Automobile and Truck Wreck Claims in Atlanta, Georgia
According to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, motor vehicle wrecks (including automobile and truck accidents) are the leading cause of death in the United States. More than 2.3 million adult drivers and passengers were treated in emergency departments as the result of being injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2009. The United States Census reports that 11.8 million motor vehicle wrecks in 2009 resulted in almost 34,000 deaths within 30 days. In addition to the personal losses and tragedies suffered by the victims and survivors of serious or fatal motor vehicle wrecks, the economic impact is also severe. According to widely-cited study published in 2010, the lifetime costs of crash-related deaths and injuries among drivers and passengers were $70 billion in 2005, including over $1.5 billion in Georgia alone.
There are some basic legal guidelines to follow if you are involved in a car or trucking accident in Georgia. If you, a family member or loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle wreck, immediately take the following steps:
- photograph any evidence at the scene
- get the names and phone numbers of all witnesses
- get insurance information for all involved parties
- write down the accident report or case number given to you by the investigating officer
- do not speak or give statements to anyone other than the investigating officer
- seek medical attention as soon as possible
- keep copies of any bills and correspondence that you receive
For more information about what to do if you are injured in a motor vehicle wreck, check out this article.
Under Georgia law, victims of motor vehicle and trucking wrecks are entitled to recover various elements of legal damages suffered, including special damages for past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages or income, medications and other out-of-pocket expenses. The law also allows for the recovery of general damages for non-economic losses including pain and suffering, permanent scars or disfigurement, loss of limb or organ, loss of sense (for example, sight) or bodily function, loss of enjoyment of life, and in certain cases loss of relationship or companionship. In appropriate cases, punitive damages (to punish or deter future wrongful conduct) may also be recovered. In addition to the above personal injury damages, property damage in a motor vehicle wreck should also be paid by the at-fault party or his insurance.
If you, a family member or friend are injured in a motor vehicle or automobile wreck, first and foremost immediately seek appropriate medication attention and care for their injuries. In addition to risking further injury or prolonging treatment and recovery, delay in medical treatment can make it more difficult to obtain full and complete compensation from the responsible party or their insurance carrier.
To ensure that legal rights are adequately preserved and pursued, persons injured in a motor vehicle wreck should also promptly consult with an experienced Georgia automobile or truck accident attorney for advice concerning the proper handling and value of your case.
The motor vehicle and trucking accident attorneys at Brownstein & Nguyen have more than 20 years of experience fighting for the rights of injury victims, including those who have suffered catastrophic or debilitating injuries or the loss of loved ones in wrongful death claims as a result of motor vehicle, automobile or truck accidents. Our attorneys have a proven track record, both in and out of the courtroom, of achieving maximum recoveries for our clients who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents. Click here to view some of our notable results, and click here to see what our clients say about our experience and dedication in handling their cases.
If you, a friend or family member has been involved in an automobile, motor vehicle or truck wreck, call or contact our experienced automobile and trucking attorneys today for a free consultation.
