If you were injured in a car wreck caused by someone else’s negligence, you can seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. You must prove the other driver was at fault to win your case.
Insurance companies aim to minimize your car accident compensation, so it’s you need a skilled attorney on your side. An experienced Georgia car accident lawyer will negotiate for the maximum settlement and can represent you in a lawsuit if necessary.
Our team at 1Georgia Personal Injury Lawyers is dedicated to helping car accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Types of Car Accident Compensation
After an auto accident, victims can seek compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit. Car accident compensation can cover financial losses (economic damages) and pain and suffering (non-economic damages).
Medical Bills
One of the most significant expenses after a car accident is medical treatment. From emergency room visits to ongoing rehabilitation, the costs can quickly add up. Fortunately, car accident compensation can help cover your medical expenses. This may include:
- Hospital stays
- Doctor’s visits
- Surgeries and procedures
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Ambulance fees
Your Georgia car accident lawyer will work to ensure that all of your medical bills are taken into account when seeking compensation. It is important to keep track of all medical documentation and receipts as they will be essential in proving your damages.
Lost Wages and Lost Future Income
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This compensation can cover:
- Wages lost during the time you were unable to work following the accident
- Lost future income if your injuries result in a long-term disability that impacts your ability to work in the future
In cases where your ability to earn a living is permanently affected, a Georgia car accident lawyer can help calculate how much compensation you should receive for lost future income.
Property Damage
In addition to bodily injuries, car accidents often result in significant property damage. This can include:
- Damage to your vehicle
- Damage to personal property in your car (e.g., clothing, electronics)
You can seek compensation for car repair costs or the cost of replacing a totaled vehicle.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to physical injuries, car accidents often lead to emotional and psychological distress. Pain and suffering compensation is awarded to help address the pain, anxiety, depression, and other emotional trauma that can result from the accident.
Punitive Damages
Georiga courts may award punitive damages to victims in cases involving gross negligence. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party and discourage similar behavior in the future.
Examples of cases that could lead to punitive damages include:
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Hit-and-run accidents
A skilled Georgia car accident lawyer will assess your case to determine whether punitive damages are appropriate.
Georgia Caps on Car Accident Damages
There is no upper limit on how much victims can recover for economic damages or pain and suffering in a Georgia personal injury lawsuit. However, punitive damages are capped at $250,000 in most cases.
The cap on punitive damages in Georgia doesn’t apply to drunk driving accidents.
What I’m Partially at Fault for a Car Accident?
Sometimes, both drivers share fault for a car crash. Georgia has a modified comparative negligence law. If you are partially at fault for a collision, your car accident compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the accident, and your total damages amount to $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, meaning you would receive $80,000.
Under Georgia’s comparative negligence law, you cannot recover compensation if you are more than 50% at fault for the accident.
What Influences Car Accident Settlement Amounts?
Several factors can influence car accident settlements in Georgia.
Injury Severity
Settlements are higher if a victim has severe injuries that require extensive medical care. Cases involving permanent disability often lead to significant settlements. The settlement amount is usually lower for minor injuries with a short recovery time.
Property Damage
Another key factor is the amount of property damage caused by the accident. The insurance adjuster will carefully review repair estimates and any other related property damages before determining the settlement.
Shared Fault
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Your compensation may be reduced if you are partially at fault for an accident. For instance, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the accident, your settlement will be reduced by 20%.
Insurance Policy Limits
Insurance policy limits can influence the settlement amount. The insurance company won’t pay more than the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits.
If the other driver party has insufficient insurance coverage, you may need to consider other options. One option is filing an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim with your insurance company.
How a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the complexities of a car accident claim can be overwhelming, but a skilled lawyer can help you through every step of the process.
Gathering Evidence
A successful car accident claim requires strong evidence. Your lawyer will help collect all necessary evidence, including:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Eyewitness testimonies
- Photos of the accident scene
Having thorough and accurate evidence is essential to proving your case and maximizing your compensation.
Settlement Negotiation
Most car accident claims are settled outside of court through negotiations with insurance companies. However, settlement negotiations can be tricky, and insurance companies often offer less than you deserve. A Georgia car accident lawyer will negotiate for a fair settlement.
Representing You in a Lawsuit
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will represent you in court to pursue the compensation you deserve. They will handle all legal aspects of your case, from filing a lawsuit to presenting evidence and advocating for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
Car accident compensation can help you recover financially from the physical, emotional, and financial impact of a crash. Understanding the various forms of compensation available and what factors influence the value of your case is crucial.
At 1Georgia Personal Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping auto accident victims win the compensation they deserve. Call 678-635-9939 or contact us online today for a free consultation!
