Rome, Georgia Car Accident Attorney News

7.23.2026
Should You Give the Other Driver's Insurance Company a Recorded Statement?

If you've been injured in a Georgia car accident, one of the first phone calls you may receive is from the other driver's insurance company. The adjuster may ask if they can "just get your side of the story" or request a recorded statement. While the request may sound routine, it's important to understand that you are generally not required to give the at-fault driver's insurance company a recorded statement.

Insurance adjusters are trained to investigate claims and protect the interests of their employer, the insurance company. During a recorded interview, an adjuster may ask questions that seem harmless but are designed to identify inconsistencies, minimize your injuries, or suggest that you were partially responsible for the accident. Even an innocent comment such as, "I'm feeling a little better today," can later be taken out of context and used to argue that your injuries were not as serious as you claim.

Another reason to be cautious is that many injuries do not fully develop for days or even weeks after a collision. Neck injuries, back injuries, concussions, and other soft tissue injuries often worsen over time. If you give a recorded statement immediately after the crash, you may unintentionally underestimate the extent of your injuries simply because you have not yet been fully evaluated by a medical professional.

This does not mean you should ignore the insurance company altogether. You should promptly report the accident to your own insurance carrier if required by your policy, and you may need to provide basic information such as the date and location of the collision. However, when dealing with the at-fault driver's insurer, it is often wise to avoid recorded statements until you understand your injuries and your legal rights.

Every accident is different, and there may be situations where providing additional information is appropriate. Before making statements that could affect your claim, consider speaking with an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney. An attorney can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, help preserve important evidence, and work to protect your right to recover fair compensation for your injuries.

If you've been injured in a car accident in Northwest Georgia, Barwick Injury Law is here to help. We offer free consultations and are committed to helping accident victims understand their rights before the insurance company gains the upper hand.

1.16.2026

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Georgia: What Drivers Need to Know

Many Georgia drivers assume that if they are injured in a car accident, the at‑fault driver’s insurance will fully cover their losses. Unfortunately, that is often not the case. A significant number of crashes across Georgia involve drivers who either have no insurance at all or carry only the minimum required coverage, which is frequently not enough to pay for serious injuries. When this happens, accident victims are often left wondering how their medical bills and lost wages will be paid.

Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage exist to protect you in exactly these situations. This coverage allows your own auto insurance policy to step in when the at‑fault driver cannot fully compensate you. Despite how important it is, uninsured motorist coverage is one of the most misunderstood parts of a Georgia auto insurance policy.

Uninsured motorist coverage applies when you are injured by a driver who does not have auto insurance, when you are the victim of a hit‑and‑run accident, or when the at‑fault driver’s insurance policy turns out to be invalid or canceled. Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at‑fault driver does have insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover the full extent of your damages. In either case, your UM or UIM coverage may help pay for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future treatment needs.

Georgia law does not require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, but it does require insurance companies to offer it. Many drivers unknowingly waive this coverage when purchasing insurance, often to save a relatively small amount on monthly premiums. Given how common uninsured and underinsured drivers are on Georgia roads, waiving UM coverage can expose you and your family to significant financial risk after a serious accident.

Another important detail is how uninsured motorist coverage works with the at‑fault driver’s insurance. Georgia allows different types of UM coverage, including “add‑on” and “reduced‑by” coverage. Add‑on coverage allows your UM policy to stack on top of the at‑fault driver’s insurance, potentially increasing the total amount available to compensate you. Reduced‑by coverage, on the other hand, reduces your UM benefits by the amount paid by the at‑fault driver’s insurer. The difference between these options can have a major impact on the value of your claim.

Insurance companies often do not explain these distinctions clearly, and many policyholders do not realize what kind of UM coverage they have until after an accident occurs. By that point, it is too late to change your policy. Reviewing your insurance declarations page now can help you understand whether you are adequately protected if you are injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

If you have been hurt in a car accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver in Georgia, dealing with insurance companies can quickly become complicated. Your own insurer may still dispute liability, question medical treatment, or undervalue your claim. Understanding your rights under Georgia law is essential to making sure you receive fair compensation.

At Barwick Injury Law, we regularly help Georgia accident victims navigate uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. If you were injured in a crash and are unsure whether UM or UIM coverage applies to your situation, speaking with a Georgia car accident lawyer can help you understand your options and protect your rights.

1.13.2026
Are Seatbelts Really Important? And Why They Matter To Your Car Accident Case More Than EVER!
After a car accident, one of the first things insurance companies look at is whether you were wearing a seatbelt, and in light of recent Georgia tort reform efforts emphasizing comparative fault and personal responsibility, that question now matters more than ever to your car accident case. Seatbelts unquestionably save lives, but they are also frequently used by insurance adjusters to reduce or deny compensation by arguing that an injured victim contributed to the severity of their injuries, even when another driver clearly caused the crash. Under Georgia law, insurance companies are increasingly aggressive in using comparative negligence arguments, meaning they may claim you should receive less compensation if they believe seatbelt use, or lack thereof, played any role in your injuries, regardless of who caused the accident. This tactic is especially common in serious injury claims involving medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or long-term disability. However, failing to wear a seatbelt does not prevent you from pursuing a car accident injury claim, and it does not excuse a negligent driver who caused the collision in the first place. A skilled Georgia car accident attorney can challenge improper seatbelt defenses, work with medical experts to show that your injuries were caused by the force of the crash itself, and fight back against insurance companies attempting to shift blame under newer tort reform arguments. At Barwick Injury Law, LLC, we represent injured victims throughout Georgia and understand how evolving tort laws and insurance strategies affect car accident claims, which is why it is critical to speak with a personal injury lawyer before giving statements or accepting a settlement. If you were injured in a car accident and are searching for an experienced Georgia car accident lawyer, auto accident attorney, or personal injury law firm, Barwick Injury Law, LLC is ready to protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

1.1.2026
When To Get an Attorney After a Car Accident in Rome, Georgia (or anywhere in Northwest Georgia)
After a car accident it is always a good idea to seek out guidance from an attorney. At Barwick Injury Law we offer free consultations to accident victims so that you can talk to an attorney without paying an attorney to see if you actually need one! At Barwick Injury Law we pride ourselves on communication and treating clients the right way no matter what the extent of your injuries.

12.13.2025
Barwick Injury Law, LLC Receives Recognition for Best Personal Injury Attorney in Rome for 2025!
We are pleased to announce that Barwick Injury Law was officially recognized as the BEST of 2025 Rome award winner in the Personal Injury Attorney category. The award was given based on client reviews which is a testament to our tireless efforts and communication with our valued car accident victims that we fight for everyday!

3.24.25
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Georgia: A Step-by-Step Guide for Victims 

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Rome, GA, or any other area of Georgia the steps you take immediately afterward are crucial for your safety and for strengthening your car accident case. First, ensure everyone is safe and call 911 to report the accident. Even if it seems minor, car accident victims should always report the accident. Ensure that if you've been in an accident you are aware of your surroundings and take precautions against other immediate danger. If able, it's important to document the scene by taking photos of the damages, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Get the contact and insurance information from the other driver(s), and gather statements from witnesses if possible. Make sure to seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel severely injured—some injuries, like whiplash, may not show symptoms right away. 

Next, contact a trusted local car accident lawyer who knows the laws in Rome, GA. At Barwick Injury Law, we specialize in helping car accident victims get the compensation they deserve. Our team will handle the legal complexities, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that your rights are protected. If you’ve been hurt in a car crash in Rome, GA, don’t wait—reach out to us today for a free consultation to discuss your car accident case and get the justice you deserve.

3.21.25
If I have a car accident in Rome, GA, what is my personal injury claim worth?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Rome, GA, you’re probably wondering how much your personal injury claim is worth. The value of your claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. For instance, more severe injuries that require long-term treatment will lead to a higher claim value. Additionally, if your injuries affect your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost wages. 

At Barwick Injury Law, we help car accident victims in Rome navigate the complex process of personal injury claims. We’ll investigate the accident, assess the full extent of your injuries, and work to ensure you receive fair compensation. Whether it's dealing with insurance companies or representing you in court, we’re here to help you get the justice you deserve.

2.28.25
Why Settling Your Car Accident Personal Injury Case Too Early Can Hurt Your Chances for Fair Compensation.

After a car accident in Georgia, it’s tempting to accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company, especially if you’re in pain or facing mounting medical bills. However, settling too early can be a costly mistake. Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that may not cover all your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering that car accident victims may face. By rushing to settle, you risk accepting an amount that doesn’t fully account for the long-term effects of your injuries.

At Barwick Injury Law, we recommend waiting until accident victims have a full understanding of your injuries and treatment needs before accepting any offers. Our experienced attorneys can help you evaluate the true value of your car accident case and ensure you don’t settle for less than what you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t make a settlement decision until you’ve spoken to a trusted lawyer. Contact us for a free consultation today and let us help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.

2.24.25
Why You Should Choose a Contingency Fee Lawyer for Your Car Accident Case in Rome, GA. 

If you've been injured in a car accident in Rome, or anywhere in Northwest GeorgiA, you may be worried about the cost of hiring an attorney. At Barwick Injury Law, we understand these concerns, which is why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any upfront fees—we only get paid if you win your car accident case. This arrangement allows you to focus on your recovery while knowing that we are fully invested in getting you the compensation you deserve. 

Choosing a contingency fee lawyer means there’s no financial risk to you, and you won’t have to pay out of pocket. Our experienced car accident lawyer and team at Barwick Injury Law is here to handle the legal complexities and fight for your rights, all with no upfront charges. If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us show you how our contingency fee approach can provide the peace of mind you need while pursuing justice for your injuries suffered in your car accident in Rome, Georgia. We also serve all cities and counties in north Georgia and metro Atlanta.

2.22.25
What should you do after an accident?
If you’ve been involved in an accident in Rome, GA, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your rights and ensure your recovery. First, seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor—some injuries might not show symptoms right away. Then, gather as much information as possible from the scene, including photos, contact details of witnesses, and police reports. Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later. Next, contact an experienced injury attorney like Jared Barwick of Barwick Injury Law in Rome, GA, who can guide you through the legal process and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, having the right attorney on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Don’t delay—consult with Jared Barwick and take the first step towards protecting your future.