Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage is Crucial in Car Accident Cases

People conciliating with a policeman after a car accident

Experiencing an accident in South Georgia can be a shocking and confusing ordeal. From dealing with physical injuries to the stress of legal procedures, it’s essential to know what steps to take to protect your rights and secure fair compensation. 

This blog will guide you through the actions you should take after a car accident and the importance of having allied attorneys during this process.

Immediate Steps After a car accident

1. Prioritize Your Safety and Health:

The first thing you should do after a car accident is to ensure you are out of danger. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location to avoid further collisions. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may take time to manifest.

According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, there were over 330,000 vehicle accidents in the state in 2022, highlighting the importance of road safety and timely medical attention.

2. Contact the Authorities:

Call 911 to report the car accident. The police will file an official report, which will be crucial for your insurance claims and any subsequent legal proceedings. Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report for your records.

3. Gather Information at the Scene:

Collect as much information as possible from the car accident scene. This includes:

  • Contact details of all parties involved and witnesses.
  • Photographs of damaged vehicles, injuries, and any relevant signage.
  • Notes on weather and road conditions.

4. Do Not Admit Fault:

Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of fault, whether to other drivers, witnesses, or the police. Stick to providing the necessary information.

5. Notify Your Insurer:

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to inform them of the car accident. Provide all the details you have gathered and follow their instructions to initiate the claims process.

The Importance of Legal Advice

Attorneys Castan & Lecca ready to help their clients with car accident issues

Accidents can lead to significant legal and financial complications. Having a car accident lawyer specializing in personal injury can make a difference in the outcome of your case. This is where Castan, Lecca & Boeschen come into play:

  • Experience and Local Knowledge:

    The attorneys at Castan, Lecca & Boeschen have an in-depth understanding of Georgia’s state and local laws. This is crucial for navigating the complex legal system and maximizing your compensation.
  • Representation in Negotiations:

    Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An experienced car accident lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure a fair settlement.
  • Trial Preparation:

    If your case goes to court, having a qualified attorney is essential. The attorneys at Castan, Lecca & Boeschen are prepared to litigate and protect your interests.

 

In 2022, South Georgia saw a significant increase in traffic accidents, resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the leading causes of accidents include speeding, distracted driving, and intoxication.

These statistics highlight the importance of being prepared and acting quickly after a car accident to ensure your protection and your rights.

You can also learn more about how to proceed after an car accident in our article, “How to Protect Your Rights After an Accident”, which provides a detailed guide on the legal steps to take.

Experiencing an car accident in South Georgia is challenging, but taking the right actions can help you regain control of the situation. From prioritizing your health to seeking competent legal advice, every step is crucial to ensuring superior results. Castan, Lecca & Boeschen  are here to support you with exceptional car accident lawyers and superior results, guiding you through every stage of the legal process.

Contact us for a free consultation. We are ready to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

(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
castan&lecca-ken-bio

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.