LEGALLY REVIEWED BY:
Stephen R. Hasner
Managing Partner at Hasner Law PC
October 2, 2024

Key Takeaways About Hiring a Car Accident Attorney

  • An experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of pursuing damages and protecting your rights after a collision.
  • Attorneys typically work on a contingency basis, receiving fees only if they secure compensation for you.
  • You can seek compensation from liable parties, even if partially at fault, for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
  • With decades of experience, Hasner Law’s attorneys handle all aspects of car accident cases to help you maximize your recovery. Our Atlanta car accident lawyers are dedicated to providing the best possible representation.

Atlanta Car Accident Guide

How Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You

Award for The National Top 100 Trial Lawyers

For more than twenty years, the car accident attorneys at Hasner Law have been fighting on behalf of injured car accident victims in and around Atlanta, GA.

After an unexpected motor vehicle accident in Atlanta, few things will be more significant than your pursuit of damages. Someone else was careless and caused you to get hurt; in legal terms, they were negligent and they should be held fully accountable for the consequences of their actions.

However, just because you have the right to seek compensation doesn’t mean it will be easy. An at-fault driver’s insurance company will fight you every step of the way.

Don’t let them walk away without paying you the money you deserve. Contact the Atlanta car accident attorneys at Hasner Law. When you let our auto accident attorneys handle your car accident case, you can level the playing field and put yourself in the best position to maximize your recovery.

That’s because our car accident lawyers will:

  • Launch a thorough investigation into your car accident
  • Dig deep to determine the cause(s) and identify liable parties
  • Seek damages from anyone who caused you to get hurt
  • Protect you when others try to blame you for the collision by minimizing your role
  • Work closely with leading car accident experts as we build and assess the value of your case and
  • Stand up to manipulative insurers on your behalf to get you a settlement or award that covers your expenses.

If insurance companies won’t cooperate or you’re not happy with the settlement offers you receive, our skilled Atlanta car accident attorneys will not hesitate to take your case to court. Our goal is to help you in any way that we can and get you the results you need. Our attorneys handle all aspects of your legal case so that you can focus on getting better. It’s that simple.

Ready to get started? Give our Georgia law firm a call at (678) 888-4878 for a free consultation. You may be able to recover damages for your injuries. We can help you fight to get every last dollar that you deserve.

Why Choose the Car Accident Attorneys at Hasner Law?

The National Trial Lawyers Top 100

Choosing the right car accident lawyer is crucial for the success of your car accident claim. Our Atlanta car accident attorneys deal with various cases, such as rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, and hit-and-runs. At Hasner Law, our legal team of dedicated car accident lawyers stands out for several reasons, including the following:

Expertise in Car Accident Cases

With over 100 years of combined experience, providing us with the knowledge and skills to effectively advocate for you. Our attorneys have handled a wide range of motor vehicle accident cases, including:

Strategic Advantage

Our background in defending insurance companies gives us unique insights into their tactics, allowing us to anticipate their moves and strengthen your case.

Client-Focused Representation

We tailor our legal strategies to meet your specific needs and goals, keeping you informed and involved at every stage of the legal process.

Proven Results

Our track record of securing favorable verdicts and settlements demonstrates our commitment to maximizing compensation for our clients, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Comprehensive Resources

We have a strong network of medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and investigators to build robust, evidence-based cases for our clients.

Compassionate Support

We understand the stress of dealing with a car accident, offering both legal assistance and emotional support to help you navigate the recovery process with dignity.

Community Engagement

Our attorneys are active members of professional organizations and take on leadership roles, showing our commitment to advancing the rights of accident victims and contributing to the legal community.

Choosing Hasner Law means partnering with a dedicated team committed to achieving the best possible results in your car accident case.

GET A FREE CASE REVIEW

Common Causes of Atlanta Car Accidents

While wrecks can occur for any number of reasons, certain factors tend to contribute to car accidents more often than others. Just because car accidents happen all the time doesn’t mean that we should take them lightly. We should try to stay focused and alert while driving in order to prevent a car collision, both for ourselves and for others.

Leading causes of auto accidents in Atlanta include:

Contact Hasner Law if you’ve been involved in a car accident in Georgia, we handle all types of car accidents. Our experienced Atlanta car accident attorneys will help you obtain the financial compensation you deserve. Don’t pay for someone else’s negligence. All you have to do is give our attorneys a quick call to start the process, we do not charge any fees for your initial consultation.

Atlanta Car Accident Statistics

Source: gahighwaysafety.org

Our Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys Will Fight to Recover Compensation for All Injuries

In 2022, the state of Georgia roadways experienced an astounding 1.9 million car accidents. According to the latest Georgia Department of Transportation Crash Data for 2022, these were the following major Atlanta car accident statistics in :

  • 182,521 total reported car crashes
  • 351 fatal accidents with a total of 387 individual fatalities
  • 69,113 injuries that resulted from these auto accidents

A car accident lawyer can help you recover damages for all of your car accident injuries, including:

Our Atlanta law firm will handle negotiations with the other driver’s insurance company to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries

We understand that your injuries might prevent you from coming into our law offices. So, our Atlanta car accident lawyers are prepared to come to you. We can visit you at home or at work. We can even arrange a hospital visit while you’re recovering from your car accident injuries.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Atlanta, GA?

You may not realize that the steps you take in the minutes, hours, and days after your car accident will affect your personal injury case.

Here’s what you should do if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident.

1. Seek Medical Attention

Don’t delay a trip to the doctor. Go, even if you don’t think that your injuries are severe, your safety and security is the most important thing. See a medical professional as soon as possible. Looking for medical attention will accomplish two meaningful things.

First, it’ll ensure that all of your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. This will protect you from potentially life-threatening complications down the line.

Second, your trip to the ER will generate a medical report. This will help to establish a causal link between your injuries and the car crash. That can be vital if you’re deciding to pursue compensation.

2. Report the Accident

In Georgia, any car accident that causes an injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 must be reported to the state. Failing to do so could jeopardize your legal claim for damages. If you don’t report your accident, you’ll also lack a police report. This document can contain critical information about your crash – it includes details that are commonly forgotten over time. So when the police arrive at the scene of the wreck, ask them how you can obtain a copy of the official accident report. Reporting the accident can help you preserve important evidence and details of your car crash.

3. Don’t Admit Fault

Don’t apologize or say anything that could be inferred to mean that you take responsibility for the accident. The only way to know for sure why an accident happened and who is at fault is through an investigation. If you admit fault, that investigation may never take place. Other parties and car insurance companies will twist your words and use them against you.

4. Refuse Early Settlement Offers

An insurance provider might approach you after an accident and offer you a check, no questions asked. Do not accept an initial offer, especially if you haven’t spoken with your car accident attorney. While getting money in your hands now may be tempting, what they’re offering is likely for much less than your case is really worth. Even worse, accepting it will likely bar you from recovering any additional compensation down the line.

5. Consult With an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer

You don’t have to navigate a complicated injury claim or lawsuit on your own. By hiring an experienced car accident attorney, you can make sure that your rights are protected and that you’re in the best position to get the compensation you need for your Atlanta car accident claims. Our experienced car accident lawyers might even take your case to trial if it is what it takes for you to get the compensation you are entitled to. Let the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Hasner Law handle your car accident claim.

Who Is Liable for My Injuries After a Car Accident in Atlanta?

It’s critical to make sure that your car accident is investigated. That’s because you can potentially recuperate compensation from anyone whose negligence, carelessness, or wrongful actions contributed to your injuries. In many cases, more than one party is at fault.

Potential Liable Parties in Motor Vehicle Accidents

  • Bicyclists
  • Bus drivers and/or transit companies
  • Employers of negligent companies
  • Drivers of other passenger vehicles
  • Government agencies, including the state of Georgia, Fulton County, or the city of Atlanta
  • Motorcyclists
  • Pedestrians
  • Vehicle manufacturers

At Hasner Law, our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience representing accident clients in all injury cases. We’ll take a close look at your accident to determine liability.

Our Atlanta personal injury attorneys will do whatever it takes to review all pieces of relevant evidence, speak with witnesses, and consult with accident professionals. We’ll work hard to determine why your accident happened and who’s at fault.

What if I’m Partly Responsible for a Car Accident in Atlanta, GA?

Don’t panic. Car accidents are messy. In many cases, more than one person shares some of the responsibility. This often includes victims who sustain injuries in those same accidents.

In Georgia, sharing fault for an accident will not automatically mean that you can’t receive much-needed compensation. This means that you can still get compensation as long as you’re not primarily at fault for causing the accident. Under Georgia’s modified comparative fault rules, you are only barred from seeking damages if you share more than one-half of the blame for an accident.

While sharing fault won’t necessarily bar you from getting damages after an accident, it will affect how much money you can get. Your recovery will be reduced to reflect your role in the wreck. So, if you are allocated 20 percent of the blame for an accident, you’ll be able to recover up to 80 percent of your damage.

It’s pretty simple – the less fault you share, the greater your recovery. That’s why it’s critical to work with an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer.

Can I Still Get Compensation if I Was in a Hit-And-Run Accident in Atlanta?

Quite possibly. While it’s always easiest if everyone sticks around after an accident, that’s not always how things go. If the driver who caused your accident – or even contributed to it slightly – speeds off, you can still potentially retrieve compensation for your injuries. There are a few potential options. You might be able to secure money from:

  • Your insurance provider if you have uninsured motorist coverage;
  • Any motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians that also played a role in your accident;
  • Companies that manufactured or sold defective products or
  • Government agencies failed to fix road hazards that were known or obvious.

Keep in mind that while there is a statute of limitations that applies to your personal injury case, it can be tolled (or paused) if the person responsible for your injuries can’t be located. So, the clock won’t start until the hit-and-run driver is found. This protects your right to gain compensation and keeps the hit-and-run driver responsible.

Hit-and-run car accidents can be quite stressful. We recommend you reach out to our attorneys who will be there to help you throughout the process. Our car accident lawyers determine all possible courses of action and get you the financial compensation you’re entitled to.

Can I Sue If a Loved One Was Killed in a Fatal Car Accident?

In Georgia, the right to recover compensation after an accident does not vanish just because someone dies. Instead, the ability to file claims transfers to their estate and/or their family. State law provides that a victim’s spouse or child(ren) can file a wrongful death claim after a fatal accident and seek compensation.

If you are a parent who lost a child in an accident, you may also have the right to file a claim (as long as your child was unmarried and childless). 

What Damages Are Available to Car Crash Victims In Atlanta?

Someone else is (at least partly) at fault for causing your car accident. They put you in this situation and are the reason why you are suffering from physical, emotional, and financial injuries. In Georgia, you have the right to pursue compensation. Our skilled attorneys at Hasner Law will aggressively achieve all of the damages you’re entitled to.
This could include:

How much is your case worth? You don’t want to let an insurance company decide. At Hasner Law, our Atlanta car accident lawyers can turn to leading injury and accident experts for help when we handle your case. With their assistance, we can better understand your crash injuries and how your life might be impacted.

This information can be valuable as we determine the value of your car accident injury claim to help you pay your bills and recover monetary losses.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits in Georgia

We know things are probably tough right now. It can take a while to get back on your feet. Even then, you may struggle with chronic physical pain and psychological trauma. However, you risk losing out on valuable compensation if you wait too long to file a personal injury claim.

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for a car accident lawsuit is typically two years from the date of your collision. It’s possible that you might have more time or less time to act, depending on the details of your specific case.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Understanding the costs associated with hiring a lawyer is crucial when selecting legal representation.

Many car accident lawyers offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees, and the lawyer’s fee is contingent upon successfully recovering compensation for your case.

In a contingency fee agreement, your lawyer receives a percentage (typically around 33-40%, but this can vary) of the total amount recovered in your case. This fee is deducted from your settlement or court award.

If your lawyer does not win your case or recover compensation for you, you do not owe any attorney’s fees for their time and effort.

In addition to attorney’s fees, there are costs associated with preparing and litigating a car accident case. These costs can include expert witness fees, court filing fees, deposition costs, and expenses related to gathering evidence.

Most car accident lawyers advance these costs on your behalf during the case. These costs are typically reimbursed from your settlement or court award.

When your case concludes, your lawyer deducts these costs from the settlement or award amount before calculating their contingency fee. This ensures that the lawyer is reimbursed for the expenses incurred in handling your case.

It’s important to clarify with your car accident lawyer whether you will be responsible for these costs if your case is unsuccessful. Some firms require clients to cover these costs even if they do not recover compensation, so understanding this upfront is crucial.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

There are several factors that influence what your car accident case might be worth. In most cases, for car accidents causing minor or moderate injuries, you might be looking at a few thousand dollars or more in compensation. An auto accident that causes more extensive and severe damage can often be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars or even more than a million over the course of a lifetime.

Factors that might be important in determining what your case is worth could include:

  • Will you require continuing medical care, nursing or treatment for your injuries?
  • How much did you incur in medical expenses?
  • Do you require help to take care of yourself (e.g., eat, bathe, drive)?
  • Do your injuries impact your ability to work?
  • Are you temporarily or permanently disabled because of your car accident?
  • Do accident-related PTSD, depression, or anxiety interfere with your faculty to work or enjoy your life?
  • Do you require help to take care of yourself (e.g., eat, bathe, drive)?

The way your injury affects your life will ultimately impact the value of your case. It’s important to invest time and resources into looking into these questions and, with the aid of lawyers and other professionals, getting the right answers.

Understanding the Legal Process in Car Accident Claims

At Hasner Law, we are committed to making the legal process as transparent and understandable as possible for our clients. The following is a step-by-step guide to what you can expect when moving forward with pursuing a car accident claim with us:

Initial Consultation

The first step in the legal process is your free initial consultation. During this meeting, you will speak with one of our experienced car accident attorneys to discuss the details of your accident. We encourage you to bring any documents related to the collision, such as police reports, medical records, and correspondence with insurance companies. This information will help us assess your case and advise you on the best course of action.

Investigation of the Collision

Once you decide to proceed with your claim, our legal team will begin a thorough investigation of your accident. This involves collecting additional evidence, such as surveillance footage, police report, witness statements, and expert testimonies. Our goal is to build a strong case that clearly shows liability and the extent of your damages.

Filing the Claim

After gathering sufficient evidence, we will file a claim on your behalf. This claim will be directed against the opposing party’s insurance company, demonstrating the details of the auto accident and the damages you are seeking. 

Negotiation and Mediation

Generally, most car accident cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation, where both parties work towards a mutually acceptable settlement. Our attorneys have years of experience in negotiation and will fight tirelessly to ensure you recover the compensation you deserve without the need for a prolonged court battle.

Trial

If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial. Our dedicated trial attorneys are ready to represent you in court, presenting your case compellingly to achieve a favorable verdict. We handle all aspects of the trial process, ensuring your interests are represented.

Settlement Offer or Court Verdict

Once a settlement is agreed upon or a court verdict is issued, the final step is the disbursement of compensation. We will work diligently to ensure that the funds are released promptly and that all legal paperwork is handled correctly, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

At Hasner Law, we understand that each car accident case is unique, so we tailor our legal approach to meet the needs of our clients. Our attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process, providing support and legal guidance to help you obtain the full compensation you rightfully deserve.

Should I Talk to Another Party’s Insurance Company After an Accident?

You should do your best not to. Insurance companies have one objective in mind – to find a way to minimize a payout or avoid paying anything on claims. If you are contacted by another party’s insurance company after an accident, it’s probably not with the best intentions.

The adjuster might offer a lowball settlement with the hope that you accept a small check rather than fight for every penny you’re entitled to. Alternatively, an insurance company might just be trying to get you to say something that can be used against you.

The best course of action is to answer any simple questions – regarding your name, address, and vehicle information – and then direct all other communication to your car accident attorney.

When you hire our top-rated Atlanta car accident lawyers, we’ll handle all conversations with insurance companies on your behalf in order to achieve the best results. This will take away any advantage they might have otherwise had and force them to engage in good faith practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring an Auto Accident Lawyer

How quickly should I contact an attorney after an accident?

It is advisable to contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible following an accident. An early consultation can help protect your rights and ensure that crucial evidence is preserved. Attorneys can also handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Will my case go to trial?

Most car accident claims are settled out of court. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached during the negotiation process, it may be necessary to go to trial to seek adequate compensation. At Hasner Law, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring that we are ready if that step is required.

How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, this time frame can vary depending on specific circumstances, so consulting with an Atlanta car accident attorney to understand the deadlines applicable to your case is crucial.

What type of compensation can I expect to receive?

Compensation can vary widely based on the specifics of the accident and the injuries incurred. Generally, you may be entitled to recover costs for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded.

How is fault determined in a car accident?

Determining fault involves establishing who was negligent or careless in causing the accident. This is typically achieved through evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and expert testimony. Our experienced attorneys can help gather and analyze this evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.

Do I need an Atlanta car accident lawyer if the accident was minor?

Even if an accident appears minor, complications can arise, such as latent injuries or disputes over fault. Consulting with an Atlanta car accident attorney can provide you with an understanding of your legal options and help ensure that your rights are protected, regardless of the accident’s severity.

Can I still receive compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, Georgia operates under a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover damages if you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Can I Be Compensated for Pre-Existing Conditions?

Yes, you may still be compensated for pre-existing conditions that were aggravated by the accident. It’s important to document how the accident impacted your pre-existing condition.

How Do Airbag Injuries Affect My Car Accident Claim?

Airbag injuries can complicate your claim by introducing potential product liability issues. It’s important to document these injuries and consult with an auto accident attorney to explore all avenues of compensation.

How does Hasner Law charge for its services?

We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, and you only pay if we win your case.

Call an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer at Hasner Law for Help Today

Have you been injured in a car accident in Atlanta? As a victim, you may be entitled to compensation, our lawyers can help you get the amount you deserve. Fill out a form or give a call to the experienced Atlanta car accident attorneys at Hasner Law PC to get a free case evaluation and learn more about your legal rights. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win.

Contact our law firm to schedule a free, no-obligation case assessment. Our car accident lawyers have over 80 years of combined experience helping accident clients make up for their losses and get the compensation they need. Our attorneys are always available to take your call and we get results, so reach out to us today.

Hasner Law PC – Atlanta Office

2839 Paces Ferry Road SE, Suite 1050
Atlanta, GA 30339
P: (678) 888-4878

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Stephen R. Hasner
Managing Partner at Hasner Law PC
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Stephen Hasner is the founder and managing partner of Hasner Law PC. Since being licensed in Florida in 1997 and in Georgia in 1999, Stephen has worked tirelessly to help Georgia residents navigate the legal process following a serious injury. This includes injuries sustained at work, in motor vehicle accidents, and in cases of personal injury. The team at Hasner Law is dedicated to securing compensation for their clients who have been injured through no fault of their own.