What should I do first?
 

What should I do immediately after a car accident?  

• Call 911 (You have a DUTY to report the accident to the POLICE! (O.C.G.A. 40-6-273)

• Record all interactions with any person at the scene.

• Take photos of your car damage and only if it is SAFE to do so, take pictures of other cars involved, the scene itself, and surrounding areas.

• Don't leave without speaking with a police officer and getting a police report number.

• Gather contact information from any witnesses.

• Avoid making statements to insurance companies without consulting an attorney.

• Immediately seek medical attention.

• Contact JM Law, LLC immediately to assist with the next steps.

• Document any missed days from work and keep a personal injury diary.

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What is personal injury and how do I know if I have a personal injury case?

A personal injury is inclusive of any physical, mental, financial, or emotional harm to an individual due to the fault of another.  Personal injury cases allow the injured party to seek compensation for their injuries.

If you have been injured due to the fault of another, you may have a personal injury case. The best way to determine if you have a case is to consult with JM Law LLC, to evaluate the specifics of your situation. 

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What types of personal injury cases does JM Law handle?

We focus on personal injury cases caused by motor vehicle accidents in which the injured person was the victim, meaning they did not receive a ticket for causing the accident nor were they found at fault.

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How long will it take to resolve my personal injury case?

The duration of a personal injury case depends on its complexity, the severity of your injuries, and the timeline of your recommended treatment given by your treating physicians. Some cases are resolved in a few months, while others may take years if it is filed for litigation in a court of law. At the JM Law firm, we strive to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive fair compensation.

 

What is a personal injury diary?

A Personal Injury diary is a written detailed journal that you maintain to document the impact of your injury in your daily life. It includes notes about your pain levels, unforgettable moments of pain & agony, and how the injury has affected you mentally, physically, and emotionally. When your attorney prepares a demand, which is a formal request for compensation to the insurance company or at-fault party, your personal injury diary can provide essential evidence to substantiate your claims, helping to build a stronger case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.​
 

Will your office notify my car Insurance about the accident? 

Yes, not reporting a collision is unwise. If you fail to notify your insurance about the accident, you may be denied certain protections on your policy in the event you need to access them for the car accident. However, if it is your desire for us not to contact them regardless of the aforementioned, you are required to complete a no-contact letter. Many times, people are scared to notify their insurance company because they think their insurance premium will increase. However, according to O.C.G.A. § 33-9-40, insurance companies are prohibited from raising your rates or canceling your policy as a result of an accident involving more than one vehicle when you are not the at-fault driver. O.C.G.A. § 33-23-45 prohibits an insurance company from non-renewing you simply because you made a UIM coverage claim for an accident that is not your fault—although there may be certain other conditions that, combined with having made a UIM claim, may legally allow an insurance company to non-renew. If you do receive a notice that your insurance company is non-renewing your policy due to having made claims for coverage, you have the right to ask the Georgia insurance commissioner to review your company’s decision within 15 days of receiving the notice.

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What should I do when I’m a victim of a hit-and-run?

If you're a victim of a hit-and-run, ensure your safety first by moving to a safe location and checking for injuries. Call the police to report the incident, providing as much detail as possible about the other vehicle and the accident. Document the scene by taking photos, noting the time, location, and any witness information. Finally, contact JM Law to get a claim started with your Insurance company. If you don’t have the proper coverage but have incurred medical bills you can contact the Georgia Crime Victims Organization at Victims Compensation to see if you are eligible for compensation or reimbursement. 

 

How much is my personal injury case worth?

The value of a personal injury case depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life. Attorney Peterson will thoroughly assess your case to provide you with information that will give you an idea of the value of your case based on cases similar in nature. However, an exact determination cannot be given nor will one ever be guaranteed. The only guarantee we make at JM LAW is zealous advocacy on your behalf. 

 

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?

You have 2 years from the date of the accident but there are a few exceptions to this rule.  

 

Will my case go to trial?

Not all personal injury cases go to trial. Many are settled out of court through negotiations or mediation without the involvement of the court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

 

What is a property damage claim? 

The property damage claim and the personal injury claim are separate. A property damage claim strictly deals with the repair or payout for the damage to the vehicle sustained in an accident. Our office does not handle property damage claims but will assist you in the process. We don’t take a fee for the property damage claim—only for the personal injury claim that we represent you on.

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What is the difference between liability and coverage denial?

Liability denial occurs when an insurance company disputes the policyholder's responsibility for the damages or losses, whereas coverage denial happens when the insurance company determines that the policy does not cover the specific loss or damage. In other words, liability denial questions who is at fault, while coverage denial questions whether the policy covers the loss.

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What is the difference between filing a claim vs. filing a lawsuit?

Filing a claim and filing a lawsuit are two different processes for seeking a resolution to a dispute. Filing a claim typically involves submitting a demand for compensation to an insurance company or entity responsible for payment, often resulting in a settlement. In contrast, filing a lawsuit involves taking legal action through the court system against the at-fault party. A lawsuit is a formal legal process that can result in a trial and a judgment by a judge or jury, and it is generally pursued when a claim cannot be resolved satisfactorily through negotiation or settlement.

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What is Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist coverage?

Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist coverage is a type of car insurance that provides protection if you are involved in an accident with a driver who either has no insurance (uninsured) or insufficient insurance to cover the damages (underinsured). This coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages for you and your passengers when the at-fault driver lacks coverage or adequate coverage. If you don't have this coverage, I strongly advise you to add it today—don’t delay. Please be sure to specifically request “Add-on Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage” and NOT "Reduced by Uninsured/Underinsured," as the latter is not beneficial in most circumstances.

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What is Med Pay? 

This coverage pays for your medical bills, whether you are at fault or not in a car accident. It also allows you to increase your final take-home amount once the case has been resolved.