Georgia law requires all drivers to carry insurance for liability, bodily injury, and property damage. The sad truth is, though, that over 12% of drivers are driving around uninsured, so accidents with an uninsured driver aren’t uncommon. If you’ve been in this sort of accident, there are some options open to you, and an auto accident lawyer in Atlanta can help you figure out what to do next.
It’s important to contact the police after any accident, but it’s especially important if you find out that the other driver was not insured. You’re going to want to have everything on the record, and you will especially need to have proof of what happened. While the police report will not be the final word on exactly what happened (after all, the police are not actually there in most cases to see the accident), the police can give an experienced opinion based on the evidence they see when they arrive. This will be valuable for any claim you may bring.
In addition, an uninsured driver is more likely than an insured driver to try to flee the scene of an accident. If you call the police quickly, they may be able to track down the driver before they get too far. And even if the driver stays and everything is very clear-cut, you will still want the police report as the official record with everyone’s names and all pertinent information.
Georgia has a “fault” system for car accidents, which means that whoever is responsible for the accident is also liable to pay for the damages and losses of everyone else. A lawyer will be able to help you figure out the best steps to get compensation. Initially, you will probably have to turn to your uninsured motorist coverage to pay the bills, but your lawyer may be able to uncover some other options for you.
Unfortunately, many people don’t get insurance because they can’t afford it, and if they can’t afford insurance, then chances are they can’t afford to pay for your damages. But that’s not always the case: sometimes people just don’t get insurance because they don’t want to, they can’t be bothered, or they let the policy lapse through inattention. If that’s the case, your lawyer can advise you whether it’s worth bringing a lawsuit, which it may be if the liable party has other assets that could cover your losses.
Georgia law protects defendants in personal injury lawsuits from losing certain basic things, like their primary home and vehicle, but the court may require them to sell extra property which they might own in order to pay for your losses.
You will want to contact your insurance company right away, and especially if you have UM coverage. Your UM coverage exists precisely to cover situations like this. If your insurance company is putting up a fight or dragging their heels, be sure to talk to your lawyer. It’s also wise not to answer a lot of questions from the insurance company without your lawyer’s help. When you initially contact your insurer, just give them the basic facts of the event and then talk with your lawyer if they have follow-up questions.
Whatever documents you may have after your accident, be sure to save all of them. This includes all records and bills from medical treatment; any correspondence that you might have with the police, the insurance company, or the other driver; repair receipts for a damaged vehicle; and any correspondence you have with your employer if you’ve had to miss time at work. You will need all of these things to show exactly what happened and how the accident has affected you.
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.
Even if the other driver was not insured, you should not delay getting medical help after an accident. Your UM coverage and your own health insurance should cover you if you are not covered by the other driver, and it is unwise to put your health in jeopardy by not getting treatment.
Bear in mind that some common injuries after a car accident, like internal bleeding or whiplash, sometimes don’t have symptoms that show themselves immediately. Once you do see a doctor, be sure to follow through on all you’re told to do. If your doctor tells you not to engage in an activity for a while, for example, be sure to follow their instructions. If you are able to bring a lawsuit, you will need to show that you did not make your own injuries worse in any way by neglecting your doctor’s advice.
You would think that your own insurance company would be on your side after an accident, and they are: to a degree. But it’s always wise to bear in mind that insurance companies are businesses, and businesses exist to make money. Your insurance company is incentivized to minimize their payout as much as possible, and that means they may offer you a settlement that is well below what you actually need.
Sometimes insurance companies make these settlements quickly, hoping that an injured person will not really know the full extent of their damages yet or will be so desperate for money that they will take whatever comes along. Any settlements that are offered need to cover all of your legitimate losses and damages up to the limit of your policy, so always talk to your attorney before you sign anything.
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.
Your attorney will always act in your best interests and is bound by attorney/client privilege not to reveal anything that you tell them. It’s safe to discuss any aspect of the accident with your attorney, but when it comes to talking to other people, it’s wise to be circumspect.
Don’t talk about the accident with friends and family or on social media. Anything that you say on social media, for example, could be used against you. You may want to tell your followers that you’re fine, not because you’re not really injured, but because you don’t want them to worry. This is a very natural thing to say, but if your insurance company is monitoring your social media accounts, they could use a statement that you are “fine” to argue that you aren’t hurt as badly as you say or that your losses are not as great as you claim.
Understand that you may require some back-and-forth with your insurance company or the liable driver and their lawyer before you’ll be able to reach an acceptable compensation amount. Your attorney will be your best friend in this situation and will use all the evidence to explain precisely what has happened to you and what affect the accident has had on your life. These negotiations can take a bit of time, but it pays to be patient.
If you’ve been in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, you do have options. Contact T. Madden & Associates, P.C. today for a free consultation in Atlanta or anywhere in the state.
T. Madden & Associates P. C.
114 S Main St Jonesboro,
GA 30236
T. Madden & Associates P. C.
3915 Cascade Rd #200 Atlanta,
GA 30331
T. Madden & Associates P. C.
431 Walker St Augusta,
GA 30901
T. Madden & Associates P. C.
115 N McDonough St Decatur,
GA 30030
T. Madden & Associates P. C.
1305 Hardeman Ave. Macon,
GA 31201
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.