Car Accident Lawyer in Savannah | We Fight for Justice
Are You an Auto Accident Victim?
When it comes to auto accidents and semi-truck accident cases, our team of experienced auto accident lawyers carry a winning track record. We have strong expertise standing up to insurance companies. Unfortunately, most victims who chose to not hire a lawyer don’t receive even close to the level of compensation they’re entitled to under the law. We work zealously to ensure our clients collect the maximum amount of compensation owed.
Get the Compensation You Deserve.
Auto accidents often involve serious personal injuries, such as whiplash, fractures, and concussions. Our firm investigates every detail of your accident, reconstructs the scene if necessary, and negotiates with insurance companies on your behalf. As skilled lawyers, we ensure you’re never alone in navigating the legal aftermath of a serious crash.
Georgia roads are home to thousands of auto accidents every year, many of which are caused by distracted driving, speeding, or impaired drivers. Having a qualified auto accident lawyer can mean the difference between a lowball insurance offer and full compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you’ve been injured in an automobile accident in Savannah, you are probably looking for ways to protect your rights and obtain fair compensation. As an esteemed car accident lawyer in Savannah, we know the frustration and pain that follow such an event. Our FAQ answers the most common questions about hiring a car accident attorney in Savannah, GA.
[Schedule a Free Consultation With a Car Accident Lawyer]
FAQ: Car Accident Claims in Savannah, GA
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Cases in Georgia?
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim from an automobile accident in Georgia is generally 2 years from the date of the occurrence. This statute of limitations is provided under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 and is intended to give sufficient time to gather evidence, including witness statements and video recordings of the collision.
Claims for property damage are subject to a 4-year statute of limitations under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32. However, there is a risk that key evidence will be lost if there is a delay. Our Savannah car accident attorney team closely monitors the applicable statutes of limitation to protect your right to recover.
Contact a Savannah car accident attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing the opportunity to file a claim.
[Schedule a Free Consultation]
Does Georgia Use Comparative Negligence When Awarding Damages?
Georgia uses a modified form of comparative negligence to reduce the amount of damages awarded based on the plaintiff’s degree of fault. If you are found to be less than fifty percent (50%) responsible for your injury, your damages award will be reduced by your degree of fault.
If you were determined to be fifty percent (50%) or more at fault for the injury, you will recover no damages. That’s why it’s essential to have thoroughly documented your injury and its cause before agreeing to settle your claim. We employ various means to document the severity of your injury and the cause of the injury to minimize your fault percentage, including traffic camera footage, expert reconstruction of the collision, and testimony from witnesses to the crash.
Should I Accept the First Offer From the Insurance Company?
The initial settlement offer from the insurance company is usually minimal and intended to conclude the claim as quickly and inexpensively as possible. Often, the first settlement offer does not fully compensate the victim for current and future treatment needs, including ongoing therapy and lost income. Additionally, the insurance company knows that the victim’s full extent of injuries may not yet be clear.
We caution against accepting a settlement agreement without reviewing its terms, as doing so would waive any future claims for damages. Studies show that plaintiffs with attorneys recover 3.5 times more in damages than those who settle independently.
An experienced auto accident lawyer from our Savannah team reviews each settlement offer and compares it to your medical prognosis. We negotiate aggressively to ensure that you receive the full measure of damages to which you are entitled.
What Other Types of Damages Can I Recover in Addition to Medical Expenses?
You may seek damages for lost wages, diminished future income potential, and emotional distress related to the traumatic event. Damages for pain and suffering can be recovered to account for the disruption of your daily routine and activities, including your enjoyment of public activities.
We consult financial advisors to quantify the non-monetary aspects of your claim and maximize your total recovery. Punitive damages may also be available if the defendant engaged in egregious conduct, such as operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs or engaging in reckless behavior that caused harm.
Damages for property losses may include repair costs for your vehicle, the cost of replacing your vehicle if it is totaled, and costs associated with renting another vehicle:
- Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and related expenses
- Non-economic damages include pain, suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
- Punitive damages are for extreme misconduct, such as drug or drunk driving collisions
How Long Will It Take to Settle My Case in Savannah?
Most settlements in Savannah car accidents are resolved in 6 to 12 months through negotiations with the insurance company, avoiding the delays associated with going to trial. More complex cases may take longer to resolve, potentially up to 18 months or more, depending on whether the parties reach an agreement or litigation ensues. Our respected legal team advocates on your behalf to obtain the best possible resolution in the shortest time and keeps you informed throughout the process.
Factors that can affect the timeline of your case include the length of time necessary for you to complete any medical treatment required as a result of the accident, the cooperation of the insurance company, and whether litigation is needed. Trials typically add 1 to 2 years to the overall timeframe to resolve your case. While trials are rare in Chatham County courts, our car accident lawyer team will expedite the process so you can begin recovering as quickly as possible.
If the At-Fault Party Has No Insurance, What Options Do I Have?
Georgia law requires all licensed drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. However, approximately 1 in 8 drivers in Georgia lack this type of insurance, leaving victims unprotected. If you have purchased uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, this coverage will step in to cover your injuries up to the policy limits.
We verify all applicable policies promptly to identify and utilize any additional UM coverage available for increasing your recovery. An experienced Lasky Justus car accident lawyer in Savannah will explore any available coverage options for you.
Immediate Steps to Take Following a Crash in Savannah
Call 911 to report injuries or blockage of lanes, and document the accident by taking photos of:
- Damage to your vehicle
- License plates of vehicles
- The accident scene
- Any visible injuries
Obtain contact information for any bystanders and/or witnesses and see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel okay. Delays in seeking medical attention can make it challenging to support your claim.
Do not discuss fault with anyone, nor should you post about the accident on social media. Avoid discussing the accident with representatives from the insurance company until we have reviewed the matter. These actions help preserve evidence.
Can I Claim Emotional Injury or PTSD From My Accident?
Yes, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from a car accident is considered an emotionally based injury that is eligible for compensation in addition to any physical injuries sustained. Evidence of PTSD, such as therapy records and psychologist testimony, will be used to demonstrate the nature and extent of your emotional injury.
Flashbacks, anxiety, and other symptoms that interfere with your work performance are examples of damages for which you may be eligible. While many insurance companies do not recognize emotional injuries, the state of Georgia acknowledges both emotional and physical injuries.
Long-term therapy costs are included in any settlement agreement. Our compassionate staff works with trauma psychologists familiar with Chatham County cases to validate the full extent of your suffering.
How Is a Distracted Driving Case Proven?
Cell phone records, eyewitness accounts of phone use, and in-car cameras capturing texting will serve as evidence to establish distracted driving. Red light cameras and surveillance systems in businesses along major routes will help prove that the distracted driver was negligent. We will request phone records from the defendant(s) as soon as possible, as carriers routinely delete records quickly.
Georgia has banned the use of handheld devices while driving; therefore, the defendant’s use of a handheld device establishes negligence per se. Repeated distraction behaviors, i.e., eating while driving, further demonstrate the defendant’s liability. An experienced Savannah car accident lawyer from our team will compile irrefutable evidence to establish liability.
What Is the Role of Expert Witnesses in Establishing Liability?
Our firm retains Savannah-based expert witnesses familiar with the local roads and geography to assist in establishing liability, including:
- Reconstruction engineers who employ physics and debris patterns to establish fault
- Medical experts who can link injuries to forces present during the accident and estimate needs for future treatment
- Economists and vocational experts who estimate the financial effects of loss of earning capacity
Why Should I Hire Your Law Firm in Savannah?
As a local law firm in Savannah, we are well-versed in the dockets of Chatham Superior Court and know how to expedite your claim. We also have established relationships with doctors and specialists, which allows us to obtain the best possible diagnosis for your injuries.
With decades of experience in litigating against insurance companies, we believe our proven track record of obtaining verdicts in excess of the insurance company’s offers will be a real asset to you.
No-Win, No-Fee Car Accident Lawyer in Savannah
At Lasky Justus, we do not charge any fees unless we win your case. We are committed to exceptional service and ensuring that you receive the financial support you need to rebuild your life following a traumatic event.
Trust us to represent you and to provide you with peace of mind during this challenging time.
Lasky Justus Law
Real People, Real Solutions. Real Results.