Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dunwoody

FAQs

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

  The Dunwoody Police Department can be reached at (678) 382-6900.

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

  You can obtain a police report in Dunwoody by visiting the City Hall at this address: 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE from Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

• Why is it important to not talk to insurance adjusters after a car accident in Dunwoody, Georgia?

  Insurance adjusters in Dunwoody are working to get you the least possible financial compensation you can receive if not have your claim completely dismissed. They reach out to the claimant in order to get a statement from them that can help them minimize the settlement amount they are obligated to give. These statements may be elicited by asking innocent-sounding questions such as, “Are you okay?” Answering yes to this may be deliberately misconstrued as saying that you don't need compensation.

• Should you immediately see a doctor after a car accident in Dunwoody?

  It is highly advisable to do this, yes, even though you don't feel as if anything is wrong and especially if there was extensive physical damage to the car. There are many injuries that may take a while to start feeling painful. A visit to the doctor in Dunwoody is going to help diagnose if you are suffering from internal bleeding, head injuries or concussions, whiplash, and spine damage.

• Are lawyers necessary for all car accidents that happen in Dunwoody, Georgia?

  Having an attorney on your side is practical when filing for car accident claims in Dunwoody, as they keep you from losing money without even being aware of it. Overlooked future expenses and injuries developing later are two examples of why a car accident may cost you much more in the long run. An attorney is going to work for you so you are compensated for these and fights to protect you in case the defendant tries to shift the blame on you.

• Can teenagers who caused an accident in Dunwoody be held liable for it?

  The teen driver can be held liable, as most of them are covered by their parents' auto insurance. The process of filing a claim becomes complicated if there are injuries or death involved. In cases such as these, the parents might face a lawsuit pursuant to the family purpose doctrine, where they can be liable if they gave their teenage child permission to drive the car.

• How much does somebody who was injured in a car accident in Dunwoody be eligible to receive in compensation?

  It is almost impossible to guess the right answer to this, as there are multiple factors to consider in every accident that happens. Nevertheless, there are factors that are always considered when calculating damages, such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • The type of treatment for injuries and the time that it takes to heal them
  • The severity of the accident
  • The severity and permanence of the injuries

• 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.