FAQ

A Q&A Discussion with a Trial Attorney Located in Cumming, Georgia

After an accident caused by another, it's important to protect your health and your right to compensation by taking the following steps:

1. Check for injuries and move to a safe location if you're able.
2. Call the police to report the accident and obtain an official report, if necessary.
3. Document the scene with photos, retain insurance information, and gather witness details if applicable.
4. Seek medical attention even if no injuries are immediately apparent.
5. Contact a trusted attorney from The Matthews Law Firm, LLC to understand your legal options and pursue fair compensation.

A Q&A Discussion with a Trial Attorney Located in Cumming, Georgia

In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury claim. However, if an injury becomes apparent later, you have two years from the date of discovery to file. Additionally, if the at-fault party leaves the state, the statute of limitations may be paused until they return.

A Q&A Discussion with a Trial Attorney Located in Cumming, Georgia

Catastrophic injury cases are distinct from standard personal injury claims due to the severe, long-lasting impact on victims' lives. Unlike minor injuries, catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries often lead to permanent disabilities, ongoing medical treatments, and significant lifestyle changes. If you or a loved one has suffered such an injury due to someone else's fault, it's crucial to consult attorney Anthony Matthews who is experienced with Georgia state laws to protect your rights and secure appropriate compensation.

A Q&A Discussion with a Trial Attorney Located in Cumming, Georgia

Top 3 Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in a serious car accident that caused injuries to you or your loved ones, you may be wondering whether you need to hire a car accident lawyer to handle your claim. The answer is not always simple, but we will discuss some of the top reasons why hiring a car accident lawyer can benefit you and your case.

Question: What are the benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer?

Answer: There are many benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer, but here are some of the most important ones:

1. A car accident lawyer can help you protect your legal rights and interests. In Georgia, there can be many challenges and conflicts after a car accident, and a professional car accident lawyer can help advise you on the best course of action for your case, whether to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company or to file a lawsuit in court. Even if you did not cause the accident, the other driver or insurance company may claim that you have some responsibility in the car accident, and an experienced lawyer can represent you in any legal proceedings and advocate for your best interests.
2. A car accident lawyer can help you maximize your compensation. The amount of your losses and damages is not always easy to calculate after a car accident, and an experienced lawyer can help you estimate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses. If you need to file a lawsuit, an experienced trial lawyer can also help you gather and present the evidence in Court to support your claim. This might include medical records, police reports, witness statements, photos, and expert opinions.
3. A car accident lawyer can help you deal with the insurance company. A car accident lawyer can communicate with the insurance adjuster on your behalf, handle the paperwork and documentation, and negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement. A car accident lawyer can also protect you from any unfair or deceptive tactics the insurance company may use to deny, delay, or reduce your claim.

A Q&A Discussion with a Trial Attorney Located in Cumming, Georgia

Motor vehicle accidents involving commercial vehicles, such as big rigs or 18-wheelers, are often caused by driving in blind spots, cutting off or tailgating, not using turn signals, or speeding. To prevent these accidents, avoid risky behaviors like impaired or distracted driving and adjust for poor weather conditions. While you can't control other drivers, The Matthews Law Firm, LLC calls for drivers to be aware of these factors to help you stay safer on the road.

Fault in a multi-party accident is determined by investigating each party's role in the incident. This often involves:

• Gathering evidence: Police reports, witness statements, video footage, and expert analysis (e.g., accident reconstruction).
• Identifying negligence: Each party’s actions are assessed to determine if they breached their duty of care.
• Comparative fault laws: In states like Georgia, comparative negligence applies, meaning fault is divided among parties based on their percentage of responsibility. Your compensation will be reduced by your share of the fault. An experienced attorney can help clarify fault distribution and protect your right to fair compensation.

Pain and suffering damages compensate for the physical and emotional distress caused by an injury. These are considered non-economic damages and can include:

• Physical pain: Chronic pain or discomfort resulting from the injury.
• Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the accident or injury.
• Loss of enjoyment: Inability to engage in hobbies, activities, or aspects of life you previously enjoyed.

Pain and suffering damages are often calculated using methods like the multiplier method (multiplying economic damages by a factor based on severity) or the per diem method (assigning a daily value to suffering).

Yes, you can file a personal injury claim even if your injuries were not immediately apparent. Many injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries, may take hours or days to manifest symptoms. To protect your claim:

• Seek medical attention immediately: A prompt evaluation can detect injuries early and create a medical record.
• Document changes: Keep track of any symptoms that develop after the accident.
• Consult an attorney: An experienced personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected, even if your injuries were delayed.

It’s important to file your claim within the applicable statute of limitations, regardless of when symptoms appear.