AUTO COLLISIONS

Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the United States. With more and more vehicles clogging Metro Atlanta roadways, more and more drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are put at risk every day.

When auto accidents occur, injured accident victims must prepare their claim properly if they wish to receive just compensation for their injuries. To have a winning auto accident case in Georgia, an auto accident victim must present evidence of certain elements of his or her claim.

• First, the auto accident victim must have evidence that a driver involved in the collision is legally “liable” for causing the collision.


• Second, the auto accident victim must have evidence of damages, such as medical records and bills, lost wages, and general damages of pain and suffering.


• Additionally, the auto accident victim must have evidence that his or her damages were caused in the auto accident related to his or her claim.

In most cases, the damages arising out of auto accidents are covered by either third party insurance (the at-fault driver’s insurance), or possibly an uninsured policy, which may be apart of the auto accident victim’s own auto insurance, or possibly a combination of both third party insurance and an underinsured policy if accident victim’s damages exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits.

No matter where coverage lies, be assured that the insurance companies involved in auto accident cases will work diligently to minimize their exposure. Adjusters for the insurance companies will attempt to gather evidence, which they will use to attack every element of an accident victim’s case. An at-fault driver’s insurance company will immediately want a recorded statement from the accident victim. Such unsuspecting statements are often used against the accident victim in the future.

Insurance adjusters will often challenge the accident victim’s damages by discounting the treatment provided by doctors and chiropractors as unnecessary, unreasonable, or unrelated to the auto accident. Adjusters also typically challenge the value of work missed by accident victims lose because of their injuries. Most importantly adjusters discount and even at times completely ignore the fact that auto accident victims experience pain, suffering, and frustration because of the negligence of others.

As the victim of an auto collision, under Georgia law, you deserve to receive monetary compensation for your losses. These losses can include, but are not limited to: medical expenses, future medical care, property damage, loss of wages, future loss of earning potential, mental anguish, pain and suffering and much more.

Although you have the legal right to receive fair compensation for your loss, often times, faced with opposing insurance claims adjusters who are knowledgeable and well trained, many auto accident victims are taken advantage of when they attempt to settle their claims on their own.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, you are probably experiencing some level of pain. You may be missing time from work. You may even be without transportation that is keeping you from getting to work, the doctor, or attending to other important matters. Without a doubt you and your family are suffering, and the last thing on you need on your mind is the frustration and difficulty in managing your claim.

The experienced lawyers at Miller & Hightower can help you protect your legal rights and fight for you to receive the compensation you desreve.

It is important to act quickly after an auto accident to gather facts and information and fight to keep the negligent driver from avoiding liability in your case. “Liability” is not determined just because a driver is listed on the accident report as “Driver 1” or is given a citation. Many times, negligent drivers will challenge a citation and unless the accident victim is present at traffic court, the traffic court may dismiss the case against the negligent driver. Sometimes the insurance company will contest liability even where a negligent driver has pleaded guilty to the traffic charge.

At Miller & Hightower we work quickly to gather evidence to ensure that a negligent driver does not avoid liability on your case.

Depending on the facts of the case, Miller & Hightower may use staff, investigators, accident re-constructionists, engineers, and other professionals to help us gather evidence to prove the liability of the negligent driver in your case. Our office will also coordinate with you regarding the negligent driver’s traffic court date to ensure that the negligent driver does not avoid liability in your case.

Very few people will walk away from an auto accident unharmed. In even the slightest auto accident a person may suffer from a number of severe injuries.

If you have been in an auto accident you should seek medical attention immediately to accurately diagnose your injuries and document that the injuries are associated with a Motor Vehicle Accident. While you do not want to embellish your injuries or pain, it is very important that you discuss all injuries or potential symptoms of injuries candidly with your doctor so that he or she may properly treat you and note your file accordingly. Failure to properly advise your doctor can adversely affect your claim.

Typical injuries and symptoms of potential injuries that auto collision victims may experience include but are not limited to the following:

• Brain Injuries
• Head Trauma
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Neck Injuries
• Burn Injuries
• Paralysis
• Loss of Limb(s)
• Disfigurement
• Broken Bones
• Fractures
• Bruises
• Whiplash
• Sprains and Strains
• Headaches
• Lacerations
• Ringing in the ears
• Vertigo (dizziness)
• Eye injuries (seeing spots or bright spots)

If you have been involved in a car accident and are experiencing any of these symptoms or injuries or any other health problems that you did not have before the accident you should consult with your doctor immediately and inform your doctor of every symptom that is related to the auto accident. You may have injuries that need immediate attention and delaying treatment can jeopardize both physical recovery in your injury claim.

At our West Georgia personal injury law firm, our attorneys provide outstanding legal guidance and representation to victims of auto collisions. Please contact Miller & Hightower immediately to discuss your legal options. We can meet with you during a free consultation at our offices, your home, or even the hospital, to determine what the value of your claim may be and what the next legal step is towards protecting you or your loved one’s future.