The Millar Law Firm

While we technically represent you for the bodily injury claims only, we are happy to assist in the resolution of your property damage claim if the at-fault party’s insurance company is giving you the runaround.

The intake process typically begins with an initial phone call with our legal assistant and attorney. During this free case evaluation, we'll get the details of the case as well as learn more about the potential client and their unique situation. From there, the attorney will review all of the information and determine whether or not the potential client has a legal issue The Millar Law Firm can help solve.

If you've been bitten or attacked by a dog, get medical attention. You should also contact your local animal control or the police. Also be sure to get the homeowners or renters insurance information from the dog owner.

In Georgia, dog bite and dog attack victims are able to recover compensation from negligent dog owners and keepers. To prove liability in a dog bite or dog attack case, it must be shown that the dog owner was aware of previous attacks or dangerous behavior or that the owner failed to properly secure their dog against leash or restraint laws. It must also be proven that the injured victim did not provoke the dog.

Our attorneys operate on a “contingent fee” or contingency agreement. This means you are not charged legal fees unless the firm actually recovers money for you or your family through settlement, a jury verdict, or Judgment. Personal Injury legal fees in Georgia generally range from one-third for most settlements to forty-percent when a lawsuit must be filed. In rare instances, fees can vary.

Generally, most personal injury cases resolve through settlement and without litigation. However, if the insurance company has not made a reasonable offer in light of your claim, litigation may be the best alternative.

Every injury claim is different. There are several factors that may prolong the resolution of your claim, including, but not limited to, the scope of your treatment or whether there is a dispute over liability.

The Millar Law Firm specializes in Georgia personal injury cases. These include car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, dog bites and injuries from dog attacks, work injury, DUI victim, premises liability and negligent security, bike accidents, pedestrian accidents, dangerous drugs and products, wrongful death, and other accident cases where the victim was injured due to someone else's negligence.

Founding Attorney Bruce R. Millar started The Millar Law Firm in 1993. We're a fully-staffed firm specializing in Georgia personal injury cases. To date, we have successfully recovered over $100 Million in verdicts and settlements for our clients.

Yes. Under Georgia dog bite laws, victims of dog bites and/or dog attacks may be entitled to compensation for major injuries such as bone fractures and torn ligaments, minor injuries with complications, infections such as rabies, scars, disfigurement, fatalities, and other injuries.

You may be able to recover medical costs such as ambulance rides, emergency room visits, x-rays, surgical care, prescriptions, over-the-counter medicine, hospital stays, doctor's visits, physical therapy, and other medical related expenses. To obtain the full and fair payout you deserve, it's important to keep track of and document all of your medical expenses related to the accident.

Yes. In the event we believe that your case has a greater value than the amount the insurance company is offering, we may advise against early settlement. In this instance, we would typically discuss filing a lawsuit and the associated risks and costs.

Personal injury settlements are not counted as income. Thus, generally not taxable. However, there are exceptions. You should contact your attorney to determine whether your particular settlement is subject to taxation.

Most personal injury settlements are paid within two to four weeks after you or your attorney agree to accept the offer. Complex settlements requiring special conditions or court approval can take months.

Each accident case is unique. The time it takes to recover compensation will depend on several factors including how long your medical care will take and how long it takes to gather the medical records and other evidence. Other factors include the insurance company, business or lawyers involved, the amount or type of insurance, and disputes over who is at fault for the accident.

In theory, insurance adjusters are supposed to conduct an impartial investigation and evaluate their findings without bias to reach a fair settlement. In practice, however, the insurance adjuster’s job is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line, and that means settling claims quickly for as little money as possible.

First, the adjuster reviews the insured’s policy to see what coverage is available. Next, the adjuster starts a claim file and begins collecting facts and evidence pertaining to the accident. Once they have collected enough evidence to get a clear picture of the accident (i.e., who caused it and how much it cost), the adjuster will make a determination regarding liability and damages.

If you've been injured in an accident, it's best to contact an injury attorney as soon as possible. Georgia law allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, but the longer you wait, the harder it may be to recover full and fair compensation for your injuries.

While it is not required by Georgia law, having uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage on your own insurance policy is beneficial. Around 12% of Georgia’s drivers are uninsured, and even more have inadequate auto insurance coverage. UM and UIM can help protect you in the event you're in an accident, and the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

In Georgia, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying the costs of the accident, and that includes the victim’s rental car expenses. If you have to pay rental costs up front, you should document your expenses and seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company through a settlement agreement.

Yes. If you are bitten or attacked by a dog while working, you may be entitled to make a claim under your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. You may also be able to bring a claim against the dog’s owner if it can be proven that they negligently failed to control or confine the dog.

The value of each motorcycle accident case is different. In many cases, the value may be restricted by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits, plus the amount of uninsured or underinsured coverage that you may have. Georgia’s minimum insurance limits for cars and motorcycle drivers is $25,000. However, some drivers and companies have much larger policies. It is not uncommon for insurance policies to be $100,000, $1 million, or more. In the event of a very severe injury, your case’s value may depend on the limits of all available insurance policies. For cases involving less serious injuries where there is significant insurance, the value of your case will depend on factors, such as the amount of your medical bills, whether your injury is permanent, and whether the driver who hit you is clearly at fault.

We recommend speaking with an experienced accident attorney before agreeing to settle. If you’ve received a settlement offer from the other driver’s insurance company, it is usually an indication that the insurance company believes you have a viable case. By providing you a check quickly, they are hoping to avoid a potential claim, which would therefore save them money. Don’t accept the first offer unless you are sure it is the best decision for your financial and physical recovery from the accident.

Injury victims have the right to file personal injury claims, regardless of their immigration status. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident and are not a citizen of the United States your immigration status is usually not relevant to whether you are entitled to receive compensation for your injury. For this reason, the Courts generally exclude this fact so that your status does not affect the outcome of the case. A motion can be filed before trial requesting that immigration status does not become part of the evidence in the case.

Generally speaking, no. Typically, an insurance company will require the injured person to sign a release agreement which often includes language that in exchange for the payment, the injured person agrees to release the insurance company and its insured from any additional claims and expenses, known or unknown. Which means if down the line, a new medical expense is discovered then the injured person will likely be personally responsible for paying those bills.

If you have been injured by the alleged negligence of another, you will have the burden of proving your case. You should consult with an attorney as soon as possible to determine the viability of your claim under state law.

Anyone can afford a lawyer who works on a what is called a contingency agreement. In this type of arrangement, there are no upfront costs or fees to the client. Most Georgia personal injury lawyers work on a contingency agreement, and only receive a legal fee if they win your case.

The driver who caused the crash and their insurance company are responsible for your damages and compensation. After a wreck, the at-fault driver and the insurance company should be notified quickly so that a claim can begin. You should also notify your underinsured or uninsured (UIM) motorist carrier. UIM may cover you if the at-fault driver does not have insurance or does not have enough coverage.

Under Georgia law, proceeds from personal injury awards/settlements are generally not taxable. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Please see IRS Publication 4345 (Rev. 9-2019) for the most accurate information. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4345.pdf

The value of a dog bite settlement in Atlanta and across Georgia depends on the severity of the injury and what scars and permanent injuries are left behind. Larger cases tend to involve injuries to children, facial bites with scars, and cases with loss of fingers, ears, and noses, or involving nerve damage. The size of compensation for some cases is limited by the limits of the homeowner’s, business or renter’s insurance policy. Each dog bite case is different. Please feel free to call us at 770-400-0000 to discuss the details of your Georgia dog bite case with an experienced injury attorney.

Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle as soon as possible. If the accident was someone else's fault you may have a choice between making a claim through your own insurance company or going through the at-fault driver's insurer. Each insurance company may have their own procedures, but here's where you can start - If your vehicle is drivable, the insurance company may ask you to take the vehicle to a repair shop. If your vehicle is not drivable, you can have the towing company tow it to a place of your own choosing, such as a towing/salvage yard, to your home, or to a body shop that you choose. If the vehicle is repairable, you are entitled to have it repaired at a shop of your choosing. Every case is different. Call the Georgia accident lawyers at The Millar Law Firm to discuss legal options regarding your specific case.

Georgia has a two-year statute of limitation for all personal injury claims, including dog bites. In the case of a minor, suit must be filed within two years after the child’s eighteenth birthday.

Yes, The Millar Law Firm can handle single motorcycle injury cases if the accident occurred in Georgia. Some motorcycle wrecks happen due to road conditions, such as potholes, debris, or gravel left on the road. Other bike accidents have been caused by defective parts, including brake and tire failures. Often, the only way to identify the cause of the accident is to have the motorcycle examined by an expert. Our Georgia motorcycle accident attorneys will be glad to speak with you.

Most Georgia personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee. This means that the lawyer or law firm only receives a legal fee if money is recovered from a claim. Generally, a lawyer's fee is between 33% to 40% of the amount the lawyer gets for the client. For cases that go to court, there are additional litigation costs.

Determining liability in a multi-car pileup in Georgia can be a complicated task. Georgia is a comparative fault state, which means that a person can seek compensation for injuries sustained in an accident to the amount that the person was not at fault for the accident. For example, if it is determined that a driver was 20% at fault, then their compensation will be reduced by the same amount, 20%.

Georgia is an “at-fault” state when it comes to automobile insurance. This means that each person hurt in a car wreck is expected to pay for their own medical expenses up front. The insurance company for the at-fault driver usually only pays for your medical expenses at the end, one time, when your case settles, but not as you receive your medical care. When your case settles, you will sign a settlement release in exchange for the payment of all of your damages, including your medical bills.

Compensation timelines for dog bites vary. The amount of time it takes to reach a settlement agreement and receive compensation in dog bite claims depends on factors such as the types of injuries sustained, medical expenses, and if negligence is obvious. The insurance company also plays a role in determining how quickly a settlement is reached and when a victim is paid.

If you were injured while working for yourself or while you were on the job for an employer, you can still bring a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner. You may also have a workers’ compensation claim. Don’t let the fact that you were bitten or attacked while on the job stop you from seeking full justice.

Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases applies to motorcycle accident claims. You can make and settle your claim for damages at any time up to two years from the date you were injured. In the case of wrongful death, you must file a claim for the death of an individual within two years of their passing. Claims of the estate may have longer. An estate has up to two years from the date a probate court appoints an administrator to file a lawsuit and five years in total for unrepresented estates.

After an accident, first check yourself for injuries. If you're not too hurt to move, check on any passengers and move to safety. Call 911 and seek any required medical attention right away. If it is safe to do so, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. Take photographs and get witness statements and contact information. Report the accident immediately to your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s company. But do not give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without first consulting with an attorney.

In the state of Georgia, multiple parties can be sued in a DUI accident claim. Along with the suspected drunk driver, a lawsuit can typically be filed against the drunk driver's insurance company. If the driver in a minor, a lawsuit can be filed against the driver's parent. In some instances, DUI injury claims can also be filed against a business owner or homeowner. However, it must be proven that the business or property owner was, in some way, responsible for the accident.

Dog bite reports are generally only mandatory when there is an actual bite. This is generally within the discretion of the animal control officer if there is no bite. When a dog bite is reported, it is maintained in the county’s file system and is accessible under Georgia’s open records law.

Georgia is an “at-fault” state when it comes to automobile insurance. This means that each person hurt in a car wreck is expected to pay for his or her own medical expenses up front. The insurance company for the at-fault driver usually only pays for your medical expenses at the end, one time, when your case settles, but not as you receive your medical care. When your case settles, you will sign a settlement release in exchange for the payment of all of your damages, including your medical bills.

There are several parties that can be held liable. Like any other car accident lawsuit, the at-fault driver and their insurance company are usually the first. However, because the minor most likely has very little assets, the focus becomes the drunk minor’s insurance company. Other parties that can potentially be to blame include the person or business that supplied the alcohol to the minor and/or the person who provided the vehicle to the minor.

Over the years, Atlanta and all the surrounding areas have experienced rapid population growth. With population growth comes a steady increase in accidents year after year. With more accidents, more lawyers have been motivated to take on personal injury cases.

Trucking companies may be liable through vicarious liability, but also if the accident was caused by the trucking company’s negligence. Some examples of claims against trucking companies include negligent hiring, negligent retention, and negligent maintenance. For example, worn brakes are often a cause of accidents and when the brakes are not functioning properly it is both the fault of the driver and his company for negligently allowing the truck on the road. Another common cause of trucking accidents is driver fatigue or driving more hours than allowable under the FMCSA. In cases like these the driver of the truck may have been at fault in the accident, but the trucking company may be equally at fault.

Even if you think you’ve not been badly injured, it’s a good idea to treat any collision as if it were a big one. Immediately following a car accident, you should remain at the accident scene and contact the police. Get the names and contact information of involved parties and witnesses, and take photos of the scene, damage and injuries. You should then report the accident to your own car insurance company, and contact an attorney to discuss your options.

This is a difficult and sensitive subject, but the answer is yes, you can. Even if the at-fault driver died in the crash, his or her car insurance will defend the claim – assuming they were insured. The statute of limitations will toll, or not begin to run, until a Georgia Probate Court appoints an Administrator of the defendant's estate. If the deceased’s family or representatives have not set up an estate, you may do so on your own or through your attorney.

Not every case will be a million-dollar case and that’s ok. We pride ourselves on taking on even the smaller cases if there is a viable claim that can be asserted. We carefully evaluate the merits of each individual case.

Generally, you can still file a personal injury claim for injuries you sustained in an accident that was not your fault. However, this may be used by the at-fault party and its insurer against you to devalue and/or deny your claim if they determine that your failure to wear a seat belt contributed to your injuries more than 50 percent.

We are proud to support as many charities as we can. If there is a local or national non-profit organization that is near and dear to your heart, please let us know using the suggestion form available at atlantaadvocate.com/in-the-community/. We would love to consider it for a future sponsorship.

If the at-fault driver hit your vehicle and fled the scene and was never found, you may still be able to recover for any injuries you sustained under your own insurance coverage. Personal injury protection coverage and uninsured motorist coverage will likely cover your injuries and property damage. Be sure to speak with an attorney and your insurer to determine whether you have such coverage.

Uninsured motorist insurance is additional coverage for you as the insured under your own auto insurance. This additional insurance kicks in when the at-fault party lacks liability insurance. It is recoverable only when the owner or operator of an uninsured motor vehicle is determined to be at fault legally.

Most Georgia personal injury lawyers work on what is called a contingency fee. This means that the lawyer or law firm only receives a legal fee if money is recovered from a claim. Generally, a lawyer's fee is between 33% to 40% of the amount the lawyer gets for the client. For cases that go to court, there are additional costs called "costs of litigation".

At The Millar Law Firm, we pride ourselves on zealously advocating for our clients. With over 27 years of experience, our firm is uniquely equipped to resolve your Georgia personal injury claims in the most efficient and effective way. Most importantly, we can help you get the most money for the damages you have incurred.

Treating on a lien entitles the medical providers to recover any monies expended on treating your injuries from the car accident. Often times, the lien is recorded and generally you may be responsible for paying the bill once your case has settled; depending on the type of lien. You should consult with an attorney before agreeing to treat on a lien.

If you are bitten by a dog, you should make an animal control report immediately. If you are unsure who owns the offending dog, you should contact an attorney immediately so that an investigation may be done in finding the owner of the dog.

If the at-fault party does not have insurance, you may be entitled to recover under your own auto insurance’s underinsured/uninsured motorist policy. You should contact your insurer to obtain a copy of your declaration page to determine whether you elected this additional coverage.

The Millar Law Firm has supported and continues to support many local charities, organizations, and fundraisers including Arts Clayton, Clayton County Public Schools, Clayton County Athletics, Clayton County Humane Society, Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition, Jonesboro High School Athletics, Woodward Academy Athletics, Atlanta Humane Society, Clayton County Fire and Emergency Services, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Bikers Against Child Abuse, Ronald McDonald House Charities, One Warm Coat, Salvation Army, and others. For a full list of organizations we proudly support, visit https://atlantaadvocate.com/in-the-community/

Like other injury claims, most Georgia nursing home neglect and abuse cases are resolved through settlement or by a court judgment or trial verdict. Each case is different and will need to be evaluated as to whether settlement or trial is best. After investigation, many nursing home abuse cases are settled with the permission of the victim or the family. Settlement can take place before or after a lawsuit is filed. Usually, efforts are made to settle without filing suit. If the parties cannot agree on a settlement, the lawsuit will be presented in court before a judge and jury. Cases of intentional or outrageous conduct like gross negligence, physical or sexual abuse, or a nursing home with a bad history, will often be evaluated differently, and at a higher value, than cases where the negligence was the result of a non-intentional error or single mistake.

If the at-fault driver or drivers reside in another state and you are a resident of Georgia, you may use either or both of two Georgia laws: First, Georgia has what is called the Long-Arm Statute, which allows you to sue the defendant driver in Georgia even if she lives in another state. Secondly, you may use Georgia’s Non-Resident Motorist Act, which allows the injured victim to sue the out of state driver in the Georgia county where the victim lives or in the county where the wreck happened.

Yes. Georgia law allows residents of other states to make a claim for negligence or file a lawsuit against Georgia residents for car accidents that happened here in Georgia. Although you do not have to hire a Georgia lawyer, it may be advisable to do so unless you are able to hire a local attorney in your State who is both licensed in Georgia and knowledgeable about Georgia personal injury law.

This depends on whether there is additional insurance available or whether the case has completely resolved. In some instances, there may be additional insurance money to claim under another policy or the insurance may have paid but your attorney has also filed a lawsuit against an additional party on your behalf. However, if your case has been completely resolved and you continue to experience pain, by law you are more than likely prohibited for trying to assert another claim for the very same injuries against a party if a release has been signed for the settlement of your claim. This is why it is so important to continue your recommended course of treatment and to let your providers and case managers know before your case resolves if you are still experience pain.

It is a good practice to consult with an attorney before accepting an offer to settle your case from the insurance company. Unfortunately insurance companies will generally offer an amount that will not adequately compensate you.

If the at-fault party does not have enough insurance, you may be entitled to recover under your own auto insurance’s underinsured motorist policy. You should contact your insurer to obtain a copy of your declaration page to determine whether you elected this additional coverage.

Determining fault is not always easy and a lack of citations can make it even harder. However, there are other factors to consider determining fault such as how the accident occurred, the police report narrative, witness statements and statements from both drivers.

The value of your vehicle is generally estimated on the fair market value or Kelley Blue Book value of the vehicle at the time of the accident.

We always encourage clients to use their own health insurance when they can. This generally cuts down on any reimbursement costs that your medical providers may be entitled to.

To ensure that each insurer has notice, you should notify your own insurance company that you have been involved in an accident. However, if the other driver has been faulted, you should contact their insurance company for the repair of your vehicle.

Generally, no. Technically personal injury attorneys only represent you for your bodily injury claim. However, if the at-fault party’s insurer is giving you the run around, let your attorney know and they may be able to assist.

Each injury claim is different. There are several factors that may prolong the resolution of your claim, including but not limited to the extent of your treatment or if there is a dispute regarding liability.

Speeding is often a contributing factor to many car accidents. However, speeding is not always the cause of such a collision. For example, often times people making a left turn across oncoming traffic often believe that the other driver should be at fault because he/she was speed. Speeding can sometimes be classified as an aggravating circumstance which may increase the value of your personal injury claim if you are injured by a driver that was ticketed for excessive speeding, etc. Conversely, there may be some instances in which speeding does not necessarily matter. For example, if you are making a left turn across oncoming traffic, you generally are required to yield to oncoming traffic. In this case, unfortunately, even if the other driving was speeding, you may still be found to be at fault for the accident.

Generally speaking you cannot reopen a personal injury claim/case once it has been settled. Thus, it is imperative to handle the case correctly from the start.

Generally, you can still file a personal injury claim for injuries you sustained in an accident that was not your fault. However, this may be used by the at-fault party and its insurer against you to devalue and/or deny your claim if they determine that your failure to wear a seatbelt contributed to your injuries more than 50 percent.

If you were a passenger in a vehicle whose driver was faulted for the accident, you are entitled to make a claim against that driver’s liability insurance for any injuries you sustain.

If you are not covered by health insurance and need medical treatment, your attorney may be able to assist you with some providers that may treat you on a lien basis so that the medical providers will be entitled to reimbursement once your claim has been settled.

If you were bitten by a dog in Georgia, you are entitled to make a claim for any medical expenses you incur for the treatment of those injuries. Unfortunately, under Georgia law, dogs are property. While you cannot recover for your dog’s vet expenses as a part of your personal injury claim, you may be entitled to assert your own claim against the offending dog owner in small claims court for vet bills.

We generally, encourage clients NOT to give a statement to the insurance company prior to consulting with us. If you have been injured in the accident and want to seek a personal injury claim, you should generally limit your statement to the at-fault party’s insurer to how the accident occurred, and the damage done to your vehicle only.

We typically pay our client's medical expenses out of the available recovery funds. However, if your medical expenses are beginning to mount now, you should attempt to pay them or make a payment arrangement with the provider until your case has settled.

Under Georgia law, proceeds from personal injury awards/settlements are generally not taxable. However, there are exceptions to this rule. You should contact your attorney to determine whether your particular settlement is subject to taxation.

If you've been injured in an accident, it is best to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible. Delay could result in inability to proper file the lawsuit for lack of time. There are often several factors that attorneys consider before filing a suit. For example, if your claim is against a governmental entity, there are often statutory requirements that MUST be met before you can even file a claim. If you fail to meet these very strict requirements, your claim could be barred forever.

The Millar Law Firm offers free consultations to help you better understand your options and the legal rights you may have after an accident. During our first meeting, we get to know you as a person, review the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, explain the process of bringing your claim, discuss the different potential outcomes, and talk about how we help you and your family through the process.