What about that car crash? Certainly not a pleasant surprise.
Maybe the negligent driver was confused by Marietta’s stunning architecture, or perhaps they believed they saw a ghost. As you crossed the state highway this morning to get across town, you’re now looking for a mechanic, getting your neck examined, and calling in sick to work. You may feel confused and stressed after a car accident.
Here’s what to do after you’ve been involved in or injured in a car accident:
01
Breathe deeply and slowly. Maintain your focus on your breath and in the moment to regulate your nervous system and create a sense of calm.
02
Your physical and mental health should be checked. Seek immediate medical treatment if you’ve been injured. The symptoms of your injury may not be obvious right away, especially if it involves soft tissue or the brain. Don’t be surprised if you’re sore a day or two after the wreck, as often the shock of the wreck dampens the pain you’re feeling. Make sure you get medical attention. Please contact us if you are unsure where to go. We can help connect you with a medical provider who can help.
03
Police should be notified of the crash. Call 911 if anyone has been injured. For non-emergency situations, please call Marietta police at (770) 499-3911. You can contact the nearest Georgia State Patrol office if you’re on a state freeway.
04
Get to know the players. What’s the other driver’s name? Does the other driver have a license, and what is the license number? Where were they driving? Who is their insurance company? Did anyone witness the collision? Find out as much information as you can about the other parties. The more you know, the better off you will be.
05
You should call work and inform them of your situation. “Hey, I was in a car accident. I’m going to get medical attention. I will call you at the end of the day to let you know how I’m doing. Today I won’t be at work.”
06
Contact car accident lawyers Issa & Castro before contacting your insurer. What’s the reason? Insurance companies, even your own, are more concerned with protecting their pockets than your health. You will be asked to provide a recorded statement, and investigators know exactly how to ask questions that won’t reveal your whole story. As a result, they may underestimate your case.
How much is your case worth?
We all know how lawyers advertise their mega-dollar settlements. Our experience has shown us that those people would gladly trade their health and mobility for cash any day of the week. Despite this, the costs you incur from a collision are numerous, and you should be made whole again for something that you did not cause.
How much is your case worth? We don’t mean to dodge your question, but the typical car accident lawyer response is “it depends.” Insurance policy limits and crash circumstances are different in every case. There might be different answers from different lawyers.
One of our clients was told their case was worth nothing. In the end, we settled the case for $1,000,000. Is this an everyday occurrence? Can you expect the same? The answer depends. You can only find out by consulting with a car accident attorney.
You don’t have to leave your house to meet with us since we offer complimentary case evaluations over Zoom. With over 20 years of experience in almost every county courtroom in Georgia, we can offer advice based on your case.
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.
Our services are contingency-based, which means we are not paid until you are. As a result, we can focus on doing what’s right for you – handling your case to maximize your recovery. Without charging you a penny, we will put our knowledge, experience, and resources to work for you, providing documentation, investigations, and negotiations without hesitation.
Call or text 770-LAWSUIT today to schedule your complimentary case consultation to learn how aggressive and compassionate representation can help you after a car accident.
Couldn’t I just handle this on my own?
It is possible to open a claim with your insurance company. Call the doctor and book an appointment. Decide whether to accept or reject any offers. An attorney is not necessary. Still, it’s a good idea to hire one.
Here’s how lawyers like us can help.
What happens to your body and to your vehicle after a crash is just a glimpse into what happens after a crash. Despite having received little visible damage in a minor collision, one of our clients developed chronic neck pain, which eventually limited his mobility. Despite the fact that everything seems fine today, we want to know if there will be any further damages from this accident. To ensure your health is protected today and in the future, we will work with your medical experts.
In addition, you will have to spend some money on expenses like car repairs or doctor’s visits. Missing work will result in a loss of wages. It’s your responsibility to pay for any therapy you begin or medication you are prescribed. You can use our services to track and recover these expenses so that your finances aren’t affected because of the incident with your car.
Also, we will communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf so that you do not have to worry about saying the wrong thing. We’ll relieve you of stress so you can recover, and we’ll safeguard your short- and long-term interests.
In order to make your case stronger, we’ll prepare it as if we’re going to trial. You shouldn’t be alarmed – most cases settle out of court. However, we won’t approach your case as if it were going to settle. Our plan is to prepare as if you are going to court. That way, you’ll have representation that’s always ready to stand up to the insurance company on your behalf.
Count on us to protect your peace of mind. The process of filing a personal injury suit is complex and requires the making of multiple decisions, each of which has its own implications. We will provide strategic counsel so that you can understand the difference between accepting or rejecting any offers that are made-including the choice between settling and 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
There are many factors that determine the severity of each of these accidents, such as speed and direction of travel, as well as the weight of the vehicles involved. Even minor property damage can result in severe injuries.
Truck Accidents
Most of these crashes involve commercial vehicles, such as 18-wheelers, buses, or vehicles transporting hazardous materials. Drivers of commercial vehicles are expected to follow very specific guidelines, and responsibility for a crash may rest with multiple parties. You will need aggressive representation in these complicated cases to ensure that the right people are held accountable.
Motorcycle Accidents
The majority of the vehicles that share the road are larger and weigh more than motorcycles, so riding a motorcycle is not without its vulnerabilities.
Bicycle Accidents
Even though riding a bicycle is a great way to exercise or go grocery shopping, it can be harrowing if you’re riding on a busy road. In spite of not following a traffic safety law, a negligent driver may be held accountable for your injuries.
Pedestrian Accidents
It seems like we are in greater danger as we write about these types of cases, doesn’t it? When traffic and vehicles are involved, walking can be more dangerous than it should be.
Medical Malpractice
You should expect a certain level of care when it comes to your health. It can be extremely stressful when you suffer an injury at the hands of your healthcare provider.
Nursing Home Abuse
Although we find it difficult to talk about abuse, we can empathize with the agony you feel when your loved one is abused. Please contact us if your elder family member shows signs of distress, has physical symptoms that appear suddenly or is missing money after time in a nursing home. No one deserves to be treated in this way.
Premises Liability
The disrepair of a property may present hazardous conditions that lead to trip and fall accidents. A slip and fall accident that results in injury may be caused by broken railings, obstructed sidewalks, or ripped carpets.
Wrongful Death
Injuries that result in death are heartbreaking. Taking legal action may not be able to bring back your loved one, but it can provide a pathway for justice and accountability.
You may be able to recover damages for your pain and suffering when you suffer injuries due to someone else’s negligence. Schedule a free case consultation with Issa & Castro today to learn what your rights are and how much your case is worth.
Ok, what kinds of expenses could I recover?
With our usual caveat: it depends. The extent of your injuries, the policy limits, the property damage, and what the future might hold based on medical evaluations are all factors we need to evaluate in your case. Here are a few of the expenses we should anticipate in your case:
- 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
Each of these must be related to the law, so if you try to evaluate your own case, you may overlook something crucial or fail to consider something that the law does not address. If you want to know what your case is worth, it’s best to get a case evaluation.
Wait. What do you mean pain and suffering can be compensated?
Your energy level and your mental health are negatively affected when you are injured. You have to adjust your life around the injury, and there is a certain amount of grief over losing what was and not being able to do what you could have. With injuries, we have to consider the disrupted sleep, anxiety, and depression that can accompany them. This is pain and suffering.
Your case will be evaluated based on the insurance company’s series of averages. Not us. As we fight for your compensation and recovery, we will take into account your story and circumstances.
The insurance company offered a settlement.
It seems pretty good. Should we take it?
As you probably already guessed, our reply will be, “It depends on the circumstances.”
There’s one thing we know for sure: Personal injury cases are a one-and-done kind of thing. You cannot ask for another serving of cash after accepting an offer if you later need more medical treatment for your injuries, which costs more time and money. So, if you’re considering accepting an offer, make sure it provides for the present as well as the future.
By hiring us, you will receive advice, negotiate on your behalf, and be protected to the fullest extent. Even if the insurance company doesn’t do right by you, we’ll take them to court and fight for you.
Alright, what can I do to help my case?
The documentation is equivalent to the food at a party: It isn’t necessary, but without it, everything falls apart. Make sure everything is documented.
These should be at the top of your list:
- Take photos or videos of everything with your smartphone. We mean everything: the scene, your vehicle, the opposing vehicle, the roadway, any signs that might have been damaged; don’t be shy!
- Check out dashcams, security cameras, and roadway cameras. In this case, you have to act fast because that footage can disappear quickly. Please contact us immediately if you need help getting the recordings.
- Anyone who witnesses the incident may provide personal information. It is recommended to record the statement if possible.
- Details about the other driver, including their name, phone number, and insurance information
- How to contact your insurance company
- All charges and information from your medical provider
- You may incur other expenses, such as riding in an ambulance, taking time off work (including your sick or vacation time), and not being able to get to work; changes to your living space; and any devices you need to purchase, such as walking boots, crutches, or walkers.
If you want to make your party feast – which we mean documentation – even better, make sure you keep a detailed record of your health. Those around you are often the first to notice changes in your mood, sleep, and appetite.
- After suffering an injury, you may be forgetful. Suddenly, you can’t recall where you left the keys, the details that someone shared with you a few minutes ago, or the name of a co-worker. It is an expected part of being an adult to do any of those things independently. Those things, combined over time, might suggest a brain injury. Take out your smartphone and make a note about what happened.
- Don’t forget to pay attention to your mood. The average person’s day will have ups and downs, and that’s to be expected. Take note of any highs and lows or responses that are out of proportion to the situation.
- Observe your balance, your five senses, and your coordination. Are you dropping things more than usual? Do you have trouble writing or typing? Are you having trouble buttoning your pants or tying your shoes? Are you having difficulty walking? Monitor your progress.
With the right type of documentation, we will have a clearer picture of your injuries and what your experience was, which can be the deciding factor in securing a favorable resolution for you.
What should I say to my insurance company?
Even if your insurance company seems to be your ally, they are most likely for-profit corporations whose primary interest is profits. It’s important to report the accident, but you don’t want to divulge any information about your health or fault. Consult an attorney prior to providing any recorded statements.
The following are dos and don’ts when talking to your insurance provider:
- 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
Contact Issa & Castro, Marietta’s personal injury lawyers, to represent your interests.
Do offer facts, like “I was traveling at 54 mph on the I-16 at 5:00 p.m. and Mr. Smith’s car struck me on the driver’s side.”
How soon should I file a claim?
A Georgia personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years of the injury, and a property damage suit within four years. Why wait this long? The further away you are from the incident, the less likely you are to remember it. The later filing of a claim certainly raises eyebrows.
What should I look for when I want to hire a personal injury lawyer?
A good deal cannot be done with a bad partner, regardless of the degrees and accolades we all have. If you are looking for solid representation, you need to listen for the following:
- Would you say that this lawyer truly cares about you? As a client, you have a lot of options when it comes to finding an attorney, so trust your instincts. When you feel like you matter to your lawyer and that your story is important, you have covered the most important factors: trust and safety.
- Is your lawyer’s message clear to you? Despite the obvious absurdity of asking a question like this, we know that some folks speak legalese. You’ve got the next thing down if your lawyer is able to communicate clearly with you in a way that makes sense to you.
- Is your lawyer making the conversation about you? The fact remains that this is your case and your life, so it is all about you. Does your lawyer ask questions that pertain to your wellbeing and experience? Do you feel they are interested in what you have to say? You can also partner with a lawyer who is invested in your case if they keep the conversation focused on you.
Our goal is to make you smile with the results. While we fight to make you whole, we will put strategy and empathy to work for you. We can schedule your complimentary case evaluation by calling or texting 770-LAWSUIT.
