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ATLANTA CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER SETTLES COWETA COUNTY DUI VICTIM

Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer settles DUI victims rear end collision case at mediation. The case settled for four times the initial offer. We fought for punitive damages and stuck to our guns when dealing with the insurance company. Of course, each case is different but this shows why you need an attorney who knows about DUI cases and can help you get the compensation you deserve when hit by a drunk driver.

Drunk driving deaths are a serious problem in Atlanta

Georgia is ranked sixth in the nation for drunk driving and DUI fatalities. In 2008, alcohol-impaired driving led to 416 fatalities on Georgia roads and to countless injuries. Insurance companies will do their best to minimize the amount they are required to pay, even in drunk driving cases when it is clear who is at fault. Punitive damages are rarely awarded unless an attorney asks for them. If you have been injured by a driver under the influence of alcohol or have lost a loved one to a DUI car crash, contact the Atlanta Law Offices of R. Shane Smith. Call 770-HURT-999 to talk to a lawyer about your DUI injury case.

Atlanta Tow Truck driver at DUI scene also charged with DUI

A tow truck driver sent to the scene of a DUI accident was arrested and charged with DUI when troopers smelled alcohol on his breath. Drivers under the influence drive faster and are more reckless than drivers who have not been drinking. Georgia ranks 6th in the nation for alcohol-related traffic deaths. If you or a loved one were injured in a car wreck caused by a drunk driver, you have rights. You are eligible for compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages. Contact The Law Offices of R. Shane Smith to learn more.

Georgia DUI Car Accidents- Why you need an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer

Find out why you need a lawyer if you were hit by a DUI driver in Atlanta or Georgia. Ask the insurance adjuster these questions and after he ignores you call an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer, like those at our firm - Hurt 999.

Atlanta DUI victim Car Accident Case Results

     Atlanta DUI Victim Lethonia Case Results from a Car Wreck.  Lethonia was referred to our office by an attorney who did not practice personal injury or take car accident cases.  Lethonia was struck by a driver who he believed was DUI.  Even though the officer did not perform a breathalyzer we pursued this case as a DUI victim case.  We sought punitive damages in the case.
     Lethonia suffered back and neck injuries from the rearend collision.  He sought treatment at Cobb Wellstar Hospital and Accident Injury Centers of Atlanta (AICA). 

New traffic lights may prevent Atlanta pedestrian accidents

Last year, Atlanta was rated the tenth most deadly city for pedestrians; however, new pedestrian traffic lights might help make walking in Atlanta safer. The Law Offices of R. Shane Smith represent victims of pedestrian accidents in and around Atlanta. If you have been injured in an Atlanta pedestrian accident, call 770-HURT-999 for more information.

Five-year-old’s death blamed on driver error

Five-year-old Karla Campos lost her life when she was hit by an elderly driver as she stepped off her Cobb County school bus. Police blamed the pedestrian accident on driver error. Driver error is a form of negligence and a leading cause of car accidents. When an Atlanta accident is caused by negligence, the victim and the family are entitled to damages. An experience car accident lawyer like Shane Smith can help. Call 770-HURT-999 for more information.

Woodstock bicyclist killed in collision with van

Pedestrian Struck by Ambulance in Villa Rica, Georgia

     Terry Sisson was struck and killed by an ambulance on October th, 2009.  Terry was working as a sanitation worker at the time.  He had stepped out after a car stopped and was crossing the street.  An ambulance on a non-emergency call was coming down the road without lights and sirens, didn't have time to stop and struck him.  The ambulance driver was an EMT and attempted to save him until others arrived on the scene, after which time she became very emotional.  No charges were pressed and officials said that speed was not a factor in this pedestrian accident.

Property damage accidents in Georgia. Who pays when no one is at fault?

If your car is damaged in a no-fault accident, do you know what to do? Atlanta Accident Attorney Shane Smith receives many questions about how to get ones car fixed after an accident in Georgia. So, he wrote a detailed guide that explains your rights to insurance compensation to cover property damage to your vehicle and other possessions. The book covers topics such as car rental, diminished value, how to choose a body shop, and many other issues related to property damage claims. If you’d like your own copy of “Property Damage Guide for Georgia” or if you have questions, call The Law Offices of R. Shane Smith at 770-HURT-999.

Who pays for damage if your stolen car crashes in Georgia?

If you are involved in a car crash and the negligent driver is driving a stolen vehicle, who is responsible for damages? Read this blog post to learn the answer. If you have more questions or need help getting insurance compensation, call the Law Offices of R. Shane Smith at 770-HURT-999.

What should I do if I was hurt in my Atlanta Car Accident?

Call an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer at (770) 487-8999 or (770) HURT 999. Please talk to a lawyer before you sign any forms or give any recorded statments. Go get medical care if you are hurt, don't wait on the insurance adjuster to approve it.

Hit by a drunk driver in atlanta or georgia

What you should do if you were hit by a drunk driver in Atlanta or Georgia. Drunk Driver Victim cases are more complex than regular car accidents. Find a lawyer who will explain the difference and help you to get what you deserve. Call 770-HURT 999 or (770) 487-8999.

Atlanta Accident Lawyer Answers - Should my airbags have deployed during my car crash?

Car Accident Lawyer from Hurt 999 discusses when airbags should deploy?

Seat belt Replacement Needed after Car Accidents

Seat belts need to be replaced after nearly any major car accident. Read why here. Know the facts before talking to your adjuster.

Can you choose your own auto repair shop after a Georgia Car Accident?

Atlanta Car Accident Attorney answers question - Can I pick the body shop that repairs my car after a car accident in Georgia?

Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Answers question - Do I have to get my car repaired after a car accident in Georgia?

After a car accident in Georgia or Atlanta you do not have to have your car repaired, but find out why you need to get it fixed or get a real estimate.

After a car accident in Atlanta should I file on my own car insurance?

Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Shane Smith answers his clients questions about whether or not to file on their own car insurance after they are in a car wreck in Georgia.

After a Car Accident, Can I File on my own Car Insurance?

     Many times after a car accident the first person you call is your own insurance carrier to report the accident?  Or sometimes, you wait, hoping the other person's insurance company will call you about your car.  Can you file with your own insurance company?  Should you file with your own insurance company?  Another question is does it matter?
     Read our FAQ answering this question.  We tell you that under some circumstances you should file on your own, especially if you are hurt.  There are other reasons, depending on who the insurance company is that the other driver uses. 
     Also what about a deductible?  Can you get a rental if you file on your own insurance?  Find out on our site at www.shanesmithlaw.com, written by Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Shane Smith.

The insurance company wants to total my car but I want to keep it. How can I do this after my Atlanta car accident?

     If you were just in a car accident in Atlanta or Georgia and you drive an older vehicle, the insurance company may tell you that their only choice is to total the vehicle.  They may use the term total loss.  Many times, people feel it is unfair and want to keep their car.  Clients have told me that the damage is only cosmetic and their vehicle is still a good car.  What can you do?  As a lawyer with many clients who are in car accidents, I have to help with this situation many times  Find out what I tell my clients when they ask me what are their options.
     Check out my recent FAQ dealing with this issue.  It discusses your options and what to do if you to take a salvage title.  If you want to keep your car after a Georgia car wreck, check us out to find out how you can do this.  Don't take the insurance company's word.  Remember they want what is easiest for them, not what is best for you. 

Rental Car Rights in Atlanta and Georgia After a Car Accident

     Were you involved in a car accident in Atlanta or Georgia?  Are you trying to deal with an insurance company about your car wreck?  Are you worried about getting a rental vehicle after the collision?  Please check out our article on your rights regarding a rental in Georgia after a car accident.  Get free information without having to call a lawyer or attorney.  Other information about property damage claims can be found on our website.  Our articles are based on Georgia personal injury law, so some specifics may not apply if your car accident did not happen in Atlanta or Georgia.  If you are a Georgia resident or were involved in a Georgia car accident, please order our free book which talks about your rights after a Georgia car accident.  If you were injured please find our book on personal injury.
    

Diminished Value Property Damage Claims For Atlanta Car Accidents

     Diminished value is one of the main areas where people disagree with the insurance company.  Frequently the insurance adjuster will offer 200 or 300 dollars for diminished value and say that you should be happy.  Sometimes they will cite a formula and say it was approved by the Georgia Supreme Court for diminished value.  Other times they say that that amount is all they can pay.
      How can you prove diminished value?  How do you argue that there is no magic formula?  Check out my FAQ which discusses property damage claims for Georgia car accidents and even has a discussion about diminished value.  Find a link to the Georgia Insurance Commisioner's letter which says there is no magic formula. 

What is my car worth if it is totalled?

     The insurance adjuster says that your car is totaled and that this is all your car is worth.  How did they come up with this number?  What are they basing it on?  Can you argue with them?
     Find the answers to all of these questions in a short article posted here, which talks about how the adjuster comes up with their numbers.  You can check different sources and make sure that they are comparing similar vehicles to yours.  Ask the right questions and they will send you their paperwork, which you can then double check.  We recommend you spend a few minutes researching the value of your car so that you know what you are talking about when you dispute the insurance adjuster.
     The insurance adjuster expects you to be emotional after your car accident.  They also expect you not to be thinking clearly when they talk to you.  Get your facts and figures straight before talking to them.  Make sure you do not make a mistake that could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars.  Read this short article and find more out about property damage claims from car accidents in Atlanta and Georgia here.  Do your research, find free information here from Atlanta car accident lawyer R. Shane Smith.

Property Damage Basics for Georgia Car Accidents

     Car Wrecks damage not only the person but also the vehicles of those involved.  Many times, getting your car fixed after an Atlanta car accident is the first thing on your mind.  Visit us at www.shanesmithlaw.com to find out more about your rights during this time.  Many times, a car accident victim's emotions are running high and all you can think about is getting your car back.  Do you have to do a recorded statement to get your car fixed?  The short answer is no, but please check us out to find out why not.  Sometimes insurance adjuster want you to sign a quick release based on an eyeball check of the damage.  Will this cover all of the broken things on your car?  Please keep in mind that the insurance adjuster is the one writing up the estimate, every dollar he says on those estimates is pure profit for his company.  If you sign a quick release that doesn't fix all the internal damage on your car you will be out of luck.  Once you sign a release your property damage claim is over.  Please check out our information prior to settling your property damage claim from your Atlanta or Georgia car accident. 

Atlanta Car Accident Attorney Renames Firm to Help Clients - to Hurt 999

Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Shane Smith renames his firm to make it easier for his clients to reach him. His phone number, law firm name and webpage are all the same - Hurt 999