Atlanta Car Accident Attorney

Motor Vehicle Accident FAQ

How long does it usually take to get money from a settlement?
The answer depends on several things. Many cases settle shortly after our clients finish with medical care. Other cases, such as catastrophic injury cases, settle once the full extent of permanent or long-term injuries is known and full medical and economic reports are obtained.

When it is time for our office to begin negotiations with the insurance company we will discuss the value of your case with you and prepare a settlement demand package. Our office will keep you informed of our settlement negotiations. We never settle a case without our client's full authority and permission.

What are punitive damages?
Punitive damages are damages added on to a compensatory damages award or settlement to punish and deter drivers who have engaged in severe misconduct, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or dangerous drugs.

Should I sue?
Not every case does [or should] result in a lawsuit. Most cases, if properly prepared, will settle before a lawsuit becomes necessary. Our office may recommend the filing of a lawsuit in an automobile injury case if the insurance company is not offering a fair amount to settle your case after negotiations begin, or if the at-fault driver or his/her insurance company will not own-up to being at fault for the accident.

Insurance Companies keep track of which law firms file lawsuits and which do not. Millar & Mixon regularly files lawsuits and takes cases to Court.

What compensation am I entitled to for my injuries?
You are entitled to recover all of your past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, and other damages directly relating to your injury. You are also entitled to recover money to compensate you for your past, present and future pain and suffering. This includes payment for, if proven, a diminished quality of life.

How is negligence proven?
Quite often there is no argument as to who is at-fault in a car accident. When there is a dispute about who, or what, caused a car or truck accident, Millar & Mixon will investigate the scene, take measurements, and, quite often, hire a highly qualified investigator and/or accident reconstruction expert to help us determine the truth. If we are unable to reach agreement with the at-fault party or the insurer, a lawsuit may be filed and a Judge and Jury may help us determine who was at-fault.

What are compensatory damages?
Compensatory damages are usually awarded as payment for past, present and/or future pain and suffering. Insurance companies often make ridiculous arguments to try to reduce the amount they are willing to offer for your pain and suffering. Millar & Mixon makes every effort to level the playing-field. We conduct extensive jury verdict and settlement research to assist us in determining what is a fair amount for you to receive, and we remain prepared to file a lawsuit to help you get a fair settlement or verdict.

I was hurt in a car wreck a week ago and the other driver's insurance company offered to write me a check. Should I accept it?
Each case is different. The safest course of action is to provide the facts of your case to an attorney for a professional opinion. We do not charge any fee for a consultation. If you accept a settlement check from an insurance company, you may be waiving your right to recover any additional compensation in the future. It is always best to fully understand what you are signing and what may happen if you accept that check.

Should I release my medical records to the insurance adjuster?
Often insurance adjusters will ask an injury victim to sign a medical records release. This seems innocent enough, as you will have to prove to the insurance company that you were injured. However, we believe it is important that you consult with an attorney before signing a medical records release for an insurance company or adjuster. The first priority of an insurance adjuster may be to attempt to fairly [or unfairly] use your medical records or past medical history against you.

What if I can't afford a lawyer?
Almost always, Millar & Mixon personal injury attorneys will work with you on a contingency fee basis. This means that we will not charge you an up front fee, but will charge you a percentage of the amount you recover when you receive your settlement or verdict.

Can't any lawyer handle any kind of case?
This is true, just like any kind of doctor can perform surgery. Most people choose their doctor based on the doctor's experience with the type of medical problem they are suffering from. We believe you should choose your lawyer as carefully as you choose your doctor. As you can see from this website, at Millar & Mixon we focus on negligence cases, including mainly car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. We also handle premises liability matters, including negligent premises security, slip and fall, animal bites and dangerous conditions such as defective or falling walls, ceilings, staircases, and sometimes entire buildings. Our philosophy is to be the very best in a few limited areas of the law.

Contingent Fees:

We do not charge any up-front fees to represent you in a car accident case. Millar & Mixon represent our clients on a contingency fee basis. This means that our fee is paid based upon a percentage of the money recovered for you. Our consultations are free. If we do not recover any money for you, you are not charged for any of the professional time spent on your case. Contingency fees can vary slightly, but are typically one-third of the amount recovered.

Frequently Asked Questions about car accidents:

What if the car accident was caused by the other driver?
If the accident was another driver’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation.

What if I was a passenger or my children, spouse, friend, or co-worker were hurt?
Passengers are often injured in car accidents. In many cases passengers have the same right to recover from the at-fault driver as the driver does.

What if there is a dispute about who caused the accident?
The law requires you to prove that another person caused the accident in which you were injured. We understand car accidents. We thoroughly investigate and use experts to assess fault. We will fight to help you win your case.

How will an insurance company evaluate my case?
Most likely, the insurance company for the person who caused the accident will try to offer you less than full compensation. Hiring our law firm can level the playing field. We have the expertise needed to protect your rights in receiving full compensation.

What if the other driver does not have insurance?
Uninsured motorist coverage may protect you. The rules involving uninsured motorist coverage are complex. An insurance company is unlikely to thoroughly explain those rules or offer you all of the compensation you may be legally due. We understand uninsured motorist coverage and can make sure you are fairly compensated.

What if the other driver does not have "enough" insurance?
Under-insured motorist coverage may be available. Whether you are entitled to under-insured motorist benefits depends on a careful evaluation of your own insurance policy and the policy or policies of the other drivers involved and a thorough knowledge of how uninsured and under-insured insurance law operates.

Who will pay my medical expenses?
The cost of medical treatment can cause stress, anxiety, and financial hardship. The insurer for the other driver cannot be counted on to pay your medical expenses as they arise. Although our firm cannot pay your bills, we can assist you in identifying all potential sources of payment while your claim is pending. Payment sources may include your own medical insurance policy, medical payments coverage under an automobile insurance policy, medicare and medicade, and other potential sources. When your claim has concluded, we will assist you in negotiating the amount of medical bills to be reimbursed to insurance companies and medical treatment providers.

Act Fast to Protect your Legal Rights:
If you have been injured in a car accident, delay in obtaining legal representation may be a costly mistake, even if that delay is only a few days. It is important that your claim be promptly investigated and your injuries properly established with the insurance company as soon as possible. An investigation into what caused the accident or the severity and extent of your injuries may be harmed by any delay in obtaining legal counsel. Insurance companies want you to delay or to handle your injury without legal help. Insurance companies hope that critical evidence will disappear or that they can blame your injuries on a cause unrelated to your accident. Contact us or another law firm as soon as possible.

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