FREE CASE REVIEW 24/7
404-890-7179
FREE CASE REVIEW 24/7
404-890-7179
When you’re hurt and facing mounting bills, you need straight answers – not legal jargon. At Wink Law, we believe in clear communication and honest guidance. These are the injury claim questions Atlanta residents ask us most, answered the way we’d explain them to a friend or family member.
Your health comes first – always. Get medical attention even if you feel “fine.” Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding don’t show symptoms immediately.
After ensuring everyone’s safety, document everything you can. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries. Get contact information from witnesses. When the police arrive, be honest but stick to facts – avoid saying “I’m sorry” or admitting fault, even if you’re just being polite.
Most importantly, don’t give a recorded statement to any insurance company before talking to us. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and even innocent comments can hurt your claim. Call Wink at 404-890-7179 for free guidance on protecting your rights from day one.
Georgia law generally gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. But here’s what many Atlanta injury attorneys won’t tell you: waiting can seriously hurt your case.
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget details. Security footage gets deleted. The insurance company assumes you’re not serious about your claim. That’s why we recommend calling within days, not months, of your accident.
There are exceptions that can shorten or extend this deadline. Claims against government entities (like MARTA accidents or injuries on city property) require notice within 6-12 months. Injuries to minors have different rules. Don’t guess with deadlines – one missed date can destroy your entire case.
Every case is unique, but Georgia law allows recovery for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the concrete costs: medical bills (past and future), lost wages, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses. We work with medical experts to calculate future treatment needs, ensuring you’re not left paying for someone else’s negligence years down the road.
Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, and life disruption. While insurance companies use computer formulas to lowball these damages, we know your pain isn’t a mathematical equation. We fight for compensation that reflects how this injury has truly impacted your life – from sleepless nights to missed family moments.
John Winkenwerder’s experience on the defense side gives us insight into how insurance companies value cases. We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery, like the $500,000 settlement we secured in a recent motor vehicle collision.
Most Atlanta injury claims settle without trial – about 95% industry-wide. But here’s the key: insurance companies pay more when they know you’re ready for court. That’s the Wink Law difference. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, gathering evidence, deposing witnesses, and building arguments that make insurers nervous.
Our willingness to fight changes the game. Insurance lawyers know John’s track record. They know we don’t just threaten litigation – we follow through. This reputation often leads to better settlement offers without the time and stress of trial.
If trial becomes necessary, you’ll be ready. We’ll prepare you thoroughly, explain every step, and stand beside you in court. No surprises, no confusion – just strong advocacy when it matters most.
Nothing upfront. Wink Law works on contingency, meaning we only get paid if you win. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery – typically a certain percentage for settlements and a slightly higher percentage if we go to trial. No hidden costs, no hourly bills, no financial risk to you.
This arrangement aligns our interests with yours. We’re motivated to maximize your recovery because our success depends on yours. Unlike some firms that pressure quick settlements to get paid, we’re invested in getting you every dollar you deserve.
Compare this to paying hourly rates of $300-500 that some firms charge. A complex case could cost you $50,000+ with no guarantee of recovery. Our contingency model means skilled legal representation is accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford massive retainers.
Yes – Georgia follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. As long as you’re less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault for a $100,000 claim, you’d receive $80,000.
Insurance companies exploit this rule, trying to shift blame to reduce payouts. They’ll claim you were speeding, distracted, or could have avoided the accident. That’s where having a former defense attorney helps. John knows their tactics and how to counter them.
We investigate thoroughly, often uncovering evidence that shifts fault away from you. Surveillance footage, witness statements, accident reconstruction – we use every tool to minimize your fault percentage and maximize your recovery.
Driving without insurance is illegal in Georgia, but it happens more than you’d think. Around 12% of Georgia drivers are uninsured. If you’re hit by one, you still have options.
First, we check your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This protection covers you when the at-fault driver can’t. Many Georgians don’t realize they can stack UM coverage across multiple vehicles for higher limits. We’ll review all your policies to maximize available coverage.
We also investigate other potential sources of recovery. Was the driver working? Their employer might be liable. Borrowed car? The owner’s insurance could apply. Bar overserved them? Dram shop laws might apply. We leave no stone unturned in finding compensation sources others miss.
Your health insurance should cover medical treatment, but they’ll want reimbursement from your injury settlement. This is called subrogation. While legal, it’s often negotiable. We regularly reduce these liens, putting more money in your pocket.
If you don’t have health insurance, don’t let that stop you from getting treatment. We work with medical providers who treat on a lien basis – meaning they wait for payment until your case settles. You get the care you need without upfront costs.
Medicare and Medicaid have special rules with mandatory reimbursement and specific procedures. Mistakes here can delay your settlement for months. We handle all lien negotiations, ensuring compliance while maximizing your net recovery.
Experience on both sides. John Winkenwerder spent years defending Fortune 500 companies, learning exactly how insurance companies evaluate and defend claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to beat them at their own game.
We’re not a billboard firm with dozens of attorneys you’ll never meet. When you call Wink Law, you work directly with people whom John manages and keeps a close eye on. You get strategic support from a team led by an award-winning attorney recognized as a Georgia Rising Star by Super Lawyers four consecutive years.
Most importantly, we actually care. We know you’re going through one of the hardest times in your life. That’s why we handle the legal battle while you focus on healing. Clear communication, honest advice, and relentless advocacy – that’s the Wink Law promise.
Strong cases are built on solid evidence. Start with the accident report – but know these often contain errors. We’ll review it carefully and correct any mistakes that could hurt your claim.
Medical records are crucial. Follow all treatment recommendations and attend every appointment. Gaps in treatment give insurance companies ammunition to claim you’re not really hurt. Keep a pain journal documenting daily struggles – it’s powerful evidence of non-economic damages.
Don’t forget economic proof: pay stubs showing lost wages, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, and documentation of any life changes. Did you miss your child’s recital? Cancel a vacation? These details paint the full picture of your damages.
You have the right to represent yourself, but consider this: insurance companies have teams of lawyers protecting their interests. They know you’re unfamiliar with claim values, legal deadlines, and negotiation tactics. Studies show represented clients receive 3.5 times more compensation on average – even after attorney fees.
Beyond the money, there’s the stress factor. While recovering from injuries, do you want to battle with adjusters, gather medical records, and decode legal documents? We handle all of that, letting you focus on healing.
The biggest risk? Not knowing what you don’t know. One wrong statement, missed deadline, or accepted offer could cost you thousands. Our free consultation lets you understand your options with no obligation. Knowledge is power – get it before making decisions you can’t undo.
Never accept the first offer. Insurance companies expect negotiation and intentionally start low. Early offers rarely account for future medical needs or the full extent of your pain and suffering.
Before accepting any settlement, you need to know the full scope of your injuries. Have you reached maximum medical improvement? What future treatment will you need? Are there permanent limitations? Settling too early leaves you paying for future care yourself.
We evaluate offers based on similar case results, jury verdicts in your venue, and the strength of liability evidence. If an offer is fair, we’ll tell you. If it’s not, we’ll fight for more. Either way, the decision is always yours – we just ensure it’s an informed one.
The gig economy has complicated Atlanta’s accident landscape. Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and other platforms have specific insurance policies that vary based on the driver’s status. Was the app on? Were they carrying a passenger or food? Each scenario has different coverage.
These companies have massive legal teams and complex insurance structures designed to minimize payouts. They’ll try to classify drivers as independent contractors to avoid liability. We know how to navigate these corporate structures and access the million-dollar policies they carry.
Food delivery accidents are particularly complex, with questions about personal versus commercial use. We stay current on evolving case law and know which arguments win in Georgia courts. Don’t let corporate lawyers intimidate you – we level the playing field.
Laws change. Court decisions reshape how cases are valued. Insurance tactics evolve. That’s why John Winkenwerder invests heavily in continuing education, attending national conferences and studying jury verdict reports.
Our defense background provides unique insight. We know which expert witnesses insurance companies fear. We understand their settlement authority structures. We recognize delay tactics and know how to counter them.
Most importantly, we’re in court regularly. While some firms settle everything, we try cases. This keeps us sharp and connected to what local judges and juries actually think. That real-world experience translates to better results for you.
You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers – and more importantly, we’ve got your back. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during this difficult time. The sooner you call, the stronger your case becomes.
Call Wink Law at 404-890-7179 for your free consultation. No pressure, no obligation – just honest advice about your injury claim. Because when you’re hurt, you need a lawyer who fights hard, communicates clearly, and wins big.
Don’t blink. Call Wink.
Serving injury victims throughout Georgia, with offices in Atlanta. Available 24/7 for emergency consultations.