The short answer: Most Georgia personal injury questions come down to a handful of basics. You generally have two years from the date of your injury to file suit. You can still recover if you were less than 50% at fault. And most injury lawyers, including The Persons Firm, work on a contingency fee, so there’s nothing to pay upfront.
If you’ve been injured in an accident around Marietta, you probably have more questions than answers right now. The pain, medical bills, an insurance adjuster who keeps calling, and no clear sense of what to do next. That’s normal. Below are the questions we hear most often, along with the ones you should be asking any personal injury lawyer you consider hiring.
In this article, our Marietta personal injury lawyer discusses:
– Whether you have a case and need a lawyer
– Georgia’s filing deadline and fault rules
– What your case may be worth
– What it costs and how long it takes
– How to protect your claim after an accident
Do I Have a Case, and Do I Need a Lawyer?
If someone else’s carelessness caused your injury, you likely have a case. And even after a minor crash, a lawyer is worth talking to.
Do I have a personal injury case?
Probably, if someone else’s negligence caused your injury. A driver running a red light. A store ignoring a spill it knew about. The only way to know for certain is a free case review at The Persons Firm.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?
Often, yes. Injuries and bills can surface days later, and insurers tend to offer less when no attorney is involved. A free consultation keeps you from settling too soon.
Should I talk to the insurance company?
Be careful here. You can report the accident, but the other driver’s insurer isn’t on your side, and your words can be used against you. Talk to us before giving a recorded statement or accepting any offer.
What Are Georgia’s Deadlines and Fault Rules?
In Georgia, you generally have two years to file, and you can only recover if you were less than 50% at fault.
How long do I have to file a claim in Georgia?
Georgia law generally gives you two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. Don’t wait, though. Evidence fades, and missing the deadline usually ends your right to recover.
Can I still file if the accident was a while ago?
Possibly, as long as you’re still inside that two-year window. Some situations, such as claims involving a minor, can change the timeline, so call us, and we’ll tell you where you stand.
What if I were partially at fault?
You can still recover in Georgia if you were less than 50% responsible. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, your compensation is reduced by your share of fault; at 50% or more, you recover nothing. That’s exactly why insurers try to pin blame on you.
Worried about your deadline? We are here to help. Call (770) 758-1664 for a free consultation.
What Is My Case Worth, and What Can I Recover?
Your case is worth the full value of your losses, from medical bills to pain and suffering.
What is my case worth?
Every case is different, so there’s no set figure. Value depends on the severity of the injuries, your medical costs, lost income, and how the injury affects your daily life.
What damages can I recover?
You may recover economic damages (e.g., medical bills, future care, lost wages, property damage) along with non-economic damages for pain and suffering. Rare cases involving extreme misconduct can add more.
What is pain and suffering?
Pain and suffering is compensation for the physical pain and emotional toll of your injury, not just your out-of-pocket bills. It covers chronic pain, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
What Does It Cost, and How Long Will It Take?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer usually costs nothing upfront. Timelines vary with the complexity of the case.
What does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
At Persons Firm, we work on a contingency fee. No fee unless we win. You pay nothing upfront; our fee is a percentage of what we recover, and your consultation is always free.
How long will my case take?
It depends. Straightforward claims may settle in a few months. Serious injuries or disputed fault can take longer. We move efficiently, but we won’t push you into a low settlement.
Will my case go to trial?
Most personal injury cases settle before trial. We prepare every case as if it could end up in court, which often prompts fairer offers. If trial is the right call for you, we’ll be ready.
Not sure what your claim is worth? Call (770) 758-1664 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
How Do I Protect My Claim After an Accident?
Get medical care promptly, save your records, and bring the key documents to your first meeting.
What if I didn’t go to the doctor right away?
You can still have a valid claim, but gaps in treatment give insurers a reason to argue you weren’t really hurt. See a doctor as soon as you can, keep every record, and let us handle the rest.
What happens if the other driver has no insurance?
You may still have options, including your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if you carry it. We’ll review your policy and every possible source of recovery.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Any accident or police reports, photos, medical records and bills, insurance information, and a list of questions for the attorney. Not sure what to ask a personal injury lawyer? We are here to help you cover what matters.
We Are Here to Help
You shouldn’t have to sort through all of this alone while you’re trying to heal. Our attorneys at The Persons Firm have helped injured individuals across Marietta understand their rights and their next steps. Whatever your personal injury questions are, we’ll answer them honestly.
We are here to help. Contact us at (770) 758-1664 for a free consultation with The Persons Firm, located at 531 Roselane Street Northwest 200, Marietta, GA 30060. You pay nothing unless we win your case.