Weaver Law Injury Attorneys can represent you when you’re injured in an accident in Gainesville. Car accidents are one of the most common types of incidents people experience. If you’ve been in a crash in Gainesville, our legal team is ready to help you understand your rights and guide you through the next steps. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about your options.
Should You Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
You’re not legally required to hire a lawyer after a car accident in Gainesville, and for minor accidents like fender-benders, you probably don’t need one. But if you’ve been seriously injured or are looking at significant damage, having our experienced team on your side can make a big difference by:
- Clearly explaining your legal rights and options.
- Gathering important evidence like medical records and accident reports.
- Dealing with insurance companies and negotiating for fair financial support.
- File a lawsuit for you, if necessary.
We have experience helping Gainesville drivers, passengers, and pedestrians after serious car accidents. Our goal is to make the legal process less stressful for you. Plus, we work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront.
What Steps Do You Need to Take After Being in a Car Accident?
You never want to be involved in a car accident, no matter what your role in it is. But the reality is that you spend a large amount of your time in your car, whether it’s driving to work, taking your child to school, or running errands. This, unfortunately, raises the likelihood that you’ll be in a car accident. At that point, you need to know what steps you need to take to protect yourself:
- Call 911 – If possible, move your car to the side of the road to avoid traffic. Check for injuries in yourself and any passengers, then call 911 for help. EMTs can take care of any injuries.
- Exchange information – Share your contact details and insurance information with the other driver. If they refuse, ask the police to help.
- Call the police – Call the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) if there are injuries, significant damage, or if others aren’t cooperating with you.
- Be careful with your statements – When speaking with the police or insurance adjusters, stick to the facts. Avoid saying too much, as your words could be used against you.
- Collect evidence – Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident, any damage, injuries, and important road signs.
- File a claim with your insurance – Report the accident to your insurance provider to begin their claims process. This will keep them in the loop and can help you with initial costs.
- Follow up with your doctor – It’s important to follow up with your doctor or visit an emergency room for further treatment, even if you feel okay initially.
- Save everything – Save all important documents, such as medical bills, repair estimates, and communication with insurance companies.
While not every accident will require all these steps, following them can help protect your health and your potential legal claim. But remember, injuries or significant damage can make the process more complex. However, doing what you can with these steps will at least give you a solid foundation if you need to go through the legal process.
What is the Legal Process After a Car Accident?
Once you’re in a car accident, there’s a legal process in place that’s meant to give you certain options for recovering financial support from whoever is responsible. Generally, this allows you to file what’s called an “injury claim,” and there’s two ways you can do this:
- Filing an insurance claim
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
Many cases start with an insurance claim. The insurance company investigates and typically offers a settlement. This can be quicker and less expensive than going to court, but insurance companies often offer low amounts or delay the process–especially when the injuries are serious.
If the settlement isn’t fair, you can file a lawsuit. This process takes longer and involves court filings, hearings, and more legal work–but it can result in better financial recovery. Our team takes care of all the legal details, so you don’t have to handle it alone.
Again though, the entire point of the legal process is to help you recover certain “damages” that come about because of the accident. In a car accident claim, you might be able to recover things like:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Lost income or loss of earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for your car or other damaged property
- Costs associated with your physical pain, mental suffering, and emotional distress
- Costs relating to any reduced quality of life, like if you can no longer enjoy activities the way you did prior to the accident
- Funeral or burial expenses if your accident is fatal
- Punitive damages (in cases of reckless or intentional negligence)
In Georgia, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. That’s why it’s important to act quickly and build a strong case. But it also brings up another important question: who pays for these damages?
Who Pays For Your Damages After a Car Accident?
Every car accident has a cause, but what makes an accident more than just a random event is negligence. When negligence is involved, it means someone is legally responsible (liable) for the injuries and losses they caused–or in simpler terms, they have to pay for your damages. It ultimately boils down to what actually happened, but usually, liability falls on:
- The other driver
- Passengers or pedestrians
- Motorcycle or bicycle riders
- Car manufacturers
- Parts manufacturers
- Local or state government agencies in charge of road maintenance
It’s also possible that you could share some of the blame if you were negligent in some way. This doesn’t stop you from filing a claim, but it will affect the amount you can recover. Under Georgia’s comparative negligence laws, if you are partially at fault, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault you hold.
What Kinds of Car Accidents Can Happen to You in Gainesville?
Like any city, Gainesville sees a wide range of car accidents. They’re especially common in high-traffic areas like downtown, along Jesse Jewell Parkway, or near I-985, but they can happen anywhere, at any time. Most of the time, though, they include the following kinds of accidents:
- Single-car accidents
- Multi-vehicle collisions
- Sideswipes
- Rear-end accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bus accidents
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
No matter what kind of accident it is, many of these accidents are caused by the same risky behaviors, often involving driver negligence like:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Texting or using a phone while driving
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Speeding
- Aggressive or reckless driving
Accidents like these often lead to injuries that can range from minor bruises to serious, life-changing harm. That’s why the legal process is so important, and more to the point, why having experienced legal guidance and support is vital–it puts you in the best possible position to get financial support to help you recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim after my car accident?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file. This is Georgia’s “statute of limitations” for injury claims.
If more than two cars are involved, who’s responsible for the accident?
Responsibility depends on who was negligent and caused the accident. Regardless of how many cars are involved, you can file a claim against the person or people who were negligent. This could mean filing a claim against each driver involved.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance, can I still file a claim?
Yes. If the other driver is uninsured, you can file a claim through your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage.
Contact Weaver Law Injury Attorneys After You’re Hurt in a Gainesville Car Accident
After a car accident in Gainesville, injuries and losses can make your life difficult. At Weaver Law Injury Attorneys, our experienced team of car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you get the best outcome for your case. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
