Each year, countless residents of Georgia face the devastating impacts of auto accidents. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to another driver’s negligence, turn to Gautreaux Law. Well-versed in the applicable insurance and negligence laws, we have an impressive track record of success negotiating and litigating auto accident cases. When you become our client, we will handle all the details of your claim so you can focus on healing.
We offer free consultations and will charge no attorneys’ fees until we win compensation for you. Serving Macon, Warner Robins, and all of Georgia, we are the law firm of choice for personal injury claims. Contact us today to get started with an experienced Macon car accident attorney.
When Car Accidents Are Not Accidents
According to government statistics, the leading causes of car accidents in Georgia and around the country include:
- Distracted driving – More than just phone usage, distractions can also arise from eating while driving, speaking with passengers, or adjusting in-car entertainment systems. These seemingly minor acts divert attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Speeding – Speeding doesn’t only mean breaking the speed limit. It also includes driving at speeds that are unsafe for prevailing road conditions. For instance, traveling at the posted limit during heavy rain or fog can still lead to accidents if that speed is too fast for visibility and road conditions.
- Side-impact – Negligent drivers, from performing improper turning to distracted driving, can cause side-impact or T-bone accidents in intersections.
- DUI – Beyond the evident dangers of alcohol and drugs, many prescription and over-the-counter medications can impair driving ability.
- Failing to obey traffic signals – In addition to running red lights, drivers fail to yield the right of way at stop signs, misinterpret flashing signals, or ignore temporary traffic controls in construction zones.
- Aggressive driving – This includes a range of behaviors, from honking and flashing lights to forcing another driver to move to weaving between lanes without signaling. Such actions endanger everyone on the road.
- Poor weather – Georgia’s weather can be unpredictable. Sudden rainstorms, fog patches, or even the rare icy conditions can catch drivers off guard, especially if they’re unprepared or unfamiliar with how to handle their vehicles under such circumstances.
- Road conditions – Unexpected roadwork, lack of proper signage, or potholes and debris can turn a regular drive into a hazardous journey.
No matter the cause, we work to hold responsible parties accountable. Whether it’s a distracted driver, an aggressive motorist, or any other negligent party, we’re here to stand by your side, fighting for your rights.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Auto accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which might not manifest immediately but can have long-term implications:
- Cuts and lacerations – Flying debris or shattered glass can cause cuts, which might leave scars if not treated promptly and adequately.
- Broken bones – Depending on the impact, bones can either fracture or break completely. These injuries often require prolonged treatment and, in some cases, surgery.
- Whiplash – Often resulting from rear-end collisions, whiplash is a neck injury due to rapid back-and-forth movement. Symptoms can range from neck pain and stiffness to headaches and dizziness.
- Spinal cord injuries – A severe accident can lead to partial or complete paralysis if the spinal cord is damaged.
- Internal injuries – Not immediately visible, internal bleeding or organ damage can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated swiftly.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – A blow to the head or a jolt can lead to brain injuries, which may lead to memory problems, mood changes, and cognitive impairments.
- Wrongful death – Traffic fatalities are common; the NHTSA estimates over 42,000 people died in car accidents in 2022.
Beyond the physical pain, victims often suffer from post-traumatic stress, anxiety, or depression after an accident. The impact transcends physical injuries. The emotional burden and financial implications—medical bills, therapy costs, and lost wages—can add to the already heavy load. At Gautreaux Law, we recognize the challenges car accident victims face. You can depend on us to relentlessly pursue the compensation you need to get your life back together.
About Georgia Auto Insurance Laws
Navigating the intricacies of auto insurance laws can be complex, but understanding the different types of insurance that can apply to your case is crucial. This can include liability insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance, umbrella insurance, and medical payments coverage. As part of our representation, we identify the insurance coverages that may apply to your case so as to maximize your recovery.
How Gautreaux Law Can Help
After a car accident, you probably have concerns about medical bills, property damage, and being out of work due to your injuries. That’s where Gautreaux Law steps in. Let us handle all the details of your claim. Our experienced car accident attorneys will:
- Explain any potential problems and strategize to maximize your compensation
- Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a solid case
- Negotiate with insurance companies, ensuring that you aren’t lowballed or pressured into accepting a less-than-fair settlement
- File a personal injury lawsuit if necessary
From fighting with insurance companies on your behalf to representing you in court, we will guide you through every step and protect your rights.
What Type of Damages Can I Claim for an Auto Accident?
When someone files a personal injury claim against another party for a negligent act, they generally seek compensation for the harm caused by the car accident. The types of damages a person may pursue can vary based on the severity of the incident. Common damages sought in auto accident cases include:
- Medical Bills – We are all aware of how expensive medical expenses can be. Our attorneys can assist you in recovering the costs of the medical treatment required as a result of the accident. This may cover, but is not limited to:
- CT Scans, X-rays or MRIs
- Physical Therapy
- Doctor’s Visits
- Transportation to and from Doctor’s Visits
- Medication and Medical Care Devices
- Rehabilitation or Counseling
- In-Home Medical Care
- Future Medical Bills – This encompasses any future medical treatments required due to injuries sustained in the accident. For example, if you injure your back and need surgery, you may be entitled to compensation for the expected costs of the procedure.
- Lost Income – This covers the wages you lose due to your injury. For instance, if you’re a school bus driver and break your leg in an accident, you might be unable to work for several weeks. In such cases, the income you miss out on during your recovery may be factored into your compensation.
- Future Lost Income – Much like future medical bills, this is any income you expect to forego because of your injury. If you need back surgery, you may be out of work for weeks or months.
- Pain and Suffering – To calculate compensation for pain and suffering, it’s important to evaluate the extent of discomfort or distress someone has experienced due to their injury. This assessment can be challenging, as the experience of pain varies greatly from person to person, influenced by individual circumstances. For instance, a pianist who breaks both hands in a car accident may face a different level of suffering compared to a singer with the same injury, since the pianist relies on their hands for playing, while the singer does not need them to perform vocally.
- Funeral Costs: Sadly, auto accidents can sometimes lead to fatal outcomes. In such cases, the deceased’s family members or a designated representative may seek compensation for funeral expenses as part of their legal claim.
Georgia does not have any strict numerical general damage “caps” on personal injury claims, which means that when a person brings a claim, the law does not impose strict numerical limits on what amounts may be granted in damages. Typically, the amount of financial damages will be decided by a jury, except in unusual cases.
Gautreaux Law Is Truly a Personal Injury Law Firm
Unlike lawyers who try to handle hundreds or thousands of car wreck cases, we are selective about the cases we take. Macon auto accident attorney Jarome Gautreaux will not take on so many cases that he can’t speak personally to clients. Jarome is available to talk with clients and meet face-to-face. And he is happy to take cases to trial if his clients don’t want to settle for whatever the insurance company is offering. Gautreaux Law has been involved in jury trials all across Georgia, from Atlanta to Macon to Albany and other counties throughout the State. The two things that set us apart are close, personal attention to our clients and the willingness, ability, and experience to take cases to trial if necessary.
Attorneys Jarome Gautreaux and David Cooke and our staff will help you deal with the numerous issues that come up in even the simplest car accident in Macon or any other location in Georgia. We can help with all of these issues:
- How are my medical bills going to be paid?
- If my health insurance company pays my medical bills, do I have to pay them back?
- How do I know what my claim is worth? Should I talk to the insurance companies?
- How long does the process take?
- Do we have to file a lawsuit, or can the claim be settled out of court?
- How is the attorney paid?
Talk To An Experienced Georgia Car Accident Attorney Today
The aftermath of an auto accident can be overwhelming, but our experience and aggressive tactics can help secure the compensation you deserve. Contact Gautreaux Law today for comprehensive support and representation.