Your Advocate After the Crash: Buford Car Accident Lawyer - Scholle Law

After a Buford car accident, you need swift, experienced legal help. A local Buford car accident lawyer at Scholle Law can help you navigate claims, protect your rights, and secure the compensation you’re owed, letting you prioritize your recovery in peace.  

Key Takeaways

  • An experienced Buford car accident lawyer like Scholle Law can help injury victims navigate the complexities of insurance claims, counteract tactics used by insurance companies to minimize compensation, and ensure that legal rights are protected and understood in Georgia.
  • Georgia operates under a fault-based system for car accidents, meaning that the responsible party is liable for damages. However, determining fault can be complex, requiring a skilled lawyer to navigate partial fault scenarios or deal with uninsured drivers, ensuring victims receive proper compensation.
  • The statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in Georgia is two years from the date of the accident, with certain exceptions. Prompt action and legal representation are crucial in preserving evidence, meeting legal deadlines, and maximizing the potential for fair compensation.

The Importance of Hiring a Buford Car Accident Lawyer

You’ve just been involved in a car accident. Amid the shock and confusion, you’re left wondering what to do next. This is where the experience of a Buford car accident attorney like Scholle Law Car & Truck Accident Attorneys, comes into play. We can help you navigate the complex legal process, ensuring that you understand your rights and the procedures to follow.

But it’s not just about understanding the law. Scholle Law can also counteract the tactics insurance companies often use to minimize compensation. These companies are not your friends; they’re businesses looking to protect their bottom line. This is where your attorney steps in, using our knowledge to explore the various compensation options that may be suitable for you in Buford, GA.

Moreover, our attorneys gather and present key evidence proving the other driver’s liability and the extent of losses from the accident, building a strong case for you. 

Leveling the Playing Field Against Insurance Companies

One of the most significant challenges accident victims face is dealing with an insurance company after a minor car accident, or an auto accident involving serious injuries. Their aim is to pay you as little as possible, using tactics to minimize your car accident claims or even deny it outright. But with a seasoned car accident lawyer at Scholle Law by your side, you can level the playing field in your car accident case.

Your attorney will guide you in interactions with insurance adjusters, ensuring you don’t unwittingly admit fault or make compromising statements. We’ll advise you on how to communicate effectively and even help you stay off social media during the settlement process to avoid insurance companies using your posts against you. Moreover, we’ll present evidence of negligence and injury severity effectively, giving you the best chance of a fair settlement. 

Focusing on Recovery

After a car accident, your primary focus should be on recovery. But the stress of negotiating with insurance companies and navigating legal processes can hamper your healing. That’s where your Buford car accident attorney, Scholle Law, steps in, taking over these stressful responsibilities to allow you to focus on your recovery.

Your lawyer’s role extends beyond just handling negotiations and legal aspects. We’ll take the lead in:

  • Gathering the necessary evidence
  • Providing a strategic advantage for you
  • Maintaining a consistent treatment schedule
  • Keeping detailed records of the injury’s impact

These are critical for demonstrating the extent of harm to insurers. With a lawyer from Scholle Law managing your case, you can focus on what truly matters – your recovery. 

Understanding Georgia’s Fault-Based System

When it comes to car accidents, Georgia follows a fault-based system. This means that the at-fault driver is responsible for personal injuries and property damage resulting from a car accident. So, if you’re involved in a car accident in Georgia, the first step in seeking compensation is to determine who was at fault.

But what if you’re partially at fault? Or what if the other driver is uninsured? In these cases, you have options. Injured parties in Georgia can seek compensation by filing a claim with their own insurer, the at-fault driver’s insurer, or even pursuing a lawsuit in civil court. Navigating these options can be complex, underscoring the importance of having a skilled car accident lawyer on your side. 

Determining Fault in Buford Car Accidents

Determining fault in car accidents is a complex process that often relies on the evidence available and the laws in place. In Georgia, fault is typically assigned by the responding officer through a citation. However, it’s not always black and white. Sometimes, fault can be assigned to both parties involved, a concept known as proportional comparative fault.

Additionally, Georgia law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care when making lane changes, often leading to the presumption of fault for the driver who makes the lane change. Understanding these nuances is crucial in determining who bears responsibility for the accident and, consequently, your claim’s success. 

Navigating Insurance Claims

Dealing with insurance claims after a car accident can be a daunting task, filled with confusing jargon and procedures. This is where a personal injury attorney at Scholle Law can step in, helping you understand your insurance policies and guiding you through the insurance claim filing procedures. We can also assist in utilizing underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage to manage additional costs when accident-related expenses are higher than what the at-fault driver’s insurance policy covers.

After an accident, here are some essential steps to take in supporting your compensation claim:

  1. Get medical attention immediately.
  2. Collect all necessary information from others involved.
  3. Consult with a Scholle Law for advice on handling settlement offers.
  4. Advocate for maintaining thorough records of all related communications and transactions. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Buford

Understanding the common causes of car accidents in Buford can help you stay vigilant on the road and avoid potential hazards. Driver error, including failing to signal and improper lane changes, are among the most prominent contributors to accidents in Buford.

Rural roads, especially in Gwinnett County, pose a unique set of challenges. These roads, prevalent in the Buford area, are particularly dangerous due to:

  • their mostly two-lane design
  • unsafe conditions for passing
  • the absence of streetlights on many rural roads around Buford, which increases the risk of nighttime accidents. 

Reckless Driving and Distracted Driving

Reckless and distracted driving are significant contributors to car accidents. These behaviors not only increase the risk of severe accidents but also serve as indicators of negligence in Buford. Reckless driving includes actions such as straddling two lanes or unlawfully changing lanes.

Distracted driving, especially on freeways, can lead to catastrophic accidents due to high speeds and dense traffic. Accidents caused by distracted driving can escalate into side-swipe collisions and rollovers when a vehicle veers off the road at high velocities. 

Road Conditions and Defective Vehicle Parts

In addition to driver behavior, road conditions and defective vehicle parts can also contribute to car accidents in Buford. Poor road conditions, such as potholes or lack of proper signage, can lead to accidents, especially on rural roads where street lighting is often inadequate.

Defective vehicle parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and result in an accident. In such cases, the manufacturer may be held liable for the accident. Understanding these factors can help determine who is at fault and may open up additional avenues for compensation. 

Time is of the Essence: Georgia’s Statute of Limitations

In Georgia, the clock starts ticking the moment an accident occurs. The state’s statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. This may seem like ample time, but when you consider the time needed to recover from injuries, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies, it can easily slip away.

Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with a Buford personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident. An experienced car accident lawyer can:

  • Help you navigate the legal process
  • Ensure your claim is filed within the two-year period
  • Maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. 

The Clock is Ticking

Time is a crucial factor following an accident. Immediate contact with a car accident lawyer is critical for preserving evidence, such as witness statements and photos from the scene, which can quickly disappear. An attorney can initiate a prompt investigation at the accident scene, which is essential for gathering and protecting evidence before it’s lost or compromised. They also ensure that all necessary evidence, including police reports, photos, witness statements, medical records, and documentation of lost wages, is secured as soon as possible.

Having car accident attorneys from Scholle Law on your side right after the accident can greatly improve the odds of receiving a just settlement that reflects the real damages and losses suffered. Contact us for a free consultation. 

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations

While the two-year statute of limitations applies in most cases, there are exceptions. For example, if the injured person is legally incompetent due to intellectual disability or mental illness at the time of the accident, the limitation period begins once the disability or mental illness ends.

For minors involved in car accidents, the two-year statute of limitations does not start until they reach the age of 18. There are also exceptions if the defendant leaves the state of Georgia after causing an accident, commits fraud, or if the claim is against a government-owned vehicle. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand these exceptions and determine the best course of action for your unique situation. 

Maximizing Your Compensation with Scholle Law

One of the main reasons for hiring a car accident lawyer from Scholle Law is to maximize your compensation. We can do this by investigating the accident, properly valuing the claim, and negotiating with insurance companies. Without legal representation, victims may end up settling for a low compensation that may not cover long-term medical care or adequate damages.

It’s also important to note that in Georgia, the modified comparative fault rule may reduce or eliminate the amount of damages a victim can receive if they are found partially at fault for the accident. Knowledgeable legal representation is crucial in such cases to minimize this impact and ensure you receive fair compensation, as only a fraction of the potential amount might be awarded. 

Documenting Medical Expenses and Lost Wages

An integral part of your car accident claim is documenting medical expenses and lost wages. Keeping detailed records of all medical bills is crucial in securing fair compensation. This includes comprehensive medical documentation such as:

  • records
  • bills
  • imaging studies
  • expert reports
  • prescription records
  • rehabilitation records

In addition to medical costs, documenting lost wages through precise records and evidence, including pay stubs, is essential to ensure your financial losses due to the accident are fully recognized. Your Scholle Law car accident lawyer can provide an accurate estimate of your claim’s value, taking into account medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. 

Negotiating a Fair Settlement

When it comes to negotiating a fair settlement, our experienced car accident lawyers are your best ally. They can match the negotiation tactics of insurance adjusters to reach a fair settlement, challenging low-ball offers and accurately estimating future costs.

The negotiation process usually involves requesting a sum higher than the claim’s actual value to allow room for counteroffers, and setting a minimum settlement figure as a benchmark for acceptable offers. If fair settlement negotiations fail, don’t worry – your attorney can take the case to court, where their experience can guide you through the trial process and potentially increase the settlement beyond the initial offers. 

Summary

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident is a daunting task, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and emotional stress. However, working with a Buford car accident lawyer from Scholle Law can significantly ease this burden. We can level the playing field against insurance companies, guide you through Georgia’s fault-based system, help determine fault, and maximize your compensation.

Don’t let the complexities of the legal process and insurance company tactics prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve. Consult with one of our car accident lawyers as soon as possible after your accident to preserve evidence, file your claim within the statute of limitations, and secure a just settlement. Remember, in this legal maze, your Scholle Law lawyer can be your advocate and guide.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the statute of limitations on a car accident in Georgia?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is two years. It’s important to file any lawsuit arising from a car accident within this time frame to avoid losing your right to sue. 

Yes, if you are sued for damages and the court finds you at fault for the accident, and the damages exceed the value of your home, you could potentially lose your house. Be sure to consider the potential financial impact of a serious car accident. 

In Georgia, the law regarding auto accidents follows an at-fault system, where the driver responsible for a collision is held liable for the losses incurred by the victims, regardless of the severity of the injuries.

No, Georgia is not a no-fault state for auto insurance claims. Before the insurance company will pay for damages, fault for the crash must be determined.

With over 26 years of local experience and having secured over $100,000,000 in case wins, Scholle Law prides itself of being effective, compassionate and hard fighting. We can help you with the legal processes, counter insurance company tactics, and ensure you receive fair compensation.