Duluth Car Accident Lawyers

Get Help From Our Top-Tier Duluth Car Accident Attorney Today

At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, our Duluth auto accident attorneys are experienced, reliable, and justice-first advocates for victims and families. We are an award-winning, nationally recognized law firm. With more than 2,000 cases won, our lawyers know how to get results. Were you or a close family member seriously hurt in a motor vehicle collision? We can help. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Duluth, GA auto accident attorney. 

The Key Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Duluth, Georgia 

Following a motor vehicle accident in Duluth, it is essential that you know what to do to protect your legal rights and financial interests. Even seemingly small mistakes could undermine your legal claim. Here are four steps to take after a traffic collision in Duluth, GA: 

1. Stop Your Car and Report Your Crash to Police: Stop your vehicle, exchange information with other people involved in the crash, and stay at the scene unless there is a medical emergency. You should report the traffic collision to law enforcement, such as the Duluth Police Department or the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office. 
2. See a Physician as Soon as Possible: Never make the assumption that your injury is too minor to see a doctor or that it will simply heal on its own. Serious injuries require immediate care. All other injuries should be evaluated by a physician right away. Notably, you need medical documentation in order to be eligible to bring a claim in Duluth, GA. 
3. Carefully Document Your Crash: Take detailed photos of the scene, all vehicles involved, any damages, the road conditions, and traffic signs or signals with your smartphone or camera. Beyond that, you should also exchange names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration numbers with the other driver(s). Finally, be sure to get the contact information for any eyewitnesses to the crash. 
4. Talk to a Lawyer Before an Insurance Adjuster: It is very common for insurance adjusters to try to get a statement from an injured car accident victim before he or she is able to consult with an attorney. Protect yourself: Speak to a top-tier Duluth, GA auto accident attorney right away after a major collision. 

Motor Vehicle Collisions Can Cause Terrible Injuries

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of accidental injuries. The Georgia Department of Public Health reports that traffic incidents are the second leading cause of accidental fatalities and accidental hospitalizations in our state. These accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises and lacerations to life-altering conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal organ injuries. The physical trauma is often accompanied by emotional and psychological distress, further complicating the recovery process. Rehabilitation can be long and challenging. Our firm handles all types of car accident injuries in Duluth, including: 

• Cuts/lacerations; 
• Sprains and strains; 
• Soft tissue damages; 
• Broken bones; 
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs); 
• Internal organ injuries; 
• Amputations; and
• Spinal cord damage. 

Your Guide to Auto Accident Liability in Georgia

Fault always matters for auto accident claims in Duluth. These cases fall under state law—and Georgia is a “at-fault” jurisdiction. That is similar to most other states, though there are some exceptions. When a vehicle crashes, the law looks to whose negligence—failure to exercise reasonable safety precautions—contributed to the crash. Every auto accident should be carefully investigated by an experienced lawyer to determine exactly what went wrong. Some of the most common examples of negligence in car accident cases include: 

• Driving too fast; 
• Distracted driving; 
• Drivers not paying attention; 
• Motorists switching lanes dangerously;
• Drunk driving or drugged driving;  
• Negligence by trucking companies; and
• Vehicle manufacturer defects. 

Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), a modified comparative negligence system is used to apportion liability. Every party to a crash will be held responsible for their “share” of the blame for the damages. You can still get some money for the crash even if it was partly your fault. With that being said, the amount you get will be less depending on how much of the crash was your fault. For instance, if you were speeding and found to be 25 percent at fault for an intersection collision in Duluth, you would have to pay for 25 percent of your own damages. 

Caveat: There is also a statutory rule in Georgia that if you are 50 percent or more to blame for a crash, you will not be able to bring a fault-based claim against another party.

Know the Timeline: A Two-Year Statute of Limitations 

You should always initiate the car accident injury claims process as soon as you are able to do so. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-3), there is a two-year statute of limitations that must be followed. Only very narrow exceptions apply. What happens if you do not file a lawsuit in a timely manner? You could be denied the right to bring a claim at all for your car accident injury. Remember, insurers are not waiting to get started with their defense strategy. Protect your legal claim: Consult with a Duluth, GA traffic crash lawyer right away after a bad accident. 

Recovering Compensation After an Auto Accident in Duluth, GA

Following a serious crash in Duluth or elsewhere in Gwinnett County, it is imperative that you are able to secure the absolute maximum financial support. You need money to pay bills, cover your damages, and provide for your family. However, sadly, you cannot rely on any insurance company to willingly step up and offer a full and fair settlement. Insurance adjusters fight hard to pay out less.  At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, we go the extra mile to help injured victims secure the full and fair settlement or verdict that they deserve. You may be able to recover damages for: 

• Vehicle repairs or replacement of a totaled car; 
• Emergency medical treatment, including ambulance costs; 
• Hospital bills and other health care expenses; 
• Physical therapy and mental health support; 
• Lost of wages and loss of earning potential; 
• Pain and suffering & mental distress; 
• Disability, disfigurement, or impairment; and
• Wrongful death of an immediate family member.

Auto Accident Claims in Duluth, GA: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I Report My Car Accident to Law Enforcement?

Yes. Under Georgia law, all injury collisions should be reported to law enforcement. Doing so is about more than checking a box, it helps to document the crash. A police report is a key form of evidence in car accident claims in Duluth. 

How Should I Deal With an Insurance Adjuster After a Crash?

Be very careful. The unfortunate reality is that insurance adjusters are simply not on your side. It is the job of an insurance company representative to protect the bottom line of their employer. One way to do that is by trying to find a way to reduce the value of your case. It is best to deal with insurance adjusters through an experienced Duluth, GA car accident attorney. 

Can I Still Recover Compensation if I am Partially at Fault for the Crash?

Yes. Georgia operates under a comparative negligence system. you can still recover compensation if you are partially at fault for the crash, as long as your percentage of fault is less than 50 percent. Though, your recovery will be reduced proportionally to your degree of blame. 

What is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident Injury Claim in Georgia?

Car accident compensation is always determined on a case-by-case basis. There is no true “average” settlement. A five figure, six figure, or seven figure settlement is all in the normal range. The specific circumstances of your case will determine your financial compensation. A Duluth, GA car accident lawyer can help you fight for the maximum recovery. 

Why Trust the Duluth Car Accident Lawyers at Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys

Car accident injury claims are complicated. Insurance companies can put obstacles in your path to justice. At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, we have the expertise you can trust. When you reach out to our team, you will have a chance to work with a Duluth car crash lawyer who can: 

• Conduct a free, thorough review and evaluation of your case; 
• Investigate your car crash in Duluth—gathering evidence to prove fault;  
• Represent you in any settlement talks with the insurance company; and
• Take aggressive action to help you get justice and the maximum financial support. 

Injured victims deserve personalized legal advice. With a record of client testimonials and case results, our Duluth car accident lawyers invest time, resources, and attention to detail into every case. You deserve an attorney who cares about your best interests. 

Contact Our Duluth, GA Car Crash Attorneys for a Free Case Review

At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, our Duluth auto accident lawyers are standing by, ready to help. Get in touch with us by phone (404) 529-3476 or send us a direct message to set up your free, completely confidential case evaluation. We handle motor vehicle accident claims in Duluth, Gwinnett County, and throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area.