Castan y Lecca Group
Imagine coming home from work and having a car accident on one of Atlanta’s busy roads. Do you know what actions you need to take to obtain successful compensation? What should you never do in the presence of the police? What should you do make a car accident claim? The vast majority of those injured in the state of Georgia do not carry out this type of action and end up regretting it. And the stakes are high! You must learn how to prevent a car accident in Atlanta.
The aftermath of a car accident can be chaotic and it is easy to forget what to do and what not to do. Making the wrong decisions after being involved in a car accident can harm your case. An experienced auto accident attorney can even improve upon your initial expectations. Some mistakes are not solely focused on the damages, but your physical health. If you don’t want to lose your compensation, here is the advice of Castan & Lecca Lawyers.

4 things you shouldn’t do after a car accident

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Immediately after being in a car accident, injured people want to recover compensation for damages as soon as possible. But they do not take into account that there is a process to follow, negotiations to carry out, and actions to avoid. And the latter is very important because it can leave you without much of your compensation. If you are in an accident in Atlanta, here is a list of things you should never do to get your car accident claim.

Don’t underestimate your injuries

Did you get out of your car accident unscathed? Don’t go home. Many people injured in a car accident in Atlanta, as soon as they crash or suffer a minor car accident with another driver, go home without going to a doctor. As much as you think that feeling sore or disoriented is normal after a car accident, it can be the start of a serious injury down the road. An example of this is that a small sprain or contracture can lead to a much more serious injury that requires treatment, rehabilitation, or even surgery. And who will pay all those medical bills? You will have to assume them. Not requesting medical help is one of the reasons that will prevent compensation for your medical bills. Never say that you’re okay. It is normal to want to downplay your injuries. Whether it is because you are in shock or are unsure of the extent of your injuries, it is very important to seek medical help.

Most common injuries in a car accident

One of the most difficult aspects to assess in a car accident is not knowing whether an injury will heal quickly or not, as well as the treatment and medical bills that come with it. These are some of the most common auto accident injuries:
  • Head injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Herniated disc
  • Bone fracture
  • Dislocations
  • Lacerations

Deadlines

After being in a car accident, you have a set time to act. An experienced Atlanta car accident claim attorney can help you understand the Statute of Limitations in Georgia. At the Castan & Lecca Law Firm, we not only mean at this point that you must sue as soon as possible. But you must also:
  • Document your injuries to avoid putting your health at risk
  • Call a lawyer to investigate your accident
  • Give the lawyer enough time to investigate your case.
Generally, the maximum time to file for your car accident claim in Georgia is two years. We understand how difficult it can be to file a lawsuit after you are in an accident and need to recover from your injuries. However, starting your claim as soon as possible will make it easier for yourself and your lawyer.

Never talk too much or admit blame

After a car accident, you will talk to many people: the police, the other driver, witnesses, and your insurance company. You will receive many questions and maybe be pressured by some of them to admit guilt. The important thing is to stay calm, give the version of the facts, and wait to receive the police report so that a lawyer can take the correct actions. Insurance companies are your biggest enemy. They will be aware of you at all times. They will call you to try to reach an agreement. Don’t screw up your car accident claim and talk to your attorney first. Insurance companies know that you are under great stress and will give you an offer that will look very good. But it is not the compensation you deserve. Don’t talk about who was at fault or how serious your injuries were. Do not give a recorded statement. There is only one way to negotiate with adjusters and insurance companies without making a mistake: hire an attorney to communicate on your behalf. Admitting fault or part of the fault for your car accident is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. You could be losing much of the compensation you deserve for taking part in the accident. Here are some of the phrases an injured person says that can damage your claim:
  • “Sorry”
  • “I only looked down for a second” or “I was only distracted for a moment”
  • “I didn’t even see them” or “I didn’t see where they appeared”
  • “I tried to slow down, but I couldn’t.”
Castan & Lecca Lawyers can help you, but you should keep these tips in mind and make your case easier. An experienced attorney knows all the strategies that insurance companies can carry out. He will get safe guidance from exceptional attorneys who achieve superior results.

Don’t post on social media

We know that we live in a world in which we like to publish everything that we do or that happens to us. But in this case, using social media after a car accident can be a risk to the success of your case. Insurance companies will be like sharks. They will be aware of everything you do to have proof that you are not injured and weaken your case Adjusters will look for updates and photos that contradict that you are dealing with a serious injury. Be especially careful and stay away from social media at least until your case is resolved.

Castan & Lecca: expert car accident claim attorneys

Were you injured in a car accident? Don’t know what steps or actions to follow to win your case? The attorneys at Castan & Lecca are highly experienced in car accident cases. You deserve compensation for your injuries and we can help you get it. Contact us to start discussing your case. Your first consultation is free here. Take the first step and successfully start your car accident case!
(864)761-4141

Dustin Thompson

Attorney

Dustin Thompson was raised in rural Camilla, Georgia. Dustin graduated from Georgia Southern University majoring in political science and history. After graduation, Dustin obtained a law degree from Georgia State University College of Law in Atlanta. Before becoming a lawyer, Dustin worked a variety of jobs from a watermelon farm in Mitchell County to a policy think tank in Washington D.C. Dustin has practiced law almost exclusively in the workers’ compensation arena since 2014. For nearly a decade, he worked for a large defense firm in Georgia representing employers and insurers and gaining the invaluable experience and knowledge of how insurers defend claims. In 2023, Dustin joined the firm to use his expertise and litigation skills to help individuals who have been injured as a result of work accidents and third-party negligence.  Dustin has been repeatedly recognized by Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” in the practice of workers’ compensation. Outside of work, Dustin enjoys traveling, hunting, and attending sporting events. He and his family are active in Buckhead Church.

MICHAEL BOESCHEN

Attorney

Michael Boeschen (Mike) was born in Wichita, KS and raised in Chattanooga, TN. Mike graduated from The McCallie School and went on to study history, Spanish, and Latin American Studies at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. After graduation, he went on to pursue a law degree from the University Of Georgia School Of Law. During law school, Mike participated in the Legal Aid Clinic, assisting in the defense of indigent criminal defendants. Mike has been licensed to practice law in Georgia since 2002 and his main practice area consists of representing injured workers as they navigate through the Georgia workers’ compensation system. Mike is also fluent in Spanish. In his spare time Mike enjoys following soccer, cooking, and spending time with his wife and two young daughters. Mike and his family are parishioners of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sandy Springs, GA

CHRISTIAN PECONE

Attorney

ED DENKER

Attorney

Edward Denker was born in Philadelphia, PA but has made Georgia his home since 1999. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. He then earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia. Edward spent his first years in practice representing clients in personal injury and wrongful death claims. He then spent more than a decade honing his litigation skills representing employers and insurers in workers’ compensation claims, where he gained immense experience and knowledge of how insurers defend those claims. In 2017, Edward returned to his passion of representing people who have been injured at work or through the negligence of others. When he isn’t working, Edward enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children. He is also an avid sports fan, and enjoys cooking and travel

ILIANA DOBREV

Attorney

Iliana Dobrev was born in Bulgaria. After high school, she immigrated to the United States to study law. She graduated magna cum laude from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s in political science concentrating on pre-law and minoring in Spanish. In 2015, she graduated from Georgia State University College of Law. While in law school, Iliana completed a Graduate Research Assistantship in Labor and Employment Law and Employment Discrimination and two externships in Immigration Law. As an immigrant herself, Iliana is passionate about advocating for and defending immigrants. She is delighted to help families stay together and pursue the American dream. Iliana is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and worked in both a fellowship and a firm specializing in immigration law. Iliana is fluent in Bulgarian and Spanish
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KEN THAXTON

Attorney

Ken Thaxton was born and raised in Roberta, GA. When Ken was a child, his father started a trucking business, which Ken ultimately spent over ten years working with through his late teens and twenties. Ken graduated from Houston County High School in Warner Robins, GA in 2001 with a 4.0 GPA. He then studied Business and Information Technology at Macon State College, ultimately graduating with a 4.0 GPA in 2004. After graduation, Ken continued to work with his father’s trucking company, and in late 2005, Ken and his father started an aircraft charter company, Southern Jet, Inc., under Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Ken served as President of Southern Jet from 2006 until 2010, when he and his father sold the company. Ken is a Commercially Licensed Instrument, Multi-Engine Pilot. While serving as President of Southern Jet, Ken started Law School at the University of Georgia School of Law in 2009. Ken focused primarily on business and civil law, including Workers’ Compensation, while at UGA. He graduated Cum Laude and in the top 25% of his class from UGA Law in 2012. Ken is a licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia, and he is also a licensed neutral (mediator) in the State of Georgia. Ken represents small businesses in transactional matters and business conflicts, and he also represents injured workers and Plaintiffs injured in cases of negligence. During his spare time, Ken enjoys swimming, cycling, sporting clays, and fishing. He also does charity work with a national scholarship fund
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ALEXANDER LECCA

Attorney

Alexander Lecca (Alex) was born in Miami, Florida to immigrant parents from Cuba and Peru. Alex graduated from Coral Gables High School, where he was a recipient of the Elsa Glazer Award (given to students who graduate with a 3.5 GPA and above). He went on to study marketing at the University of Miami School of Business Administration. At the University of Miami he was also a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. After graduation, he went on to pursue a law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. In law school, Alex received several book awards and graduated Cum Laude. During law school Alex clerked for the Honorable Beth Bloom, had an internship with the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s office, and clerked for a prestigious litigation law firm. Alex is licensed to practice law in both Georgia and Florida and handles workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. He is also a registered mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. Alex is also fluent in Spanish. During his spare time, Alex enjoys outdoor activities with his wife and four children. He also helps coach his children’s baseball, football, basketball, and soccer teams. Alex and his family are parishioners of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

DANIEL CASTAN 

Attorney

Dan Castan is a senior partner at Castan and Lecca, PC in Buckhead and represents injured workers before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation and plaintiffs in State and Superior Courts of Georgia for injuries suffered in accidents. Dan litigated one of the seminal claims securing the rights of undocumented workers to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits in the state of Georgia when injured in the case of Wet Walls, Inc. vs. Ledesma. Dan has successfully fought and settled multi million dollar cases. He was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey to immigrant parents from Cuba. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College and received his Juris Doctor from The Washington College of Law at The American University in Washington D.C.  Dan was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November, 1993.  He is an active member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Atlanta Bar Association and the Workers’ Compensation Section of the State Bar of Georgia. Dan is a founding member and Director of the Latino Victory Fund Georgia and serves on the Board of The Latin American Association. Dan has been dedicated to getting Latinos elected to local, state and Federal offices in Georgia. He has been a Big Brother through Big Brothers and Sisters of Metro Atlanta and a mentor through The Latin American Association’s mentor/mentee program. Dan is married with two children.