Athens Car Accident Lawyers

Attorneys in Athens, GA, Win Big Car Accident Cases

Car accidents are not uncommon in and around the Athens area, and they often lead to significant injuries and tremendous property damage for those involved. Unfortunately, it is often challenging for victims to secure full compensation after these incidents occur. At Butler Prather LLP, we are here to help if you need an Athens car accident lawyer by your side. Our firm has extensive experience handling complex vehicle accident claims throughout the state of Georgia, and we know what it takes to help our clients secure maximum compensation for their losses.

Butler Prather LLP has been getting justice for people in Athens, Georgia, for over 35 years. In fact, our firm has won over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, including nine verdicts exceeding $100 million and over 60 verdicts and settlements surpassing $10 million.

Call (706) 322-1990 to schedule a free case evaluation today.

Why Should You Choose Butler Prather LLP for Legal Help?

• The attorneys at Butler Prather LLP have been helping car accident victims throughout the state of Georgia since 1988, and we have the resources necessary to handle every aspect of these claims.
• Our firm takes a client-centered approach to every case, which means we take the time to get to know every individual’s goals and needs as we formulate our case strategy.
• We handle Athens car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that clients will not have to pay any upfront or out-of-pocket costs related to their case.

Role of an Athens, GA, Car Accident Lawyer for Your Case

Car accident cases can become challenging, particularly when aggressive insurance carriers deny a claim or refuse to pay a fair settlement amount. When one of our skilled Athens personal injury attorneys gets involved, they can use their resources and legal experience to fully investigate the case to determine liability. The job of a car accident lawyer is multifaceted and includes:

• Uncovering any evidence needed to prove fault
• Handling all communication with insurance carriers and other parties involved
• Ensuring their client receives the medical care they need
• Obtaining assistance from financial and economic experts to help correctly calculate expected losses
• Handling all negotiations to reach a fair out-of-court settlement
• Taking a case to trial if necessary to ensure the client is treated fairly

Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

Data available from the Georgia Department of Public Health shows that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death and the second leading cause of hospitalizations and emergency room visits in Georgia.

At Butler Prather LLP, our Georgia car accident lawyers regularly help clients who have sustained severe injuries that have life-altering consequences. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. Chronic pain is a common result, impacting the victim’s quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. Disabilities, whether temporary or permanent, can arise from severe injuries, limiting mobility and independence.

Paralysis, particularly from spinal cord injuries, is one of the most devastating outcomes, requiring lifelong medical care and assistance. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can lead to cognitive deficits, emotional instability, and personality changes. Bone fractures often require multiple surgeries and prolonged recovery periods.

Crush injuries may result in permanent damage to muscles and tissues. Whiplash can cause long-term neck and back issues, intense pain, and disabilities. Severe burns that result from fires and explosions may cause disfigurement, organ failure, breathing problems, and extensive damage to hard and soft tissue.

Additional types of injuries we have seen include:

• Lacerations or puncture wounds
• Open head wounds
• Nerve damage
• Organ failure
• Internal bleeding
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Severe sprains or strains

Common Causes of Car Accidents

One of the most common causes is drivers who ignore traffic laws, such as running red lights or stop signs. Speeding is another major factor, reducing reaction time and increasing the severity of collisions. Distracted driving, often due to mobile phone use, diverts attention from the road and leads to accidents. Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and reaction times, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.

Automobile collisions that cause severe injuries for people in Athens, GA include:

• Rollovers often result when a driver swerves or makes a sudden turn. Trucks and SUVs are more prone to rollovers due to their high center of gravity.
• Sideswipes frequently occur during merges and lane changes. These accidents cause significant vehicle damage and serious injuries.
• T-bone accidents happen when a truck or car crashes head-on into the side of another vehicle. These accidents often occur at intersections, and they cause serious harm due to the direct impact on the side of the vehicle, where there is less protection for drivers and passengers.
• Head-on collisions are among the most deadly, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These accidents are often caused by fatigued or intoxicated drivers who enter a highway while traveling in the wrong direction.
• Multi-car pileups are complex, involving multiple parties and complicating the process of determining fault. These accidents may be caused by blowouts, mechanical failure, or poor driving decisions that lead to a crash involving several vehicles.
• Rear-end collisions are common in heavy traffic, and they can result in whiplash and other serious injuries. Frequent causes of rear-end collisions include sudden stops, speeding, and drivers following the vehicle in front of them too closely.
• Blind spot accidents occur when drivers fail to check their blind spots, leading to collisions during lane changes. Semi-trucks have large blind spots on all four sides, and it’s essential for truck drivers to signal lane changes in advance and make sure the lane is empty before they proceed.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Athens, GA

After a car accident, ensuring the safety of all parties involved is the top priority. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your situation. Call 911 right away to report the accident. Even if the accident seems minor, it is crucial to have law enforcement on the scene to document the incident officially. This police report will be invaluable for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.

See your doctor right away and report any symptoms you are feeling. Brain injuries, whiplash, and internal injuries can grow much worse over time, so you’ll want to begin getting the right diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Your medical records are evidence of your injuries and the associated costs, which is essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

The next step is gathering evidence from the accident scene. If you feel up to it, use your cell phone to take photos of all vehicles involved, capturing different angles to show the extent of damage. You’ll also want to record images of the surrounding area, including road conditions, traffic signs, and any skid marks. Gather contact information from witnesses and request insurance information from any drivers involved in the crash.

Avoid posting about the accident on social media, as insurers and opposing parties can use your statements against you. Don’t make any agreements or sign any documents from insurance adjusters without legal advice because this could limit your ability to seek full compensation.

How Your Car Accident Attorney Can Help

An experienced car accident attorney can guide you through the complex legal landscape and advise you of your rights and options. Your attorney will gather crucial evidence, including medical records, police reports, witness statements, surveillance camera video, and dash cam footage.

As soon as Butler Prather LLP completes our investigation, we’ll file a claim or lawsuit against anyone liable for your injuries. This may include negligent or intoxicated drivers, manufacturers of defective vehicles, and trucking and delivery companies that fail to hire safe drivers and provide them with the necessary training and oversight.

Butler Prather LLP will negotiate with the insurance company, seeking a settlement that covers your medical bills and other expenses such as medical devices, wheelchair ramps for your home, occupational therapy, and the pain and suffering you have experienced. If the other side refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer, Butler Prather LLP is always prepared to take your case to trial.

Call One of Our Car Accident Lawyers in Athens, GA

If you or somebody you love has been injured in a car accident in Athens, Georgia, turn to Butler Prather LLP for help with your case today. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex vehicle accident claims, and we have the necessary resources to help you through this process. We aim to help ensure you have the compensation you need to help make as full a recovery as possible. This can include coverage of your medical bills, lost income, property damage expenses, pain and suffering losses, and more.

When you need an Athens car accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling us at (706) 322-1990.