CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY SERVING MACON AND ALL OF GEORGIA FOR OVER 50 YEARS
A Macon car accident lawyer can help if you are one of the thousands of people injured every day in car accidents while driving to work, dropping off children at school, or stopping by the grocery store. If a driver has caused a wreck through carelessness or negligence, the person they injured deserves justice. Innocent drivers and pedestrians who have been injured because of another driver’s mistakes have a right to compensation for their financial losses and pain and suffering by hiring a Macon car accident attorney.
The car accident lawyers at the David Mann Law Firm can take the burden off of you. Let us handle all aspects of your case, including:
- Investigating the accident scene and gathering evidence, such as photos and videos from surveillance cameras, to prove that another party was liable
- Interviewing witnesses and first responders
- Examining medical and police reports
- Filing all paperwork in a timely manner
- Dealing with insurance companies and negotiating for a fair settlement
- Building your case and taking it to court if necessary.
We offer a free, confidential initial consultation to discuss your accident and explore your legal options. When you need someone to stand up for you, David Mann is your car accident attorney to count on.
IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED BY A CARELESS DRIVER, CONTACT A MACON CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY TODAY
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in an automobile accident, an experienced, car accident lawyer in Macon, GA, from the Mann Law Firm can help you get the compensation that you deserve for your losses.
At the Mann Law Firm, David Mann is involved in every case. David left larger firms, including work as an in-house counsel for a large insurance company, to join his family law firm and work to bring justice on behalf of injured Macon residents.
At the Mann Law Firm, you will work with a real legal team and car accident lawyers who know you are more than just a case number. Clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases need more than run-of-the-mill legal representation. They need a firm that understands their situation, one that will do whatever is necessary to get them the compensation they deserve. Contact a Macon car accident attorney at the Mann Law Firm today at (478) 742-3381, or use our online form to schedule a free and confidential initial consultation about your case.
CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS IN MACON AND THROUGHOUT GEORGIA
YOUR FIRST STEPS AFTER A WRECK
Automobiles are an essential part of our lives. Unfortunately, vehicle accidents that injure and kill drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are a daily occurrence in our state. Georgia law recognizes that if a driver is at fault in a car crash that has resulted in injury or death, the injured parties deserve compensation.
After a car accident, you will likely be disoriented, but there are a few basic steps that you should take to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Injuries must be treated as soon as possible, and the authorities must be notified. While every crash is different, keep these steps in mind after a vehicle accident:
- Call the police or sheriff’s department and request an accident report and an ambulance.
- If you are hurt at all, go to the emergency room. Get a medical evaluation, even if you feel alright.
- If possible, take photos of your vehicle and the other person’s vehicle.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident.
- Do not sign anything or agree to a settlement with any insurance company before talking to an experienced car accident attorney.
Georgia residents who suffer a personal injury in a car accident are entitled to payment that covers:
- The cost of medical assistance
- Rehabilitation
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain, suffering, and other losses.
After a fatal motor accident, a family may file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver to seek compensation for their losses by using a car accident attorney.
In cases of severe personal injury or wrongful death, a Georgia court may order the at-fault driver in a car accident to pay punitive damages in addition to the other expenses they will be required to cover.
GETTING MEDICAL TREATMENT
Just because you can’t see or feel an injury immediately after a car accident, this doesn’t mean you’re not hurt. Even in minor car wrecks, internal bleeding, whiplash, injured organs, and other physical harm can occur. Assuming that you’re fine is dangerous, because untreated injuries can easily get worse without medical attention. And accurate documentation of your injuries is vital to a winning an insurance claim.
A variety of injuries can happen to people in a vehicle accident, from minor to life-threatening. They include:
- Head, brain, and spinal trauma
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Facial injuries, which could require repeated cosmetic surgeries
- Burns
- Limb amputations.
Some accident victims suffer lifetime paralysis. Those who suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI) are often never the same. And since over 35,000 people die on our roads every year, many wrongful deaths take place. Insurance companies seek to protect their negligent clients. So, if you or a family member is injured in a car wreck, your best chance at fair compensation involves working with a seasoned Macon car accident attorney.
HOW A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER IN MACON, GA, CAN HELP
The moment you hire one of our car accident lawyers, a thorough investigation of your accident and injuries begins. We deal firmly and aggressively with the defendant’s insurance company to ensure you are not taken advantage of. When a competent Macon car accident attorney becomes involved in a claim, the settlement value typically increases significantly. And once we are involved, you are fully insulated from all insurance company harassment. We can bring you results and peace of mind. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to call a car accident lawyer in Macon, GA, to schedule a free consultation. We earn no fee unless we win your case.
HOW OUR CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS PROVE NEGLIGENCE TO WIN YOUR CASE
To win your case, our lawyers work to show that another party—the defendant in the case—was negligent due to their actions or inactions and that this negligence caused the accident that led to your injuries.
There are four elements to proving legal negligence, as follows:
- Duty – The defendant owed you a duty of care not to cause harm.
- Breach – The defendant breached this duty by a wrongful act.
- Cause – These actions or failure to act caused the accident that harmed you.
- Damages – You suffered damages as a result.
Even if you did something that contributed to the accident, as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault, our car accident lawyers can still win the percentage of the settlement that reflects how much the other parties were found to be at fault.
DAMAGES THAT OUR CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS IN MACON CAN RECOVER
In a successful case, our car accident attorneys can win an award, called “damages,” for your losses that fit into two categories: general and special damages.
Special damages describe economic or monetary damages that have a specific dollar value, such as:
- Medical and rehabilitation bills
- Property damage
- Lost income from work.
General damages are damages that do not have a specific dollar value, such as pain and suffering and mental anguish. According to Georgia Code section 9-10-184, the value of these damages can be argued by your car accident attorney.
At the Mann Law Firm, we will fight for maximum compensation for your losses. However, Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the crash in which you can file your case (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). So call us today at (478) 742-3381 to get started.
SINGLE-CAR CRASHES
Many car accidents involve only one vehicle, and not all of them are the fault of the driver. When you’re behind the wheel, if someone carelessly impedes your driving path—be it another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist—causing an accident, your Macon car accident attorney can often sue them for damages.
If that isn’t an option, you can file a claim with your own insurance company. They should honor your claim. If they don’t, you need a lawyer to hold them accountable. If you’re a passenger in someone else’s vehicle and the driver’s negligence leads to a single car crash, you have the right to sue him or her for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
CAR ACCIDENT FAQ
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HOW MUCH MONEY CAN I GET?
First, if any car accident lawyers give you a dollar value right away, don’t trust it. They could be making unrealistic promises, or they may try to persuade you to settle for less than your case is actually worth for a variety of reasons that are not in your best interests.
Costs associated with your injury (medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering) can vary from thousands to millions of dollars. There’s no crystal ball that tells any attorney what the value of your car accident case will be without a thorough investigation, which takes time.
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HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A CLAIM?
It’s really rather simple. Were you injured and are you suffering financial losses due to an accident? Was someone (or an entity, such as a business) responsible for causing the accident that injured you? And did this person or entity act negligently, or in a manner in which another prudent party would not have acted? If the answer is “yes” to all three questions, you may have a solid claim.
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SHOULD I TALK TO THE OTHER DRIVER’S INSURANCE COMPANY?
No. You do not have to talk to the other driver’s insurance company. In fact, Mann Law Firm suggests that you not speak to a claims adjuster or other representative from that insurance company until you have first spoken with a Macon car accident lawyer.
Based on his years of experience as an attorney working with an insurance company, David Mann knows that insurers will be out to protect their profits by paying as little on a claim as possible. By calling soon after an accident, the insurance company may try to get you to settle your claim for a low amount before you have a full understanding of the damages suffered.
At the Mann Law Firm, on the other hand, our goal will be to protect your rights and interests and to seek the maximum amount of compensation for you.
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IF I’M PARTIALLY TO BLAME FOR CAUSING MY CAR ACCIDENT, CAN I STILL RECOVER COMPENSATION?
Under Georgia law, if you are 50 percent or more at fault for causing your traffic accident, then you could be barred from recovering anything in a personal injury lawsuit. However, if you are less than 50 percent at fault, you can recover compensation, but your recovery will be reduced according to the percentage of fault assigned to you.
This is called “comparative negligence.” Here’s an example of how it could work:
If you were in a car accident, you may have suffered $100,000 in financial, physical, and emotional harm.
If you are found to be 49 percent at fault, you can recover $51,000 ($100,000 less $49,000 for your share of the blame).
Insurance companies often will try to shift the blame from the driver whom they have insured to you. A car accident lawyer in Macon, GA, will stand up against these tactics and fight for your right to a full recovery.
Ultimately, we may reach a settlement with the insurance company. However, we want to do everything possible to seek a full and fair amount in that settlement. If such a settlement can’t be obtained, we will be willing to go to trial on your behalf.
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SHOULD I HIRE A MACON CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER TO HANDLE MY CASE?
Hiring a Macon car accident attorney is a wise decision. An attorney can help to make sure that you receive fair settlement for your claim that actually takes into account all of your losses. Most car crash victims are not knowledgeable of all the ways that insurance companies seek to undermine damages and offer less money. Finally, if your claim must go to court, an experienced car accident attorney will be invaluable throughout the trial process.
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HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME TO HIRE A MACON CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER FOR MY CASE?
When the Mann Law Firm takes on your case, our representation of you won’t cost anything unless and until we secure a financial recovery for you in a settlement or verdict. This is called a contingency fee agreement. Our payment is contingent upon your success. After a settlement or verdict is reached in your case, we would then allot a portion of that settlement to pay for itemized costs and our attorney fees.
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WHAT DO I DO IF THE DRIVER WHO CAUSED MY CAR ACCIDENT DOESN’T HAVE ENOUGH INSURANCE TO PAY FOR MY LOSSES?
Under Georgia law, all drivers must carry minimum liability insurance coverage, or insurance that will pay for the damages suffered by others in an accident that the driver causes.
Currently, the law requires drivers to have 25/50/25 minimum auto insurance coverage. This means a minimum of $25,000 to pay for bodily injuries suffered by one victim, a total of $50,000 to pay for the bodily injuries of two or more victims and $25,000 to pay for any property (vehicle damage). In some cases, a driver may purchase coverage above those limits.
Georgia law also requires insurance companies to offer what is called UM/UIM coverage, or uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage, in the same minimum amounts. If you have not “waived” this coverage, then you can seek compensation from your insurance company through your UM/UIM policy if the other driver’s insurance doesn’t pay for all of your losses.
Even though you are seeking payment from your own insurer, your UM/UIM claim could be contested. Just as the at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to pay nothing or as little as possible, your own insurance company may try to do the same. This is why it is crucial to have an attorney by your side protecting your rights.
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IF THE DRIVER WHO HIT ME WAS WORKING AT THE TIME, CAN I SUE HIS EMPLOYER?
Yes, you can sue the driver’s employer. Under Georgia law, an employer can be held legally responsible for any negligent acts committed by an employee that are committed while the employee is acting within the “scope and course” of his or her employment.
Keep in mind: An employer may try to evade liability by arguing that the person was not an employee but an independent contractor or that the employee was “off the clock” when the accident occurred. A lawyer with experience in holding companies accountable for the negligence of their employees will know how to counter these arguments.
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IF I SUE THE DRIVER WHO CAUSED MY CAR ACCIDENT, WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO RECOVER?
Each case is different. The amount of damages that can be recovered in a specific car accident case will depend on the unique facts, parties and legal issues involved. With that said, an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit after a car accident will generally seek compensation for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages (past and future), pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
In some cases, punitive damages may be sought as well. These damages are aimed at punishing and deterring especially willful or malicious misconduct. For instance, punitive damages often are sought in cases involving a drunk driver. Georgia law generally caps punitive damages at $250,000. However, this cap does not apply to drunk driving cases.
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WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I DON’T AGREE WITH THE POLICE REPORT DESCRIBING MY CAR ACCIDENT?
In general, police will respond to the scene of a car accident. They will examine the cars and scan the area for skid marks, debris, and other signs of the wreck. They may also interview you, the other driver(s) or passenger(s) involved in the accident and any witnesses. They will obtain insurance and contact information from everyone involved. All of this information will go into a police report about the accident.
If you disagree with any of the facts stated in this report, it can be sorted out by your car accident attorney. For instance, at Mann Law Firm, we will conduct an independent investigation of your crash, which may include working with investigators, accident reconstruction specialists, and other experts to determine how your crash occurred, who was responsible, and what damages you suffered.
In other words, the police report is an important piece of the puzzle, but it is only one piece.
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SHOULD I STILL GO TO THE HOSPITAL TO GET CHECKED IF MY CAR ACCIDENT HAPPENED LAST WEEK?
Yes. It is crucial to get examined by a medical professional as soon as possible after a car accident. There are many reasons to do so.
First, you want to make sure that any injuries you have suffered are diagnosed and treated. Even if you think that you suffered only minor cuts or bruises in the crash, you may have serious internal bleeding, organ damage, or soft tissue injuries that could endanger your health. Because you may not realize that your body has suffered this damage, it’s important to get checked by a doctor—even if a week has passed since the accident.
Second, you need to document your injuries and expenses. If you seek compensation for your losses later on, you will prove this through your medical records and receipts. It may even be advisable to take photos of your injuries.
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CAN I SUE THE OTHER DRIVER IF MY SPOUSE WAS KILLED IN A CAR ACCIDENT?
Yes. Under Georgia law, if your spouse was killed due to another’s negligence, you can bring what is called a “wrongful death” lawsuit on his or her own behalf and on behalf of the children of the deceased. If the person killed in the accident has no spouse or child, then the parents of the person may bring a wrongful death claim.
In a wrongful death action, you are seeking damages that you have suffered, such as funeral expenses and the loss of financial support. In a different type of action that is often pursued at the same time, called a “survival” claim, you can seek compensation for medical expenses and the pain and suffering that the deceased endured as a result of the accident.
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HOW LONG CAN I WAIT BEFORE I FILE A CAR ACCIDENT LAWSUIT IN GEORGIA?
Generally speaking, a person will have two years from the date of an injury to bring a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia. In other words, two years from the date of your accident or from the date you discovered the injuries that you suffered in the accident. This is called the “statute of limitations.” If you wait more than two years to file a legal action, then your claim may be time-barred. There are only a few exceptions that apply to this rule.
Additionally, if you sue a government entity in Georgia—for instance, a government worker hit your car or a defective road caused your accident—then you may also have to meet certain notice requirements that require action even sooner than within two years.
Time limits and deadlines must be met in car accident cases. A Macon car accident lawyer will help you to meet all of these deadlines and make sure that your case progresses as smoothly as possible.
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WHICH LAWS ARE RELATED TO CAR ACCIDENTS?
- Georgia Civil Code § 9-3-33: Statute of Limitations for personal injury
- Georgia Civil Code § 9-3-31: Statute of Limitations for personal property
- Georgia Civil Code § 51-12-33: Governing Comparative Fault in Tort Damage Awards
- Georgia Vehicle Insurance Coverage Rules and Minimums
Other publications and resources
WHAT THE STATISTICS TELL US ABOUT CAR CRASHES IN GEORGIA
The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) says in its most recent Crash Analysis, Statistics, & Information (CASI) Notebook that each day:
- About 2,400 people are involved in car accidents in the state
- About 360 people are injured in auto accidents every day
- About 30 people die in car wrecks in Georgia every week.
Car insurance coverage may quickly come to mind after an accident, but all too often after a wreck resulting in major injuries, the victim’s losses exceed minimum coverage requirements. Injured drivers also find out too often that the at-fault driver doesn’t even have car insurance. Of all the car accident types, rear-end collisions are the most common.
When you do deal with an insurance company, it is best to keep in mind that insurance firms profit by paying as little as possible for claims. This holds true for “your” insurance company and the other driver’s insurer. What’s best for you is not what’s best for them.
When you hire a Macon car accident attorney, you’re hiring an advocate who will fight for your best interests. People who are injured or suffer other significant losses in motor vehicle crashes deserve to be compensated for their losses, but aggressive legal help is usually required to realize that goal.
THE CASI NOTEBOOK SAYS FATAL CAR CRASHES IN GEORGIA ARE MOST OFTEN CAUSED BY:
- Loss of control of the vehicle (loss of control usually has its own cause, which increasingly is a form of distracted driving, such as texting while driving)
- Illegal speed (i.e., speeding) or unsafe speed
- Driving left of center
- Failure to yield
- Alcohol or drug impairment (drunk or drugged driving)
- Driver condition (such as fatigued driving).
FIVE MORE GOOD REASONS TO HIRE A MACON CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
1. You can quickly get started on your physical and mental recovery
The moments after your Macon car accident are important. It is vital to capture as many of the details of the accident as possible. You will want to get the other driver’s name, phone number, license plate number, and insurance information. Also, you should take photos of the car crash scene and any damage done to the car. Get the contact information from crash witnesses if possible.
These details are important because your Macon car accident attorney will need them to obtain compensation for your claim. Having a strong car accident attorney in your corner from the start will give you the optimal chance to recover as much money as possible for the following:
- Medical costs and doctors’ bills
- Lost earnings from work, including both past and future income
- Repairs for any damage to your car
- Financial recovery if you lost a loved one in the car accident, especially if drunk driving, speeding, or reckless driving was a factor.
It is frequently difficult to know how much compensation you should get for each of these items after a car accident. Some expenses may seem small at the start of the case but can add up tremendously over weeks and months. Your injuries could get worse, you may have many more medical appointments and lost work time than you anticipated, etc.
Your car accident lawyers can also assist you in avoiding any missed deadlines for filing personal injury claims in Georgia.
2. You will have a fierce advocate against the auto insurance companies
After your accident, the insurance companies will go to work right away to investigate the crash. They often will attempt to undermine your financial recovery and reduce the amount of money that they owe as much as possible. Remember that insurance companies are in business to make money; and even though they are tightly regulated by state law in Georgia, they could use information against you to reduce the level of compensation you get for your damages.
A good Macon car accident attorney will never work for the interests of the insurance company and knows how to fight for car accident victims from the start. Contacting car accident attorneys as soon as you can after the accident allows for helpful guidance on each step of the auto insurance claim process. They can help you figure out how to obtain fair compensation from an auto insurance company. Strong legal counsel can be THE difference between getting the compensation you need and deserve and losing out on thousands of dollars. That is why you always should talk to a car accident attorney right after your accident.
3. A good Macon car accident lawyer can effectively prove liability in court
Successful car accident lawsuits often depend on police reports and any witnesses who were at the crash scene. To prove negligence, you need strong evidence, and your Macon car accident attorney can help you compile it. Getting help from car accident attorneys early in the legal process ensures the entire process goes smoothly. Having an attorney who is good in court is important, because out-of-court negotiations with insurance companies sometimes fail to reach a settlement. The case will then need to be resolved in court.
4. Experienced car accident lawyers understand when to settle out of court
They are experienced in negotiating with most major auto insurance companies and know when it is time to settle and when to go to court. These car accident attorneys have years of experience working with insurance companies and should have a strong gut instinct on when to settle and when to take things to trial.
5. Representing yourself in a car accident claim is highly risky
You very likely will get a low-ball offer from the insurance company following your accident. And if you decline it and decide to go to court, you could end up losing and getting nothing. Most car accident victims who have more than a few thousand dollars in injuries and damages are usually best off hiring a car accident attorney.
HOW TO HIRE AN EFFECTIVE CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER IN MACON, GA
If you have decided to hire a Macon car accident lawyer, consider these tips:
Ask your family and friends who they recommend. Word of mouth is very important. In fact, many attorneys themselves recommend asking people close to you to find a good car accident attorney. Some also recommend asking a pastor or some other trusted party in your community. These folks know many people and are trusted with personal information and may have heard about good and bad legal experiences people have had.
Understand legal fees up front. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis and receive about one-third of the settlement or judgment. Make sure you clarify what an attorney means if he or she says you pay no fee if there is no recovery.
Do research on car accident attorneys. Make sure that any car accident attorney you are considering is licensed and is in good standing in your state. All states have their own bar association, and all lawyers are registered there. You can check their bar status and see whether they ever had any disciplinary action against them.
Your gut counts. You should select a Macon car accident attorney who really seems to care about you and your long-term health. There are attorneys more interested in dollar signs than in making critical decisions that benefit their clients. Car accident lawyers also should be honest and realistic at the beginning of the case rather than pretending the case is stronger than it is. Trust your gut feelings when you hire your attorney.
Find out how well the attorney has been trained. A good question to ask is, ”How long have you been practicing car accident injury law?“ Also, ”How many of your cases end up going to court and what are the results?“
Ask whether the attorney you talk to is going to handle the case. It is common for a big-name attorney to be used in company marketing while other attorneys handle cases. If the attorney you are working with cannot seem to take 10 minutes to talk to you, how much attention do you think your case is going to get from him?
Many experts strongly recommend that you not hire an attorney based on major TV and radio advertising. Many attorneys say that the most experienced and reputable attorneys put their major outreach efforts into the legal information they publish online. It is a good idea to read through an attorney’s website to get a better sense of who they are before calling.
Look out for these red flags when looking for a car accident attorney:
- Poor reputation for trying cases
- Poor client reviews online
- Seem to be guessing when you ask how they will handle your case
- Over-promise on a fast, successful result without knowing the case details
- Fail to provide a fee agreement in writing.
Client Testimonial
”Mr. Mann and is staff was perfect. We became a family when I saw how caring they were to my situation. My case was settled in 4 months and got me what my case was worth. Praises, and a very big Thank You goes out from me and my wife. Six stars across the board.” – Wendle Findley (Google Review)

What are The Right-of-Way Laws in Georgia?
At Mann Injury Law, we have been helping members of the local community with their injury claims for over 50 years. Some of our guiding principles are to ensure that when you’ve been hurt you receive the compensation you are owed and fair representation under the law. We also seek to inform our clients about the law. One of the many questions we ......