident occurs, it often leaves everyone involved disoriented, hurt, traumatized, or worse. Even the mildest crashes can be frustrating and may cause whiplash injuries, costly vehicle damage, broken bones, and several other damages. Severe car accidents may be even more devastating and could result in spinal injuries, brain damage, paralysis, or even death.
Amid the chaos of an accident, it can be difficult to remain calm and take care of business, but doing so could help make your case infinitely easier.
If you were in a car accident, make sure you follow these key steps:
1. Seek Medical Attention: First and foremost, you must treat your injuries. Take stock of your injuries after an accident and call 911 if you need medical attention. If you are well enough and only suffered minor injuries, see if anyone else involved in the crash needs an ambulance. But, remember, serious injury symptoms are disguised by adrenaline or shock—so if you were harmed in any way, plan on seeking medical help.
2. Report the Accident to the Police: If you haven’t already called 911, contact the local police station to report your incident. When police arrive at the scene of your accident, they will draw up an official report, which could be helpful when you file your insurance claim. Also, the unbiased statement of a police officer could help support your claims if you were not at fault for the crash.
3. Exchange Information: Avoid getting into a heated discussion with anyone else involved in the crash. Instead, keep your communication focused on the essentials. Ask for the driver’s full name, drivers’ license number, license plate number, contact information, and insurance information.
4. Collect Evidence: Taking pictures of the scene is the easiest way to collect evidence after a crash. Using your phone, snap photos of each vehicle involved in the crash, paying special attention to the damaged areas and any damaged buildings, walls, trees, or other structures. Also, take pictures of the crash scene, including any outside factors that could have contributed to the accident, like a broken stop light or a hidden
5. Contact an Attorney: Before you file an injury claim or make any other moves, make sure you talk to an experienced car accident attorney about your situation and discover your legal options.
Our knowledgeable car accident attorneys at Whiteman, Hamilton & Conklin, LLC can help you collect evidence for your case, identify the liable party, and file any necessary injury claims so that you can secure compensation. We know how challenging this time can be, which is why we want to make this time as simple as possible. If you were in a crash, let us help you get back on your feet.
Contact Our Firm for a Free Consultation
At Whiteman, Hamilton & Conklin, LLC, we pursue the maximum compensation our clients deserve. In many cases, the liable insurance company will often try to offer a lowball settlement in an effort to devalue your claim. They may even deny your claim outright. Our Atlanta car accident attorneys are here to fight for you and protect your right to a fair recovery. We work to ensure that the insurance company honors its word and we never back down from even the toughest of cases.
Put over 80 years of combined trial experience to work for you; call 404-800-4661 to schedule a complimentary consultation with our legal team today.
