Mayfield Law, LLC | April 1, 2025 | Car Accidents
Car accidents can be life-altering, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. When you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may need more than just medical care—you may need legal assistance to navigate the complex process of securing compensation for your injuries and losses. That’s where a car accident lawyer comes in. But what exactly does a car accident lawyer do, and how can they help you?
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help With Your Case
A car accident attorney focuses on helping individuals who have been injured in crashes due to someone else’s negligence. Their main role is to represent you throughout the legal process to ensure that you receive the compensation and result you deserve.
Here’s a more in-depth breakdown of what a car accident lawyer does:
1. Investigates the Accident
One of the first steps a car accident lawyer takes is to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident.
This involves gathering evidence to establish fault, such as:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Medical records
- Vehicle damage assessments
- Traffic camera footage (if available)
In Georgia, the law requires the responsible party’s insurance company to pay for injuries caused by negligence. However, proving negligence can be complicated. A lawyer helps investigate all aspects of the case to gather the evidence needed to support your claim.
2. Helps You Understand Your Rights
Car accident victims often don’t know their rights and may accept an inadequate settlement offer from an insurance company. A car accident lawyer ensures that you fully understand your rights and options.
In Georgia, personal injury claims are typically governed by the state’s laws on negligence, including O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6, which defines the concept of negligence. Understanding these laws is crucial because the amount of compensation you can receive depends on the circumstances of the accident, including how the other driver’s negligence caused your injuries.
3. Negotiates with Insurance Companies
One of the most crucial roles of a car accident attorney is to deal with insurance companies. Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly to save money, offering victims a smaller settlement than they deserve. A lawyer advocates for you, ensuring that your claim isn’t undervalued.
Insurance companies may also argue that you were partially responsible for the accident, which could reduce the compensation you are entitled to under Georgia’s comparative fault rule. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you will be barred from receiving compensation. However, if you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
A lawyer will work to ensure that your percentage of fault, if any, is minimized, maximizing your settlement.
4. Represents You in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, your car accident lawyer will take your case to court. They will file the necessary legal documents, prepare your case for trial, and represent you in front of a judge and jury.
Although most personal injury cases settle outside of court, having a lawyer who is prepared to go to trial can often encourage insurance companies to offer a better settlement. A skilled lawyer understands court procedures, how to present evidence, and how to argue your case effectively.
5. Calculates the Full Value of Your Claim
A car accident lawyer helps you understand the full value of your claim. This includes both economic and non-economic damages:
In Georgia, these damages are critical in ensuring that you’re compensated for not only your immediate financial losses but also the long-term effects of your injuries. Your lawyer will take into account future medical costs, ongoing pain, and other long-term impacts when calculating the value of your claim.
6. Provides Legal Guidance Throughout the Process
The legal process following a car accident can be overwhelming. A car accident lawyer provides guidance, answering any questions you have and advising you on the best course of action. They keep you informed about the progress of your case and help reduce any stress associated with the legal proceedings.
In Georgia, there are strict deadlines for filing a claim after an accident. O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 sets the statute of limitations for personal injury claims at two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to file a lawsuit. A lawyer will ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines and don’t miss critical opportunities to secure compensation.
Get Help From a Car Accident Lawyer if You’ve Been Involved in a Crash
If you’ve been involved in a crash in Georgia, hiring a car accident lawyer can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. They provide invaluable legal support, guide you through the complexities of Georgia law, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve. Contact one today for a free case review.
Contact the Brunswick Car Accident Lawyers of Mayfield Law, LLC for Help Today
For more information, contact Mayfield Law, LLC to schedule a free consultation with our experienced car accident attorneys. We proudly serve clients in Brunswick, GA, Nahunta, GA, as well as Glynn County and Brantley County. We’re here to offer trusted, compassionate legal guidance. Let us help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Mayfield Law, LLC Brunswick
1611 Union St
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 457-8557
Mayfield Law, LLC Nahunta
13903 E Cleveland St
Nahunta, GA 31553
(912) 457-8557