Top Car Accident Lawyers in Duluth, GA

The Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C.

Since 1993, the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates has helped car accident victims pursue justice and recover losses. Founder Gary Martin Hays brings insider knowledge from his former role defending insurance companies, giving him a unique edge in fighting for those injured due to others’ negligence. Their Duluth law office is located at 3098 Breckinridge Blvd and is open 24/7.

Again, one of the first things you should do after a car accident in Duluth is call the police to ensure a clear and accurate record of the crash.

When officers arrive, they'll assess the crash scene, speak to all parties involved, and gather witness statements, photos of vehicle positions, damage, and road conditions. This information is compiled into a police report, which a Duluth car accident lawyer can use as a basis for a broader investigation.

You can obtain a copy of the report by contacting the Duluth Police Department. If the Georgia State Patrol responded to your crash, you can request it through their Open Records Unit.

Seeking medical attention after a Duluth car accident

Always seek medical help after a car accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. The longer you wait, the worse your injuries will likely get. Plus, insurance companies can argue that your injuries aren't that serious.

Getting a medical evaluation ensures that any hidden injuries (e.g., whiplash, a concussion, or internal trauma) are identified and treated promptly. In Duluth, several hospitals and healthcare clinics provide excellent care for car accident-related injuries.

You can get round-the-clock medical care at Northside Hospital Duluth or Northside Hospital Gwinnett in nearby Lawrenceville. For more minor injuries or follow-up care, Emory Healthcare and the Peachtree Immediate Care clinic in Duluth offer convenient options for quick medical attention.

A car accident in Duluth can happen in a variety of ways. Some of the most common ones here include:

• Rear-end collisions: These car accidents happen when one car hits the back of another, often due to distracted driving or following too closely.
• Intersection accidents: Collisions at intersections often result from running red lights, making improper turns, or failing to yield.
• Single-vehicle accidents: These car accidents involve only one car and might happen due to swerving to avoid an obstacle, weather conditions, or a vehicle malfunction.
• Head-on collisions: While less common, head-on collisions can be devastating. They’re often the result of wrong-way driving, impaired driving, or speeding that results in a loss of control.
• Multi-vehicle pile-ups: These collisions are common on busy highways and involve several vehicles. They’re often caused by chain reactions from an initial crash, which makes them particularly dangerous.

The most common car accident injuries sustained in Duluth crashes include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries: Common in rear-end collisions, whiplash can cause long-term pain and discomfort.
• Head injuries: Ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), head injuries can have lasting effects.
• Back and spinal cord injuries: These injuries can vary in severity but may lead to chronic pain or even paralysis in severe cases.
• Broken bones and fractures: Often resulting from high-impact collisions, fractures commonly affect the arms, legs, ribs, and other areas.
• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and bruises are common in accidents and may require physical therapy to fully heal.

Common car accident locations in Duluth

A car accident can happen anywhere in Duluth, but some spots have seen more crashes than others, including:

• Peachtree Industrial Boulevard: High traffic and frequent congestion make this road a common car accident spot.
• Pleasant Hill Road: This area is known for heavy traffic, especially near shopping centers and dining areas.
• Buford Highway (US-23): This area is made up of multiple intersections and roads that allow for high speeds and multiple intersections.
• Duluth Highway (GA-120): This highway has a lot of busy stretches where car accidents are likely, especially near the intersection with Satellite Boulevard.
• Satellite Boulevard: Many car accidents happen on this road, especially near its intersections with Pleasant Hill Road, Sugarloaf Parkway, and other major roadways.
• Steve Reynolds Boulevard: This road is often congested, particularly near the I-85 interchange.
• Interstate 85 (I-85): Car accidents on this interstate often happen near exits for Pleasant Hill Road and Duluth Highway.

After a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation to help cover your losses. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, and loss of consortium.

The insurance company for the driver who caused your crash is typically responsible for paying for these damages through a settlement. However, if a settlement can’t be reached, a Duluth car accident lawyer can take your case to trial and fight for a maximum verdict.

What if the other driver was uninsured at the time of the crash?

In Georgia, if the other driver was uninsured at the time of your crash, you still have options to seek compensation. Georgia law requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as an add-on to auto insurance policies.

If you have UM coverage, it can help cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage when the at-fault driver lacks insurance. It also covers you if you’re in a hit-and-run with an unidentified driver.

Without UM coverage, though, recovering damages becomes more challenging. In such cases, you may need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver. However, collecting compensation can be difficult if they lack the financial resources to pay for your losses.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Georgia?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is generally two years from the date of the crash.  If you miss this deadline, you may not be able to file a lawsuit. As a result, insurance companies may not settle, as they don’t need to worry about going to trial.

However, it’s best to file your claim as soon as possible. A Duluth car accident lawyer can gather evidence and witness statements before they disappear.

What if I was partially at fault?

In Georgia, you can still pursue compensation for a car accident even if you were partially at fault, thanks to the state's modified comparative fault rule. As long as you're less than 50% responsible for the accident, you're eligible to receive compensation, though your settlement will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.

For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by that percentage. This rule makes it essential to work with an experienced car accident lawyer who can protect your rights and advocate to minimize any fault assigned to you, maximizing your potential recovery.

Can I receive compensation if I was a passenger?

Yes, passengers injured in car accidents can file claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance. If multiple vehicles were involved, you may have additional options for compensation, as each driver’s insurance policy might be available to cover damages.

Passengers are generally seen as non-liable parties, so they have a strong chance of recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. An experienced car accident lawyer can assess your specific case to help determine all available sources of compensation and ensure you receive fair coverage for your injuries.

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance adjusters who aim to minimize payouts. An experienced Duluth car accident lawyer understands Georgia’s car accident laws, local court procedures, and insurance tactics, and can fight for the compensation you deserve.

From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies or going to trial, your attorney will work tirelessly to protect your interests and secure maximum compensation. If you or someone you love was injured in a crash in Duluth, contact a verified lawyer today for a free, no-obligation consultation.