Being injured in a serious car accident involves much more than your physical recovery. In addition to your wounds, you will face astronomical medical expenses even with solid health insurance. Additionally, you will experience lost wages as you will inevitably miss work. Even if you don’t have serious injuries, you could face tens of thousands of dollars in healthcare bills.
The Augusta car accident lawyers at T. Madden & Associates, P.C. represent auto accident victims who have suffered injuries. We know how stressful recovering from a car accident can be. An Augusta car accident lawyer can review your case and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Our car accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t have to pay out of pocket for our professional legal advice. We are proud to be a Black-owned law firm serving our community. Call today for immediate representation and let us know how we can help.
If you’ve been injured in a car wreck, you’re entitled to damages for your monetary losses and more. You can recover these types of compensation from the insurance company or the responsible party.
This is compensation for monetary damages, including your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and any other cost you sustain as a result of an accident. Medical expenses are not limited to hospital and doctor bills. Any follow-up appointments, procedures, homecare, medications, medical equipment, etc., are all covered under economic damages. An experienced car accident attorney will create a comprehensive itemized list when preparing your car crash claim.
Often referred to as “pain and suffering,” non-economic damages cover things like physical pain, emotional trauma, loss of capacity, loss of companionship in wrongful death claims, etc. These types of injuries may not incur a financial cost, but they are still recognized by the courts.
In some instances, the defendant’s actions are so egregious that the court decides to monetarily punish them for their actions. For example, this might be the case where the defendant was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and their actions were likely to cause serious injuries to car accident victims.
In Georgia, punitive damages are capped at $250,000. With most common car accident injuries, punitive damages are off the table.
Georgia operates under a modified comparative negligence theory. This means the court will weigh the liability of the plaintiff and the defendant. If the plaintiff’s responsibility is 50% or greater, they cannot collect damages from the other party. If the plaintiff is partially responsible, their portion will be deducted from the award. This can be a confusing concept, so it’s better explained through examples.
If the defendant runs a red light and causes an accident, they may be considered at fault by the police. But if the accident investigator determines that the plaintiff was speeding, and it was determined that their speeding was 20% responsible, the plaintiff will only be able to collect 80% of their damages.
There are, of course, times when the plaintiff has no responsibility in a wreck. For instance, the driver who is rear-ended while sitting at a red light should be entitled to 100% of their auto accident claim.
Our Augusta car accident lawyers can review your claim and determine the proportionality for a fair settlement.
Augusta is a busy city, and car accident injuries are common. These are some of the most common causes of car wrecks our personal injury attorneys deal with.
Do you know that distracted driving is responsible for over 3,000 deaths per year?
Texting or messaging on a phone, tablet, or in-car screen can be extremely dangerous. In many cases, drivers won’t admit that they were looking at a screen at the time of their car accident. A car accident lawyer can subpoena phone and data records as part of their investigation.
Unfortunately, many people fail to consider the safety of others when they’ve been drinking. Driving under the influence is a crime in the state of Georgia, and it is responsible for countless car accident cases. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, it can be used as leverage to get you fair compensation for your personal injury claim.
Speeding not only increases the likelihood of a car crash; it makes it more dangerous for the people involved. An auto accident attorney can hire accident reconstruction experts to calculate the defendant’s speed during the crash.
There are times when a negligent driver may not be distracted but isn’t dedicating the proper attention to the roadway and the vehicles around them. This is often the case with motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents. Their smaller profiles mean that drivers must take extra care to avoid an accident.
Regardless of the reason you’re making an auto insurance claim, our Augusta car accident attorneys can hold the responsible party accountable. Call our office for a free consultation before trying to recover compensation from the insurance company.
Very nice people who are there only to help you. He get u back your max amount for your settlement. The process is very fast. I give 5 stars.
Thank you!! Attorney T Madden and staff were wonderful!!
Great service. Took the time to explain every process to me. Felt very comfortable to contact them for any questions I had. I would recommend!
Very professional. Tiffany did a great job updating me on my son’s case. Would definitely recommend to anyone. They took great care of us.
They have been fantastic. No matter how busy they are they have time for you. Renee is very friendly and caring. Keeps you up to date with your case, good or bad. I never have to call them and if I do call the phone is always answered. If not they call you back ASAP. I recommend them to everyone.
I was represented by T. Madden and Nicholas Schnyder on my car accident case. They and their staff were very professional, willing to answer any and all of my concerns. If they were not available, I would receive a call back within a timely manner. I am very satisfied with how my case came out and I would highly recommend their services.
The warmth, dedication and empathy shown in my daughters case, put me at ease knowing I had placed her in good hands. Due to the professionalism and thoroughness shown by the staff, I would definitely recommend Attorney Madden to family and friends. My daughter was extremely pleased with her settlement.
This firm did an amazing job. In meeting the gang over the period of the case, I can honestly say that each and ever person I was in contact with was professional and extremely helpful. I am humble and graciously blessed for their work. Thank Terrance Madden and Associates.
Shanera and team work effortlessly to get a good settlement. They definitely understood the assignment when it came to our case. I would definitely use them again.
I will sincerely like to thank T Madden & Associates for the professional and awesome job that they done handling my case. They went to work right away, and answered any questions and concerns that I had. I was recommended by a friend and I highly recommend this office for you as well. One call and that’s all. Don’t hesitate!!
Excellent Experience!! I appreciate how they took charge of the insurance company and made them give me what I deserved. I highly recommend T. Madden & Associates, P.C.
Thank you so much to T. Madden and Associates. Your promptness, diligence and professionalism in handling my case was awesome. The end results was more than I could imagine. Thank you Attorney Madden, Rick Polk and Maya. God Bless!
I will like to publicly thank Mr. Watson, Mr. Madden, and Mr. Rick the dedication to he me handle my case and respect to me was outstanding. I mentioned that I wanted to publicly thank them because I want potential clients to know that this is a real review on behalf of a great team.
Professional and knowledgeable. Provides you with honest answers and the best possible advice towards your case.
T. Madden & Associates P.C. is the best in the business. They settled my case and I’ve received a large settlement.
It was good service , the office was friendly and my case was quick and efficient.
Mr. Madden is A1!! The staff is professional always knowledgeable of your case.
Suffered injuries with a semi-truck, called this law firm. They took care of my case. Great people.
Great personal injury attorneys! Excellent service! Thank you for helping resolve my situation successfully (and promptly).
So glad to have found T Maddison and associates. I had a car accident and they assisted me in getting a great compensation. Thank you to the whole team.
Staff are incredibly attentive and welcoming from front to end. This group is very professional with the sensitive nature of my needs.
Tasha and Rick where amazing made sure to keep me updated when they had information. Also, they were great enough to stay open later for me. Thank you!
T Madden and Associates are awesome. They got me what I felt was a great settlement. I highly recommend them to anyone injured in a car accident that isn’t their fault!
Madden & Associates was recommended to me by a friend and they really hit it out of the park dealing with my vehicle crash lawsuit. Communication was always transparent, honest and responsive. I was always treated with respect and dignity and my worries we’re always addressed without being condescending (which I have dealt with in the past with other lawyers). Thank you Madden for showing up for me when I needed it the most. Highly recommend!
I thank you Terance Madden for not only being professional, courteous and knowledgeable, but also your experience. I really appreciate your passion for work and your compassion for your clients. You worked so hard for me. The dedication of your staff to getting a positive outcome for me, was extremely unique. You will never find a better attorney than Terance Madden and Associates. I hope I never need an attorney again, but if I do I will only contact T. Madden & Associates.
I had a case that was taking care of By T. Madden & Associates. Very professional and efficient. I didn’t have to lift a finger. All info was provided to me in a timely manner. I appreciate the courteous service. I recommend them any day.
I used TMAPC services for my car accident and the service was phenomenal! I’d definitely use them in the future.
These guys are life changing, thanks for helping me out with the truck crash, I really needed the money and you all got it for me”
T Madden & Associates was the best they gave me and my son the best service a person could ask for. They was very friendly sn I didn’t have to call them about anything they called me. If I was the have another accident hoping that I don’t I will definitely let them handle my case again
Attorney Madden handled my motorcycle accident and got me an amazing settlement fairly quickly and it was life changing. Thanks again.
Personal injuries due to another person’s actions suck!! I called this firm because I was referred. I am grateful. My initial call was answered by Natasha. She was kind and professional. Once my case was settled, I was contacted by Dee to come by and pickup my check. I would recommend calling this firm if you need personal injury help.
T.Madden & Assoc. Is a professional, outstanding, and honest law firm which is something that is rare. Their customer service skills and knowledge is impeccable!
T. Madden & Associatees is the best decision I could have made. They resolved my collision (auto accident) efficiently and with great results. They provide great service and I like how they give back.
Simply Amazing! I am very pleased with the way T. Madden & Associates handled my daughter’s auto injury case. T. Madden came highly recommend from a friend at church and he did not disappoint. They went to work on her case like she was family. The entire staff was always helpful.
My nephew was involved in a car accident, this firm handles his case with professionalism and gave my sister the confidence she needed to trust things would be fine. Thank you for your hard work, reassurance and time.
T Madden & Associates were great! No one wants to need a lawyer, but if you do, you want someone to make everything easy. And, they made it easy, I made one phone call and they took care of the rest. They gave updates on the progress which was reassuring. I highly recommend them to everyone.
Just because you’ve had a car wreck does not mean that you have a viable claim. There are four elements that a personal injury attorney must establish to get full compensation.
Every driver on the road has a duty of care to avoid car accidents. A personal injury lawyer must demonstrate that the other driver was subject to this duty.
Once a personal injury law firm has established a duty of care, the next step is to prove that the driver breached that duty. Did the defendant run a red light? Drive while intoxicated? Send a text message when they should have been watching the roadway? These would all be considered breaches of duty.
The next step is demonstrating that the at-fault driver’s negligence caused the accident. The insurance company will, of course, try to minimize the driver’s responsibility to reduce the amount they will have to pay out, which is why you need effective legal representation as the plaintiff.
All personal injury claims must show damages. Damages include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Viable car accident claims have all of these four elements.
You can legally file a car accident claim with the responsible insurance company without an attorney, but you’re unlikely to collect maximum compensation for your injuries without a car accident lawyer.
Insurance company adjusters are known for low-balling accident claims to minimize the damages that their companies have to pay. Most adjusters will offer to settle your claim immediately, offering to cut you a check on the spot. This may cover your immediate medical expenses, your property damage, and even a little extra for your trouble and inconvenience. However, it will also require you to sign a waiver of liability, which prevents you from filing a personal injury lawsuit.
On the other hand, if you’re represented by a car accident attorney, they will represent you on a contingency basis. That means that they only collect their fees if you receive a settlement or you win in litigation. Here’s what an attorney can do for you:
Your attorney can collect all police reports and subpoena medical records.
With most Georgia car accidents, the insurance company is responsible for the damages. Your attorney can review the coverage limits to determine the likelihood that you’ll receive fair compensation.
Your attorney can subpoena all witnesses, including the police, EMTs, eyewitnesses, and the other driver.
An auto accident attorney must be able to calculate monetary damages and estimate non-economic damages for their injured clients. These calculations can be extremely complicated and contain hundreds of items, which is why it’s a job best performed by professionals.
Insurance companies expect to have to compensate plaintiffs for their losses, but to receive maximum compensation for motor vehicle accidents, personal injury lawyers must negotiate with the insurers.
Although 98% of cases settle through insurance, attorneys sometimes have to pursue a lawsuit to get compensation for their clients’ car accident injuries. Even after a personal injury lawsuit has been initiated, there’s a good chance of it settling. But if your auto accident claim does go to court, you’ll be comforted in knowing that you have a top-tier Augusta car accident attorney in your corner.
With an unparalleled record of success, the attorneys at T. Madden & Associates, P.C. can represent you at all phases of your accident. Call today.
With nearly 200,000 residents and steady population growth, Augusta, GA has more than its fair share of car accidents with injuries. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, there were 47,735 crashes in Augusta from 2017 to 2021. Additionally, there were 17,313 injuries resulting from these crashes and 156 fatalities. That means that there was an injury for every three crashes, approximately. That’s not to say that one out of every three crashes results in fatalities or injuries because more than one person can be injured in a bad crash.
Because Augusta is such a significant part of Richmond County, most of the accidents occurred within Augusta city limits. The numbers for Richmond County over the same period are 48,217 crashes, 17,498 injuries, and 148 car accident wrongful deaths.
Did you know that according to the CDC, the U.S. has the highest rate of fatal accidents per capita in the world?
Augusta is no exception and Georgia has its share of roadway fatalities. If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident, contact T. Madden & Associates, P.C. today.
If you’re in an auto accident caused by another party, you may not be sure how to proceed. The following list is not to be construed as legal advice, but these steps may help your physical and financial recovery.
Your safety is the highest priority. If you’re in a position of danger, move. The car crash scene may not be safe if there are chemical spills or one of the parties seems violent. If you have to leave your vehicle to get to a safer place, watch for traffic and other hazards.
It’s essential that you try not to move injured parties if possible. Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other severe injuries can be made worse if the injured party is moved. If possible, wait until they can get proper emergency medical treatment.
Either call 911 personally or direct a bystander to do it. When speaking to the police dispatcher, try to remain calm. Dispatch will want to know the following:
Two clients who were special needs students were being hit and abused by the paraprofessionals in a public school system. T. Madden & Associates took on the case and secured 1.25 MILLION Dollars against 1 of 4 defendants involved in the wrongful actions. The case remains open as T. Madden & Associates continues fighting for the policy limits of the remaining defendants; over $10 MILLION.
A father and son had a terrible valentine day when they found themselves the victim of a trucking collision. T. Madden & Associates initiated the case which led to the clients receiving over 3.25 MILLION Dollars.
A group of employees were experiencing a hostile work environment (HWE) and sexual harassment, prior to T. Madden & Associates was able to have the perpetrator fired and the ladies 1.25 MILLION Dollars.
Client was involved in a collision with a Yukon while driving his Honda motorcycle. The injured party was taken to the emergency room. The call was made to the firm from a hospital in Columbus, GA. We were able to serve the client as if he was next door. T. Madden & Associates was able to recover the policy limits of $1.25 MILLION for the client.
T. Madden & Associates, P.C. was able to bring justice and $1,050,000 for a couple when nobody could tell them how their son wound up at the bottom of a swimming pool. Many think if nobody saw how the drowning happened, then there can’t be a monetary recovery. T. Madden & Associates would not accept that as a proper response. A wrong occurred and this law firm made the defendant’s pay.
Three persons were involved in a collision with a Marta bus in a case of distracted driving. The public trial resulted in a $960K recovery for the 3 victims.
You can stay on the phone with dispatch until first responders arrive.
Auto accidents can be difficult to reconstruct without visual evidence. By taking pictures or a video of the location, position of the vehicles, the debris on the roadway, visible injuries, etc., you can help document exactly what’s occurring in real time. Make sure that you take photos and videos from a safe vantage point.
Many people will only remain on the scene to call the police and check for severe injuries. Ask any independent witnesses to speak to the police. If they can’t, ask for their contact information for future reference.
You may feel fine immediately after a crash, but it’s a good idea to allow first responders to examine you and check your vital signs. If you are injured, either allow them to transport you to the hospital or drive you to the emergency room. In any event, follow up with your doctor at your earliest opportunity. Keep any medical bills or records to include in your car accident claim.
Our law firm has seen many drivers file an Augusta car accident claim and accept a settlement without ever speaking to an attorney. This is a mistake that the car insurance companies want you to make. Insurance adjusters know that once you speak to an attorney, the chances of them being able to get you to accept a lowball estimate are vastly diminished. Their offer may help you cover your initial medical bills, but if you have serious injuries, there’s no telling how much your future bills and expenses could be. Contact T. Madden & Associates, P.C. for immediate representation.
We represent individuals who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of other drivers. These are some of the more common questions we hear at T. Madden & Associates, P.C.
Your attorney will review the police report of the crash, photographic evidence, and any eyewitness testimony. If necessary, they will consult an accident reconstruction expert to determine what happened. With this information, your lawyer can prove the defendant’s percentage of fault and argue against any counterclaims about your level of fault.
In Georgia, it is state law to call the authorities following a motor vehicle crash by dialing 911. Nearly all insurance carriers and most cities in Georgia require you to contact the police immediately after a car accident. If someone is injured or killed, or if there is property damage exceeding $500, you are required to contact the police.
Your first priority should be the health and safety of you and any others that were involved in the crash. Your injuries may be too severe to do anything other than wait for EMTs to arrive, and that is okay; health and safety first.
If the crash is not too severe and you are safely and physically able to, you should gather evidence to help support your legal case. Remember that most key evidence can only be obtained from the crash site.
After a motor vehicle crash, you may feel as though you will remember everything that just occurred. Unfortunately, even under the best circumstances, memories fade. Therefore, it is important to document and preserve any evidence at the scene, to the best of your ability. While the scene of the accident may be disorienting, here are some evidence to collect:
After a motor vehicle accident, there are strict guidelines to be followed in Georgia in regards to filing a personal injury claim. There are several separate statute of limitations based on the circumstances in which the crash occurred. It is important that you file within the statute of limitations otherwise you may be prevented from recovering the damages you deserve. The following is a guideline of Georgia statute of limitations.
In addition to these statute of limitations, if an automotive accident occurs involving a federal government vehicle there is a separate process with an initial two-year timeline.
In most cases, even if you’re partially at fault, you can recover damages in a car accident, especially if you were injured.
In some cases, hit and runs are solved by the police, but it’s often a futile endeavor. If you have insurance, you can make a claim against your insurance policy. Depending on the type of coverage, the amount of coverage, and your injuries, you may be able to get full compensation.
Yes. If you’ve been injured in an accident, you will probably need a lawyer to get full compensation. Most insurance adjusters will lowball their initial offer, so contact a personal injury lawyer for a full and fair settlement.
Injury lawyers in Georgia work on a contingency basis, which means that they collect their fees at the end of the case and only if they win. Contingency fees are regulated by the state, but your attorney should go over their contingency fee schedule during your initial consultation.
In most cases, the insurance company settles before the claim goes to court. That does not necessarily mean that you won’t have to file a lawsuit, though. Your attorney may initiate a lawsuit, but it settles before going to court.
T. Madden & Associates fight for the rights of individuals who have been injured in car accidents. Our staff understands the emotional and physical trauma that accompanies a serious accident. We will work tirelessly to get you a full and fair settlement while you work on your physical recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you need to act quickly.
Our law firm has endeavored to partner with our community in civic, educational, professional, and legal activities. We want to be an integral part of bettering the community we serve and promoting Black excellence.
Contact the Augusta car accident lawyers at T. Madden & Associates today!
T. Madden & Associates, P.C has an answer for all of your legal questions! We are a Personal Injury firm, so we handle many types of injury cases from auto collisions to wrongful death! If you or someone you know is injured, T. Madden & Associates, P.C. can help.
We are proud to offer free case reviews to anyone who may have questions before getting started. Additionally, if we do take on your case, we promise we won’t charge you a penny unless we recover compensation for your claim.
Please contact our Atlanta attorneys online or by calling 833-PAID-123 to get started today.