Car Accidents

Recover the Full Compensation You Deserve with a Decatur Car Accident Lawyer

Experiencing an injury in a car accident can put the brakes on both your personal and professional life and lead to significant costs. When you have experienced costly injuries in a car accident caused by someone or something else, you could be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. Determining fault and collecting your damages is a complex process that is best supported by working with a Decatur car accident lawyer with extensive experience representing clients injured in different types of personal injury cases, including car accident cases.

To pursue maximum compensation for the costs and damages associated with your car accident, reach out to a Decatur car accident lawyer with Michael M. Day Law Firm, LLC. Our firm has helped thousands of injured clients recover more than $65,000,000 in compensation, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you.

Understanding Car Accidents

A car accident is generally just that, an accident, however there are oftentimes causes that can be attributed to one or more of the parties involved in the incident. No driver intends to hit another, however decisions that they make and behaviors that they decide to engage in can increase the risk of an accident. That can include reckless driving such as speeding, failing to pay attention to other drivers when on a cell-phone known as distracted driving, or making the illegal decision to get behind the wheel after having had intoxicating substances. 

Despite the fact that car accidents can be caused by a broad variety of sources, some of the most common on the road today are: 

• Distracted driving – anytime that a driver is visually, mentally, or manually impaired while driving, they are engaging in distracted driving, which is generally illegal. The most common form of distracted driving is using a phone while driving, and texting while driving is illegal and the use of devices without hands-free help can also result in liability for accidents. 
• Drunk and/or intoxicated driving – anytime that a driver makes the decision to get behind the wheel while knowingly drunk or intoxicated, they will be liable for any damages that result from an accident that they cause. When a driver breaks the law, whether by driving drunk, running a red light, or speeding, they will be liable for accidents that their breach of the law and their duty to other drivers caused. 
• Drowsy driving – drivers have a responsibility to be adequately responsive and functioning when they are driving, and when a driver is fatigued or drowsy and causes an accident they will be liable. If you were hit by a commercial driver or a truck, drowsy driving is a cause that your Decatur car accident lawyer will explore, as companies that work their drivers into fatigue can be liable for the damages caused in resulting accidents. 
• Vehicle and/or equipment malfunctions – Aside from a driver being responsible, another common cause of motor vehicle collisions is the malfunction of equipment like brakes or engines that lead to vehicle errors. If a truck’s brakes experience a malfunction and a crash results, the manufacturer of the defective equipment may be liable for the damages that result. 

 
 
 
  Excellent  
    
 Based on 138 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Bryan Kent 
 
 
 
  
If I ever have to come back to this place I will definitely choose Michael M.Day Law Firm!!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Jose Luis Velasco Rodríguez 
 
 
 
  
muy buena abogada recomendada es muy buena persona y siempre está pendiente en el caso
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Nia Pahr 
 
 
 
  
Michael and his team took great care to communicate with me throughout the entire process.
I've been  honored to be treated with great professionalism and care.   Michael worked very hard to get the best settlement for me, explaining every step of the way in a language easy for me to understand, .  I would highly recommend him to all my friends and family.   Thank you!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Joc D 
 
 
 
  
I had a great experience with this law firm. Great communication and the owner is very friendly. They get back to you in a timely manner and makes effort towards getting the best results.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Tamala Dotson 
 
 
 
  
Both my experiences with this law firm was above and beyond. Hope I don't have to but I'd definitely use them again.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 dolores pearson 
 
 
 
  
Mr. Day's law firm did an outstanding job for me! After using another attorney 7 months later and nothing! I was so frustrated!  I did a search and found Mr. Days law firm and read the reviews and thought I would give it a try....WOW they did an outstanding job! They were great in communicating with me, and reaching out to me when needed...I did not feel the need to constantly check on the status of my case, I felt so comfortable knowing that it was taken care of! God forbid if I ever need an attorney I will reach out to Mr Day And his team! Amber and Juana were very helpful always called me back, or emailed me or text if needed! So thrilled with the results they gave me! I will definitely tell all my friends who to use!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Shauntell Griffin 
 
 
 
  
I love the work that michael j law firm has done for me
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 coach parker 
 
 
 
  
I had an amazing experience with the Michael M. Day Law firm. The process was smooth and it was handled in a timely manner. I like the fact that Mr. Day calls you personally to discuss your case, and he fights to get you the best settlement possible. I would recommend this law firm to anyone that has a personal injury or auto accident. Thanks Michael M. Day Law Frim for everything.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 

GET THE COMPENSATION YOUR DESERVE

Why choose Michael M. Day Law?

• Pay $0 unless we’re successful
• Get 1-on-1 personal support
• Talk directly with Attorney Day

free case evaluation

The broad variety of causes of car accidents are helpful to understand how parties may be liable for the damages, and following is a consideration of the types of car accidents that can result. Identifying the liable party, measuring your complete damages now and into the future, and effectively recovering them is the central role of your Decatur car accident lawyer from Michael M. Day Law Firm, LLC. 

Types of Car Accidents

There are a broad variety of ways in which motor vehicles can be involved in accidents, with the cause of these accidents generally impacting the parties that are liable, and the damages that are available to you and your family if you are injured. 

Some of the most common types of car accidents include: 

• Rear-end Collisions – if your vehicle was hit in the back by another driver, you have been the victim of a rear-end collision, which can lead to neck and back injuries, amongst others. Some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions are distracted driving and malfunctioning brakes due to defective equipment or improper maintenance. 
• T-bone Accidents – when another vehicle strikes yours from the side, like a capital letter “T”, you have been involved in a T-bone accident. If you or a loved one has experienced life-altering, long-term injuries because another driver ran a red light, t-boned you while drunk or distracted, or some other reason, you may have a claim for coverage on your damages, and your Decatur car accident lawyer from Michael M. Day Law Firm, LLC can help. 
• Head-on Collisions – when another vehicle hits you head on, the injuries and property damage that result can be severe. If another driver went over the median or center line and drifted into your lane, or an equipment malfunction caused them to suddenly move in front of you, they may be responsible for the outcome. 
• Hit and Run Incidents – when an accident occurs, the drivers involved have a responsibility to remain present to exchange information about the accident and allow law enforcement and emergency personnel to assess the situation. If a driver ran from the scene of an accident, they may face criminal charges while also being responsible for the damages that they caused. 
• Motorcycle Accidents – drivers have a responsibility to watch out for motorcycles on the road, and when motorcycle accidents do happen the injuries experienced by the motorcyclist can be severe. If you or a loved one has experienced significant injury, or if you have lost a loved one to a motorcycle accident, you may have a claim, and a Decatur car accident lawyer with extensive experience on motorcycle accidents from Michael M. Day Law Firm, LLC can help. 
• Uber Accidents – If you find yourself involved in a collision while using Uber services, particularly if your vehicle is struck from behind, it’s classified as a rideshare rear-end collision. If you’ve been the victim of a rideshare rear-end collision, seeking compensation for your damages may be crucial, and a skilled attorney can guide you through the legal process.
• Lyft Accidents – Whether your Lyft car accident was because the other driver ran a red light, was intoxicated, or distracted,, you may have a claim for coverage on your damages. A Decatur car accident lawyer from Michael M. Day Law Firm, LLC can assist you in navigating the complexities of Lyft accidents, helping you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

The unique facts and circumstances of the accident you were involved in will determine the liable parties, and who will be responsible for covering medical costs, lost wages, lost earnings potential, pain and suffering, and more. It is helpful to work with an experienced Decatur car accident lawyer when you have experienced long-term, life-altering injuries in a car accident, as your settlement can determine your financial stability for years to come. We know how to make the most of your damages to ensure that you and your family are fully covered for all costs linked to the accident.

Common Causes of At-Fault Car Accidents

You can only collect compensation for damages that you can prove, and you can only collect damages when you can prove that someone or something else was the cause of the car accident. Proving that someone or something else is liable for your damages requires that the facts and circumstances of your accident prove that the other party was negligent. Negligence is when a duty or responsibility owed to you is breached, and that breach causes an accident that leads to costly injury to you.

Drivers will be at-fault and liable for related damages when they engage in the following common causes of car accidents:

• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Drowsy or fatigued driving
• Speeding
• Reckless or aggressive driving

Your Decatur car accident lawyer will apply the facts of your accident and other evidence they collect on your behalf to prove the negligence of the other party. Once negligence is proven, the next step is measuring the damages linked to your injuries by collecting medical and occupational expert opinions.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident

If you have been involved in a car accident, the most important thing to immediately assess and take into account is the safety of all persons in your vehicle, yourself included. At this time it is important to contact emergency services and law enforcement. The adrenaline associated with an accident can lead to injuries being overlooked, so it is helpful to have medical personnel assess your condition. 

If you are able, it is also highly useful to your future claim or case to collect evidence at the scene of the accident. Taking out your cell phone and filming a video of the vehicles as they lay after the accident before being towed is especially useful, as well as the area around the scene. Gather the contact and insurance information of the other drivers involved, as well as any witnesses present. 

Calling law enforcement helps with the gathering of evidence, as the police will help gather information about the parties involved and witnesses. The police can also assess the condition of other drivers, to determine if they are intoxicated at the time of the accident, which can be difficult to prove after-the-fact. 

After you have ensured there are no immediate injuries, gathered evidence and contacted the police, it is time to start thinking about reaching out to your local Decatur car accident attorney for assistance. We can help you schedule appointments with experts to accurately and completely measure the short- and long-term costs linked to your injuries. 

Seeking Medical Attention 

Even if emergency medical attention is not essential at the scene of the accident, it is still helpful to receive an assessment after your accident. Receiving a medical evaluation helps to ensure that no injuries from the accident are overlooked. If you did experience a serious injury in the accident, working with an attorney is helpful as we have a network of medical experts who can measure the life-long costs that your injuries will cause. You can only collect damages that you effectively claim, and expert opinions are central to the evidence needed to build your case. 

Should You Hire an Attorney for Your Car Accident Case? 

When another party caused the accident, you’ll generally be recovering compensation from their insurance company. The insurance company works for profit, not for you, and they make more profits by decreasing costs, like settlements paid to injured persons. Hiring an attorney for your car accident case ensures that you are able to collect the full compensation that you are entitled to. Your Decatur car accident attorney steps into your shoes and handles all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf, recovering the full amount you are entitled to. 

Proving Negligence After a Car Accident

If your own actions have led to a car accident, you’ll generally turn to your own insurance companies for coverage, whether your automotive insurance for damage to your vehicle and medical insurance to cover your medical bills. Lost wages and earnings in such a situation may ultimately be your responsibility. However, when your accident was caused by the negligence of another party, then you have a claim to collect compensation for your damages from the negligent party. 

To prove negligence following your car accident, your experienced Decatur car accident attorney must prove the following elements to the insurance company, or the court if the insurance company of the liable party refuses to pay: 

• Duty – the first element of negligence is duty, which means that the other party involved in the accident must have owed you some duty. When it comes to car accidents, all drivers have a duty to drive within the rules of the road, with a sober, attentive, and rested mind and body. 
• Breach – the duty that is owed to you by the other party must be breached. For example, drunk driving is illegal and roads have speed limits, and if a drunk driver was speeding and hit you, they could be liable for the damages that result for either reason, so long as the following two elements also apply. 
• Causation – it is necessary that the breach of duty was the cause of the accident that led to your injuries, meaning because of the speeding or drunk driving of the other driver, the accident happened which caused the next and final element. 
• Damages – for negligence to have occurred, the breach of duty that caused injury must have resulted in damages. If there are no damages, there is nothing for you to recover, and when it comes to motor vehicle collisions, damages include your medical bills, damage to your vehicle, lost wages while recovering, any long-term impact on your ability to earn, and potentially damages for pain and suffering. 

Damages from Your Car Accident are Economic and Non-Economic

When you are injured in a car accident, the purpose of pursuing compensation is to cover all financial costs related to your accident as well as to compensate you for non-financial damages. These are termed economic and non-economic damages, and whether you are awarded them and in what amount you receive depends upon how the law applies to the unique facts and circumstances of your case.

Economic damages are those with a set amount that can be proven with evidence, such as receipts or expert opinions. This includes:

• Short-term medical bills
• Long-term medical bills
• Lost wages after the accident
• Lost work benefits like sick time or vacation time after the accident
• Lost earnings ability due to disability resulting from the accident

Non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment in life due to injury and/or disability resulting from the accident
• Loss of consortium on behalf of a surviving family member if a loved one was lost in a car accident

Accurately measuring your damages requires the input of medical and occupational experts to calculate the short and long-term costs linked to your injury.

You Can Only Collect Damages Supported by Evidence

While it would be ideal if you automatically received the full amount in compensation that you are entitled to following your motor vehicle accident, this is not the case. Instead, you must first gather evidence to completely and accurately measure the damages associated with your accident. One of the benefits of working with a local Decatur car accident lawyer is their local network of experts that help you obtain the evidence needed to fully measure your claim.

Future medical costs are measured by medical experts who review your injuries and calculate the amount and cost of medical care they will require for the remainder of your life. An occupational expert takes the medical information and applies it to your work life, measuring the impact of your injuries on the amount of money that you can earn in the future. Non-economic damages are more difficult to determine a set number for, but your experienced Decatur car accident lawyer will look to past cases and prior negotiations to identify an amount that is fair and is best pursued in settlement negotiations or the courtroom.

The Most Common Injuries from Car Accidents

The human body is not meant to move at speeds over 60 miles per hour, and when a person is in a car that experiences a collision or other motor vehicle crash, their body can experience serious harm.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, which can forever change your brain chemistry. Changes in brain chemistry can impact your ability to work, change your personality, cause an increase in irritability, and ultimately impact your ability to enjoy life.

A traumatic brain injury is caused by a bump, blow, or penetrating wound to the head. The injury is internal and can take time to emerge. Without immediate medical attention, symptoms can worsen. If you have been in a car accident, it is essential to seek out immediate medical attention to ensure that you do not have internal injuries. After you have received emergency medical care, it is time to reach out to a Decatur car accident lawyer.

Spinal Cord Injury

Serious car crashes can impact the spine, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis and a number of other significant health issues. The National Institute of Health recently concluded through research that “the chance of sustaining serious spine and associated multiple injuries in car accidents is quite high.” These injuries can require lifelong medical care that will require evidence to accurately measure and collect your damages.

Neck and Back Injuries

Neck and back injuries are common outcomes in car accidents, with the back-and-forth momentum often leading to whiplash. Whiplash is damage to the soft tissues and muscles of your neck and can lead to lasting discomfort and issues with mobility. It may at first emerge as a sore neck or headache, but neck and back injuries can result in ongoing pain. Ongoing pain often demands pain management efforts and can impact your ability to work. Determining the extent of your neck and back injuries is essential, and your Decatur car accident lawyer will ensure they are ascertained, and proper compensation is sought.

Insurance Claims Process

As mentioned, the insurance company of the responsible party will generally be responsible for the damages that you are seeking in your claim. Submitting a claim to the insurance company can be a complex and confusing process, and requires that you provide sufficient evidence of all your damages, and then successfully negotiate a settlement. When a claim is improperly denied, or too low an amount is offered, taking the insurance company to court may be necessary. 

Filing an Insurance Claim

The filing of an insurance claim requires that you do the following: 

• Identify the appropriate insurance company of the at-fault party
• Gather evidence from medical and occupational experts, evidence from the scene, witness statements, police statements, and anything else to help prove the negligence of the opposing party 
• Draft your claim onto the appropriate forms, including evidence in such a way that the insurance company’s lawyers will recognize its strength and offer you a fair settlement

Dealing with the Other Party’s Insurance

Your Decatur car accident lawyer handles all dealings and negotiations with the other party’s insurance company on your behalf. The insurance company has a team of attorneys working for them, and without your own working on your claim it is difficult to recover a fair and complete amount. 

When Should I Hire an Attorney for a Car Accident?

You should connect with your local Decatur car accident lawyer from Michael M. Day Law Firm, LLC as soon as possible after you have received emergency medical care. We can help with the rest, and help schedule appointments with experts to build your claim if we are able to take your case. 

About The Legal Process for Car Accident Settlements

When settling isn’t possible, suing the responsible party in court is necessary. This adds further complexity as your evidence must be submitted in accordance with the rules of the court, and your filings must follow a specific process. Working with a knowledgeable attorney helps to remove the guesswork and difficulties associated with trying to learn how to practice the law while filing a case to recover damages for your car accident

FAQs

When should I reach out to a Decatur car accident lawyer?

The first thing to do after any car accident is to check on the safety of yourself and any occupants of your vehicle and seek out medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries like traumatic brain injury or back injury might not be noticed due to the excitement and adrenaline of the accident. After seeking emergency medical care, it is time to reach out to a Decatur car accident lawyer to get started on your case to support the highest and fastest payment of the damages to which you are entitled.

How do I prove that the other driver is liable for the accident?

It is impossible for you to look into another vehicle to see what the other driver was doing in the moments before they hit you. Were they texting while driving? Had they just worked a 14-hour shift? Were the brakes in their vehicle defective and recalled by the factory? The answers to these questions can mean the difference between having to cover your own costs or recovering them as damages. Your Decatur car accident lawyer will use legal instruments like depositions, requests for production, and interrogatories to gather the evidence you need to win your case.

How does my Decatur car accident lawyer help?

Your Decatur car accident lawyer from Michael M. Day Law Firm, LLC will handle the entire claims process on your behalf, including:

• Gathering evidence to measure your damages and prove the liability of the other party
• Drafting your claim in the proper format with the relevant evidence
• Filing your claim with the appropriate insurance company or party
• Communicating on your behalf with the insurance company
• Working to negotiate a complete and fair out-of-court settlement
• Taking the insurance company to trial if they will not offer a fair settlement

With a Decatur car accident lawyer from Michael M. Day Law Firm, LLC, on your claim, you’ll collect the full amount you deserve while we handle all the work. We only get paid if we win, and your initial consultation is free.

Reach Out to a Decatur Car Accident Lawyer for Help on Your Claim

Connecting with a local, experienced Decatur car accident lawyer from Michael M. Day Law Firm, LLC will ensure that your claim is built correctly from the ground up. We offer free consultations, and only get paid if we win. Our firm has recovered over $65 Million for our clients, and we have a 99% success rate. To learn more, reach out now by scheduling a consultation or calling us at (678) 256-2869. 

 
 
 
  Excellent  
    
 Based on 138 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Bryan Kent 
 
 
 
  
If I ever have to come back to this place I will definitely choose Michael M.Day Law Firm!!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Jose Luis Velasco Rodríguez 
 
 
 
  
muy buena abogada recomendada es muy buena persona y siempre está pendiente en el caso
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Nia Pahr 
 
 
 
  
Michael and his team took great care to communicate with me throughout the entire process.
I've been  honored to be treated with great professionalism and care.   Michael worked very hard to get the best settlement for me, explaining every step of the way in a language easy for me to understand, .  I would highly recommend him to all my friends and family.   Thank you!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Joc D 
 
 
 
  
I had a great experience with this law firm. Great communication and the owner is very friendly. They get back to you in a timely manner and makes effort towards getting the best results.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Tamala Dotson 
 
 
 
  
Both my experiences with this law firm was above and beyond. Hope I don't have to but I'd definitely use them again.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 dolores pearson 
 
 
 
  
Mr. Day's law firm did an outstanding job for me! After using another attorney 7 months later and nothing! I was so frustrated!  I did a search and found Mr. Days law firm and read the reviews and thought I would give it a try....WOW they did an outstanding job! They were great in communicating with me, and reaching out to me when needed...I did not feel the need to constantly check on the status of my case, I felt so comfortable knowing that it was taken care of! God forbid if I ever need an attorney I will reach out to Mr Day And his team! Amber and Juana were very helpful always called me back, or emailed me or text if needed! So thrilled with the results they gave me! I will definitely tell all my friends who to use!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Shauntell Griffin 
 
 
 
  
I love the work that michael j law firm has done for me
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 coach parker 
 
 
 
  
I had an amazing experience with the Michael M. Day Law firm. The process was smooth and it was handled in a timely manner. I like the fact that Mr. Day calls you personally to discuss your case, and he fights to get you the best settlement possible. I would recommend this law firm to anyone that has a personal injury or auto accident. Thanks Michael M. Day Law Frim for everything.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 

GET THE COMPENSATION YOUR DESERVE

Why choose Michael M. Day Law?

• Pay $0 unless we’re successful
• Get 1-on-1 personal support
• Talk directly with Attorney Day

free case evaluation