Pursuing Justice After All Types Of Motor Vehicle Accidents
No one expects to be involved in a motor vehicle accident, and when one happens, it’s easy to feel lost and confused. But every day in Georgia and Alabama, people suffer injuries and damages due to others’ negligence or recklessness. I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone after an accident. Help is here.
I am attorney Mark Casto, and I’ve dedicated my practice 100% to helping victims of personal injury and motor vehicle accidents. I’ve spent the last 25 years standing up for victims like you, helping them find successful outcomes after accidents. Whether your case can settle for maximum compensation or needs to be brought to trial, I can help you.
An Advocate At Your Side After A Crash
My practice starts with compassion and understanding. After a car accident or a crash of any kind, you deserve support and personalized assistance throughout your recovery. I’m here to provide the guidance you need from start to finish.
The claim process in Georgia is notoriously complex, especially if you haven’t gone through it before. You need the right advocate on your side to navigate the process successfully. I’ll work hard to pursue the compensation you deserve to cover all your expenses both now and in the future.
If you’re injured in the state of Georgia, you have up to two years to file a lawsuit after your accident. There are also several different recourses to seek compensation for your injuries and damages in this state. I can help you figure out the best possible path forward for you.
What Types Of Cases Do I Handle?
I’ve dedicated my entire practice to personal injury law throughout Columbus, Southwest Georgia and eastern Alabama. That means I can focus on one area of the law and give my clients the focus and dedication their cases deserve. There’s no shortage of danger in Georgia, especially when it comes to motor vehicles.
I’m well-versed in many types of motor vehicle accident cases, including:
- Car accidents
- Recreational vehicle accidents like recreational vehicles, campers and motor homes
- Accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists
- Motorcycle crashes
- Accidents involving semi trucks or other commercial vehicles
Whether your accident was caused by distracted or impaired driving, speeding, recklessness, inclement weather conditions or more, I can help you pursue and recover the compensation you need.
Commonly-Asked Motor Vehicle Accident Questions I See
Below, I have provided answers to some of the most common car accident questions I receive from prospective clients.
What if the accident was partially my fault?
Your options will be very different depending on whether you are in Georgia or Alabama. Georgia law recognizes a legal principle known as comparative negligence. This means that if you share fault for the accident but are not primarily responsible, you can still seek damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. If a jury finds you 15 percent at fault, for instance, you would be able to claim 85 percent of the original amount you were seeking.
Alabama is among only a few states that abide by the “contributory negligence” principle. If you shared any fault for the accident, even 1%, you may be ineligible to sue for compensation. To even a bring a case in Alabama, your attorney needs to argue aggressively that the other driver was solely to blame.
How long do I have to file a claim in Georgia?
The statute of limitations in Georgia for personal injury or wrongful death claims is two years from the date of the incident that caused injury or death. If you do not file an accident claim within that timeframe, you will likely forfeit the right to take legal action.
How long after an accident should I talk to an attorney?
It’s a good idea to speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as reasonably possible. Obviously, you should focus on any work that needs to be done at the accident scene, then ensure that you and your passengers receive medical attention. Because insurance companies may be contacting you within a day of the crash (possibly trying to weaken your accident claim), it’s important to have a legal advocate ready to protect your rights and interests.
I was a passenger in a wreck, can I still file a claim?
Yes, you can – in Georgia, at least. You have just as much right to have your medical expenses and other damages compensated as the driver of the car. Generally, you will file a claim with the auto insurer for the driver who was primarily at fault for the crash.
You may also want to at least notify your own insurer about the accident in a timely manner, just in case the at-fault driver doesn’t have coverage and you need to file an uninsured motorist claim.
Liability in Alabama is trickier. If the driver of the vehicle you were in caused the accident, a state law generally shields them from liability if you were a nonpaying guest passenger in their vehicle. This law is complex and has numerous exceptions, so please contact an attorney with questions.
Is it worth hiring a lawyer?
Most people would say that it is absolutely worth hiring an attorney. Insurance companies have a financial interest in denying your claim or settling for as little as possible, and they have legal teams dedicated to protecting their interests. An attorney will likely be able to secure a significantly higher settlement or judgment than you could receive on your own, and they will protect your rights throughout the process. Even after accounting for attorney fees, many accident victims are still better off financially than they would have been otherwise.
Find Out More
Set up an initial consultation at The Mark Casto Law Firm, PC, with me to learn more about your case and your options. You may use my convenient contact form to schedule an appointment or get in touch by calling 706-450-7071.