Duluth Personal Injury Lawyers Who Fight To Win
Injured in an Accident? Gary Martin Hays has your back.
Are you dealing with an injury sustained in an accident in Duluth, Georgia? Did someone's negligence cause the incident? Don't let them or their insurance companies give you the runaround. If someone caused your accident, they should pay for it. That's why we want to meet with you.
See inside our Duluth personal injury law firm office
Take a virtual tour of the Duluth office of Personal Injury Lawyer Gary Martin Hays & Associates.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates fight for the rights of injury victims in Duluth and other surrounding communities. We know how the legal system works in Gwinnett County. We know what evidence to look for. And our Duluth personal injury attorneys will not rest until we achieve justice for you.
“I would definitely recommend using Gary Martin Hays and his team for your injury claim!”
– Sabrina Edmunds
Aggregate Rating: 4.9/5 stars from 694 reviews
Your case is about more than just money. It's about accountability. Actions have consequences. And the person or company responsible for your accident should be held responsible, plain and simple. That's why we want to meet with you and find out how our legal team can help you get your life back on track.
Cases we handle in Duluth
Personal injury cases cover a wide range. As accident attorneys in Duluth, we tackle a wide variety of cases throughout Gwinnett County. Some of the most common cases we handle include:
Negligence affects the victim's quality of life and peace of mind. The stress of an accident can extend to friends and family, especially in the case of a fatal accident. Wrongful death is the worst-case scenario for accidents and incidents in Duluth and surrounding areas.
Whatever type of personal injury accident you're dealing with in Duluth, we're here to help you. No one should feel like they're alone or without options.
FAQs About Personal Injury Claims in Duluth, GA
Find answers to common questions about personal injury claims in Duluth, Georgia, and how to navigate your legal options. Click on the following questions to learn more:
- What should I do immediately after a personal injury accident in Duluth?
- Who is responsible for paying my medical bills and other expenses after an accident in Duluth?
- How do I know if I have a valid personal injury claim?
- How can a lawyer help if I was injured in a truck accident in Duluth?
- How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia?
- What compensation can I seek in a Duluth personal injury claim?
- Will my case go to court, or can it be settled out of court?
- What should I do if I was injured in a work accident in Duluth?
- What if my loved one passed away due to another person’s negligence in Duluth?
- How is fault determined in personal injury cases in Duluth, Georgia?
- Can I still receive compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
- What are the risks of handling a personal injury claim on my own?
- Who is liable if I was injured due to negligent security in Duluth?
- How do personal injury lawyers in Duluth charge for their services?
- How can I start a personal injury claim in Duluth, Georgia?
- How can a personal injury lawyer help if I’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence?
What should I do immediately after a personal injury accident in Duluth?
The immediate steps you take after a personal injury accident can significantly impact your health, safety, and any potential legal claim. Following these steps will help preserve evidence and ensure your rights are protected:
- Seek Medical Attention: Get checked by a medical professional, even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may take time to appear.
- Report the Accident: Notify local authorities or property management (if applicable) and obtain an official accident report.
- Document the Scene: Take photographs or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any potential causes of the accident (such as hazardous conditions).
- Gather Witness Information: Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses who can provide statements about what happened.
- Keep Records: Preserve medical records, bills, and any accident-related documents.
Taking these steps can help create a strong foundation for your claim, but knowing what to document and how can be complex. Consulting a lawyer ensures nothing is overlooked and your rights are safeguarded.
Who is responsible for paying my medical bills and other expenses after an accident in Duluth?
Understanding liability for your expenses after an accident can be challenging, especially when multiple parties are involved. Generally, the person or entity at fault should cover these costs. Here are some common sources of compensation:
- At-Fault Party’s Insurance: The at-fault individual’s or company’s insurance may cover your medical expenses and related costs.
- Your Own Insurance: Depending on your policy, your own insurance may cover some expenses initially, especially in cases involving car accidents.
- Health Insurance: In some cases, your health insurance can pay for medical expenses up front, with reimbursement potentially occurring later.
- Workers’ Compensation: If the injury happened while on the job, workers’ compensation could cover medical bills and some lost wages.
Since each case varies, determining who pays often requires a close look at insurance policies, liability laws, and specific circumstances. An attorney can help you navigate these issues and work to recover the full compensation you’re entitled to.
How do I know if I have a valid personal injury claim?
Determining whether you have a valid personal injury claim requires analyzing specific factors to confirm that negligence played a role in your injury. Consider the following criteria:
- Duty of Care: The other party must have owed you a duty of care. For example, drivers owe others on the road a duty to drive safely.
- Breach of Duty: You must show that the responsible party failed to uphold their duty of care — by driving recklessly or ignoring safety regulations, for example.
- Causation: There must be a clear link between the breach of duty and your injury. In other words, you wouldn’t have been hurt if the other party had acted responsibly.
- Damages: To have a claim, you must have suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Reviewing these elements with an experienced personal injury lawyer can provide clarity and help confirm whether you have a viable case worth pursuing.
How can a lawyer help if I was injured in a truck accident in Duluth?
Truck accident cases are often complex due to the involvement of multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and potentially other third parties. An attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine liability while handling negotiations with insurers. This support can be crucial for recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia?
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, is strictly enforced, and missing it can prevent you from recovering compensation. Consulting with a lawyer as soon as possible helps ensure that you don’t miss critical deadlines.
What compensation can I seek in a Duluth personal injury claim?
If you’re injured in an accident due to someone else's negligence, you may be eligible to recover a variety of damages. Here are some of the main types of compensation often sought in personal injury claims:
- Medical Expenses: This includes current and future medical bills, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income if you’re unable to work due to your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured because of the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed.
Understanding the full extent of your claim can be challenging, and consulting a personal injury lawyer helps ensure you pursue all appropriate avenues for compensation.
Will my case go to court, or can it be settled out of court?
Most personal injury cases are resolved through settlements outside of court, which can be faster and less stressful for everyone involved. However, if the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, going to court may be necessary to pursue full compensation. Your lawyer will help guide this process and advise on the best path forward for your case.
What should I do if I was injured in a work accident in Duluth?
If you’re hurt on the job, it’s essential to act quickly to protect your rights. First, report the injury to your employer immediately, as Georgia law requires timely notification. Seek medical care, document your injuries, and consult a personal injury attorney to discuss potential workers’ compensation benefits or additional claims if a third party was responsible.
What if my loved one passed away due to another person’s negligence in Duluth?
If someone else’s negligence led to your loved one’s death, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation. Georgia law allows certain family members to pursue these claims to cover expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options and move forward during this difficult time.
How is fault determined in personal injury cases in Duluth, Georgia?
Establishing fault is crucial in personal injury cases, as it impacts the amount of compensation you may receive. Georgia follows a comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation can be affected if you are found partially at fault. The following factors often come into play:
- Police Reports: Official accident reports often document fault based on observations and evidence collected at the scene.
- Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts can support or refute claims of negligence, providing a third-party perspective on the events.
- Evidence From the Scene: Photos, videos, and physical evidence help accurately reconstruct the accident and assign fault.
- Expert Testimony: In some cases, experts may be brought in to analyze the accident and provide insights into fault determination.
Navigating fault can be complex, especially with shared fault scenarios. A lawyer can clarify liability issues, helping you maximize your compensation even if partial fault is a factor.
Can I still receive compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Georgia’s comparative negligence rule allows you to recover compensation if you were less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, making it essential to establish the facts accurately. A lawyer can work to minimize your degree of fault and maximize your potential recovery.
What are the risks of handling a personal injury claim on my own?
Handling a personal injury claim without legal assistance can create significant challenges. Here’s why going it alone may not be the best choice:
- Dealing With Insurance Companies: Insurers often look to minimize payouts, which can lead to lower settlements if you lack negotiation experience.
- Proving Liability: Gathering evidence and establishing fault can be complex, especially if multiple parties are involved.
- Calculating Fair Compensation: Without understanding the types of damages you can pursue, you may accept a lower settlement than you deserve.
- Meeting Legal Deadlines: Filing deadlines and other legal requirements must be met, and missing these can jeopardize your claim.
Working with a lawyer helps protect your rights and ensures you’re not leaving any potential compensation unclaimed.
Who is liable if I was injured due to negligent security in Duluth?
When an injury occurs due to inadequate security — such as poor lighting, lack of surveillance, or insufficient security personnel — the property owner may be liable. Property owners are responsible for providing a safe environment and can be held accountable if their negligence contributed to your injury. A lawyer can help identify liable parties and pursue compensation for your losses.
How do personal injury lawyers in Duluth charge for their services?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. This arrangement makes legal help accessible without upfront costs, as fees are a percentage of your final settlement or verdict. This setup can provide peace of mind, knowing your lawyer is motivated to secure the best possible outcome.
How can I start a personal injury claim in Duluth, Georgia?
To start a personal injury claim, you should consult with a Duluth personal injury lawyer who can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and outline the potential next steps. Gathering evidence, documenting medical care, and filing paperwork are critical early steps. A lawyer can streamline the process, ensuring you avoid common pitfalls and pursue maximum compensation.
How can a personal injury lawyer help if I’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence?
A skilled personal injury lawyer can be instrumental in protecting your rights, handling negotiations, and securing the compensation you need. Here’s how a lawyer can assist:
- Case Evaluation: They will assess your case and determine if you have a valid claim worth pursuing.
- Gathering Evidence: An attorney will help collect, organize, and preserve essential evidence to build a strong case.
- Negotiating With Insurers: Lawyers know how to handle insurance companies and can negotiate on your behalf to seek a fair settlement.
- Pursuing Full Compensation: They ensure all damages are accounted for, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Representing You in Court: If needed, your lawyer can represent you in court, fighting for your rights every step of the way.
Having a legal advocate means you’re not facing the legal process alone, which can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your claim.
Our Duluth office
Our law firm's main office is located in Duluth, Georgia. Gary Martin Hays hired an architectural firm to design the office building to his strict specifications.
The result: a massive 20,000-square-foot building equipped with the latest state-of-the-art equipment and high-tech programs to better serve our clients.
In the center of the office is a large courtroom with a full judge's bench, a jury box that seats 12 people, and TV systems for presentation of exhibits and evidence. This allows us to hold mock trials and jury focus groups to better prepare for trial.
Our cutting-edge software is designed to help us keep track of a client's case, medical treatment, and legal deadlines with just the click of a mouse.
To Us, You Are Not Just a File
We know what you and your family are going through. We truly care about you as a person — above and beyond the legal aspects of your claim.
This is why so many of our clients refer our firm to their family or friends who have been hurt in an accident or injured at work. They know we'll take care of them.
After an accident, victims are prone to feeling alone, isolated, and helpless. This isn't the case with our legal team on your side. With experience and a proven track record behind us, we want you to feel supported throughout the legal process.
Don't face the insurance companies alone. Have someone on your side. You need to fight for the compensation you're entitled to after what you've been through. We can help you.
Best Car Accident Attorneys in Norcross
The Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates has been listed by Expertise as one of the best car accident attorneys in Norcross, Georgia. Expertise’s professionals personally identify the best local experts in a wide range of fields based on a rigorous review process that analyzes companies based on five, distinct categories: Availability, Qualification, Reputation, Experience, and Professionalism. Based on such criteria, Expertise’s experts selected our law firm as a best local expert for 2021.
Get Help From the Lawyer Who Wrote the Books on Personal Injury and Workers’ Comp
Attorney Gary Martin Hays brings over 35 years of experience and has authored several essential resources for those navigating personal injury and workers’ compensation cases in Georgia. The Authority on Personal Injury Claims and The Authority on Workers’ Compensation Claims offer straightforward insights into your legal rights, cutting through complicated legal terms and procedures. Download a free digital copy for clear answers, and reach out to discuss the specifics of your case. With a deep understanding of Georgia law and dedication to injury victims, Gary and his team are here to guide you.
Contact Our Duluth Personal Injury Lawyers Today
Get in touch with us today for your free case consultation. We can meet with you in our Duluth office to go over your legal options and determine the best course of action.
And if you can't come to us, we can come to you — in your home, your hospital room, or another convenient location.
And don't worry about the cost. To alleviate stress, we don't charge a penny unless we win. We give you our "Zero Fee" guarantee.
There's no obligation on the other end of the line and no need to dig out a checkbook. Contact us today.
Directions
From the North
Head south on I-85 South.
Take exit 107 toward GA-316 East.
Turn left onto Boggs Rd NW.
Turn right onto Breckinridge Boulevard.
Turn left.
Our office is on the left.
From the South
Head north on I-85 North.
Take exit 104 for Pleasant Hill Road.
Use the 2nd from the right lane to keep right at the fork, follow signs for Georgia State Patrol Post, and merge onto Pleasant Hill Road.
Use the left lane to merge onto Pleasant Hill Road.
Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Breckinridge Boulevard.
Turn right
Our office is on the left.
From the East
Take Georgia Route 316 West.
Keep right to continue toward Pleasant Hill Road.
Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Pleasant Hill Rd (signs for Georgia State Patrol Post).
Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Breckinridge Boulevard.
Turn right.
Our office is on the left.
From the West
Take Georgia Route 378 East.
Merge onto I-85 North.
Use the right lane to take exit 104 for Pleasant Hill Road.
Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Georgia State Patrol Post, and merge onto Pleasant Hill Road.
Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Breckinridge Boulevard.
Turn right.
Our office is on the left.
Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C.
3098 Breckinridge Blvd
Duluth, Georgia, 30096
Ph: 470-294-1664