Accidents occur daily, even in Valdosta, which is known as one of the friendliest cities in America. When someone sustains a personal injury, it typically means they were harmed due to another person or entity’s negligence.
While this can be frustrating, it’s not without recourse. Under Georgia law, individuals injured in such circumstances can pursue a claim for financial compensation, and a Valdosta personal injury lawyer can provide assistance.
At Pound Law That’s All, we stand out as a premier and highly respected personal injury law firm in Georgia. We take pride in advocating for injured individuals in Valdosta and have been successfully securing compensation for clients across South Georgia for over two decades.
Reach out to us today for a complimentary case evaluation
What Counts as a Personal Injury Accident?
Personal injuries cover a broad spectrum of scenarios. If you’ve been harmed due to negligence by an individual, business, or government entity, you may be eligible for compensation.
Pound Law & Associates is available to assist. As a personal injury law firm serving Valdosta, we can provide representation in the following areas:
- Automobile collision attorneys
- Truck collision attorneys
- Bus collision attorneys
- Motorcycle crash attorneys
- Attorneys specializing in bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Lawyers specializing in slip-and-fall accidents
- Attorneys specializing in dog bite cases
- Lawyers specializing in product liability cases
These are just a few examples of the cases we handle. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, your situation likely falls under personal injury law.
Understanding Negligence
Negligence occurs when someone acts carelessly, endangering others. Fault doesn’t require intent to harm; it can result from unintentional actions that put others at risk.
Often, this involves making poor decisions that result in accidents and injuries. Even well-meaning individuals can be legally responsible for the costs incurred due to their actions.
Do I Have to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After My Injury?
While you’re not obligated to hire an attorney after your accident, we strongly advise it. An experienced personal injury attorney in Valdosta, GA, can significantly benefit your case, as detailed below.
Gathering Crucial Evidence for Your Claim
After experiencing physical injury in an accident, it can be challenging to determine your next steps. Identifying fault, which is crucial in any claim, can be especially difficult.
Understanding which evidence is most pertinent can also be complex if you’re not familiar with tort actions (and you shouldn’t be expected to be). Lawyers spend years in school and in practice to handle these intricacies on your behalf.
A personal injury attorney can begin working on your case promptly upon receiving the details. They can assist you in gathering the necessary evidence from your accident to establish what occurred and determine fault.
This encompasses evidence such as:
- Police records
- Testimonies from witnesses
- Photographs and videos depicting the accident scene
- Medical bills and reports from doctors
- Estimates for vehicle repairs, such as in a car accident
- Physical evidence, such as torn or bloodied clothing
- Insurance details
Dealing with the complexities of gathering evidence and prioritizing steps can be emotionally and mentally taxing. With a skilled attorney, you’ll have a clear roadmap and can concentrate on recovery without distraction.
Calculating Damages
Your personal injury claim will require a comprehensive calculation of all your damages. Your attorney will ensure that every aspect is accounted for, from medical expenses and lost wages to harder-to-quantify damages like pain and suffering.
If a loved one passes away due to catastrophic injuries, a wrongful death lawyer from our team can determine if you qualify for compensation.
Meeting Deadlines
There is always a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, meaning you have a specific timeframe to file your claim before it expires. In Georgia, this period is typically two years from the date of your injury.
Sometimes, certain factors can accelerate or extend that deadline, but it’s always best to initiate the process as soon as possible. An attorney can ensure you’re meeting all deadlines and filing your claim on time.
Communicating and Negotiating with the Insurer
Dealing with insurance companies can turn what seems like a straightforward personal injury case into a frustrating and confusing process. While the responsible party is liable for your damages, it’s typically their insurance company that’s covering the costs. Insurance companies prioritize their bottom line above all else.
Insurance Company Tactics
Following your injury, the insurance company may contact you by phone or mail. They often employ tactics such as:
- Calling you and asking how you feel: Many of us tend to respond that we’re “fine,” even if we’re not. However, if you express this or sound cheerful during the call, the insurance company might use it later to argue that your injuries aren’t severe.
- Mailing you a letter with a settlement upfront:They want you to accept the money and close your case, even though it’s a lowball offer.
- Delaying your case: They might use stall tactics by delaying their response to your settlement demand.
Essentially, the insurance company isn’t your ally, so it’s wise to refrain from contacting them until consulting with an experienced attorney. Having a lawyer allows them to communicate with the insurer on your behalf.
If the insurer denies your claim or offers an inadequate settlement, your attorney can negotiate for a fair resolution.
Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer in Valdosta, GA
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t be held responsible for the damages they caused. At Pound Law & Associates, we’re dedicated to assisting personal injury victims.
We have a proven track record of success in personal injury cases and are prepared to pursue complete financial compensation on your behalf.
Our personal injury attorneys in Valdosta, GA, work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay a fee unless we win compensation for you. Contact us by phone or fill out our online form to begin with a free consultation.