Jonesboro, GA Car Accident Lawyers

Few things can be more unpredictable than a car accident. All it takes is a moment of negligence or recklessness on a driver’s part to cause an accident, which can result in serious injuries or even fatalities.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Jonesboro, Georgia, you have the right to sue the at-fault party and recover compensatory damages. The experienced car accident lawyers at Stein & Fox can represent you, guide you, fight for you, and help you get the maximum possible compensation you are entitled to under the law.

Reasons for the High Rate of Car Accidents in Jonesboro, GA

The most common causes of car accidents in Georgia include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving (texting in particular)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Drowsy or fatigued driving
• Reckless or aggressive driving
• Tailgating
• Failing to signal while making a turn or lane change

Increased Risk of Accidents in the Intersections of Jonesboro, GA

Navigating an intersection is a lot more difficult than driving along a straight road and requires a great deal of skill and caution on the part of drivers. Even a moment of inattention or negligence can result in an accident, in which other motorists and pedestrians can get injured for no fault of their own.

Last year, a woman suffered a seizure while crossing the intersection of Tara Boulevard and North Avenue and crashed into the vehicle in front of her. Fortunately, both the drivers involved in the accident did not suffer any injuries, although their vehicles were damaged to a significant extent.

The point, however, is that these accidents often result in injuries – not only to the negligent driver but also to other parties involved. It is why you need to be extremely careful while driving through intersections.

Apart from the aforementioned intersection, the intersections at Rt. 41 (Tara Boulevard) & Flint River Road and Rt. 41 (Tara Boulevard) & Highway 54 (Fayetteville Road) are also considered dangerous for motorists.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Jonesboro, GA Car Accident Claim

The deadline for filing a car accident claim in Georgia is set at two years – starting from the date on which the accident occurred. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. These include:

• If the victim happens to be a minor, the deadline for bringing the claim will start only after they turn 18.
• If the victim could not have possibly discovered the injury or medical problem within the stipulated deadline, the deadline will start from the date on which the injury was discovered.
• If the at-fault party leaves the state before the victim could sue them, the deadline will start only after the at-fault party returns to the state.

Do’s and Don’ts to Follow if You are Injured in a Car Accident in Jonesboro, GA

Do’s

• Report the accident to the police.
• Take photos and videos of your injuries, damaged personal belongings, damage to your vehicle, damage to the other driver’s vehicle, damage to public property (if any), and the accident scene.
• Get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance policy number, driver’s license number, and license plate number.
• Find out if anyone witnessed the accident and if so, get their contact information.
• Get medical help.
• Consult with a reputable Jonesboro, GA personal injury lawyer.

Don’ts

• Do not say anything to the other driver or to the police that could be construed as an admission of fault.
• Do not talk or give any statement to the claims adjustor from the other driver’s insurance company. Let your attorney do all the talking.
• Do not upload, share, like, or retweet anything on social media while you are recovering from your injuries. If you are active on social media – particularly if you post anything that might imply that your day-to-day life is not affected by your injuries – the other party can use it against you to deny your claim or reduce your compensation to the extent possible.

What You Need to Know about Georgia’s Modified Comparative Negligence Doctrine

Georgia follows a modified form of the comparative negligence doctrine, under which you are eligible to receive compensation even if your own negligence partially contributed to the accident. However, there are two caveats to this rule.

• You are eligible to seek compensation only if you are found to be 49% or less at fault for the accident. If you are found to be 50% at fault, it means you contributed just as much as the other party, in which case you cannot recover any compensation.
• Your compensation will be reduced in proportion to the degree or extent to which your own negligence contributed to the accident. If you are found to be 25% at fault, there will be a 25% deduction from your compensation.

Depending on how the accident happened, the other side might try to blame you entirely for the accident (in which case you will not receive any compensation) or try to overstate your role in the accident and assign a disproportionate percentage of blame to you (in which case your compensation will be reduced significantly).

This is one of the primary reasons why you should hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle your claim, rather than representing yourself. A skilled attorney can firmly establish the at-fault party’s fault, counter their false claims about your role in the accident, and help you get the maximum compensation possible under the law.

Injured in a Car Accident in Jonesboro, GA? Get the Attorneys at Stein & Fox on Your Side.

At Stein & Fox, we are committed to helping the victims of car accidents get the compensation they deserve. Over the years, we have represented thousands of personal injury clients – including and especially car accident victims – and recovered more than a quarter of a billion dollars in settlements and jury verdicts.

We build each and every case meticulously and are fully prepared to go to trial if needed. As a result, we are able to negotiate with insurance adjusters from a position of strength and recover maximum compensation for our clients.

To discuss your claim with a dedicated Jonesboro, GA car accident lawyer from our firm, call us today at 770-961-1700 or contact us online and schedule a free consultation.