Questions You Ask After An Accident

Each year, thousands of Georgians are injured in car and truck accidents, slip and falls, animal bites, and other situations. However, many people are unfamiliar with the recovery process and unknowingly hinder or even hurt their claims. Please take some time to read through the following tips and share them with your family and friends.

• What Should I Do After An Accident?

Being injured in an accident can be frightening and disorienting. Based on our experience, there are a few things to remember to do and not to do as soon as possible after an injury-related accident. Click this link to learn about those 10 things to know when involved in a car accident.

• Should I Speak With the Involved Insurance Companies?

You are not required to talk with the other party’s insurance company when you’ve been involved in an accident. You should never give a statement to the other side without consulting with an attorney first. If you are contacted, be polite, but decline to speak to the insurance representative. They may state that a recorded statement is required, but you are not required to speak with them.

• Should I Contact My Own Insurance Company?

Yes, you should contact your own insurance company to notify them of your involvement in an accident. You may also have benefits under your auto policy, including medical payments coverage and uninsured motorist coverage, that are applicable to your claim. It is important to notify your insurance company of the potential claim because nearly every policy contains a “notice requirement” in which your claim may be denied if the insurer is not notified promptly of the claim.

• What If the Insurance Company Offers Me a Check Right Away?

Before you accept or sign anything from an insurance company, be sure that you are aware of your legal rights and options. Accepting a check or signing a release may mean that you are giving up your right to pursue a claim for damages. We have seen adjusters even send a check and release agreement to victims just days after an accident in hopes that they will accept the funds and sign the agreement thereby releasing their claim for significantly less than the fair value of the case. Consult the experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Jones & Swanson before you negotiate or even speak with the insurance company. We will make sure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.

• After An Accident, Should I See a Doctor?

If you have been injured in an accident of any kind, you should seek medical attention immediately. Your health should be your first and foremost concern. Unfortunately, oftentimes victims are severely injured and require urgent attention at a hospital or emergency medical facility. However, in many instances, the onset of pain and other symptoms of a significant injury are not immediately felt. Only a qualified physician, such as your primary care doctor, an emergency room physician, or orthopedic doctor, will be able to provide you with an appropriate evaluation and treatment protocol. Furthermore, claims can only be made in relation to injuries for which you actually treat. If you simply do not go to the doctor, it will be challenging to recover any damages on your behalf.

• How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?

A multitude of factors goes into the evaluation of a case in determining its value. For instance, the extent of your special damages, like medical expenses and lost wages, will provide a basis for valuing your claim. Your general damages can include, among others, your physical and mental pain and suffering, permanent scarring, impairment, and loss of earning capacity. Also, our experienced Acworth personal injury attorneys have experience assisting the families of catastrophically injured individuals seeking to recover for the wrongful death of their loved ones. Please be wary of attorneys willing to guarantee the value of your case in your initial consultation or at any time before the extent of your injuries is known.

• How Much Does Legal Representation Cost?

If you have ever hired an attorney before, you know that most legal representation is provided at an hourly rate or for a flat fee per project. However, like most injury firms, representation at Jones & Swanson works on a contingency fee basis.

This means that we are able to represent our clients without any upfront costs as our fee is simply a percentage of the gross recovery. In other words, our fee is generated based upon the successful resolution of your case by way of either a settlement or jury verdict. If we do not recover financial compensation for you, you do not owe any legal fees or costs.

• How Much Time Do I Have To Pursue My Claim?

Under Georgia law, personal injury claims must generally be brought within two years of the date of the injury. While there are some instances in which that deadline may be extended, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney soon after your incident in order to be sure your rights are protected. Some claims, such as those against a state, county, or municipality, require notice of the claim within six months or one year, depending upon the entity. Furthermore, many insurance policies require prompt notice of a potential claim. Unfortunately, many victims are misled by otherwise friendly insurance adjusters who promise fair treatment but are then consistently delayed in resolving the claim. DO NOT WAIT! Insurance companies and their adjusters are trained and paid to resolve your claim for as little as possible. Remember, they do not have your best interest at heart.

Best Marietta Injury Lawyers

Georgia personal injury accidents are an unfortunate part of society, but it does not have to end badly for the injured party. If you or someone that you know was involved in a personal injury accident, contact the experienced lawyers at Jones & Swanson.

At Jones & Swanson, we represent personal injury victims throughout the Atlanta area and the state of Georgia, including Marietta, Smyrna, Roswell, Woodstock, Decatur, Macon, Canton, Sandy Springs, and Dallas. If you would like more information, please contact a Marietta personal injury lawyer today.