Best Car Accident Lawyers in Valdosta

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Valdosta, Georgia?

  The City of Valdosta's non-emergency phone line is 229-245-5270.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Valdosta, Georgia?

  The Valdosta Police Department can provide you with a copy of the police report for your accident. Copies of accident reports are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a one-time fee of $1. Generally, reports are available by 10 a.m. the day after the report was obtained.

• Where do the majority of Valdosta car accidents occur?

  The most dangerous roads in Valdosta where car accidents happen include the intersections of North Valdosta Road and Country Club Drive, Inner Perimeter Road and Bemiss Road, and St. Augustine Road and Norman Drive. In the Annual Crash Report released by the Valdosta-Lowndes Metropolitan Planning Organization in 2021, the three intersections recorded 566 crashes in five years. Other high-accident intersections in the city include St. Augustine Road and Gornto Road, and North Ashley Street and East Northside Drive.

• Who is at fault in a Valdosta car crash?

  Georgia is a “fault state,” which means that the negligent driver is liable for damages. So, if you're in a car collision in Valdosta and the other driver's actions caused your crash, they will compensate you. The proportionate comparative rule, however, also applies. If both drivers are found to be partially responsible for the accident, they will be held accountable for the percentage of blame assigned to them.

• What if you are injured as a result of a drunk driving accident in Valdosta?

  Contact a Valdosta car accident lawyer if you have been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. They will help you receive compensation by investigating your accident, determining whether the intoxicated driver was driving recklessly, and establishing whether other parties, such as bars or restaurants, contributed to the driver's reckless behavior. According to the Valdosta-Lowndes Metropolitan Planning Organization's Annual Crash Report for 2021, 478 or 2.6% of crashes in previous years involved driving under the influence of alcohol.

• What is the deadline for filing car accident claims in Valdosta?

  GA Code 9-3-33 states that you have two years after a Valdosta car accident to file a claim for personal injury or wrongful death. Being proactive allows your lawyer to gather evidence quickly before it is lost or destroyed. You are allowed to file longer than the deadline if:

  • you were injured as a minor and chose to file a lawsuit once you turned 18;
  • a mental disability prevented you from filing the case within the two-year period; or
  • you left the state, impeding the claims process.

• How can you keep your child or children safe from Valdosta car accident injuries?

  Georgia has passed its car seat laws, requiring Valdosta automobile drivers to ensure kids are properly restrained inside their cars. According to the NHTSA, when car seats are used correctly, they are 71% effective in avoiding car accident injury among infants and 54% effective with toddlers ages 1-4. To improve the rate of correct use of child restraint systems in vehicles, the Valdosta-Lowndes Metropolitan Planning Organization recommends the implementation of child seat safety check programs and child restraint awareness campaigns.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.