Car Accident Lawyers for Your Claim

Car Accident Lawyers Serving Georgia Residents

There are many aspects to a car wreck, many of which must be dealt with immediately. Our law firm begins by investigating these critical aspects including obtaining 9-1-1 tapes, meeting with witnesses, interviewing the investigating officer, etc. We also understand that the pain and injuries resulting from the auto accident do not always show themselves immediately. Unlike the insurance companies or other lawyers, we know this to be true and will continue to treat you fairly. Car wreck cases can have challenges but our auto accident lawyers will handle your case with the experience and desire that our law firm is known for and promise that a successful result is imminent.

I was in a major car accident and my husband and I reached out to Andrew’s law firm for legal representation as he was recommended by a friend. We had never been involved in any type of litigation until this accident. I was nervous and naive about the process. Andrew helped me to achieve the best possible resolution in the face of complicated insurance between two states, dealing with Blue Cross shield in S.C. Not only did he address every concern I had, I am from UK so everything was new and alien for me but he went above and beyond negotiating bills for me and reducing his fees to make sure I can get the best compensation possible. We hope to never have to go through anything like this again, but if we do, Andrew will be the first we call. Thank you sincerely for you, your firm for being there when we needed legal guidance and someone fighting our case.

N.A.

Georgia Motor Vehicle Crash Lawyers with Over 30 Years Experience

Atlanta car accidents occur more frequently than many of us realize. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 1,500 people died in traffic accidents in 2018. That year, 994 passengers died in motor vehicle accidents. The NHTSA reports that distracted driving due to cell phone use contributes to many car accident deaths every year. Unfortunately, many Atlanta car accident deaths are completely preventable. When drivers are distracted, speeding, or driving under the influence, they are more likely to cause serious car accidents.

Hiring a Skilled Vehicle Accident Attorney in GA

Atlanta roads are freeways are dangerous enough. However, with the increase in distracted driving, Georgia car accidents happen every day. Suffering an injury from a car accident can negatively impact your life in many different ways. Severe crashes can cause people to be seriously injured or even killed. Speaking with an experienced lawyer soon after the Georgia car accident is essential Contact Rice McGowan & Brandt as soon as possible to schedule your initial consultation to learn how our lawyers can help you fight for your right to compensation.

Distracted Driving is a Common Cause of Georgia Car Accidents

The number one cause of Atlanta car accidents is distracted driving. According to the NHTSA, 48% of drivers admit to answering their cell phones while driving, and 24% admit to making a cell phone call while they are driving. When it comes to sending a text message while the vehicle is in motion, 35% of drivers admit to the practice. The following types of distracted driving constitute negligent driving in Atlanta:

• Answering text messages
• Talking on a hand-held phone
• Eating or drinking
• Putting on makeup
• Failing to focus on the road
• Talking to the passenger or kids in the back of the car while driving
• Focusing on the radio or the GPS system

Drunk Driving is Another Common Cause of Atlanta Car Accidents

Drunk driving accounts for 29% of all deaths caused by motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher is a crime in North Carolina. When accidents involve a drunk driver, they are considered to be alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. In 2017, over 10,000 people died in drunk driving crashes. In the U.S., an average of one alcohol-related fatality occurs every 48 minutes.

Other Causes of Atlanta Car Accidents

Those who drive at excessive speeds, inexperienced teenage drivers, and drivers who use excessive speed can cause car accidents. Additionally, weather conditions such as wet and icy roads also cause car accidents. Drivers cannot control the weather, but they do have a duty to use reasonable care when driving in inclement weather. When it is pouring down rain, it is unreasonable to travel over 45 miles per hour. When a driver’s negligence causes an accident in the rain, he or she may be liable for any injuries caused by the accident.

Proving Negligence in an GA Car Accident Lawsuit

If you have suffered an injury in an Atlanta car accident, you will need to prove that the other driver’s negligence or recklessness caused your injuries. As the injured party, you will have the duty to prove that the elements of a tort are met. More specifically, you must prove the following:

• That the defendant owed the plaintiff a legal duty of care
• The defendant breached that duty of care
• The defendant’s breach caused your injuries
• The defendant’s breach caused damage to the plaintiff

Our Personal Injury Lawyers Know How to Conduct a Thorough Investigation

When a driver is negligent, reckless, or drives intentionally poorly, it can be easy to prove that the driver breached his or her duty of care. As the plaintiff, you will need to prove that the defendant “more likely than not” caused the car accident and your resulting injuries. One of the best ways to prove that a defendant caused the car accident is by conducting a thorough investigation.

At Rice McGowan & Brandt, our legal team has the resources and experience necessary to conduct a thorough investigation into our client’s cases. We examine the police reports, seek out witnesses, and any available CCTV footage. When necessary, we seek out expert witnesses who can testify to the defendant’s fault in the car accident. With a skilled lawyer on your side, you will not need to navigate the legal system on your own. Our lawyers will gather all of the evidence available to prove that you are entitled to compensation for your car accident injuries.

Damages Available in Georgia Car Accident Cases

An important part of filing a personal injury lawsuit is calculating damages. For many clients, a personal injury lawsuit is their only chance to recover compensation for their medical bills and other expenses. Successful personal injury plaintiffs will be entitled to the following types of compensation:

• Economic or special damages
• Non-economic or general damages
• Punitive damages in some cases

Economic damages include any damages that are easy to quantify, such as medical bills, lost income, property damage expenses, and out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of your injuries from the car accident. Non-economic damages include damages that are less easy to quantify that have resulted from the car accident. These types of damages include pain and suffering, anxiety, loss of enjoyment, or loss of consortium caused by the car accident.

Georgia is a Comparative Negligence State

In Georgia, an injured person can only recover damages when the defendant is 50% or more responsible for your injuries. Defendants will attempt to argue that you were at least 50% at fault for the car accident so that you will not be able to recover any damages. Hiring a skilled lawyer to fight on your side is essential.

Contact Our Experienced MVA Accident Lawyers Today

If you have suffered an injury in an Atlanta car accident, our experienced lawyers can fight on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.

Share This Page: