If you’ve been involved in an accident in Martinez, GA, as a result of someone else’s negligence, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and possibly unsure of what to do next. While the first thing on your mind might not be lawsuits and seeking monetary damages, you should know that this could be a possibility for you.
Hiring a Martinez personal injury attorney allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying as much about the financial implications of an injury. If you are unsure of what to do next, Hawk Law Group in Martinez, Georgia, is here to help. Contact us today at (706) 722-3500 to speak with a Martinez personal injury lawyer.
How Hawk Law Group Can Help if You’re Injured in an Accident
If you’ve been involved in an accident in Martinez, GA, and believe someone else’s negligence caused it, you may be entitled to file a compensation claim. The best way to ensure you get what you deserve is to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Here’s how the Martinez personal injury lawyers at Hawk Law Group can help you:
- We will schedule a free consultation where we can discuss your case with you and get an idea of what happened.
- We will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the accident by speaking with witnesses, visiting the accident scene, reviewing police reports, and obtaining evidence.
- We will handle all communications with the insurance companies and try to negotiate a fair settlement.
With years of experience and a track record of success, we are here to help. If you believe you have a personal injury case in Martinez, Georgia, contact Hawk Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with a Martinez personal injury attorney. We work on a contingency fee basis, allowing you to get the help you need without taking on upfront legal costs.
How Common Are Personal Injury Accidents in Martinez, Georgia?
Personal injury accidents are a concern across the state of Georgia. In 2022, there were 881 fatalities from car accidents reported in Georgia. During Memorial Day 2023, the state of Georgia saw 16 people killed and over 200 injured in vehicle collisions.
Georgia recorded 589 medical malpractice reports in 2022. There were a total of 187 workplace fatalities in Georgia in 2021. These statistics underscore the importance of safety and vigilance to prevent personal injury accidents and their devastating consequences.
What Is My Personal Injury Accident Case Worth?
The value of your personal injury case depends on various factors, and it is difficult for legal representation to say what it’s worth without reviewing your case.
However, most cases are influenced by the following:
- The severity of the injuries, with more severe injuries leading to higher case values
- The strength of evidence, with stronger evidence giving you a better chance at obtaining higher settlements or verdicts
- The competence of your attorney, with more skilled attorneys typically obtaining higher compensation on your behalf
Common factors that influence the value of your case also include whether the defendant is willing to settle before trial, the extent of your out-of-pocket costs, as well as intangible losses.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims in Georgia?
Understanding the system of compensation for accident victims in Georgia is an essential part of the recovery process. The law provides a means for you to receive damages after an accident caused by another party’s negligence or intentional conduct. Here are the types of damages you may be eligible to claim:
Economic
Economic damages encompass monetary losses or financial burdens brought about by the accident – like medical bills, medication costs, and therapy and rehabilitation expenses. Also on this list are lost wages due to missed work days during recovery or decreased earning capacity from your injuries.
Non-Economic
Non-economic damages take into account losses that do not carry a specific monetary value and pertain to intangible factors. These damages include physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, reduced quality of life, or the stress associated with disfigurement or disabilities.
Punitive
Punitive damages may be awarded when the defendant engages in willful misconduct, malice, fraud, wantonness, oppression, or conscious indifference. The intent behind punitive damages is not to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoer and act as a deterrent against such behavior in the future.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Personal Injury Accident in Georgia?
When you’re involved in an accident, it’s not uncommon for someone else to be primarily responsible due to their negligent behavior while you’re partially responsible as well. When this occurs, Georgia’s comparative negligence laws allow you to recover compensation – as long as you are less than 50% at fault. In this case, anything you recover will be reduced in proportion to your fault. If you’re 30% at fault, your award will be reduced by 30%. If you are 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover any compensation at all.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Personal Injuries
Personal injury accidents can cause a variety of injuries with different degrees of severity, including the following:
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Broken or fractured bones
- Burns
- Internal bleeding
- Tearing/straining ligaments and muscles
- Nerve damage
- Wrongful death
No matter what type of injury you’ve experienced, our personal injury lawyers are here to help you seek justice.
What Causes Most Personal Injury Accidents in Martinez, Georgia?
The causes of personal injury accidents in Martinez, Georgia, are like those you’d find across the country. They include a broad range of scenarios and often include the following:
Car Accidents
Martinez roads witness a significant number of car accidents each year, which can be attributed to speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving, or simply ignoring traffic rules.
Slip and Falls
Slip and falls can happen anywhere – in grocery stores, sidewalks, or residences – due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting. These accidents typically result from the negligence of property owners who fail to ensure a safe environment.
Medical Malpractice
Unfortunately, sometimes those we trust with our health are the ones who cause us harm. When a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider fails to meet the acceptable standard of care and causes an injury, this can lead to a personal injury claim.
Dog Bites
Georgia law holds dog owners responsible if their pet injures another person and the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Failure on the part of the owner to control or restrain their pets could lead to devastating injuries and result in personal injury claims.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents commonly occur due to conditions such as faulty equipment, unsafe work environments, or insufficient training. When this occurs, an employee may have either a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
The causes of personal injury accidents vary widely, and the categories mentioned above are only a few examples. If you need help after any type of accident, contact a lawyer right away.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Personal Injury Accident in Georgia?
To successfully assert a negligence claim after a personal injury accident in Georgia, you need to show the following:
Duty of Care
The accused party had an established duty to act in a certain way to prevent you from being harmed. For example, a driver on the road is obligated to drive safely to protect others, and a doctor has a duty to patients once a doctor-patient relationship is formed.
Breach of Duty
You’ll need to provide evidence showing that their behavior fell short of what any reasonable person would do under similar circumstances. Breach of duty could include speeding or drunk driving for someone on the road.
Causation
The third element you need to demonstrate is causation – showing that the defendant’s breach of duty directly resulted in your injuries. For example, a car ran a red light, breaching its duty of care and crashing into you, causing the accident.
Damages
Finally, you must have proof of your injuries or damages. This typically includes medical bills, records showing missed work and subsequently lost wages, pain and suffering, and repair costs.
Proving negligence is the crux of almost all personal injury claims, and it can be difficult. Always speak with a lawyer after an accident, as they have experience proving these elements.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Personal Injury Accident in Georgia?
If you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence while in Georgia, you typically have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you miss your chance to file and recover any compensation.
In some cases, the deadline can be extended or shortened based on certain exceptions, so always speak with a lawyer immediately after your accident. Doing so can ensure you don’t miss your chance for justice.
Contact Our Martinez Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you’ve experienced a personal injury in Martinez, Georgia, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. In this situation, it’s essential to work with a law firm that can guide you every step of the way. Contact Hawk Law Group today to speak with a Martinez personal injury lawyer and discuss your next steps.
