Clayton County Car Accident Lawyers

Hurt in a Car Crash in Clayton County? Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review 

At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, our Clayton County auto accident attorneys are dedicated advocates for justice. We are an award-winning law firm that provides solutions-driven guidance and support to victims and families. You need full and fair financial compensation after a serious accident. If you or your loved one was hurt in a crash in Clayton County, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation with a Clayton County car crash lawyer. 

What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Collision in Clayton County, Georgia

The aftermath of a car crash in Clayton County is stressful, frustrating, and confusing. If you are not sure about what comes next, you are far from alone. Here are four essential steps to take after a major motor vehicle collision in Georgia: 

1. Stop Your Car and Report the Crash: Georgia law requires all motorists involved in an accident to stop their vehicle, exchange information (name, vehicle, insurance, etc), and to remain at the scene unless there is a medical emergency. The crash should be reported to law enforcement, such as the Clayton County Police Department. 
2. Get Prompt Medical Care for Any Physical Injury: All physical injuries require prompt medical care. Never assume that your injury is too minor to see a doctor. Concussions, lower back pain, and many other common injuries have a delayed onset. Another issue is that you need official medical records to pursue car accident compensation in Clayton County. 
3. Carefully Document the Automobile Accident: To effectively navigate the motor vehicle accident claims process, you need to know what happened and why it happened. Document your crash in Clayton County by taking pictures, getting witness names, and writing down your version of events. 
4. Consult With an Experienced Attorney: You will probably get a request for a recorded statement from an insurance carrier relatively shortly after a bad crash. Insurers are not on your side. Before you provide any statement, be sure to speak to a top-tier Clayton County auto accident lawyer. Your attorney will ensure your rights are protected.

An Overview of the Most Common Reasons Why Auto Accidents Happen in Clayton County

Motor vehicle crashes happen every day. The Georgia Department of Public Health reports that they are the second leading reason why people go to the hospital for injuries in our state. Even the safest, most attentive, and most high skilled driver could still end up the victim of another person’s negligence. Here are some of the leading reasons why traffic collisions happen in Clayton County: 

• Speeding: Speeding remains a leading cause of accidents. Exceeding the speed limit reduces the driver’s reaction time to unexpected occurrences on the road
• Distracted Driving: The number of distracted driving accidents in Georgia is on the rise. Drivers texting, calling, or using social media while driving divert their attention from the road. Other distractions can also contribute to serious crashes. 
• Tailgating: Following another vehicle too closely, or tailgating, leaves insufficient stopping distance if the leading vehicle brakes suddenly. It can lead to a serious rear-end collision. 
• Traffic Violations: Disregarding traffic signals and signs, improper lane changes, and failing to yield the right of way are examples of traffic violations that frequently lead to accidents.
• Impaired Driving: Both drunk driving and drugged driving are extremely dangerous. An impaired driver in Clayton County can face a serious criminal charge and be held civilly liable for any resulting crash. 
• Commercial Company Negligence:  Accidents involving commercial vehicles can often be traced back to company negligence—from failing to maintain vehicles properly or pushing drivers to work beyond safe hours.
• Poor Road Design: Some accidents can be attributed to the road layout itself, including poorly designed intersections, lack of proper signage, or inadequate road maintenance.
• Vehicle Manufacturer Defects: In some cases, accidents occur due to defects in the vehicle itself. It could be a problem with the design or manufacturing. These defects can cause sudden malfunctions while driving. They can cause crashes or make them worse. 

Understanding Auto Accident Liability in Georgia

Who is responsible for a crash? In Georgia, the state operates under a “fault” system—meaning that the person who is found to be responsible for causing the accident is also liable for any resulting damages. To establish liability, it is essential to demonstrate that the at-fault party was negligent. Most claims are brought against drivers. Though, other defendants, including truck companies and vehicle manufacturers, may be held liable for as well. Negligence is the failure to take due care. 

Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), a modified comparative negligence system applies to motor vehicle accidents. The rule allows for the allocation of fault among multiple parties involved in an accident. For example, if it is determined that one driver was 30 percent at fault for a crash in Clayton County, he or she should still bring a claim. However, any compensation recovered would be reduced by their level of blame (30 percent). If they suffered $10,000 in damages, they would only be entitled to recover $7,000—reflecting their share of fault. 

Note: Georgia has a strict 50 percent bar on recovery. In effect, this means that a motorist who is at fault for 50 percent or more if his or her own accident in Clayton County cannot bring a claim. 

A Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims

You need to bring a motor vehicle accident injury claim before the statute of limitations runs out. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-3), the statute of limitations for car accident injury cases is generally only two years. In other words, any lawsuit related to the crash must be filed within two years—otherwise that claim will not be heard by the court. You do not want to miss deadlines nor do you want to fall behind an insurance company in the claims process. A proactive approach is best: Consult with a Clayton County traffic accident attorney as soon as possible. 

We Help Injured Victims in Clayton County Fight for the Maximum Compensation

Hurt in a crash in Clayton County? You may be wondering how much financial compensation you can expect to recover in a legal claim. In Georgia, injured car accident victims have a right to pursue compensation for both economic losses and non-economic damages. Regardless of the specific situation, you can expect to deal with an insurance company that will fight to resolve your case for less. Our Clayton County car accident lawyers fight tirelessly to help injured victims maximize their settlement or verdict. You may be eligible to recover financial compensation for: 

• Vehicle repairs; 
• Emergency room care; 
• Medical bills; 
• Rehabilitative care; 
• Loss of wages; 
• Loss of earning power; 
• Pain and suffering; 
• Disability, disfigurement, or impairment; and
• Wrongful death damages. 

Car Accident Claims in Clayton County: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I Need an Attorney for My Car Accident Injury Claim?

Yes. While not technically required by law, you should always have a lawyer—especially if the accident involves serious injuries, complex liability issues, or a dispute over insurance coverage. An experienced Clayton County car accident lawyer will protect your rights and your interests. 

Should I Provide a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Adjuster?

Wait until you have an attorney. It is strongly recommended that you consult with a top-tier Clayton County car accident attorney before providing a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster. An insurer is not on your side. They want to pay out as little as possible in settlement. 

How Much Will My Car Accident Claim Settle for?

It depends. The settlement amount for a car accident claim in Georgia varies based on a wide range of different factors, including the severity of your injuries and your ability to prove fault. An attorney can help you fight for a full and fair financial settlement. 

How Our Clayton County Auto Accident Lawyers Can Help 

Car accident claims are complicated. At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, we provide proactive guidance through every step of the claims process. When you contact our legal team, you will have an opportunity to consult with a Clayton County car accident attorney who can: 

• Listen to your story and answer questions about your legal rights/legal options;
• Investigate your crash in Clayton County—gathering relevant evidence; 
• Handle the legal paperwork and the settlement negotiations with insurers; and
• Develop a personal injury claims strategy focused on maximizing your results. 

Every case is different. You deserve personal attention. We encourage you to review our client testimonials, review our record of case results, and to contact our Clayton County car crash lawyer directly with any specific questions or concerns about your case. 

At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, our Clayton County car accident lawyers have the professional expertise to help you get justice. If you or your loved one was seriously hurt in a motor vehicle collision, our legal team is more than ready to help. Call us at (404) 529-3476 or contact us online for your free, no obligation case review. We represent car accident victims throughout Clayton County, including Forest Park, Riverdale, Irondale, Morrow, Lovejoy, and Conley.