Traffic Collisions Decrease Due to These 4 Tech Features

Mar 17, 2023

New car safety features are reducing the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on roadways throughout the United States. Many of these safety features incorporate new technologies that were unheard of even a few years ago. Four of the top new technologies that are helping to set the standard for crash avoidance include:

Forward Collision Detection

This safety feature is aimed at preventing front-to-rear or head-on collisions. Warning systems alert the driver if a forward collision is about to happen. Automatic emergency braking and brake assist systems make sure the brakes are applied in time and with enough force to minimize a collision.

A study from the National Safety Council concluded that in vehicles with advanced driver safety systems, these technologies:

Reduced front-to-rear crashes by 50 percent
Decreased front-to-rear crashes with injuries by 56 percent
Reduced insurance claim rates for damage to other vehicles by 13 percent
Decreased claim rates for injuries to people in other vehicles by 23 percent

Lane-Keeping Assistance

This safety system is designed to make sure drivers don’t accidentally drift out of their lane, reducing sideswipe and merge accidents. With technologies like lane departure warning systems and lane-keeping assistance programs, cars can measure lane markings to observe a driver’s path. The technology can then let drivers know if they’re drifting and guide them back to the center of the lane.

The National Safety Council reports that vehicles using these technologies have seen:

An 11 percent reduction in single-vehicle, sideswipe, and head-on crashes
A 21 percent reduction in injury crashes of the same type

Blind Spot Detection

Blind spot detection systems provide an extra layer of security by using motion sensors to see if anyone is in your blind spot as you change or merge lanes. The National Safety Council reports that when used correctly, blind spot detection systems result in:

A 14 percent decrease in lane-change crashes
A 23 percent reduction in lane-change crashes with injuries
A 7 percent decrease in claim rates for damage to other vehicles
An 8 percent reduction in claim rates for injuries to people in other vehicles

Backing Collision Avoidance

The goal with this technology is to prevent drivers from colliding with other vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, or other hazards as they’re backing up. This is particularly helpful in parking lots or other situations when drivers have limited visibility or maneuverability. These collision avoidance systems include backup cameras as well as collision warning systems and automatic braking. The National Safety Council found that collision warning systems:

Reduced backing crashes by 78 percent when combined with rearview cameras and parking sensors
Decreased claim rates by 30 percent for damage to other vehicles
Reduced claim rates by 12 percent for damage to the insured’s vehicle

Although technology has helped reduce the number of crashes on the roads, accidents still happen. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, call Spaulding Injury Law today for a free initial consultation.

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What to Do After a Truck Accident in Alpharetta?

Mar 17, 2023

If you’ve been involved in a devastating collision with a large truck in Alpharetta, it’s easy to overlook important details in the confusing aftermath of the accident. However, following some basic steps after a wreck will be crucial to protecting your health and your legal rights.

After a collision with a commercial vehicle, you should:

Call the Police

Call 911 or have someone else at the scene call the police. Most accidents involving trucks like semis and 18-wheelers leave victims with serious injuries and extensive property damage. First responders can help you get the prompt medical attention you need for your injuries. They can also help prevent further collisions by blocking off the area and taking care of debris and wreckage from the accident.

Seek Emergency Medical Treatment

If you did not receive medical treatment at the time of the crash, it’s critical to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some serious injuries from truck accidents aren’t immediately obvious, yet they can cause severe complications if left untreated. The sooner you see a physician, the sooner they can evaluate your injuries and help you get the treatment you need for recovery.

Your doctor can also create a medical report that outlines your injuries and medical treatment. This report could serve as a critical piece of evidence if you need to file a claim for the injuries you suffered in the truck accident. It could help you prove the severity and cause of your injuries. Additionally, it can show that the accident caused your injuries.

Get Contact Info from Other Parties Involved

Truck crashes are complicated because they involve several parties that might hold some liability for the accident. For example, beyond the truck driver, the employer, the truck’s owner, the owner of the truck’s cargo, the vehicle’s manufacturer, or the maintenance company might hold some responsibility for your injuries.

It’s important to get as much of this information as possible. As a start, get the truck driver’s name, driver’s license and license plate number, contact information, and the name of their employer.

Getting information on the rest of the parties that might be liable is often complicated if you try to handle the case on your own. It might involve heavy investigative work because the driver or their employer might not willingly provide this information to you. However, if you work with an experienced truck accident attorney, they can use their in-depth investigatory skills to help determine who holds responsibility in your accident and help you pursue claims against each of the responsible parties.

Gather as Much Information as Possible

Collect as much evidence as you can as soon as possible after the crash. Otherwise, this evidence might disappear or change. For example, take photographs of your injuries, damage to your vehicle, and all areas of the accident scene. This includes things like pictures of traffic signals, skid marks, damage to guardrails, loose gravel, or missing traffic signs.

If the police came to the scene of the wreck, ask them for a copy of their official accident report. Additionally, gather the names and contact information from witnesses. Write down accounts of what they saw, plus ask them for copies of any pictures or videos they have of the crash.

Beyond these basics, a truck accident lawyer can help you collect additional types of evidence. For instance, they can ask the traffic department and surrounding businesses for copies of videos or photographs they have on traffic cams or security cameras. They can also hire experts, such as traffic reconstruction specialists or medical consultants, who can testify to support your case.

Don’t Make Any Statements About the Crash

While you might think you caused or contributed to the crash, it’s difficult to know the true cause of an accident without a full investigation. It’s critical to avoid making any statements about the crash in the immediate aftermath. Insurers often rush to accident scenes or call victims shortly afterward to try to trick them into saying something they can twist and use against them in the claims process.

Additionally, they might scour your social media for any comments you made about the crash. If you say something as small as “I’m sorry” publicly or to the other driver, the police, or the insurance company, they might use this statement to deny or reduce your compensation.

This is why it’s vital to wait to make any statements about the accident – in person, over the phone, or on social media – until you consult with an attorney. They can speak with insurance and other parties on your behalf, so you don’t have to risk mistakenly saying something you’ll regret.

Get Your Case Reviewed by an Alpharetta Lawyer

If you suffered serious injuries in a truck accident, contact an Alpharetta lawyer right away. Our truck accident attorney will review your case for free and give you the tools you need to make the best possible choice for your personal situation.

What an Alpharetta Truck Accident Lawyer Can Do for You

Truck accidents are devastating and overwhelming, but our Alpharetta personal injury law firm can help relieve this burden. We can handle all the details of your case, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Your attorney can gather the evidence needed to support your claim, complete and file any necessary paperwork, negotiate with insurance on your behalf, and fight for your rights in court if needed.

If a serious truck collision left you with serious injuries, contact the trusted Alpharetta truck accident attorneys at Spaulding Injury Law right away. With a proven track record of providing excellent customer service and helping clients achieve high-dollar results, we have the skills and resources to stand up for your rights and help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

Don’t wait to get on the path to recovery. Contact Spaulding Injury Law today by phone or online to schedule your free case evaluation.

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Things to Know When Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in Atlanta

Mar 17, 2023

There are a lot of different variables that go into recovering from an Atlanta car accident. Immediately, both sides often go into investigation mode. Not always, as the other party can admit that they were at fault for the accident. This isn’t as common, as no one wants to admit that they caused the accident which in turn caused injury and/or damage. Even if they have insurance, their insurance company may try to pin the accident on you.

Even if the other party admits to being at fault, it’s not so cut and dry. Their insurance company will try to give you a lowball quote to pay you as little money as possible. This is when you would enter a negotiation phase where you would send them a quote you think is fair. This can be a long process and made even longer by the fact that you might be injured and out of work. You might decide that it is time to bring an attorney into the fray.

Experienced attorneys are great at helping their clients recover any losses that came about due to an accident. It’s not just damaging to your vehicle, but also time off work as a result of an injury. Pain and suffering also play a part. If you can’t work, you can’t take care of your family and that can be devastating. There’s also a lot of paperwork and red tape that goes along with auto insurance claims. Having a personal injury attorney on your side can make all the difference.

Why You Might Need to Hire an Experienced Accident Attorney

Car accidents happen every single day in this country. They happen nearly every single minute. No matter how safe you are as a driver, you can’t control the behavior of everyone else around you. In fact, most of the personal injury claims in the country taken to court involve motor vehicle accidents. These types of collisions are violent at high speed and often result in injury. Even minor fender benders can cause injury.

Most of the smaller fender bender type accidents are usually settled out of court and between insurance companies. These are often small amounts of money that are paid out to fix a few dents. You may even be able to drive away after a fender bender. But then there’s the major car accidents in which someone dies, sustains injuries, or causes a lot of major damage to the vehicle. In these cases, you might want to consider hiring an accident attorney.

Even if the case doesn’t go to court, and the insurance company wants to settle, having an experienced attorney on your site can help you navigate the process. They’ll be able to hold your hand and take you through how to file paperwork, issue grievance, and advise you about what the laws say and don’t say. You have rights and responsibilities and the other side most likely will just take the claims sitting down. They will want to pin the accent on you to avoid paying out.

But you’re going to need compensation to help you recover lost wages that you might suffer as a result of the accident. There will be damage to your vehicle that you need to have repaired. You might even be medical expenses due to injury and time off of work. If you lose a loved one due to an accident, an accident attorney may help you recover damages due to the loss of life.

What to Look for in an Accident Attorney

Car accidents can cause a variety of different issues, so not every case is the same. You may want to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit, recover damages, get help after a personal injury. Many accident lawyers focus on different aspects of different cases. For example, when a lawyer might excel at bringing a wrongful death lawsuit while others make promises of helping you to recover damages for a personal injury. It depends on the lawyer and what their specialty is.

With that in mind, look at their skill level, location, and their experience in dealing with accidents. The really good lawyers have a great track record of recovering damages. You’ll also want to take a look at their fee structure. If they promise that they won’t recover a fee unless they win, then you know they’re going to fight hard and stay committed to your case. But before they take you on, they would want to make sure that your case is winnable.

This information matters because if you take on a lawyer whose offices around the state, they might not understand local and state laws as someone who is based in you. You should also consider the lawyer closer to you has more experience helping people locally. That’s an advantage you can’t pass up. They’ve been before the judges, been in those courtrooms, and faced the same insurance companies.

When Should You Decide to Hire an Accident Lawyer?

Insurance companies might try to talk you out of hiring an accident lawyer. They might even say that it’s going to be no problem negotiating a settlement. This is exactly why you probably should hire an accident attorney as early as possible. Again, it is just a minor fender bender, and that shouldn’t be a big deal. Yet, if you’ve been injured, there was a death, or there was significant damage to your vehicle, you should hire an attorney.

Time is of the essence in these matters. You’re going to need to make sure that witnesses can attest to your version of the story. They’re going to need a police report to back up the details as your members of. That’s still going to lead to the insurance company trying to lowball you and the other party trying their hardest to pin the accident on you. You don’t really have enough time to just see what happens.

You have medical bills to pay, cover your lost wages after losing work, and you may need to purchase another vehicle as soon as possible. Hiring a lawyer is a great way to get this done sooner rather than later. Once the insurance company knows that a lawyer is involved, they’re more apt to want to settle quickly.

Accidents in a Rented or Leased Vehicle

Most states will allow for every driver to be covered under their own insurance no matter what they drive. For example, if you borrow someone else’s car and you get into an accident, your insurance would probably cover that. In that same conversation, you’re also covered if you rent a vehicle. That means you don’t need to purchase additional insurance that the rental company tries to sell you.

Yes, it might provide additional coverage and you’re free to purchase that if you want to, but your own insurance will probably do the trick. All you have to do is call your insurance company and ask them before renting a vehicle if the current policy you have would protect you against any rental liability that might come up. Most likely, the answer is yes, and you can save a few bucks when renting.

Accidents that Involve Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Even if your state has no-fault laws, the driver who hits a pedestrian or a bicyclist is usually guaranteed almost always to be hit with a presumption of fault. They will say that it was through the lack of defensive driving on the part of the driver. Pedestrians and bicyclists almost always have the right-of-way. There are a few instances in which the pedestrian and/or bicyclist can be held liable for their injuries and be found at fault.

The presumption of guilt on behalf of the driver can be overturned if the driver can find evidence that the pedestrian that was hit didn’t take reasonable caution. This is often known as contributory negligence and it’s when the pedestrian or the bicyclist took action (or didn’t take enough action) to contribute to the accident. There are rules and regulations even for pedestrians and bicyclists and if they didn’t follow the rules and regulations, they can be held at fault.

One example of this is whether a bicyclist was writing their bike at night without taking proper precautions. Under the laws of most states, a bicyclist must have a red reflective piece behind them and a headlamp on the front of their bike. They must take reasonable caution to ensure that they are seen at all times. A pedestrian has to obey traffic laws as well. If they tend to jaywalk across the street without following signals, they would be held liable for the accident.

Accidents that Involve Pedestrians and Bicyclists

In states without no-fault laws, an injured pedestrian would most likely be covered by their own auto insurance policy if they have one. Again, it comes down to whether the pedestrian or bicyclist took reasonable steps to protect themselves. Did they wear nothing but black clothing while running at night or did they use as many reflectors and lights as possible? This is what these types of situations would come down to.

When Domestic Animals are Hit

This is one area of the law that is rapidly changing. In talking about domestic animals, it means a person’s pet, not wildlife like a deer. You’re still likelier to hit a deer, but sometimes a family pet becomes the victim. What happens in this situation? You’ve hit (and most likely killed) a family pet, but there’s damage to your car. Who is at fault? Usually, the person didn’t properly take care of their pet.

No town or city allows pets to run free. They must always be adequately secured in some manner. For example, you must keep your pet on a leash if taking them for a walk. The only way this wouldn’t apply is if the driver’s negligence caused the death. Let’s say you’re driving with your pet in the car, and a drunk driver hits you, and your dog dies. They would be negligent, and you could file a suit against them.

States limit the amount of damages one can claim after losing a pet due to negligence. Situations like distress and pain from the emotional loss of a beloved pet often don’t come into play legally. The negligent driver would most likely be responsible only for medical care if the pet was injured or the overall value of the animal.

Posted in Pedestrian Accidents | No Comments »

Spaulding Injury Law Launches New Website

Mar 17, 2023

Spaulding Injury Law has launched a new website to serve clients and potential clients who’ve been hurt in accidents caused by negligence in Georgia.

Our committed personal injury attorneys have over 25 years of combined experience serving injured people throughout the state. Our new site provides a wealth of information, including an overview of the firm, attorney profiles, information on our practice areas, and testimonials from previous clients.

About Our Injury Law Firm

Spaulding Injury Law is “real lawyers helping real people.” Our attorneys are involved in every one of our client’s cases. You are not going to be handed off to a case manager or paralegal. We will always be available to answer your questions and provide an update on your personal injury case at any time.

Our firm takes a smaller amount of cases so we can give each injury case the personal attention it deserves. Our Georgia personal injury attorneys prepare each case as if they are going to trial. We will do whatever it takes to pursue the full and fair compensation our clients deserve.

Our founding attorney Theodore A. Spaulding has been named among the Top 100 trial lawyers in Georgia by The National Trial Lawyers for three consecutive years. He was also selected as one of the Top 40 Under 40 attorneys in Georgia for the last three years. Mr. Spaulding is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, a prestigious honor awarded by the Top Trial Lawyers in America® to less than 1% of lawyers in the country.

Personal Injury Cases We Handle

At Spaulding Injury Law, our skilled and experienced Georgia personal injury lawyers handle a wide variety of cases, including:

Case Results

Below are a few seven-figure results we have obtained for clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Many of these results have been obtained in just the past few years.

$1,500,000.00 Federal Court Trial

A federal jury awarded our client $1.5 million in a medical device dispute tried in Federal Court in Atlanta.

$1,500,000.00 Head-On Collision

Recovered $1.5 million before the lawsuit was filed for adult children of a man killed in a head-on vehicle crash in North Georgia.

$1,400,000.00 Forklift Accident

Obtained $1.4 million for the family of a deceased worker killed in a forklift accident while on the job.

$1,100,000.00 Motorcycle Accident

We were able to obtain all insurance policy limits available to the client who suffered serious injuries when a commercial truck turned in front of his motorcycle, causing him to fly over the hood of the truck.

What Our Clients Say

Here are some of the many positive reviews we’ve received from former personal injury clients over the years:

“Ted Spaulding has represented us in several different situations, and we have won the case each time. As a litigator, he is excellent. He is competent and trustworthy, and we hold him in very high esteem.”
– Sandi Sutton, Atlanta

“My husband and I were involved in a motorcycle accident in May 2015. Ted handled everything from the wrongful death case to my personal injury case. I was pleased with the attention to detail and the security in knowing it was being taken care of legally. What stood out the most to me was Ted showed compassion to my family. During the most difficult time in our lives, he took time to listen and walk with us through everything.”
– Tanya Bell, Atlanta

Contact Spaulding Injury Law

If you have been injured in Georgia in an accident caused by someone’s negligence, our skilled and compassionate Georgia personal injury lawyers want to help you seek compensation that will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

The experienced lawyers at Spaulding Injury Law can help you hold the liable parties accountable. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you won’t owe us a cent upfront. We only get paid when you receive a financial award.

Call the Georgia personal injury attorneys at Spaulding Injury Law today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We offer remote consultations over the phone or video chat as well, so there is no need to leave your home.

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Can I Recover Compensation After An Accident With A MARTA Bus in Atlanta?

Mar 17, 2023

The Right Law Firm to Get Personal Injury Maximum Compensation in Atlanta

When you need legal assistance with your vehicle collision claim, look no further than Spaulding Injury Law: Lawrenceville Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer. We have achieved successful results for past clients injured in car collisions, including:

Settled a case for $$350,000. Rear-End Wreck.
Settled a case for $50,000. Low-Impact Car Accident Case.
Settled a case for $425,000. Motor vehicle accident, drunk driving.

Our legal team is dedicated to getting fair results for every client we represent, and we never back down from insurance companies. When you work with our firm, you can expect the highest quality of representation, personalized and effective service, and stress-free handling of your vehicle collision injury claim.

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Buses operated by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) are a common sight on Atlanta roadways. In fact, the MARTA bus system had a daily ridership of 193,100 people each day in 2012. While public transportation is generally safe, MARTA buses are occasionally involved in accidents that the potential to injure both passengers and other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

When a bus accident is the result of negligence, victims may be able to recover compensation for their losses by bringing a personal injury claim with the help of a car accident attorney. The most effective way of maximizing your chances of obtaining recovery for your injuries after a MARTA bus accident is to retain an Atlanta personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

What Are the Common Causes of Marta Bus Accidents in Atlanta?

Entities such as MARTA that transport people from place to place owe their riders and the general public a duty to operate in a way that does not harm others. When they fail to do so, the results of a bus wreck in Atlanta can be catastrophic. Buses are extremely large and heavy vehicles, and have the potential to cause extensive damage when they are involved in collisions. In addition, riders do not have the benefit of seat belts and other restraints designed to keep motor vehicle occupants safe. As a result, the injuries that bus accidents cause can be catastrophic. Some of the ways that negligence can result in a MARTA accident include the following:

Speeding
Improper vehicle maintenance
Negligent hiring
Distracted driving
Failure to observe traffic signals
Inadequate training
Defective bus equipment
Failure to inspect the vehicle
Driver fatigue
Failure to signal

How Much Compensation Can Victims of MARTA Bus Accidents Recover?

There are many ways that a bus accident in Atlanta can be the result of negligence, and an experienced personal injury attorney will be able to evaluate your case and help you determine how to proceed. Potential damages that may be available to victims in a bus accident case include compensation for:

Medical expenses
Lost income
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Loss of future earnings

Seek Legal Representation From A Bus Accident Lawyer in Atlanta

Bus accident victims may be entitled to substantial compensation. To schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers, call Spaulding Injury Law today at (770) 887-3162 or send us an email through our online contact form available here. Contact us as soon as possible after an Atlanta bus crash.

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Legal Options After A Car Accident Caused by Poor Road Maintenance

Mar 17, 2023

Of the millions of car accidents that occur in the United States each year, the vast majority are caused by driver error. A significant number, however, are the direct result of hazards or other conditions caused by poor road maintenance. Like all car accidents, those caused by negligent road maintenance are capable of causing serious bodily harm which in turn can lead to significant economic and non-economic losses. Fortunately, victims of car accidents that are caused by negligence may be able to recover for their losses through a Georgia personal injury lawsuit. Hiring a car accident lawyer is the best way to make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve after a car accident, and our car accident attorneys will consult with you regarding your claim at no cost to you.

Because roads are generally maintained by the state or local governments, claims based accidents caused by poor road maintenance are subject to a special set of rules that apply in cases where a person is suing the government. Under the doctrine of sovereign immunity, the government is only liable in lawsuits to the extent to which it has consented. Fortunately for people injured on Atlanta roadways, the Georgia Tort Claims Act has authorized lawsuits against the government, albeit with certain limitations. For example, damages for claims arising from a single occurrence are limited to $1 million and no plaintiff can be awarded punitive damages. A car accident attorney can help you file a claim against the government.

There are many ways that poor road maintenance can result in dangerous hazards that can cause accidents. Some of the most common include:

Potholes
Overgrown foliage
Lack of signage
Inadequate drainage
Debris in road

These are just a few examples of the ways in which negligent road can result in hazardous road conditions. Sometimes, signs of negligent road maintenance may not always be apparent after an accident occurs, so it is important for victims to make sure they discuss their case with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

People injured in car accidents may be entitled to significant compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses. Contact the car accident attorneys at Spaulding Injury Law at (770) 744-0890.

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Atlanta Police Reverse New COVID-19 Accident Response Policy

Mar 17, 2023

The Atlanta Police Department (APD) announced at the end of July that it would no longer respond to motor vehicle accidents that had no injuries, according to an APD post on Twitter.

The new policy and other recent actions by the Atlanta police have the potential to severely impact victims’ rights to seek compensation and justice after a wreck.

New COVID-19 Atlanta PD Accident Policy

The Atlanta PD said their new policy of not responding to most non-injury car crashes was put in place as a way to help protect citizens and officers in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The news was released as Fulton County officials reported that Atlanta and surrounding areas were responsible for around 10 percent of the confirmed coronavirus cases and related deaths in Georgia.

At the time of the announcement, the department said that drivers in Atlanta were still allowed to call the police after accidents that were minor, but they had to keep in mind that police might not respond.

APD Public Information Officer John Chafee clarified that they would mostly avoid responding to minor fender benders, so they could focus on more serious matters, such as crashes that involve criminal activity. They would also respond to wrecks that caused a traffic hazard for other drivers, hit-and-run accidents, and other crashes that posed a possible safety concern.

The APD reversed the policy in mid-August, saying that police would resume responding to accidents. However, the policy still left Atlanta residents confused as to when the police department will be available to help them, considering over 90 percent of motor vehicle accidents in Atlanta don’t involve serious injuries. Additionally, the announcement came after Atlanta police staged a virtual work stoppage earlier this year.

Repercussions of Police Not Responding to Car Accidents Without Injury

Since police might not be available to file an official police report for non-injury car wrecks, the Atlanta PD has advised people to complete the SR-13 form in place of a formal accident report.

However, insurance companies warn that without an official accident report, victims might not be able to get the full compensation they’re owed. Insurers rely on this official documentation as a piece of evidence when they assess who was responsible for an accident and decide how much compensation to offer a victim. Without this report, they must rely on witnesses and other proof.

Additionally, APD’s recent actions might lead to higher insurance rates for Atlanta residents. Insurance companies set their rates based on the area where policyholders live, along with other risk factors. If insurers decide that the Atlanta PD isn’t handling accidents properly, then they might raise the city’s risk rating and, accordingly, increase insurance premiums for area residents.

What You Need to Do After a Crash When Police Don’t Respond

If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision with injuries or significant property damage, it’s important to call 911. First responders can help provide immediate medical attention and other help you need if the crash causes serious injuries or major damage.

Even if Atlanta police don’t come to the scene of the accident, they’ll still record that you reported the accident, which can serve as an important piece of evidence.

Additionally, if the APD doesn’t come to the accident scene, there are some other steps you can take to help protect your safety and legal rights:

Move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic and to a safe area to help reduce your risk of getting hit again in a secondary accident.
Check yourself, your passengers, and people in the other vehicle for injuries.
Even if you think you are fine, have a medical professional evaluate your injuries as soon as possible after the accident to help reduce the risk of hidden injuries causing potentially serious consequences.
Photograph your injuries, any vehicle damage, and the VIN and license plate information of vehicles involved in the wreck.
Don’t admit fault, post on social media about the accident, or speak with the other party’s insurance company without consulting a trusted auto accident attorney.
Take pictures or videos of as many details as possible of the area of the accident, such as skid marks, warning signs, the layout of wreckage in the road, weather conditions, traffic signals, or guardrail damage.
Get the names, license number, insurance information, and contact info of anyone involved in the crash, as well as the names and contact information for witnesses.
Call a towing company if your car isn’t drivable.
Ask for copies of footage that traffic cams or local business’ security cameras might have captured of the accident.
Gather other evidence related to the crash, such as medical records, pay stubs, and financial records.
Fill out the SR-13 form.
Contact a reputable Atlanta car collision lawyer as soon as possible.

When to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Atlanta

It’s critical to contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a wreck in Atlanta. Insurers have already admitted that they don’t value policyholders’ accident reports as much as they do official police documentation, which means insurance companies might use recent actions by the Atlanta PD as an excuse to deny or reduce payments to victims.

At Spaulding Injury Law, our car crash attorneys have the legal skills you need to help you stand up to this injustice and fight for the full compensation you deserve. We know the tricks that insurers try to play, and we’re committed to fighting for injured clients just like we would fight for our own family.

With over 25 years of combined experience standing up for clients’ rights and five offices across Georgia to serve you, we have the resources and knowledge it takes to tackle even the toughest cases.

If you suffered an injury in an Atlanta car accident, call Spaulding Injury Law right away to set up your free legal consultation. We won’t even charge you unless we help you win. Contact us today by phone or online.

Posted in Car Accidents | Comments Off on Atlanta Police Reverse New COVID-19 Accident Response Policy

Insurer’s Pre-Existing Injury Argument Fails; Spaulding Recovers $350,000 for Crash Victim

Mar 17, 2023

Pre-existing injuries are a common argument that insurance companies try to use in car accident cases. Fortunately, the experienced legal team at Spaulding Injury Law knows how to fight back against these insurance company tactics. Recently, our firm won an outstanding $350,000 settlement for a client who suffered a serious cervical spine injury in a wreck on GA 400. Our client thought all hope was lost when the insurance company insisted her injury was pre-existing. Afterall, she had suffered an injury to her spine before. But our team was not about to back down. Our lawyers were able to clearly refute the insurer’s claim, prove that her damages were directly caused by the accident, and secure the full compensation our client deserved.

On May 1, 2018, our client was driving on GA 400 when she came upon some traffic caused by a backup along the Exit 14 off-ramp for SR 20 in Cumming. She was slowing down her Toyota Yaris to about 45 miles per hour when a driver in a Toyota 4Runner slammed into her from behind. The at-fault driver was traveling between 60 and 65 miles per hour at the time of the collision, making for a significant force of impact.

Our client suffered serious injuries to her cervical spine and ultimately required fusion surgery. Even as our client struggled to recover physically and emotionally from the crash, the insurance company was trying to argue that her injury was pre-existing. They argued she would have needed surgery even if the crash hadn’t happened. The thought that she would have to bear the financial burden of the crash was overwhelming for our client. It was true that she had a pre-existing injury to the same area of the cervical spine, but the wreck was what aggravated it to the level of needing surgery.

Our skilled car accident lawyers gathered extensive evidence to fight off the insurance company’s argument. Backed by thorough medical documentation and insightful consultations with experts, we were able to show exactly how the wreck made our client’s pre-existing injury much worse. In the end, we were able to obtain a significant $350,000 settlement for our client after filing a lawsuit against the insurer.

Do existing injuries matter when I’m in a collision?

Many people have old injuries or chronic conditions that they deal with. A serious car accident can aggravate these conditions and make them significantly worse. New injuries caused by the crash can make old injuries flare up with symptoms that you weren’t having before. When this happens, you should talk openly with your lawyer about how the crash is affecting your previous conditions. Crash victims deserve to be compensated for all the ways they have been affected by another driver’s negligence. This includes aggravation of old injuries.

How long can it take to receive a settlement?

A serious car accident can change your life in an instant. But getting a fair settlement can take some time. The amount of time it takes to reach a settlement will depend on your injuries and how long it takes to recover from them. Before agreeing to a settlement amount, it is important that you understand the full extent of losses related to your car accident injuries ─ both current and anticipated future losses. For example, you don’t want to rush to settle for an amount that covers your current bills and losses, only to realize later that you will need expensive surgery and follow-up care down the line.

Your attorney will also need time to investigate your crash and collect the evidence needed to prove fault. In addition, your attorney will have to be prepared to counter insurance company arguments over aspects of the claim such as pre-existing conditions. The entire process can take months or even years.

Although many car accident cases can be resolved with a settlement, this sometimes doesn’t happen until your attorney moves forward with filing a lawsuit. (This was the case for our client who was hurt in the rear-end crash on GA 400.)

If you have been hurt in a crash and need advice about your personal injury claim, please contact the knowledgeable attorneys at Spaulding Injury Law. We can review your case for free and explain all your legal options.

Posted in Firm News | Comments Off on Insurer’s Pre-Existing Injury Argument Fails; Spaulding Recovers $350,000 for Crash Victim

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