
A serious car accident changes lives in an instant—not just the life of a person who is injured or killed, but that of the family who loves them and may depend on them for support. If you or a family member have been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you already know how an automobile collision can affect your life. You may be facing excruciating pain and mounting piles of medical bills, just when you are unable to work and to care for your family.
In the midst of your pain, stress, and anxiety, the responsible driver’s insurance company may make you a settlement offer. You may be tempted to accept it, so that you can pay your bills and try to put the accident behind you. But remember one thing: the insurance company is a business, and businesses exist to make a profit. Insurance companies often do that by paying out less in claims than they take in through premiums. If the insurance company is offering you money after your accident, do not assume that it is out of kindness or generosity. They are doing so to avoid having to pay you more money if you hire an attorney and file a lawsuit.
In short, the negligent driver's car insurance company is not really on your side, no matter how nice and helpful they may seem. It’s important to work with a personal injury attorney who is, 100% on your side, and who has experience and a record of success in car accident cases.
When you accept a final settlement from an insurance company, you waive your right to sue them in the future regarding your accident. That means that if you later discover that your injuries are more severe than you first believed, you have no recourse.
The Ericksen Firm represents people who have suffered severe injuries in a car accident, or who lost a family member in an accident due to another person’s negligence. Matthew litigates cases where people have experienced serious injuries including:
A car accident is often the fault of another driver. Speeding and drunk driving are well-known causes of fatal car crashes, but distracted driving and drowsy driving are increasingly frequent causes of serious accidents; a split-second glance at a phone or a “microsleep” can cause a disaster.
Many serious car accident cases turn on the issue of causation. A plaintiff’s injuries may be obvious, and their damages clearly significant, but if it cannot be shown that another driver or other party’s negligence caused the accident, the victim cannot recover. It’s important to work with an attorney who not only knows personal injury law, but has experience litigating these specific types of cases.
A car accident can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience and you may be in shock immediately afterward, especially if you are injured. There are some things that you must remember to do if you are involved in an accident.
The first thing to do is to get yourself and any passengers to physical safety and call the police immediately to report the accident. Never leave the scene of the accident before the police arrive to take a report unless you must be transported for urgent medical care. If you are able, check on your passengers to see if anyone is injured. It’s a good idea for everyone involved in a serious accident to be checked out by paramedics at the scene and then at the hospital if necessary.
Many people refuse medical attention at the accident scene or shortly thereafter because they are in shock and not aware of the full extent of their injuries. Others decline treatment because they are worried about what it will cost, or don’t have a primary care doctor. Putting off treatment can lead to serious complications when injuries are not treated promptly. Do not delay getting an examination and treatment. If you do, the insurance company may use your delay against you, claiming that if you were really seriously injured, you would have gotten medical help immediately. Regardless of whether you have health insurance or a primary care doctor, The Ericksen Firm can help ensure you get all the medical care you need, and that the negligent driver's insurance company ultimately foots the bill.
Exchange insurance information with any other drivers, but don’t say anything that could be interpreted as accepting responsibility for the accident. The cause of the accident will be determined after an investigation.
Attorney Matthew A. Ericksen, Sr. spent over a decade of his career on the other side of Georgia injury cases, including serious car accident cases. Having defended drivers in these cases, he is familiar with the tactics of defense attorneys and insurance companies. This knowledge makes him a more effective advocate on behalf of people who have been injured in Georgia car accidents
Matthew founded The Ericksen Firm because he wanted to protect the interests of injury victims. He knows that your physical injuries and financial worries make you vulnerable to pressure to accept a settlement that is less than you deserve. Matthew never charges a legal fee in an injury case unless and until you receive a settlement or other financial recovery. He will fight to get you the maximum possible compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering.
To learn more about Georgia auto accident law and your options if you have been injured, contact The Ericksen Firm today.
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