Georgia law gives people injured through another driver's negligence two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you're considering it, it's generally in your best interest to secure a car accident lawyer as quickly as possible — that gives your attorney the most time to investigate your claim, serve the lawsuit, and negotiate with the insurer or represent you in court.
When You Need Representation Immediately
Some situations demand an attorney right away:
- You or a passenger suffered serious or life-altering injuries that will require ongoing financial resources.
- The insurance company has hired its own attorney — usually a sign they plan to fight your claim.
- Someone riding in the car suffered fatal injuries.
- Your insurer claims you didn't pay your premiums, or you have no insurance to submit a claim to.
- You believe the other party plans to pin most of the blame on you, or deny fault altogether.
- You have low limits on your liability policy.
- The accident involved others — pedestrians, cyclists, or additional motorists.
- The case involves complex medical, legal, or technical information.
- The accident happened in a construction zone.
- You believe the police report is inaccurate and wrongly assigns you blame.
When It May Be Able To Wait
Other situations aren't as urgent — though it's still worth a call:
- You're uncertain of your legal rights as an accident victim.
- You'd like an estimate of what your case might be worth.
- You're confused about terms in your insurance policy.
- You're not sure how to respond to an offer from the other party's insurer that feels unfair.
Whether you need immediate help or it can wait a bit, a Marietta car accident lawyer will interview you about the background of your case and the obstacles you're facing. A successful claim can mean payment for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and several other categories of compensation.