A car accident injury can do more than inflict physical harm: it can also lead to long-term financial costs that can severely impact your future. At T. Madden & Associates, P.C., we understand the injustice of paying for damages you did not cause. Our managing partner, Terance Madden, is a highly qualified Atlanta car accident lawyer, here to help you with all the complexities of Georgia law after an unexpected accident. The average settlement for a car accident injury may vary, but having a team of highly qualified legal experts on your case can ensure that you receive the highest possible settlement and the just outcome you deserve.
One influential factor in a car accident settlement is the extent and nature of your injury. Georgia law allows injury victims to recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses. More severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or permanent disfigurement, tend to result in higher settlement values. While more severe injuries tend to entitle you to a much higher settlement, you may still be entitled to compensation even for a minor injury.
To make this decision, a qualified attorney will evaluate the total cost of medical care that you had to pay for in the wake of your accident. This calculation would include emergency room visits, diagnostic tests, surgery, physical therapy, and any other treatment directly related to the injury. If you’ve undergone months of therapy or require ongoing care, the cost of that treatment must be included in the calculation. If your injuries result in long-term effects or permanent disability, our legal expert will work with medical professionals and financial experts to estimate future costs and include those in the demand for settlement.
In many Georgia car accident cases, insurance coverage is a major factor in determining how much you can actually recover. Georgia law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, which currently stands at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. If the at-fault driver only carries the minimum, your ability to collect more than those limits depends on whether they have additional coverage or assets or whether you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy. A qualified attorney will be able to examine these documents carefully and effectively to make sure you don’t miss the chance to secure a sufficient settlement.
Lost income is another major component of a car accident injury settlement. Georgia allows you to recover the wages you lost while you were unable to work due to your injury. This includes not only hourly or salaried pay but also bonuses, commissions, and other employment benefits. If your injuries affect your ability to return to your previous job or prevent you from working altogether this impact on your future earning capacity is something that should be taken into account.
Calculating lost earning potential can be hard, particularly if your career path has been disrupted or you’ve had to take a lower-paying role as a result of the accident. We may gather employment records, consult with vocational experts, and work to present a clear case for financial losses you’ve sustained and will continue to face.
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your settlement can be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys often try to argue that the injured party shares some responsibility, which can lower the overall payout. Our team offers quality legal advice to ensure you stand a fighting chance of securing a fair settlement.
At T. Madden & Associates, P.C., our lead attorney and his team will thoroughly investigate your case to protect you against unfair blame and make sure your share of fault, if any, is correctly evaluated. Police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction may all be used to support your claim and maximize your recovery.
Whether or not you have experienced legal counsel can affect your settlement outcome to a significant degree. In addition, insurance companies are more likely to offer lower settlements to individuals who are not represented by an attorney. They may push for a quick resolution before the full extent of your injuries is known or pressure you into accepting less than what you deserve. Without a lawyer on your side, you don’t have the protection you need against these tactics.
When you work with our firm, we manage all communication with insurers, build a thorough case, and handle negotiations on your behalf. If necessary, our firm has the legal expertise to take the matter to court. The presence of a qualified attorney signals to the insurance company that you are serious about recovering full compensation
The timing of a settlement offer can also influence the amount you receive. Early offers may come before your treatment is complete or before the long-term effects of your injury are known. Accepting a settlement too soon can leave you with unpaid medical bills or insufficient funds for future care. An Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you secure the right settlement at the right time for you and your case.
We recommend waiting until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement before settling your case. This allows for a more accurate calculation of all damages and ensures your settlement reflects the complete picture. However, every case is different, and we work with you to determine the appropriate time to pursue a resolution based on your medical and financial circumstances.
Terance Madden is a qualified legal expert with years of experience in the realm of personal injury law. His role as the owner of T. Madden & Associates, the third-largest firm in Atlanta, and his expansion of its reach and influence, has made him a reliable legal representative for those in the Atlanta area and beyond. His expansion has led to the opening of new offices in Jonesboro and Augusta, GA, so that even more victims of daunting car accident injuries can get access to the quality legal representation they need to secure a fair settlement.
In addition to these qualifications, Terance Madden also holds numerous titles that represent his commitment to expert legal representation. Over the course of his career, he has been affiliated with several professional organizations, including the American Bar Association, the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the Gate City Bar Association, and the Clayton County Bar Association.
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.
