Many residents of Union City will experience an injury at some stage in their lives. If another person or party is responsible for the accident or situation that caused your injury, you may have a valid legal claim for damages. In that case, you’ll require the assistance of a personal injury attorney in Union City.
If you have a valid personal injury claim, you could be entitled to complete compensation for the expenses incurred due to your injury. The skilled personal injury team at Pound Law & Associates started as a small local law office and has since developed into one of Georgia’s largest and most esteemed law firms.
Is It Worth Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney in Union City, GA?
For Pound Law, that’s all. Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Union City is typically very beneficial for your case. The savings in time and money often justify any legal fees, especially since we do not require any upfront payment.
We understand the temptation to handle everything independently to avoid legal complexities and expenses. However, rest assured that our lawyers will manage all legal aspects on your behalf, allowing you to prioritize your recovery.
While you might consider filing your claim on your own, it’s not recommended. Without the expertise of a personal injury lawyer, your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve are limited.
To understand if it’s beneficial to engage our lawyers, reach out to us for a complimentary consultation. Our team will evaluate your case and outline how we can assist you.
Cases that Our Union City Personal Injury Lawyers Handle
Personal injury law is a wide-ranging umbrella, and there are many different cases that we handle at Pound Law & Associates. Those cases include:
- Automobile collisions
- Motorcycle collisions
- Truck collisions
- Premises responsibility
- Slip and trip incidents
- Social Security disability benefits
- Wrongful death claims
- Work-related injury compensation
At Pound Law, our personal injury attorneys in Union City are ready to meet with you, assess your injury or accident, and guide you on the next steps for your case.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
At Pound Law, we recognize that experiencing a personal injury accident often marks your first significant encounter with the legal claims process. If you find yourself dealing with severe injuries or property damage, this process can be incredibly overwhelming and may even feel hopeless. However, as a victim, remember that the law is here to support you.
Under Georgia law, if you are not at fault for the accident and resulting injuries, you are not liable for the costs incurred—the responsibility falls on the at-fault party. Filing a personal injury claim is your avenue to hold the responsible person or entity accountable and pursue compensation for expenses that are not your fault.
What You Need to Know About Filing Your Claim in Union City
Navigating personal injury law can be intricate. Although having a lawyer by your side is key to fully grasping it throughout your case, there are fundamental aspects of the process you should be aware of.
Key considerations when filing your personal injury claim include:
1. The Insurance Company is Not on Your Side
Typically, you will file your injury claim with the insurance company of the at-fault party. While it may seem straightforward—calculating damages with your Union City lawyer and submitting a claim for compensation—this process is often more complex than anticipated.
While insurance companies may project an image of being supportive, they are ultimately for-profit entities seeking to minimize costs. Their negotiators are skilled in diminishing victims’ injuries and pushing for the lowest possible payout. They may even attempt to shift some blame onto you to reduce their liability. At Pound Law, we understand these tactics and work diligently to protect your rights and secure fair compensation.
However, you deserve the compensation necessary to cover your expenses and enable you to recover fully from the accident. Before engaging with the at-fault party’s insurance company, accepting any settlement offers, or providing statements, it’s crucial to consult with a lawyer. Contact Pound Law for assistance.
2. You Can Gather Information for Your Case
Evidence plays a critical role in every personal injury claim. To secure compensation for your accident-related damages, it’s essential to establish the negligence of the responsible party. Contact Pound Law for guidance on gathering and presenting compelling evidence for your case.
While your attorney will actively gather evidence for your case, there are also steps you can take immediately following the accident to support your claim.
Here are some ways you can assist in gathering important information that could strengthen your claim:
- Notify the authorities about the accident.
- Capture photographs of all relevant aspects. including documenting your injuries, any property damage, and the entire accident scene.
- Speak with witnesses and obtain their contact details. Their statements could serve as crucial evidence for your case.
It’s important to promptly seek medical attention for your injuries, even if they appear minor or you feel fine initially. Some injuries can develop or worsen over time, and it’s crucial to ensure that all injuries are properly assessed and documented to avoid any exclusions from your damages claim.
3. Documentation Is Very Important
Maintain detailed records of every bill you receive or pay, such as medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, and other related expenses. This includes keeping all medical records and reports from doctors. Having clear, documented damages makes it straightforward to assess their value for your insurance claim.
4. Be Prepared for Negotiation
Remember, insurance companies are not working in your best interest. It’s likely they will offer you far less than you deserve, or even deny your claim altogether. However, don’t lose hope.
Reach out to a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases. They will assess your situation from a legal perspective and accurately determine the value of your claim. Your attorney will then negotiate with the insurer on your behalf, fighting for a fair and just settlement.
In essence, you should not be responsible for any damages that you did not cause.
What Are the Chances of Winning a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In personal injury law, the outcomes are not simply categorized as “winning” or “losing.” Typically, 90-95% of personal injury cases are resolved through settlement outside of court, where the parties agree on the amount of compensation to be paid.
Reaching a settlement is generally positive news, as it signifies that you will receive compensation for your damages. While some settlements may be more advantageous than others for the injured party, most settled cases offer a reasonable amount of compensation based on the specifics of your case.
Our skilled personal injury lawyers in Union City are adept negotiators with the expertise to secure a favorable settlement that supports your recovery without financial concerns. Despite attempts by insurance companies and opposing counsel to diminish your settlement, our attorneys are equipped to protect your interests and prevent any exploitation.
How Much Money Can I Recover from a Georgia Personal Injury Accident?
Because Georgia operates as an “at-fault state,” the individual responsible for causing the accident is liable for covering all associated damages. Therefore, the compensation you receive is based on the losses you incurred due to the accident.
The settlement you receive is determined by the sum of your damages—expenses resulting from the accident that you are entitled to claim. These may include:
Medical Costs
Typical medical costs resulting from injury accidents consist of:
- Costs for medical appointments, examinations, and/or surgical procedures
- Medications prescribed for treatment
- Expenses related to transportation to and from appointments
- Anticipated future costs such as rehabilitation or physical therapy
Medical expenses typically comprise the largest portion of personal injury claims.
Property Damage Costs
Property damage is a significant component of numerous personal injury claims, encompassing the expenses associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle if you were involved in an auto accident.
Additionally, property damage losses may include rental car fees, towing expenses, damage to personal belongings inside your vehicle, or other damage to your personal property resulting from the accident.
Lost Wages
Many individuals injured in personal injury incidents often need to take time off work to recuperate, leading to additional stress as medical bills accumulate without a steady income from work.
Fortunately, time lost from work can typically be claimed as damages. In certain cases where the injury results in long-term or permanent work limitations, you may also be eligible to claim “loss of future earnings.”
Pain and Suffering
If you have sustained a physical injury, you can also seek compensation for mental and emotional distress, which are categorized as pain and suffering damages. The calculation of these damages varies depending on the specifics of each case.
Examples of mental pain and suffering include:
- The physical discomfort you endure, both presently and in the future
- Inability to enjoy life
- Symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood fluctuations, or anger
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Additional types of emotional suffering
- Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or daily energy
These specific damages make it difficult to provide an average settlement amount for a personal injury accident. However, a Union City personal injury attorney can assess your individual losses accurately and ensure that any settlement offered is fair and just for you. Trust our expertise to advocate for your rights and secure appropriate compensation.
How Long do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Georgia?
In many situations, you have a two-year window from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim, as outlined in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 9-3-33. While there are exceptions to this rule, most personal injury cases adhere to this timeframe.
However, waiting until the last minute to begin the filing process is not advisable. Both you and your lawyer will need time to prepare before officially filing. Additionally, delaying the process makes it more challenging to gather evidence proving negligence on the part of the other party.
Talk to a Union City Personal Injury Lawyer for Free Today
You deserve financial relief after an injury that wasn’t your fault. Pound Law’s Union City personal injury lawyers bring over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of success to your case.
We are eager to meet with you and explore the optimal options for your situation. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation by phone or through our online contact form.