Representing Personal Injury Victims in Alpharetta
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Get help nowWe Advocate for the Rights of Car Accident Victims in Alpharetta, Milton, Cross Point & Fulton County
At Ponton Law, our Alpharetta car accident attorneys have the professional and legal expertise that you can count on. Our firm goes above and beyond to help victims get justice and the maximum financial compensation. Your case is our priority—every step of the way. If you or your loved one was hurt in a crash in Fulton County, we are here to help. Call (404) 418-8507 or connect with us online to set up a free, no-obligation consultation with a top-rated Alpharetta auto accident lawyer
Alpharetta Car Accident Lawyer
Alpharetta is a city in the northern part of Fulton County, Georgia. With a population of around 70,000, it is a rapidly growing and affluent suburb of Atlanta. The city has a vibrant downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Alpharetta is also known for its excellent schools, parks, and high-tech business community, which includes the headquarters of several major corporations. Similar to any other community, car crashes remain a significant public safety hazard in Alpharetta. You need to know what to do if you are involved in a crash. Here are four key steps to take after a motor vehicle crash in Alpharetta, GA:
- Stop Your Vehicle, Exchange Information, and Report the Accident: Stop your vehicle as soon as possible after the accident. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. Doing so is the law in Georgia. It is also in your best interests. An injury crash should also be reported to state or local law enforcement, such as the Alpharetta Police Department or the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.
- Seek Immediate Medical Care for Any Injuries (And Save Records): If you or anyone else is injured in the accident, seek immediate medical care. Emergency medical needs always require an immediate trip to the nearest emergency room. That is a top priority. A non-emergency injury still needs to be evaluated by a doctor. Save all your records. You need medical records to bring a successful personal injury claim in Alpharetta.
- File a Police Report and Gather Relevant Evidence: A key thing to know about the car accident claims process in Georgia is that our state uses a fault-based standard of liability. You should file a police report as soon as possible after a crash. You should also gather all relevant evidence at the scene of the crash—from photos to witness contact details.
- Speak to an Alpharetta Car Accident Lawyer Before an Insurance Company: Before speaking to any insurance company representative, it is absolutely imperative that you consult with an Alpharetta car accident lawyer. An insurance adjuster will not look out for your best interests. Your Alpharetta, GA auto accident attorney will protect your rights and help you navigate the claims process.
An Overview of the Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents
Auto accidents can have devastating consequences, leading to serious injuries, property damage, and even loss of life. While accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, some causes are more common than others. Every crash that happens should be carefully investigated to determine exactly what happened and exactly why it happened. Some of the most common reasons why motor vehicle accidents happen in Alpharetta include:
- Traffic violations (speeding, running red lights, stop signs, etc)
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving;
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI);
- Defective vehicle parts;
- Poor road design or maintenance; and
- Overloading or improperly loading a cargo of commercial trucks.
Who Can Be Held Liable For a Car Accident in Alpharetta?
Georgia is an at-fault car accident state. Fault is generally based on the legal concept of negligence, which can be simply defined as the failure to take proper safety precautions (due care). All accidents in Fulton County should be carefully investigated to determine whose negligence—unsafe actions or inactions—contributed to the crash. Ultimately, any party who negligence contributed to your collision could potentially be held legally responsible for the resulting damages. Defendants in a car accident claim in Alpharetta may include:
- Drivers;
- Commercial trucking companies;
- The employers of commercial drivers;
- Auto parts makers and Vehicle manufacturers;
- Government agencies responsible for road maintenance;
- Mechanics for faulty vehicle repairs; and
- Property owners (hazardous road conditions on-premises).
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), liability for a crash is determined based on the theory of comparative negligence. In effect, the party deemed responsible for a crash is liable for their “share” of the damages. Notably, Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you will not be able to recover any damages from the other party. If you are found to be less than 50% at fault, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
We Fight to Help Car Accident Victims Maximize their Financial Compensation
Following a serious crash in Alpharetta, you need compensation to pay bills and cover your damages. Georgia law permits injured victims to seek relief from economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault party and their insurance company. Unfortunately, there is often a lot of roadblock standing in the way of a full and fair settlement offer. Our Alpharetta car accident lawyers are here to help you overcome those hurdles. You may be eligible to recover money damages for:
- Automobile repairs or replacement;
- Hospital bills and other medical costs;
- Physical therapy or rehabilitative treatment;
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity;
- Pain & suffering and mental distress;
- Disability, disfigurement, and permanent impairment; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Four Tips For Dealing With the Insurance Company After a Crash
One of the hardest parts of the car accident claims process is dealing with the insurance company. Insurers are focused on their bottom line—not what is best for you and your loved ones. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle wreck in Alpharetta, there are a few tips to keep in mind to help you navigate the insurance claims process:
- Be Careful With What You Say: Do not give any recorded statement to the insurance company, especially if you are not sure about what happened. The statement can be used to lower the amount of the settlement. Insurance adjusters will use your words against you to deny or reduce your claim.
- Gather all Documentation: Collect all documentation related to the crash, including photographs, police reports, medical bills, and repair estimates. These documents will help you build a strong case. The more information you have, the better position you are in.
- Do Not Accept A Low Settlement: Do not settle for an offer from the insurance company that is less than what you deserve. You need to know the value of your case. Consult a lawyer who can help you understand your rights and negotiate on your behalf.
- Work Through an Alphratetta Lawyer: It is highly recommended that you work with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases. An Alpharetta car accident lawyer will handle all correspondence and dealings with insurance companies.
The Statute of Limitations For a Car Accident Injury Claim in Georgia
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for a car accident injury claim is two years from the date of the accident (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). What does this mean for car crash victims in Alpharetta? With narrow exceptions, a personal injury claim for a crash must be filed within two years of the date of the collision. Otherwise, the claimant may be barred from seeking compensation for their injuries through the court system. Do not delay: Consult with an Alpharetta car accident lawyer right away.
How Alpharetta, GA Auto Accident Lawyer James T. Ponton Can Help
Going through a car accident injury is never easy. You cannot count on an insurance company to do what is best for you and your family. With extensive experience fighting for the rights of injured victims, our lead attorney James T. Ponton knows how to get results. We fight proactively for our clients. Among other things, our Alpharetta auto accident lawyer is prepared to:
- Conduct a no-cost, detail-focused review, and evaluation of your case;
- Investigate the collision, gathering evidence to prove fault;
- Ensure that your injuries and damages are well-documented;
- Represent you in settlement negotiations; and
- Take action to get you justice, accountability, and the maximum compensation.
Contact Our Alpharetta, GA Car Accident Attorney for a Free Review of Your Case
At Ponton Law, our Alpharetta auto accident attorney is committed to providing personalized, results-driven legal guidance and support—because you and your family deserve the maximum recovery. If you or someone you know was hurt in a crash, we can help. Give us a call at (404) 418-8507 or send us a direct message to set up your no-cost, no-commitment case review. We represent injured victims in Alpharetta and all around the surrounding region in Fulton County.