Brunswick, GA Car Accident Lawyer

Brunswick Car Accident Attorney

Every day, car accidents occur throughout Southeast Georgia due to many different causes. Some accidents involve single vehicles when drivers lose control; others are the result of negligence and misconduct behind the wheel. Whenever any type of accident happens, it is vital for those involved to know their rights under the state’s car accident laws and how they can recover their losses. The aftermath of any accident can be very difficult for the average person to navigate, but a Brunswick car accident attorney can provide the guidance and support you need in this challenging situation.

Experienced Legal Representation for Brunswick, GA, Car Accident Claims

The team at Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys has successfully helped many past clients with all types of motor vehicle accident claims and other personal injury cases. When you believe another motorist is responsible for causing a recent accident, time is a critical concern if you want to hold them fully accountable for the damages they inflicted. State law enables you to file a claim against their auto insurance for some initial compensation, and you may be able to file a personal injury suit as well if their insurance can’t fully repay your damages.

Every car accident victim in the state will encounter different challenges as they seek compensation for their damages, and everyone in this situation benefits from having legal counsel they can trust to guide them through their recovery efforts. If you choose Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys to represent your car accident claim in Brunswick, GA, we can help you determine the optimal path to recovering your losses and seek maximum compensation for the damages you suffered.

Proving Liability for Your Car Accident in Brunswick

The state enforces the fault system when it comes to car accidents, so it is essential for an injured driver to prove fault for their accident before they can recover any compensation for the damages they suffered. Proving fault for your accident is a crucial prerequisite for recovering your losses. You must identify the driver who caused your accident and then prove their actions directly caused the damages cited in your claim. A few of the most commonly cited causes of motor vehicle accidents in Southeast Georgia include:

• Distraction. Throughout the United States, distracted driving consistently ranks as the most common cause of all motor vehicle accidents each year. Whenever any driver is not paying full attention to the road, they put themselves and others around them at severe risk. Cell phone use while driving is the most common type of distracted driving responsible for serious accidents each year.
• Intoxicated driving. It is illegal for anyone to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. If driving under the influence (DUI) caused your recent accident, the at-fault driver faces criminal charges along with their liability for your civil damages. Your Brunswick car accident attorney can advise you as to how the illegal nature of the defendant’s behavior could influence your recovery efforts.
• Traffic violations. Drivers are required to heed posted traffic signals to maintain a safe flow of traffic. Performing illegal turns, failing to stop at stop signs and red lights, and failure to yield the right-of-way are just a few common examples of traffic violations that often result in serious accidents.
• Speeding. This not only increases the risk of an accident, but also the severity of any resulting damages. Catastrophic and fatal injuries are more likely to occur when a car accident happens at high speeds. Excessive speeding may also lead to reckless driving charges for the at-fault driver.
• Vehicle malfunctions. Drivers are expected to address any mechanical issues that arise with their vehicles. Broken taillights, misaligned tires, or faulty brakes are just a few examples of this. Failure to address such problems could easily lead to an accident, and it is also possible for a mechanic or service center to face liability if they failed to properly service a vehicle in any manner causing an accident.

Once you determine the cause of your accident, you can proceed with seeking compensation for the losses you suffered. Georgia law requires the drivers involved in any accident to report the accident to 911 and remain at the scene of the crash until first responders arrive. After resolving the initial aftermath of your accident, you should speak with a Brunswick car accident attorney as soon as possible to begin the process of collecting compensation for your damages.

Securing Compensation Through Auto Insurance

Every driver must have auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements. A minimum-coverage policy in the state must include at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for a single victim’s medical expenses. The policy must expand this bodily injury liability coverage to $50,000 or more for all victims if an accident causes injuries to multiple people. Additionally, the insurance policy must include at least $25,000 in property damage liability coverage to pay for vehicle repair costs and other property losses.

Proving a fault is an essential first step in the insurance claim process, and the victim of a car accident has a limited time in which to file their insurance claim. After resolving their immediate medical concerns, they should reach out to a Brunswick car accident attorney they can trust as soon as possible for help with the insurance claim process.

The team at Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys has helped many clients confront the largest insurance carriers in the Brunswick area. We know the tactics they often use to try to avoid liability for claims, and most insurance company representatives will do everything they can to try to convince claimants to accept the lowest settlement offers possible. An insurance company is far less likely to attempt any bad-faith handling of your case if they notice that you have legal representation. Our firm can help you file your claim, resolve any issues between you and the insurance carrier, and then proceed with building a personal injury case if insurance cannot fully compensate you for your damages.

Claiming Compensation for a Car Accident With a Personal Injury Claim

After you complete the insurance claim process, you may have only recovered a fraction of your total damages. Any car accident has the potential to inflict life-changing injuries, and Georgia’s personal injury laws allow the victim to seek full repayment of all the damages they incurred. If you can prove another party is directly responsible for causing your recent car accident, you can hold them accountable for:

• The cost of all the medical care you need for your injuries. Under the personal injury laws of the state, the defendant who caused your injuries must repay the cost of all immediate and future medical care you need to reach maximum medical recovery from your injuries. This includes future treatment costs along with immediate medical expenses, so if your injuries require ongoing rehabilitative care, you can hold the defendant accountable for these costs.
• Income you cannot earn after your accident. Your injuries could leave you unable to work and earn income, creating a difficult financial situation for you and your family. When you have a Brunswick car accident attorney representing you, they can assist you in securing compensation for your lost income as well as lost future earning potential. If your injuries caused any long-term or permanent harm that interferes with your ability to work in the future, the defendant is liable for these projected future losses.
• Property losses not covered by insurance. The at-fault driver’s auto insurance may cover some of your vehicle repair expenses, but any property loss not compensated for by their insurance can be added to your civil suit as economic damages.
• Your pain and suffering. Georgia law allows the plaintiff in a personal injury case to seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress they suffered because of a defendant’s negligence or misconduct. There is no limit on pain and suffering damages in car accident claims, and a good attorney can be crucial for maximizing this aspect of your case award.

It is also possible for the victim of a car accident to receive punitive damages or restitution if the defendant caused the accident through any illegal actions, such as DUI or reckless driving. It is also possible for the plaintiff’s recovery to diminish if they share fault for causing the accident. The state follows the modified comparative negligence rule, so a plaintiff can still recover damages as long as they are less than 50% at fault, but their percentage of fault is deducted from their case award.

Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys can provide the responsive legal counsel you need in the aftermath of a serious car accident. Our firm has successfully secured many substantial case awards for car accident victims in Brunswick and surrounding communities, and we are ready to leverage this experience on your behalf.

Personal Injury Lawyers FAQs

Q: Is Georgia a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

A: In a no-fault state, drivers use their own insurance to pay for damages from a car accident, regardless of who caused the accident. Fault only comes into play when one driver is clearly to blame and the damages they caused exceed the victim’s insurance coverage. The state is a fault state, so all drivers must have liability coverage that will pay for damages they cause to others. Proving fault will be a critical first step in your impending car accident case if you want to recover your losses as fully as possible.

Q: How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Suit for a Car Accident in Brunswick?

A: After securing as much compensation as possible through insurance, the next step in your recovery will be filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. The statute of limitations or time limit for personal injury claims in the state is two years, starting on the date an injury occurred. It will take time to compile the evidence and documentation you will need for your case, so it is ideal to consult an experienced Brunswick car accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Car Accident Claim in Brunswick?

A: If you experience any type of car accident in South Georgia, it is natural to wonder how long it could take you to finalize your recovery efforts and secure compensation for your losses. If the fault for the accident is clear and you have an experienced attorney representing you, it may only take a few weeks to secure compensation and resolve your case. If fault is unclear or if the defendant refuses to settle your personal injury claim, litigation could take much longer. Your Brunswick car accident attorney can review the details of your case, construct a recovery timeline on your behalf, and explain the likely timetable for your case.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Recover for a Car Accident?

A: The driver responsible for causing your recent accident is liable for all associated economic damages, including the cost of repairing the damage to your vehicle, your medical expenses, and any income you are unable to earn while you recover from your injuries. You can also hold them accountable for your pain and suffering based on the severity of your injuries and the time it takes you to fully recover. Your Brunswick car accident attorney is your most important asset for maximizing the total compensation you obtain for your damages.

Q: What Will It Cost to Hire a Brunswick Car Accident Attorney?

A: Most personal injury attorneys offer contingency fee billing to their clients, meaning they only collect legal fees after they win their clients’ cases. Others charge hourly rates or offer flat rates for very specific legal services. Always check to ensure you fully understand a potential attorney’s billing policy before you agree to their representation. Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys can carefully review our billing terms at the outset of your case, so you know exactly what to expect in terms of your legal fees.

The team at Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys excels at resolving complex accident claims on behalf of our clients. Throughout the years of our firm’s operation, we have helped many past clients maximize their recoveries. Whether you believe you can recover your losses through insurance alone or are bracing for a complex civil claim against the at-fault driver, we are ready to assist you with your recovery efforts. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with a Brunswick car accident attorney to learn more about the legal services our firm provides.