Were you or a loved one hurt in a car accident in Columbus, GA? Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm can help you fight to recover fair financial compensation. With an experienced Columbus car accident lawyer by your side, you’ll have the best chance of recovering fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages.
Our AV-rated lawyer has over 26 years of experience helping clients like you recover fair financial compensation. We’ve proven our value time and again–by recovering tens of millions of dollars on behalf of accident victims.
Contact our law offices at (706) 940-4030 today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can use our experience to your advantage.
How Can Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm Help After a Car Accident in Columbus, GA?
Crash victims often wonder why they should hire a lawyer when the insurance company will pay their damages.
It’s true that most car accident cases settle out of court. That’s not because insurance companies make it easy to recover fair compensation. Far too often, accident victims walk away with less than they deserve because they don’t fully understand their legal rights–or because they aren’t interested in an insurance battle.
In the end, car crash victims often end up with unexpected bills and no way to hold the at-fault party accountable after accepting a lowball insurance deal.
Our Columbus personal injury attorney can fight to make sure that doesn’t happen to you. Our lawyer has earned an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell (the highest ranking a law firm can receive).
When you hire us to protect you, your legal team will:
- Conduct a comprehensive investigation into the crash
- Collect any evidence that can prove liability
- Identify all responsible parties (more than one party can share blame)
- Hire experts to strengthen your claim
- Document your losses and calculate their value
- Handle all paperwork and insurance negotiations
Dealing with insurance companies isn’t always easy. Our team does it on a daily basis–and we know how the system works. If you were injured in a car accident, call to learn more about the benefits of legal representation today.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
After a car accident, you will likely be dealing with medical bills, treatment, and property repairs. You should not have to deal with the burden of seeking compensation alone while focusing on recovering from your injuries.
A lawyer can help you navigate the challenging aftermath of a car accident by doing the following:
- Investigating the cause of your crash
- Identifying at-fault parties
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Devising a strategy tailored to your case
- Discussing your legal options with you
- Negotiating for a fair settlement agreement
- Representing you at trial when needed
Hiring a car crash lawyer allows you to pursue the just compensation you deserve for your injuries.
What is My Car Accident Case Worth?
Some of the most important factors in evaluating your case value include:
- The type and severity of your injuries
- The cost of repairing your damaged vehicle
- Whether the injury interferes with your ability to work
- How the injury is expected to impact your future earnings
- Damage to your quality of life and lifestyle
- Whether you will need ongoing medical care, rehab, or in-home assistance
- Whether you share any blame for the crash
We know that insurance companies like to use “calculators” and “multipliers” to assess your case value. We’ve also handled enough cases to know that every situation is different.
You can count on our lawyer to put in the time and energy necessary to accurately assess your case value. We’ll work with your doctors, speak with your family, and even bring in experts so that we can fully understand how your injuries have changed your life.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Car Crash Victims in Columbus, GA?
The financial costs associated with a car accident can be steep. Your settlement or verdict should account for all of your losses–both economic and non-economic.
Georgia laws allow victims to recover damages that make them “whole” again after an accident.
Economic damages include compensation for:
- Current medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Physical therapy
- Nursing assistance
- Medications
- Medical devices
- Ongoing medical care and rehabilitation
- Property damage to your vehicle
Under Georgia law, you can also seek compensation for non-economic damages, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium
Georgia courts rarely award punitive damages. However, if there is clear evidence that the defendant acted with gross negligence or malice, punitive damages may be available as punishment.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Our team at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis.
Hiring our lawyers won’t cost you anything upfront. We take our attorneys’ fees as a percentage of your settlement or verdict. That way, all accident victims can afford quality legal advice when they’re injured due to someone else’s negligence.
We’ll discuss our fee structure in a free consultation, so there won’t be any surprises.
Can I Get Money If I was Partly At-Fault For My Car Wreck?
You may be entitled to compensation if you were injured in a car accident. This remains true even if you were partially at fault for the accident.
Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that you can still get money even if you were partly at fault for the car wreck. Your proportion of fault for the accident will reduce any compensation you’re awarded. However, if you are 50% or more responsible for the collision, you will be barred from recovering any compensation.
An experienced car acrash attorney can help you combat allegations of modified comparative negligence and pursue just compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Georgia?
The statute of limitations in Georgia is two years. Most accident victims have two years from the date of the auto accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Once two years pass, you’ll lose your right to seek compensation.
Will My Car Accident Case Go To Trial?
Most car accident cases are resolved before going to trial through settlement negotiations. However, your case may go to trial if a fair settlement agreement cannot be reached beforehand. This may occur when insurance adjusters make low offers or negotiate in bad faith.
A seasoned car accident lawyer can help you devise an effective strategy for your case.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
Car crash scenes are often chaotic and stressful. However, being prepared for the unexpected can help make this challenging process easier.
Take the following steps after a car accident in Columbus, GA:
- Get medical attention
- Alert law enforcement regarding the crash
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver
- Gather any witness statements and contact information
- Take pictures and videos of the accident scene
- Notify the insurance company
- Consult a local auto accident attorney
Knowing what to do after an auto accident can help you protect your legal rights.
We Handle All Types of Car Accident Claims in Columbus
While car wrecks are common, not all accidents are the same. Different types of car accidents can have different consequences for the victim.
At Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm, we handle all types of car crash cases, including those involving:
DUI Accidents
Accidents while driving under the influence can be traumatic and life-changing. You shouldn’t have to go it alone. Reach out to our Columbus DUI accident attorney for a free consultation.
Distracted Driving Accidents
A car crash can easily occur if a driver is distracted by texting or a talkative passenger. Distracted driving accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries and major property damage. Contact our Columbus distracted driving accident lawyers to learn more about your legal options.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions can lead to life-altering injuries and severely damaged vehicles. When this happens, the medical expenses and repair estimates can be overwhelming. Consult our Columbus head-on collision attorney to begin the process of pursuing much-needed compensation.
Intersection Accidents
Intersections are often chaotic and can lead to serious accidents. Whether cars turn illegally or motorists run red lights, intersection accidents can occur. If you were involved in an intersection accident, contact our Columbus intersection accident attorney for a free consultation.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Multi-vehicle accidents present unique challenges for car accident victims. There could be multiple at-fault parties. Identifying who is liable for your damages can be difficult when multiple drivers are involved. You don’t have to sort through this alone. Reach out to our Columbus multi-vehicle accident lawyer for assistance.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents can be complicated and stressful. You should not have to bear the burden of your medical bills, property repairs, and identifying the at-fault party. Our Columbus hit-and-run accident attorney can conduct a thorough investigation and fight for the compensation you need. Contact our office to schedule a free case evaluation.
Regardless of how you were hurt, don’t hesitate to call our car accident attorney for a free case review.
Who Could Be Liable For My Injuries Resulting From a Car Accident?
Anyone who contributes to your injuries resulting from a car accident can be held liable.
The following parties could be liable for your injuries:
- Drivers
- Pedestrians
- Motorcyclists
- Passengers
- Trucking companies
- Bicyclists
- Employers of negligent employees
- Government agencies
- Transit companies
You may be able to recover compensation from any party whose negligence or wrongdoing caused your car accident and subsequent injuries.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can lead to catastrophic and life-altering injuries.
Common types of injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Eye injuries
- Burn injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Nerve damage
- Lacerations
- Airbag injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue damage
These car crash injuries can drastically impact your life with challenging recoveries and accumulating medical bills.
What Are the Top Causes of Car Accidents in Columbus, GA?
Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Driver distraction and texting while driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Tailgating
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Unsafe passing
- Dangerous turns
- Inexperienced drivers
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Racing through intersections
- Drug and alcohol use
- Ignoring traffic laws
Of course, accidents can also happen because of dangerous road conditions, poor weather, or even vehicle defects.
Statistics on Car Accidents in Georgia
According to the latest available car accident statistics for the State of Georgia, 1,797 people were killed in traffic accidents in 2021. Of that overall. number, 8,654 crash victims suffered serious injuries.
In Muscogee County alone, 7,624 motor vehicle accidents were reported in 2021. From that total, 88 crashes caused serious injuries. Unfortunately, 27 people were killed in fatal crashes.
How Do I Prove I’m Entitled to Compensation After an Auto Accident?
Georgia is a “fault” state when it comes to car insurance. The person responsible for causing a car accident is also responsible for paying for damage caused by the accident. All drivers in Georgia are required to carry car insurance.
After a crash, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Before they award damages, however, you’ll also have to prove that person was negligent.
Negligence means:
- The responsible party owed you a legal duty of care (as all drivers on the roads do)
- They breached that duty
- The breach caused your accident
- You suffered damages
Regardless of the circumstances, you’ll need evidence to recover a full settlement.
When we’re investigating your accident, our lawyers will search for:
- Eyewitnesses to the accident
- Dash cam footage
- Video footage from traffic lights or surveillance cameras
- Evidence from the accident scene
- Photos of the wreckage
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Cell phone records
- Experts who can testify about various elements of your crash
We’ll also evaluate police reports and your medical records when building your case. We’ll do everything possible to make sure we understand the big picture. That way, we can identify every party who shares responsibility for your damages.
Contact Our Trusted Columbus Car Accident Lawyers Today
Car accidents happen to everyone–but none are exactly the same as yours. It’s important to have an experienced Columbus car accident attorney by your side when you file a claim with insurance.
At Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm, our lawyer knows how to get the fair settlement you deserve. Get in touch today at (706) 940-4030 for your free consultation today. We’re here to help!
Additional Car Accident Resources
- Can I Be Compensated for Pre-Existing Conditions After a Car Accident in Columbus, GA?
- Georgia Child Car Seat Laws
- How Long Will My Car Accident Case Take to Settle in Columbus, GA?
Local Auto Repair Shops
- Firestone Complete Auto Care – 1221 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus, GA 31901
- Sherman’s Automotive, Inc. – 2205 2nd Ave, Columbus, GA 31901
- Professional Auto Care – 829 12th St, Columbus, GA 31901
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
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