Have you suffered life-altering injuries in a car accident in Atlanta? If someone else is to blame, you can file an insurance claim against them to recover compensation for the consequences of the crash. This would account for your medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, insurance companies are money-making businesses, and they work hard to deny claims, lowball payments, and defend their profits. You need an Atlanta car accident lawyer who can fight back and come out on top. You need Bayuk Pratt.

Our car accident law firm has over 50 years of combined legal experience and has recovered more than $300 million for our clients to date. As former partners at two of the world’s top defense law firms, founding attorneys Frank Bayuk and Bradley Pratt know what it takes to win accident claims. They’ve seen how insurance companies defend injury claims and fight to avoid financial responsibility to accident victims. So Frank and Bradley founded Bayuk Pratt to leverage their legal knowledge and experience to advocate for accident victims who need someone to stand up for them. Now, we want to stand up for you.

Contact Atlanta car accident attorneys Bayuk Pratt today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Let’s start fighting for the money you need to move on with your life.

Benefits of Hiring an Attorney for Your Car Accident Claim

Although you can pursue a car accident claim alone, hiring legal representation has several critical benefits.

First, a car accident attorney can handle all the details of preparing and pursuing your legal claims, freeing you to devote time and energy to medical treatment and rehabilitation. An experienced lawyer will know how to investigate a car crash and calculate your ongoing and future anticipated expenses or losses. They can also guide you through the claims process, preparing you for what to expect at each stage.

Your accident attorney will also protect you from insurers’ tricks and tactics to minimize injured accident victims’ financial recovery. They can push back against them, negotiating hard for every cent you’re owed. And if the insurer doesn’t cooperate and your case ends up in court or at trial, an experienced litigator can present compelling arguments to the jury or judge to fight for a favorable verdict.

Are you worried about how much this representation might cost you? Don’t be. Most car accident law firms — including Bayuk Pratt — work on a contingency basis, which means they only charge a fee based on what they recover for you. If you don’t get paid, neither do they.

What to Do After an Atlanta Car Accident

You can take steps after a car wreck to preserve your options for seeking compensation from the driver or other parties at fault for the accident.

Things you should do after getting hurt in a car crash include the following:

Get immediate medical attention and follow your doctor’s treatment plan and recovery instructions. Do not put off medical procedures or rehabilitation. Remember to ask for copies of your treatment and rehab medical records.
Notify your car insurance company about the accident to ensure eligibility for applicable coverage under your insurance policy. This might include PIP, collision, or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Request copies of the police accident report if law enforcement responded to the crash scene.
Keep any bills, invoices, or receipts for medical treatment, car repairs, and other expenses you incur due to the accident.
Gather your pay stubs or income statements to determine your lost earnings if you miss time from work or transfer to another position.

Finally, contact an Atlanta car accident lawyer from Bayuk Pratt as soon as possible for experienced help pursuing your legal claims.

How We Investigate Car Accident Cases

At Bayuk Pratt, we know that a prompt, thorough investigation will give us the best chance of securing the evidence to prove the other driver’s fault for the crash.

The evidence we use to build a compelling car accident claim might include:

Police crash reports
Accident scene photos/videos
Eyewitness statements
Dashcam footage
Surveillance/traffic camera footage
Car computer data

Drivers’ cell phone records
Post-accident drug/alcohol test results
GPS logs
Car repair/maintenance records
Post-crash vehicle inspections

In some cases, we will work with accident reconstruction experts to review the evidence and prepare compelling explanations for what happened and who is to blame. Contact our Atlanta car accident lawyer today.

Compensation You Could Recover in a Car Accident Claim

In your auto accident claim, you can demand financial recovery from a negligent driver who hit your vehicle. Your car accident compensation can provide you with money to help with your recovery, including for your:

Medical bills and physical rehabilitation expenses
Lost wages/income from missed work
Ongoing and future losses of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Lost enjoyment/quality of life
Vehicle repair/replacement expenses, including reimbursement for your car’s value

Finally, contact an Atlanta car accident lawyer from Bayuk Pratt as soon as possible for experienced help pursuing your legal claims.

What If the Other Driver’s Insurance Doesn’t Cover All My Damages?

Insurance companies seldom pay more for an Atlanta car crash than the limits of the at-fault driver’s policy. This means that sometimes another driver’s auto insurance coverage is not enough to cover your medical expenses and other losses after a collision. When this happens, you must seek other sources of compensation. An experienced car accident attorney can help you evaluate your options for pursuing compensation, such as the following:

Use Your Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage – Georgia law doesn’t require drivers to purchase underinsured motorists coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. But many drivers carry Uninsured/Underinsured coverage (UM/UIM). You can file a UIM claim with your insurer if the other driver’s insurance policy does not cover all your losses. For example, suppose the at-fault driver’s liability insurance coverage only meets Georgia’s minimum requirements. They would have only $25,000 in bodily injury coverage. If your lost income and medical expenses exceed $25,000, your UIM coverage could help make up the difference.
Tap Into MedPay – Medical payments coverage (often shortened to “MedPay”) is optional, no-fault coverage you can add to your auto insurance policy. If you have MedPay coverage, it can help pay your medical bills regardless of who caused a collision.
Health Insurance – Your health insurance may help cover your medical costs, such as your doctor’s visit, hospital stay, and prescription drugs. Your health insurance may seek reimbursement of its costs if you later receive a settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
File a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver – If the other driver’s insurance payout doesn’t cover all your losses, you can file a personal injury claim and take legal action against the driver. A car accident lawsuit allows you to pursue financial compensation from the other driver’s personal assets or other sources of income.
Third-Party Liability Claims – Other parties, such as a vehicle manufacturer, a business that served alcohol to a drunk driver, or a government entity responsible for dangerous roads, may share responsibility for the crash. If so, you may have the right to file a car accident injury claim against them to seek additional compensation.
Employer Liability – If the at-fault driver was working when the motor vehicle accident occurred, their employer might share legal liability. For example, Uber and Lyft ridesharing drivers who are transporting passengers have additional insurance through the transportation company’s general liability policy.

What Happens If the Driver Who Hit Me Has No Insurance?

It’s frustrating to learn that the at-fault driver in a car crash was driving without insurance. Unfortunately, Georgia ranks 11th nationally in uninsured drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In 2023, one of every five drivers in Georgia was uninsured. Even so, there are ways for injured car accident victims to seek financial accountability after a car accident.

Georgia law requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, and many automobile owners have it. If you have UM coverage, it will be your primary source of recovery. You may file a claim against your UM insurance to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses related to your car accident injuries.

You may have the right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. However, if the driver was uninsured, they may have limited resources to pursue. This route might not result in full recovery if the driver has few assets.

Looking for other parties who may share liability for the accident is also crucial. For example, if the driver was working at the time of the crash, their employer might share liability. If a mechanical failure, poor road design, or a vehicle defect played a role in the crash, others could be liable. An Atlanta car accident lawyer can investigate the collision to identify everyone you may have financial liability for your injuries.

Could I Handle My Car Accident Case Without a Lawyer?

No law says you must hire an attorney after a car accident in Atlanta. However, it’s a good idea to take advantage of a free case evaluation and clarify your legal options. Most Atlanta car accident attorneys offer free initial consultations and handle injury cases on a contingency fee basis. If you have skilled legal representation, you have a better chance of a positive outcome than if you try to handle your car accident claim on your own.

Medical bills can pile up fast if you have serious injuries. You might miss weeks or months of work and experience a loss of income. The other driver’s insurance company is likely looking for ways to minimize your compensation or deny your claim. The insurer may pressure you to accept a lowball settlement. Handling these challenges on your own while trying to recover can be overwhelming.

An experienced Atlanta car accident attorney can guide you through the claims process and give you the best chance of recovering full compensation. Here’s how:

Your lawyer can investigate the accident. The lawyer can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct what happened. This approach helps you and your attorney identify all possible sources of compensation.
Your attorney can calculate the full value of your case. The attorney can calculate your medical costs, lost wages, future expenses, and pain and suffering.
A car accident lawyer can handle all communication with the insurance companies. You don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing to a claim adjuster or letting someone take advantage of you.
An experienced car accident lawyer can negotiate for a fair settlement. The attorney can push back if the insurance company tries to undervalue your car accident claim.
An attorney can go to court. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, the attorney can file a lawsuit and go to trial, if necessary, to fight for fair compensation.

Testimonials

Having worked with Bayuk Pratt on a number of personal injury cases, and having tried cases with Attorney Bayuk, I can personally attest to their exceptional legal skills and dedication to client success. With Bayuk Pratt, you receive top-notch, high-powered representation on the level of the biggest corporate clients. They demonstrate a profound understanding of personal injury law and provide insightful guidance and strategic advice. Their communication is clear and consistent, making sure clients and referring attorneys are well-informed at every stage of the process. Bayuk Pratt’s commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients is unmatched. I highly recommend this law firm.

- Bethany Schneider

Frank and the entire team at Bayuk Pratt LLC, were an absolute pleasure to work with. Their professionalism, attentiveness, empathic demeanor, and overall knowledge were beyond anything I could have hoped for. Being out of the state, I thought the process may be difficult for me, but Frank and his team were able to make the entire process smooth and stress free. I highly recommend Bayuk Pratt LLC for any of your legal needs.

- Billy Adkins

Frank’s resume speaks for itself. It’s unusual to find a big law attorney who leaves the dark side to help real people. Without a doubt, Frank is one of the best trial lawyers in Atlanta.

- Hunter Garnett

Christy Lambden is a thorough and thoughtful attorney. He truly cares about his clients and fights to get the best result possible.

- Marissa Torgerson

See all reviews

Parties Who Could Be Held Liable for a Car Wreck in Atlanta

In addition to the driver of the car that hit you, you may have the right to hold other parties liable for the auto wreck. For example, if the accident occurred during the at-fault driver’s work, you could have a claim against the driver’s employer under a theory of employer/vicarious liability.

You might have a claim against the vehicle’s owner, too, if it’s someone other than the driver. Negligent entrustment of a vehicle may occur when an owner lends their vehicle to a driver they know or should know poses a significant risk of causing an accident. Examples include a visibly intoxicated person or a person without a license and little or no driving experience.

Finally, under Georgia’s dram shop law, you may have the opportunity to pursue a claim against a bar, restaurant, liquor store, or social host that provided alcohol to the driver. To be successful, you must show the driver was under the legal drinking age or visibly intoxicated at the time.

Could You Recover Compensation if You’re Partly to Blame for a Car Accident?

Even if you share some blame for causing a motor vehicle accident, you may still have the right to recover compensation from the other at-fault driver. Georgia follows a “modified” comparative negligence law. Under this law, you can recover money so long as your share of fault does not equal or exceed the fault or combined fault of the other party or parties who caused the auto collision.

However, under this rule, a court in a car accident lawsuit can reduce your financial recovery in proportion to the percentage of fault you bear for the accident. As such, you need an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer from Bayuk Pratt if the other driver or insurance company blames you for the crash.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?

Under Georgia’s statute of limitations on injury claims, you typically have two years after a crash to file a car accident lawsuit against the at-fault driver and other liable parties. When you work with Bayuk Pratt, a car accident attorney in Atlanta can help you file your claims before the applicable deadlines expire. Otherwise, you may lose the opportunity to seek financial recovery and justice if you fail to file on time.

Moreover, talking to a car accident law firm soon after a motor vehicle accident can best protect your rights to recover compensation. Evidence can disappear or deteriorate fast, and witnesses’ memories will fade over time. The sooner you talk to Bayuk Pratt, the more successful their investigation is likely to be.

How Much Will an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Charge to Represent Me?

Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means you don’t pay anything upfront for legal representation. Instead, your attorney only gets paid if they win your case at trial or secure a settlement for you. Their fee is typically a percentage of the total amount recovered, depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial.

A contingency fee structure allows you to have quality legal representation without worrying about hourly rates or upfront costs. If your auto accident case isn’t successful and you don’t recover compensation, you don’t owe the law firm any legal fees. Working on a contingency basis also gives your auto accident attorney added incentive to fight for the maximum compensation possible. Before signing any agreement, make sure to ask questions such as the following:

What percentage will you charge if my case settles?
Will that percentage increase if we go to trial?
Are there any other expenses I might be responsible for, like court filing fees or expert witnesses?
Will those costs come from my settlement?

Getting clear answers upfront will help you feel confident in your decision and avoid surprises.

How Soon After an Atlanta Car Accident Should I Contact a Lawyer?

Injury victims should contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash, preferably after seeing a doctor. A lawyer can step in to deal with insurance companies, gather evidence from the crash scene, and make sure you don’t do anything that could hurt your car accident claim.

Waiting too long can cause serious problems for your case. For instance, evidence such as skid marks and traffic camera footage can be lost if not preserved soon after the accident. Witness memories can fade. Insurance adjusters may try to contact you right after the accident and offer a quick settlement for far less than your case is worth.

Section 9-3-33 of the Georgia Code allows you two years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Certain cases—especially those involving government vehicles—may have notice requirements and shorter filing deadlines. Contacting an auto accident lawyer right away for a free consultation helps you understand whether you have a personal injury case. Having legal representation allows you to focus on healing while your attorney fights for your rights.

Does Georgia Have Caps on Car Accident Damage Awards?

In general, there is no limit to the compensation that car crash victims may seek in a Georgia car accident claim. If you have serious injuries, you may be entitled to claim both economic damages and non-economic damages in most car accident claims.

Economic damages cover your direct financial losses from the collision. Your current medical bills, expected medical expenses, lost income, reduced future earnings, and the cost of car repairs fall into this category. To maximize your compensation, save your medical records, pay stubs, vehicle repair estimates, and other documents that show the crash’s financial cost.

Non-economic damages cover the collision’s intangible costs, such as your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. These losses are harder to quantify, but you can make a persuasive case with evidence such as medical records, testimony from a mental health counselor, pictures of your injuries, and accounts from your friends and family of how your injuries have affected your life.

In some instances involving outrageous misconduct, accident victims also may demand punitive damages. A court can award punitive damages to penalize the at-fault party for extreme negligence or intentional wrongdoing. You can only receive punitive damages at trial, and you must provide clear and convincing evidence of someone’s willful misconduct or total disregard for the consequences of their actions to be awarded such damages.

Georgia law typically limits punitive damages awards to $250,000, and the state usually receives 75 percent of whatever the judge or jury awards. However, there is no cap on punitive damages if the driver was intoxicated or hurt you deliberately, both of which are possible in a car wreck.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in the Atlanta Area?

Atlanta-Fulton County averaged nearly 56,000 crashes per year during a recent five-year period, according to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. Nearly 1,000 crashes per year involved suspected serious injuries.

Are Some Intersections More Dangerous Than Others in Atlanta?

Atlanta roads can be congested at any time of day or night, but certain intersections experience more traffic and a higher incidence of crashes. High numbers of crashes occur in these locations:

Covington Highway & Panola Road – This intersection connects major roads and sits near I-20, making it a constant hub of activity.
Covington Highway & South Hairston Road – Drivers here often face confusing merges and fast-changing traffic signals, creating a risky driving environment.
North Hairston Road & Memorial Drive – This suburban intersection has sharp angles and limited visibility. Furthermore, vehicles often approach from multiple directions at high speeds, increasing the risk of collisions.
10th Street & Monroe Drive – This area near Piedmont Park is packed with cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. A 2016 accident in which a teen cyclist was killed highlighted the dangers here and led to calls for safety improvements.
Peachtree Street & Lenox Road – Locals know this Buckhead intersection for its heavy traffic and complicated turn lanes. Drivers often face pressure to make quick decisions, which can cause crashes.

What If the Auto Insurance Company Denies My Claim?

If an insurer denies your auto accident claim, you can file a car accident lawsuit and take the insurer to court. However, civil cases involve complex rules and procedures. You need an experienced personal injury lawyer who knows how to present a compelling case to a judge or jury to increase your chances of recovering fair compensation.

How Long Can an Atlanta Car Accident Case Take to Settle?

Atlanta car accident claims may take several months, a year, or longer to settle. The timeline depends on factors specific to your auto accident case, such as:

Severity of Injuries – Severe injuries often take longer to treat and evaluate, which can delay a settlement until you fully understand your long-term medical needs and expenses.
Disputes Over Fault – More time for investigations and negotiations may be necessary if there are disagreements about who caused the crash.
Insurance Company Tactics – Insurers may delay your case or make lowball offers. You may need to file a lawsuit to move things forward.
Complexity of the Case – Crashes involving multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, or third-party liability usually take longer.
Whether You File a Lawsuit – If settlement negotiations fail and the case goes to court, the timeline may lengthen to accommodate the court’s schedule.
Available Evidence – Gathering police reports, witness statements, and expert opinions can take time, especially if you and the liable party disagree about the basic facts of the case.

Common Types and Causes of Car Accidents

There are many different types of car accidents in Georgia, including:

Rollover accidents
Hit-and-run accidents
Drunk driving accidents
Uber/Lyft accidents
Uninsured/underinsured motorist accidents

Many car accidents occur because of a driver’s careless or reckless behavior. Some of the more common auto accident causes include:

Distracted driving, such as texting and cell phone use
Speeding
Driving too fast for the conditions
Tailgating/following too closely
Drunk driving
Drowsy/fatigued driving

Failing to yield the right of way
Unsafe or illegal turns, lane changes, or passes
Failing to signal or check mirrors
Running red lights or stop signs
Backing up without looking behind
Reckless driving, including excessive speeding, street racing, or swerving between traffic

Typical Injuries Resulting from an Auto Collision

The violent forces unleashed in a car accident can result in serious injuries. Common car accident injury types include:

Severe lacerations or abrasions
Burns, especially from post-crash car fires
Broken bones
Dislocated joints
Ligament sprains/tears
Muscle or tendon strains/tears
Whiplash

Nerve damage
Herniated spinal discs
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
Traumatic brain injuries
Amputation/dismemberment or limb loss

Contact an Atlanta
Car Accident Lawyer Today

Did you suffer injuries in a car wreck caused by another driver’s negligence or recklessness? Then you deserve to hold them accountable and get the money you need to move on with your life. Contact Bayuk Pratt today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an Atlanta car accident attorney. We’ll discuss your legal options for seeking financial recovery for your ongoing and future losses.

5 Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Attorney After an Accident

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