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by The Stoddard Firm - July 17th, 2026
Every year, thousands of Atlanta drivers face the same moment: the crash has happened, the adrenaline is fading, and an insurance adjuster is already on the phone. It is a disorienting position, and one of the first questions that comes to mind is “Should I get an attorney after a car accident?” The answer, in most cases, is yes.
Georgia’s comparative negligence laws are complex, insurance adjusters are trained to act fast, and the gap between what an insurer offers and what your case is actually worth can be substantial. If you sustained injuries, faced significant vehicle damage, or if fault is in dispute, you have grounds to pursue accountability. At The Stoddard Firm, our car accident lawyers represent Atlanta families who have suffered serious harm and know exactly what insurers will do to minimize what they owe you.
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Not every collision requires an attorney. When a crash causes no injuries, property damage is minimal, fault is unambiguous, and the at-fault driver’s insurer accepts liability without resistance, you may be able to resolve the claim on your own. These situations are the exception, not the rule.
Before proceeding without counsel, confirm you have no lingering symptoms, no lost wages, and no medical bills. Those variables change the calculation entirely, and once you accept a settlement, there is no going back.
Not every accident is straightforward. If any of the following apply, reach out to an attorney before speaking with an adjuster:
Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, Georgia follows a modified comparative fault rule that reduces your recovery in proportion to your share of fault and bars it entirely if you are found 50 percent or more responsible. Insurance companies understand this rule well and factor it into every offer they make.
When a crash results in traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, severe burns, amputation, or a family member’s death, the stakes are categorically different. These cases involve lifetime medical costs, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages that require careful documentation and experienced legal advocacy to present accurately. Anyone facing this level of harm should get an attorney after a car accident without question.
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Knowing when you need an attorney is only part of the equation. Understanding what happens when you do not have one is just as important.
Insurance adjusters are trained to close claims quickly and cheaply. They may contact you within hours of a serious accident, before you have spoken with a doctor or an attorney, and present a low offer framed as reasonable. Georgia law prohibits specific unfair settlement conduct under O.C.G.A. § 33-6-34, including failing to settle promptly when liability is reasonably clear. Violations still occur, and families without legal representation rarely recognize them in time to protect their claim.
Recorded statements, early settlement checks, and delays in acknowledging liability are tools designed to limit your recovery. An attorney who understands these tactics changes the dynamic from the first contact.
A settlement mill is a personal injury firm that resolves cases quickly and in volume, often for less than they are worth. Moving to the next file takes priority over maximizing yours. Insurance companies know which firms never go to trial, and they make lower offers as a result.
A trial lawyer prepares every case as though a jury will decide it. The difference shows in how insurers respond. When the other side knows your attorney is willing to take the case to court, the negotiation looks very different. It is also worth noting that Georgia generally sets a two-year deadline for filing a car accident claim, though exceptions may apply when the injured party is a minor, when a government vehicle was involved, or when injuries were not immediately apparent.
Anyone still asking, “Should I get an attorney after a car accident?” should know that the cost of waiting is real. Evidence fades, and witnesses become harder to reach with every passing week. The Stoddard Firm is here to evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you decide how to move forward. Call (470) 467-2200 today for a free consultation.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who spent years defending major corporations in serious injury and wrongful death cases before switching sides to fight for families who have lost someone. Known for high-profile wrongful death trials featured on Courtroom View Network, he is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, he works tirelessly to pursue accountability and deliver results for families facing catastrophic loss.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Licensed in Georgia since: 2008
Education: University of Georgia School of Law
Personal injury compensation enables an injured individual to regain the same quality of life they had before the incident. This may entail funds for modifying a home for wheelchair accessibility or offering vocational training for those unable to return to their previous job. It is crucial for compensation to cover lost earnings and cover both past and anticipated medical costs.
We conduct interviews with colleagues, consult with attending healthcare professionals, and engage specialists to ensure we secure comprehensive compensation that aids our clients in re-establishing their life trajectories.
When deciding to hire an Atlanta personal injury lawyer, you need to consider:
1. Who’s at Fault
If you’re in an accident and it’s unclear who’s responsible, seeking advice from an attorney is wise. Insurance companies may attempt to attribute damages to you in such scenarios. An attorney can shield you from counterclaims and cross-claims, safeguarding your rights.
2. The Severity of Injuries Sustained
When facing a lifetime of pain, suffering, and mounting bills, taking chances is not an option. A personal injury attorney is entrusted with averting lifelong financial strain.
3. If You’re Facing Insurance Company Denial or Delay
The intricate laws and procedures surrounding personal injury claims are areas where insurance companies capitalize on individuals’ lack of expertise. A lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in this regard.
It’s possible but not necessarily probable and will likely depend on whether you want your case to go to trial. The majority of cases end in a settlement. Going to trial typically occurs when there are intricate, contentious matters regarding the accident’s cause or the severity of your injuries. Occasionally, defendants may simply be unyielding and unwilling to settle or you may just want more than the insurer believes is reasonable.
It shouldn’t be a shock if your attorney diligently pursues a settlement while also readying your witnesses for trial. A proficient lawyer must be equipped for any scenario. Demonstrating to the opposing party that we’re gearing up for a trial indicates that we’re resolute and not inclined to back down.
Determining all potential parties who could be held liable for a personal injury involves a thorough investigation of various factors. If someone else neglected to exercise reasonable care, they can be held accountable for the resulting injuries, as outlined in Title 51 of Georgia Code of Laws or as outlined in Georgia’s common law.
The individual directly involved in the accident may not be the sole party at fault. For instance, in the case of a drunk driving accident, while the driver may bear responsibility, the person who knowingly provided additional alcohol to an obviously intoxicated individual could also be deemed liable. In other circumstances, an at fault party’s employer is responsible for its employees actions.
Following a personal injury accident, there are critical steps you should take. First and foremost, seek prompt medical attention. Visit the emergency room or call for an ambulance at the accident site. Any delay in receiving medical care could impact your health and the outcome of your personal injury case.
Refrain from discussing your case with the insurance company representing the at-fault party. They may deny your settlement or offer a significantly lower amount than you deserve.
Additionally, it’s crucial for both you and your personal injury attorney to gather as much evidence and documentation as possible. This is vital in establishing that your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence. Make an effort to collect records and documents related to your case, including medical records, police reports, photographs, witness contact information, and similar items. Once you’ve received medical attention, contact The Stoddard Firm.
Do not say anything! If an insurance company contacts you, refrain from providing any information until you have consulted with your attorney. Insurance companies typically contact accident victims in an attempt to elicit a statement about the incident, which they may use to devalue the settlement.
While you may eventually need to converse with them, seeking guidance from a seasoned legal team is crucial. They will provide clear instructions on what you should and should not disclose to protect the value of your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
This firm is the best in Atlanta, simple as that.
Matthew Stoddard and his staff are wonderful people. This law firm is a no complication type of place. They always answer the phone without the hassle of going through 30 different people and always return emails just as quick as they are received. Thank you gentlemen for everything y’all do.
I went through one of the worst times of my life. When I decided to reach out to Matt it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. He really is a genuine guy who cares about his clients. He worked hard for me and my family for 2 years until we were awarded a settlement we felt deserving! I could not recommend a better guy for your legal services!
Attorney Matthew Stoddard and his staff are awesome professionals. I contacted them with a problem, in my opinion he went above and beyond to assist me. He showed understanding and care and exceeded my expectations.
The Stoddard Firm did an excellent job in representing me in my case ! They went far and beyond to help me, even driving 4 hours to meet me multiple times as a client!!! I honestly felt like I was a member of their legal team and would recommend them to anyone in need of a great lawyer!!!
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was revised and approved by Attorney Matthew B. Stoddard, who has more than 16 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
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