Justice and compensation
you rightfully deserve
Injury & Accident Attorney Serving Nearby Areas of Columbus & Ft Benning (formerly Ft Moore), Georgia, and Phenix City, Alabama
Although the shock of a car crash may only last a second, the physical, financial and emotional consequences of a wreck can linger for the rest of your life. You may suddenly find yourself facing debilitating injuries, mounting medical bills and time away from work that you and your family can’t afford.
If you’ve been injured in a car wreck, the experienced car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Gary Bruce can ease the burden of your recovery by fighting for your rights and seeking the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today at 706-786-4428 to discuss your case for free. We welcome clients from in and around Columbus and Ft Benning (formerly Ft Moore), Georgia as well as Phenix City, Alabama and surrounding areas. We are local, committed and results-driven.
Why Choose
the Law Offices of Gary Bruce
for Your Car Accident Case?
After a wreck, choosing the right car accident attorney may be one of the most important decisions you will make. A Columbus personal injury lawyer can determine the most effective strategy for your insurance claim and take the necessary steps to prepare a compelling case on your behalf.
We Are a Part of the Columbus Community
The Law Offices of Gary Bruce has been a trusted neighbor serving the Columbus area for more than 35 years. We have supported such community programs as:
- Baseball teams, the Humane Society, and local veterans organizations sponsorships
- Safe Kids Columbus: A child safety outreach program
- Trees Columbus: A non-profit organization for the preservation of Columbus’s trees
- Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus: Providing opportunities to learn, perform, and enjoy classical music
A Collaborative Effort Behind Every Client
When you work with the Law Offices of Gary Bruce, you won’t be working with just one attorney; you will have the collective skill, knowledge, and experience of our entire firm working on your side. We will take the time to fully understand all the details surrounding your case and develop a strategy that adapts to your specific situation.
Resources That Put Us Ahead of Others
Our attorneys are intimate with local laws and opportunities for relief, even having a comprehensive depth of local resources available to strengthen even the most complex and difficult cases. We also pride ourselves on our continuous education and training, employing up-to-date technology available in the industry. Our greatest asset may be knowing when to get the expertise necessary for cases. We have a record of success utilizing respected experts to strengthen cases for our clients.
Compassionate Legal Representation for You
We understand how frightening and complicated car accident cases can seem when you’re on your own. You do not have to take on the insurance company by yourself. We can be there for you. We know how to get things done. We are here to ease your burden and focus on your case so you can focus on healing. We will provide clear communication, constant updates, and returned phone calls when you need answers.
Helping Our Neighbors Recover What They Have Lost
Our law firm is distinguished not only by our experience and proven record of success, but by our compassion for those who have been harmed by circumstances beyond their control. We are committed to fighting for the full and fair compensation you deserve to get your life back on track.
Proven Success & Experience
Our services are confidential and client-driven. During our 30+ years serving our community on both sides of the river, we have garnered the attention and praise of past clients and our peers.
Our attorneys’ credentials include:
Proven Success & Experience
Our firm is distinguished not only by our experience and proven record of success, but by our compassion for those who have been harmed by circumstances beyond their control. We are committed to fighting for the full and fair compensation you deserve to get your life back on track.
Our attorneys’ credentials include:
Call the Law Offices of Gary Bruce today for a free case consultation.
Car Wrecks Are Usually
No Accident
Although we commonly refer to them as accidents, most car wrecks are preventable, and usually the result of careless decisions and reckless behavior. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) estimates that more than 90 percent of crashes can be directly linked to human error.
Unfortunately, even if you obey the rules of the road and do everything possible to ensure the safety of your passengers and other drivers, you may still be hit by a negligent driver. In some cases, liability is easy to determine. For example, drunk drivers are almost always at fault for crashes. However, other cases can be more complicated and difficult to prove, especially when other drivers dispute your account of events, or if an insurance company depreciates the value of your claim.
With our experienced attorneys on your side, you can trust that your rights will be protected during every step of your case. For more than 25 years, the Law Offices of Gary Bruce has served Columbus, Phenix City and many other communities throughout Southwest Georgia and Alabama. We are intimate with local laws and know how to build your most compelling case. Call the good guys today for a free consultation.
We want to get things right from the start. That is why our Columbus car accident lawyers meet with you, in person, from the beginning to be able to know your case. There is no substitute for early review and advice. The insurance company gets lawyers involved from the beginning and it is not to make things better for the injured victims.
Columbus Distracted
Driving Collisions
When you’re behind the wheel, anything that takes your eyes, hands, or mind away from the task of driving is a potentially fatal distraction. While technological advancements have improved vehicle safety, other modern conveniences, such as cell phones, have contributed to an increase in distracted driving accidents.
Some of the most common sources of distraction in a car include:
Driving requires your full attention, but familiarity breeds contempt. Since many drivers operate a vehicle throughout the day, they can be lulled into a lax level of attentiveness behind the wheel. It’s crucial to realize that any lack of focus and concentration while driving can endanger you and everyone else on the road around you.
Even though the law recognizes the dangers of using mobile devices while driving, our Columbus distracted driving lawyers know that it is still a factor considered by a jury in evaluating a case.
Drunk Driving
Accidents
Few events are more devastating than being injured or losing a loved one in a drunk or impaired driving accident. Despite exhaustive efforts to educate drivers about the dangers of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, thousands of innocent travelers are injured or killed every year by drunk drivers.
Compared to other types of automobile accidents, cases involving drunk driving can include additional considerations, including:
Punitive damages:
Compensation over and above reimbursement for the economic and non-economic costs of an accident, intended to punish and send a message to the driver and discourage repeat behavior.
Dram shop liability:
Liability held against the restaurant or bar that provided the alcohol to the driver, for continuing to serve alcohol to someone who is already intoxicated, or to minors.
Criminal conviction:
A DUI conviction can result in fines, parole and jail time, in addition to the loss of a driver’s license for a period of time.
With our Columbus drunk driving accident attorneys on your side, you can trust that your rights will be protected during every step of your case. We want to get things right from the start. That is why the Columbus car accident lawyers with the Law Offices of Gary Bruce meet with you, in person, from the beginning to know your case. There is no substitute for early review and advice. The insurance company gets lawyers involved from the beginning, and there’s no reason you shouldn’t either.
For more than 35 years, the Law Offices of Gary Bruce has served Columbus, Georgia. We are intimate with local laws and know how to build your most compelling case. Call the good guys today for a free consultation.
Damages You May Recover in a
Car Accident Claim
The physical, financial, and emotional consequences of a car accident can vary greatly from case to case. Some people walk away with minor bruises, while some people’s lives are tragically never the same. Every day, we fight aggressively for our clients who have been injured or lost a loved one because of someone’s careless or reckless actions.
We will investigate every aspect of your case and help determine all of the potentially liable parties in your wreck. Depending on the unique circumstances of your case, we may pursue compensation for:
Current and Future Medical Expenses
Lost Wages
Loss of Work Benefits
Diminished Earning Potential
Rehabilitative Costs
Pain and Suffering
Impact on Your Quality of Life Has Value
After a car accident, you may experience diminished capacity to earn and labor, fear of the extent of injury, limitations on your ability to work and do the things you enjoy. It is not all about actual pain; the alteration to your life is a large component of the damages that is often overlooked.
Compensation for Property Damage
If a crash involves property damage and bodily injury, damages for both do not need to be resolved at the same time. Our attorneys can help with your property damage claim, determining the best strategy to ensure you get the full recovery that you deserve.
Justice for the Families Who Have Lost a Loved One
When car wrecks result in death, family members may be able to obtain compensation for funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of companionship, and other costs related to medical care through a wrongful death claim. Our Columbus wrongful death attorneys understand the legal and emotional complexities of these cases and can help you face this difficult time with dignity and strength.
“There’s a good bit of evidence that needs to be preserved. Don’t be bashful about doing it.” – Gary Bruce
In the aftermath of a car wreck, you may be hurt, frightened and unsure of what to do next. You may be concerned about how to handle calls from an insurance adjuster and just what to say. The steps you take during this hectic and confusing time can have a tremendous impact on the success of your case. If you’ve been in a car wreck, remember to:
- Collect yourself and get your head together.
- Ensure the well-being of everyone in your vehicle, and that they will be okay in the short term.
- Collect the names and contact information of witnesses.
- Take pictures of the crash scene from several angles, including the position of all vehicles involved.
- Contact the police and get an incident report filed.
- Get checked out medically. The ER is always an option if you don’t have other medical choices available.
- Contact the Law Offices of Gary Bruce to discuss your situation and options with an experienced car accident attorney.
Insurance Claims
After a Car Wreck
Not every car collision needs the involvement of an auto accident attorney. If you’ve been in a minor fender-bender with no injuries and little to no damage to your car, a lawyer may not be able to offer much value. However, many accident cases require the knowledge, skill, and resources of a personal injury attorney to obtain justice and compensation for injured victims.
Insurers Are Not on Your Side
One of the most challenging aspects of car accident cases is dealing with insurance companies. Insurers are in the business of making money, not paying out settlements. These companies will do everything possible to delay, devalue, or deny your claim. Even if your claim is successful, you may not obtain the full measure of compensation you deserve by dealing with the insurance adjusters on your own.
Our Legal Team Can Assess Your Full Range of Losses
Although insurance company representatives often argue that minor property damage means you cannot be injured, we have found over the years that doctors and juries do not necessarily agree. If you are injured, don’t take the word of the adjuster; trust the experience and knowledge of a car accident lawyer to tell your story effectively.
If you’ve been in a crash, you may benefit from experienced legal counsel if your case involves any of the following circumstances:
- Medical Debt and Lost Wages: You or a loved one suffered injuries that resulted in medical bills and time away from work.
- Quick and Low Settlement Offers: The insurance company offers a settlement that seems low or is offered before you know the full extent of your injuries and losses.
- Low Vehicle Loss Settlements: Your insurance company denies the fair value for the total loss of your vehicle.
- Disputes Over Coverage: You are getting conflicting information or demands from multiple insurers, such as your car insurance company or health insurance company.
While it can occasionally seem obvious who is at fault for an accident, many cases require a meticulous examination of evidence to determine liability. Early review and preparation can help avoid issues that might arise later. Wrecks occur unexpectedly, and many drivers aren’t aware of all the factors that led to the final collision.
Honest and Upfront Legal Guidance
If you’ve been in an accident, it costs you nothing to contact our firm to discuss the merits of your case and whether you may benefit from legal representation. The decision to hire an attorney is always yours alone. We will provide you with honest, straightforward feedback. If we don’t think you need a car accident lawyer, we’ll tell you. If we believe we can offer value to your claim, we’ll tell you that, too. Our job is to talk to you about your options throughout the claims process and give you the information and advice you need to make decisions.
Successful Experience Serving Ft Benning (formerly Ft Moore)
Military Personnel and their Families
Accidents involving military personnel require special knowledge and skill. We understand the intricacies of cases that happen both on and off military bases and are proud to offer comprehensive legal services for military families. We have dealt with the army, the army hospital and the government for more than 25 years. We know from experience how best to maximize a solider or military dependent’s recovery when it involves coordination with the government. It can be a slow process, but it is necessary.
In the military community, doctors frequently move around from base to base. It’s crucial to handle cases with an eye toward preserving important medical testimony. We are adept at coordinating with Martin Army Hospital and the local medical community.
The nature of military service can make it difficult for service members to fully assert many of their legal rights. The Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act (SSCRA) offers certain protections to service members when appropriate. The act provides protections but can also complicate a recovery if it involves another soldier. Early action and knowing the issues can help get matters resolved with more efficiency and with better results. Experience in this area – and having dealt with soldiers on both sides of a case – can make a real difference in the outcome of a case.
Our experienced team of car accident lawyers will closely examine every detail of your situation to help build your most compelling case. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
What to Do After a Car Accident
“There’s a good bit of evidence that needs to be preserved. Don’t be bashful about doing it.” – Gary Bruce
In the aftermath of a car wreck, you may be hurt, frightened, and unsure of what to do next. You may be concerned about how to handle calls from an insurance adjuster and just what to say. The steps you take during this hectic and confusing time can have a tremendous impact on the success of your case. If you’ve been in a car wreck, remember to:
- Stay Calm: Collect yourself and get your head together.
- Check Your Passengers: Ensure the well-being of everyone in your vehicle, and that they will be okay in the short term.
- Call 911: Contact the Columbus Police Department and get an incident report filed.
- Collect Contact Information: Ask for the names and contact information of witnesses.
- Photograph the Accident Scene: Take pictures of the crash scene from several angles, including the position of all vehicles involved.
- Get Immediate Medical Attention: Get checked out medically. The ER at Piedmont Columbus Regional is always an option if you don’t have other medical choices available.
Then, contact the Law Offices of Gary Bruce to discuss your situation and options with our car accident attorneys in Columbus.
Columbus, Georgia, Car Accident FAQs
How do you bring a case against drivers impaired by alcohol and other substances?
Alcohol-related accidents can be easily prevented today. Georgia law prohibits drunk driving. Additionally, furnishing alcohol to a minor and providing alcohol to a person about to operate a motor vehicle is also illegal.
A drunk driver is always liable for the harm caused by their negligence. However, there may be additional liability held against the restaurant or bar that provided the alcohol to the driver, as well as the business for continuing to serve alcohol to persons who are already intoxicated, or to minors. There can also be liability for negligently allowing someone known to be a menace to operate a vehicle or have access to the wheel.
What is different about a case involving a DUI?
We recognize how devastating these alcohol-related accidents can be for the innocent victims. In order to prevent the driver from harming others in the future, the driver is often punished by the obligation to cover medical expenses and lost wages, as well as the loss of quality of life. A jury can also impose punitive damages in an amount necessary to punish the defendant for their conduct.
How much time do I have to pursue compensation for my injuries?
Typically, accident victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, the statute of limitations can vary based on the circumstances in your case. Our attorneys can advise you on that deadline, but you must reach out to us as soon as possible. Waiting too long could result in you losing the right to pursue fair compensation.
Schedule Your Free Car Accident
Consultation Today
We know that when facing unexpected medical bills and time away from work, you don’t have money to spare. It costs you nothing to discuss the merits of your case with Attorney Gary Bruce or one of our attorneys. The Law Offices of Gary Bruce offers free in-office and off-site case evaluations. Our Columbus car accident attorneys will work to make it convenient for your schedule.
Plus, we handle car accident cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means that unless we reach a victory in your case, you owe us nothing. We pick up the expenses involved and can even help with medical options when money is an issue or you do not have health insurance.
Call or complete our online form today for your free car accident consultation.
