Georgia car accident laws can be complex. From fault and liability rules to insurance requirements and legal deadlines, there’s a lot to consider. And unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always play fair. They may try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether, leaving you struggling to recover what you’re owed.
At Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys, our car accident lawyers have seen too many people struggle after a car accident, unsure of their rights or how to fight back against big insurance companies.
We’ve helped countless car accident victims in Georgia fight for fair compensation. If you need legal help, we’re here to stand by your side.
Georgia’s Fault-Based System and Liability
Georgia uses a fault-based system for car accidents, meaning the driver who is found at fault is responsible for all resulting damages, including personal injuries and property damage. This responsibility extends to their insurance company, which will cover the costs incurred.
Georgia law requires every driver to have minimum liability insurance coverage. This includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Comparative Negligence in Georgia
Comparative negligence is used to allocate the responsibility and damages based on the level of fault of each party involved in an accident. Under Georgia law, you can still recover damages in a car accident, as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the incident. However, your recoverable damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re found to be 30% at fault and the total damages amount to $100,000, you can recover 70% of that amount, so you would receive $70,000. If you are 50% or more at fault, you are not eligible to recover any compensation.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
The priority is always safety. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Visit your doctor or an urgent care clinic to ensure there are no hidden injuries.
Report the accident to the police even if the accident is minor. A police report can be invaluable in dealing with insurance companies and other drivers. It officially documents the incident and provides an assessment of the scene.
Take photographs of your vehicle from different angles, showing the damage done and the overall context of the accident. If there are street signs, traffic signals, or other relevant factors, include them in your photos.
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Include names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and basic insurance information. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well.
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Be honest about what happened and the extent of your injuries. Provide them with the information of the other driver and the accident report number from the police.
If you have any issues with your claim, or if the insurance company is offering an unsatisfactory settlement, contact our car accident attorney. We can help you get full and fair compensation for your damages.
Damages Available in a Georgia Car Accident Case
You may be entitled to receive various types of compensation. Here are the damages that might be available to you:
- Medical Expenses: This covers costs for hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and any future medical treatments related to your injuries from the accident.
- Lost Wages: If you’re unable to work because of your injuries, you can recover the wages you would have earned during that time. This also includes loss of earning capacity if your ability to work has been permanently affected.
- Property Damage: This includes repairs to or the replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: You may receive compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident.
- Wrongful Death: If the accident results in death, the deceased’s family members may seek damages for lost companionship, funeral expenses, and the future earnings of the deceased.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying day-to-day activities or hobbies that you participated in before the accident, you may be eligible for compensation.
When to Hire a Car Accident Attorney
If you have been involved in an accident and have sustained serious injuries, legal help is almost a necessity. An attorney can help manage the complex claims process and ensure you’re getting compensation that truly covers your medical costs, rehabilitation, and any long-term care you might need.
If it’s not clear who is at fault, or if the other party is contesting their responsibility, having a lawyer can be invaluable. They can help gather the necessary evidence to support your case and work to prove the other party’s liability, which is key to getting your expenses covered.
Car accident claims can sometimes involve complex legal or technical issues, such as accidents involving commercial vehicles or disputes over insurance terms. An experienced attorney will understand how to handle these complexities and work toward the best possible resolution.
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible. If you’ve received a settlement offer that seems too low or doesn’t cover all your expenses a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf. They know the tactics insurance companies use and how to counter them.
If your insurance claim has been unfairly denied, an attorney can help you appeal the decision and argue your case effectively. This includes navigating the often complex legal and bureaucratic processes involved in insurance disputes.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
For personal injury claims, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you’re dealing with property damage, like to your vehicle, you have four years from the accident date to start legal action.
It’s really important not to miss these deadlines. If you do, you’ll likely lose your chance to receive any compensation for your injuries or damages. Because time can fly by, especially when you’re dealing with recovery and everyday life, it’s a good idea to talk to an attorney early.
They can help make sure everything is filed on time and your rights are protected.
Contact Our Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a car accident, Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys is here to help. We fight for car accident victims across Georgia, ensuring they get the compensation they deserve.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Call us today at 706.354.1000 for a free consultation, and let us get you your rightful compensation.