Car Accident Lawyers

In Georgia, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). In South Carolina, the deadline is 3 years (S.C. Code § 15-3-530). Missing this deadline almost certainly means losing your right to compensation entirely. We strongly recommend consulting with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Georgia uses a modified comparative fault rule — you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33). South Carolina's threshold is 51%. In both states, your compensation is reduced proportionally to your share of fault. For example, if you are 30% at fault on a $100,000 claim, you would recover $70,000. Our attorneys work to minimize any fault percentage assigned to you.

The value of a car accident case depends on several factors: the severity of your injuries, total medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, property damage, and the impact on your quality of life. Our firm has recovered settlements and verdicts ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. We provide a free case evaluation to assess the potential value of your specific claim.

We strongly advise against giving a recorded statement to the at-fault driver's insurance company without legal representation. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that can be used to minimize or deny your claim. Anything you say can be taken out of context. Let our attorneys handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf.

While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, studies consistently show that accident victims who hire lawyers recover significantly more compensation than those who negotiate on their own. Insurance companies often make lowball initial offers hoping you will accept before understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages. An experienced attorney levels the playing field.

At Roden Law, we work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront and no legal fees unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery we obtain for you. This means there is zero financial risk to you. We also provide free initial consultations to evaluate your case.

First, call 911 and seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Document the scene with photos and video. Exchange information with the other driver(s). Get contact information from witnesses. File a police report. Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene. Then contact an experienced car accident attorney before speaking with any insurance company.

Most car accident cases settle within 6 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the case, severity of injuries, and whether liability is disputed. Cases involving serious injuries or multiple parties may take longer. We do not rush settlements — we wait until you have reached maximum medical improvement to ensure we pursue the full value of your claim.

Georgia requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident (O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11). South Carolina requires $25,000 / $50,000 / $25,000 (S.C. Code § 38-77-140). If the at-fault driver lacks adequate coverage, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy. Our attorneys can help you navigate these coverage options.

Yes, as long as you are within the statute of limitations (2 years in Georgia, 3 years in South Carolina). However, evidence can deteriorate over time — surveillance footage gets overwritten, witnesses' memories fade, and physical evidence at the scene may be lost. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.