Car Accident Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta Car Accident Attorney Helping Injured Victims Recover Compensation

Being in a car accident can have many unfortunate consequences, from traffic violations to injuries and property damage. If you have been involved in a car accident, you may need to file a personal injury claim to get reimbursed for things like medical expenses, damage to your car or other personal property, and the wages you lost while taking time to heal. No amount of money can make up for permanent car accident injuries, but there are ways to be sure that you are fairly compensated for your pain and suffering.
An experienced car accident lawyer from Sessoms Law Group, LLC knows what it takes to go up against insurance companies and lawyers representing the at-fault parties involved. Our Atlanta car accident attorneys will fight for you and give you the most assured chance to get the financial compensation you deserve from your car accident claim. Call our Atlanta personal injury law office today at 678-853-7402.

What Steps to Take Following a Car Crash in Atlanta, GA?

There are definitely some steps that are important to take if you are in a car accident, assuming you are able and not so seriously injured that you cannot do these things. First, make sure that you are uninjured and able to move safely. If not, stay put and wait for emergency medical assistance. However, if you are not seriously injured, call the police and report the accident. Then, check on any other drivers or passengers who were involved and call for medical assistance if necessary. If there is another driver involved, ask for their insurance information and driver’s license, and either take photos of the documents or write the information down, along with their license plate number.
Next, take pictures of the cars involved at the accident scene, the damage caused by the collision, any marks on the pavement, and the surroundings, including any weather, traffic lights, or signs. If there are witnesses, try to get their names and contact information. As much as possible, take note of anything said by witnesses or the other driver, if there is one. While you should attempt to be polite in conversation with the other parties involved, never go so far as to admit fault or diminish the severity of your injuries.
Finally, go to the hospital immediately after the accident to get checked out, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries may worsen over time, and the other driver’s insurance company could attempt to devalue your auto accident claim. Then, contact Sessoms Law Group, LLC, to get your car accident claim started. If you were too badly injured and could not perform these tasks, don’t worry. A skilled and knowledgeable car accident lawyer from Sessoms Law Group can conduct an investigation to gather this information after the fact.

Are Motor Vehicle Accidents Common in Atlanta?

The Atlanta Police Department reported 28,278 motor vehicle accidents in 2023 alone, which represents a small decrease from the year before. Data suggests that, between 2014 and 2018, Fulton County saw an average of 4,500 accidents every month, which translates roughly to six accidents every hour. The majority of car wrecks in Fulton County happened within Atlanta’s city limits.

The fatal car accident rate per 100,000 people in Atlanta is 15.8. That number makes Atlanta one of the country’s 10 most dangerous metropolitan areas for motorists, pedestrians, and other road users. If you drive Atlanta streets every day for a full year, you have nearly a 50% chance of being involved in an auto accident. When you look at these two statistics side by side, it becomes clear that Atlanta is one of the most dangerous cities in the country for motorists and other road users.

Atlanta has an extensive highway system that connects the metropolitan city to the surrounding suburbs and other areas. While these roads are crucial for commuters, they are also common accident sites. I-285, I-20, and the I-75/I-85 connector are among the most dangerous highways for auto collisions. Other streets that see car accidents with alarming frequency include the one-way streets of midtown and the intersections of Camp Creek Parkway and Piedmont Road, Peachtree Road, and Moreland Ave. West Peachtree Street, the Atlanta Beltline, school areas, and parking lots represent risk areas for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists.

Like many other American cities, Atlanta has launched various campaigns and initiatives aimed at reducing traffic accidents, fatalities, and serious injuries. However, despite all good intentions, motor vehicle accidents continue to occur, resulting in severe injuries for motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and other parties involved. If you have been in a car wreck, contact an experienced auto accident attorney to discuss your case today.

Why Do Car Accidents Happen?

Our Georgia law firm represents injured victims and their families in various types of auto accident cases, including drunk driving accidents, distracted driver accidents, hit-and-run incidents, head-on collisions, fender-benders, pedestrian accidents, school bus accidents, rideshare accidents, and more. Any of these unfortunate accidents could happen due to a myriad of issues or causes.

Common causes of car accidents in Atlanta include the following:
Adverse weather conditions can be a dangerous cause of accidents, whether it be a rare blizzard or a torrential downpour
Construction zones, which often have reduced lanes and altered traffic patterns, can cause accidents when motorists are not paying attention
Dangerous road conditions, which can include potholes, road debris, poor drainage, and more
Distracted driving, such as texting while driving, talking on a cell phone, personal grooming while driving, eating while driving, and more
Driving over the speed limit, which is especially inadvisable in certain areas or during certain road conditions
Drowsy driving or driver fatigue, which is especially prevalent in commercial truck accident cases and Uber or Lyft accident cases
Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs
Failure to obey traffic laws or signal traffic maneuvers, such as the failure to announce your intentions to make a turn
Mechanical failures and defective parts, such as the failure of airbags to deploy or engines catching on fire
Motorcycle accidents where motorcyclists disappear into blind spots
Pedestrian accidents at busy intersections
Reckless or aggressive driving, including unsafe lane changes, tailgating, road rage, weaving in and out of traffic, and running stop signs or red lights
Using in-car technology, such as the entertainment dashboard system, GPS navigation system, or other technologies while driving

Whatever the cause of your accident, the at-fault party should be the one responsible for costly medical bills, property damage, and other expenses. As your legal representation, we will pursue the maximum compensation for your personal injury claim, negotiate with insurance companies, prove negligence, and represent your case in a courtroom if necessary. Our law firm has a proven track record of success in helping car accident victims recover fair settlements. Please contact our Atlanta law office today to learn more about our legal services.

How Big of a Problem is Drunk Driving in Atlanta, GA?

According to a recent study, Minnesota has the strictest DUI laws in the nation, but it also has a high percentage of repeat offenders. Georgia ranks in the top five states for the strictest DUI laws. While Georgia is one of the strictest states for DUI penalties, that does not necessarily deter all motorists from getting behind the wheel of a car while buzzed or drunk.

When a driver is buzzed or noticeably under the influence, they lose some of their ability to focus on the road, make swift decisions, and know the full extent of their limitations. Drunk drivers also sometimes leave the scene of an accident, which is illegal.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is among the most dangerous causes of accidents and, frustratingly, one of the most preventable. Typically, drunk driving crashes result in more serious injuries for everyone involved. DUI accidents are commonly associated with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and wrongful death.

If a motorist has blood alcohol content above the legal limit of 0.08%, they could be held liable for any accidents that occur while they are driving. In such instances, it is advisable for injured victims to seek legal counsel from professional car accident attorneys to review all the facts and prove fault. If you have been in a drunk driving incident, contact our law firm to discuss your case with our legal team today.

What Are Common Injuries Seen After Car Accidents in Atlanta?

In the most unfortunate car accident circumstances, drivers, passengers, or other parties involved in the collision may potentially lose their lives or suffer a catastrophic injury such as paralysis or a traumatic brain injury. However, even those who suffer relatively minor injuries and require medical treatment still deserve the chance to seek justice and financial recovery for their accident.

Auto accidents can result in various types of injuries, often ranging in severity depending on the speed of the vehicles, the difference in size and weight between the two vehicles, and other conditions such as wet or icy roads.

Some of the types of injuries that could be sustained in an auto accident by a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, pedestrian, or bicyclist may include the following:
Back and neck injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Burns
Crushing injuries
Deep cuts and lacerations
Dental injuries
Dislocations and hyperextensions
Facial disfigurement
Head trauma, including open head wounds or concussions
Hearing loss and loss of sight
Internal bleeding and organ damage
Joint injuries to elbows, ankles, wrists, and knees
Loss of limbs or decapitation
Nerve damage
Punctured lungs due to broken ribs
Soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and muscle tears
Spinal cord injuries, including quadriplegia or paraplegia
Traumatic brain injuries
Whiplash
Wrongful death

By using valuable evidence such as medical records collected from before and after the personal injury accident, your legal representatives can help prove the severity of your injuries in pursuit of a fair settlement. Depending on the level of insurance coverage of the at-fault driver, we may need to pursue compensation from the parties themselves with a car accident lawsuit. Contact our Atlanta law office to schedule your no-obligation case evaluation with our legal staff today.

What Financial Compensation is Recoverable in an Atlanta Car Accident Claim?

If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation in four areas: medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. The amounts you could recover depend on the specifics of your case.
Factors that may influence the value of your car accident lawsuit may include the following:
Are you able to return to work? If you are unable to return to your former place of employment or hold down a respectable job of any sort following your auto accident, your lawyers will attempt to recover compensation for this unfortunate development. Any lost income as a result of your injuries should be compensated for
Did the accident impact your relationship with your family, friends, or social circles? If the car crash and its resulting injuries cause a diminished quality of life, you can fight for financial compensation
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if a judge determines that the at-fault driver’s actions were especially egregious or involving malicious intent. Punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party and discourage similar behavior
The severity of your injuries and the full extent of your recovery time. For example, those who suffer more severe injuries that have a long-lasting impact on their lives, potentially even shortening their lives, may require calculating future medical expenses to pay for necessary care. If you suffered a disability, were left disfigured, must undergo long-term rehabilitation services, or require ongoing medical care or surgeries, these expenses and inconveniences will be taken into account
Your level of fault. Determining negligence is crucial to every car accident case. Depending on the level of comparative negligence, personal injury victims may see their total compensation increased or decreased
Other factors that could influence the total value of maximum compensation include the victim’s age, their life expectancy, their insurance benefits, the steps they took to mitigate damages, and the cost to repair damaged property

If you recover a settlement, it will be provided in economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages may help compensate you for the following:
Past medical bills and future medical expenses
Lost wages and lost income earning capacity
Property damage and motor vehicle repairs
Out-of-pocket costs related to the accident
Nursing care
Physical therapy expenses and rehabilitation
Mental health therapy expenses
Funeral, burial, and memorial expenses in the event of a fatal crash

Non-economic damages may include the following:
Chronic physical pain and suffering
Disfigurement, dismemberment, and disability
Emotional distress, embarrassment, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health issues
Loss of companionship or consortium
Reduced quality of life or enjoyment of life
Wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses, lost wages, lost benefits, lost guardianship or companionship, emotional trauma, medical bills from before death, and more

The cost of medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses such as travel to and from medical appointments and unreimbursed costs of medical devices required to deal with your injuries are straightforward and supported by receipts and pay stubs. Pain and suffering, however, are harder to quantify, and the help of an experienced car accident lawyer may be necessary to determine how much to ask for in this area.
It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to offer lowball settlements at the start of a personal injury case in an attempt to get victims to settle for less than they deserve. With the help of an auto accident attorney, you can get a proper calculation of the value of your car accident case so that you can negotiate with insurance companies and seek the level of financial recovery that you deserve and require. Contact our law offices for legal guidance.

What if You Were Partially to Blame for the Motor Vehicle Accident?

The state of Georgia operates under a modified comparative negligence rule for personal injury cases. Two important factors about this rule are worth remembering.

If you are deemed to be 50% or more at fault for causing the car wreck, you could be barred from recovering financial compensation. You are not legally owed compensation unless you are 49% or less responsible.

Secondly, if you are partially responsible for the car accident, you will see your maximum compensation impacted by that level of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault for the car crash, you can expect to see your total settlement reduced by 20%.

To get the settlement you deserve, it is strongly recommended that you retain professional legal representation from experienced personal injury lawyers.

How Long After Your Atlanta Auto Accident Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Generally, in the state of Georgia, car accident victims in personal injury cases are required to file within two years of the accident.
There are exceptions, however. The time limit can be reduced if a governmental agency is involved, or it can be extended in certain other circumstances, such as if the victim is under 18 or criminal charges are involved.
Laws change regularly, and the court system is complicated. The help of an experienced car accident attorney can be instrumental in getting you the compensation you deserve. Call today at 678-853-7402 to get the ball rolling.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring Our Legal Team for Your Car Accident Lawsuit?

When you ask for damages in a car accident case, you are most often seeking compensation from an insurance company. These companies often have whole legal departments dedicated to defending the company against having to compensate victims in car accident cases. Hiring a competent and professional car accident lawyer from Sessoms Law Group can give you the edge you need to go up against an insurance company to get fair compensation for your injuries.
The benefits of retaining our legal services include, but are not exclusive to, the following:
We defend your legal rights, especially in cases where the other party attempts to blame you for the crash
Our professional legal team will investigate the accident, photograph the scene, collect police reports, analyze medical records, and interview eyewitnesses and expert witnesses
Your car accident lawyers will work on your behalf to get the maximum compensation from the insurance company and at-fault party, fighting back against unfair practices such as denying your personal injury claims, offering lowball settlements, and more
Our Georgia law firm will calculate the full value of your claim, looking at current and future losses due to medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other financial losses
If your car accident lawsuit goes to trial, you want experienced trial lawyers to represent your interests
We have a proven track record of success with many happy past clients and a strong reputation in the Georgia legal community
Whether you have suffered minor injuries or are filing a wrongful death claim, we provide compassionate and respectful legal services with the aim of helping you through the process in pursuit of fair and full recovery

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm to Schedule Your Initial Consultation with a Car Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Today

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle crash, it is essential to seek professional legal counsel to help you through the process of filing a claim and seeking fair financial recovery. Our Georgia law firm, based in Atlanta, has extensive experience representing injured victims in various types of personal injury cases, with special attention given to car accident claims.

As your legal representation, our personal injury attorneys will explore all legal options and strategies available to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact our Atlanta law firm to schedule a case review with our legal team today to get started. You can reach us at 678-853-7402.