if i had an accident in ga where should i get my lawyer?

Full Answer

What should I do after a car accident in Georgia?

For all car accidents in Georgia, you’ll need to file a police report and notify your insurance company. The adjuster from the insurance company will investigate the case and review the facts to provide an opinion of who was at fault.

Can both drivers be at fault in a Georgia car accident?

Yes, both drivers may be found at fault in the Peach State. Georgia has laws that define comparative fault, which is when an accident is evaluated and finds that both drivers share in the cause of the accident. If you have been negligent in any way or your vehicle wasn’t maintained properly, you could share in the blame.

Do I need a lawyer for a car accident?

But it’s hard to know whether you need a car accident lawyer ’s help to resolve your case, especially at the beginning. When should you get legal help? You should always review your case with a lawyer who offers a free consultation because you can get a professional legal opinion without risk.

Who are the best personal injury lawyers in Georgia?

John Foy & Associates consists of some of the most experienced and respected personal injury lawyers in Georgia. Fill out the form to your right or call us at 404-400-4000 today.

When should we hire an attorney after being in an accident?

But if you decide to get an attorney for your car accident case, it's usually best to hire one quickly – preferably the day of the collision, or a day or two afterward.

What is the average settlement for a car accident in Georgia?

$18,417According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average personal injury car accident claim in 2019 settled for $18,417. The average property damage car accident settlement came in at $4,525 that same year.

Should I get a lawyer for a car accident that was my fault?

Hiring a motor vehicle accident lawyer after a car accident that was your fault is a good first step, before speaking to the insurance companies. Lawyers know how to deal with insurance companies and can help mitigate any claims that are made against you by the other parties involved in the accident.

What do you do after a car accident in Georgia?

Five Steps to Follow After a Car Accident in GeorgiaStep 1: File a Police Report. Call the police immediately if the collision injured either you or the other driver. ... Step 2: Exchange Information With the Other Driver. ... Step 3: Gather Evidence. ... Step 4: Treat Your Injuries. ... Step 5: File a Claim With Your Insurance Company.

How is pain and suffering calculated in Georgia?

The value of your pain and suffering damages is calculated by multiplying the per diem by the number of days it took you to recover. For example, your doctor released you 250 days after a motorcycle accident. Your per diem is $200. The value of your pain and suffering damages would be $50,000 ($200 x 250).

How much can I claim for anxiety after a car accident?

There is no set compensation payout that's awarded for a personal injury, including anxiety. Instead, compensation is calculated based on the type of injury and how severe it is, and the impact on the claimant's life. Also taken into account is if the injury has cost you financially.

What should you not say to your insurance company after an accident?

Avoid using phrases like “it was my fault,” “I'm sorry,” or “I apologize.” Don't apologize to your insurer, the other driver, or law enforcement. Even if you are simply being polite and not intentionally admitting fault, these types of words and phrases will be used against you.

What does a car accident lawyer do?

A car accident lawyer helps victims build personal injury claims and seek compensation for the damages other drivers cause. Car accidents can result in significant injuries that can take years to heal, and in many cases, the victims never fully recover.

How do I get over the guilt of a car accident?

There are things you can do to cope with your feelings after an accident.Talk to friends, relatives, or a counselor. Go over the details of the accident. ... Stay active. Exercise often. ... Follow up with your family doctor. ... Try to get back to daily activities and routines. ... Learn to be a defensive driver.

How long does an insurance company have to settle a claim in Georgia?

Insurance companies in Georgia have 40 days to settle a claim after it is filed. Georgia insurance companies also have specific timeframes in which they must acknowledge the claim and then decide whether or not to accept it, before paying out the final settlement.

Is Georgia a no fault state for car accidents?

Georgia is a “fault” state when it comes to auto insurance claims, which means when you get hurt in a car accident due to someone else's negligence, you have three options for seeking compensation for injuries and damages.

What happens after a car accident not your fault in Georgia?

In a no-fault state, your auto insurance pays the costs of your car crash up to the limits of your policy no matter which driver was to blame. Only in limited circumstances can you then seek compensation from the other driver's insurance company.

What is personal injury case?

Personal injury cases like car accidents can be complicated and confusing if you aren’t used to dealing with legal matters. A lawyer can help you determine the best course of action to get what you need to move on from the accident and not be left with hefty costs for something you didn’t cause.

Can insurance companies pay out for car accidents?

Insurance companies can sometimes cause a lot of trouble for car accident victims. To reduce the amount of money they pay out to you, the insurer of the at-fault person may attempt to pay you a low-ball sum upfront, making it seem like they’re helping. While this money may be tempting , taking it will settle the case for them and prevent you from recovering the amount of money you really need—and car accident recovery costs are usually more than you think.

What to do after a car accident in Georgia?

What to do after a Georgia car accident. If you are involved in a car accident in Georgia, the best thing you can do is call the police and take photos of everything. You should take photos of both vehicles, the scene where it happened, and any other vehicles or persons involved.

How much can you recover from an at fault driver in Georgia?

For example, if the other driver was found to be 80 percent at fault, then you can recover 80 percent of the total costs. If it’s determined that you were ...

How to prove fault in Georgia?

There are some basic rules for proving fault in Georgia, including: 1 If one driver broke a traffic law, and the other driver did not, then the one breaking the law is at fault. 2 If one of the drivers drove with negligence, such as eating or talking on the phone while driving, then that person most likely is at fault. 3 If one car wasn’t properly maintained and that led to the car crash, such as brake lights not working, then that car’s driver is most likely at fault. 4 For rear-end accidents, the driver behind is typically at-fault because they are considered to be driving “too closely” to the other vehicle.

What is the rule for proving fault in Georgia?

There are some basic rules for proving fault in Georgia, including: If one driver broke a traffic law, and the other driver did not, then the one breaking the law is at fault. If one of the drivers drove with negligence, such as eating or talking on the phone while driving, then that person most likely is at fault.

What information should you get from other drivers involved?

In addition, you should get the information from the other drivers involved, including their name, address, phone number, and insurance information. When the police arrive, answer their questions honestly but be sure to avoid admitting fault.

Why is the driver behind at fault?

For rear-end accidents, the driver behind is typically at-fault because they are considered to be driving “too closely” to the other vehicle. There are some exceptions. For example, if you are driving behind someone who is driving erratically or if they changed lanes suddenly, then you may not be found responsible.

Can you be found at fault in Georgia?

Yes, both drivers may be found at fault in the Peach State. Georgia has laws that define comparative fault, which is when an accident is evaluated and finds that both drivers share in the cause of the accident. If you have been negligent in any way or your vehicle wasn’t maintained properly, you could share in the blame.

How to get a copy of an accident report in Georgia?

Under Georgia’s Open Records policy, you can request a copy of the accident report. You will need to download and complete the Accident Report Release Form. To submit the request, fax the form to (404) 624-7529 or mail it to: Georgia Department of Public Safety.

What information is required to be exchanged in a car accident in Georgia?

Once stopped, everyone involved is required to exchange the following information: Full names and addresses. Vehicle registration. Driver’s license (if asked by another driver or passenger) Georgia Code § 6-270.

What is third party liability in Georgia?

Under Georgia’s third party liability rule, if you’re a victim in a car accident, you have the right to: File a property damage and/or personal injury claim with your own insurance company (referred to as a first-party claim) File a property damage and/or personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company ...

How much liability insurance does Georgia have?

In Georgia, an auto insurance policy must provide, at a minimum, the following basic types and amounts of liability coverage: $25,000 for injuries to one person in one accident. $50,000 for injuries to two or more persons in one accident. $25,000 for property damage in one accident. Ge orgia Insurance Commissioner.

What is the Georgia code for traffic accident reports?

This form is then sent to the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety. Georgia Code § 40-9-31.

What to do if you damage property other than a vehicle?

If you damage property other than a vehicle, you must take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner. Once you locate them, give them your name, address and the registration number of the car you were driving at the time of the accident. Georgia Code § 40-6-272.

How long does it take for a car accident to show symptoms?

The event can cause your body to produce adrenaline which commonly masks pain and the symptoms of injuries. As a result, it can take hours or even days for symptoms to appear. It’s extremely important to seek immediate medical treatment following an accident.

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Hit and Run

In Georgia, if you are involved in an accident, regardless of how serious or minor, you are required to stop at the scene of the accident and provide some basic information to the other party, such as your name, address and registration number of your vehicle. Typically, you must report any accident to law enforcement.

What are the consequences of a Leaving The Scene Of An Accident Ticket in Georgia?

A maximum fine of $1,000. Your fine can depend on the jurisdictions, facts of your case and your driving history;

How can we help you?

Having a skilled and experienced Georgia leaving the scene of an accident ticket attorney on your case will help you achieve a better result.

What happens if you get in a car accident in another state?

If you’re in a car accident in one state but live in another state, then you’ve been in an out-of-state car accident. So where do you file your lawsuit? The thing about cars is that they’re designed to move. That means if you get into a car accident, it might not be in the same state where you live. It might not even be on the same side of the ...

What is an out-of-state car accident?

What’s an out-of-state car accident? An out-of-state car accident is exactly what it sounds like. If you’re in a car accident in Texas, for instance, but you live in Montana, then you’ve been in an out-of-state car accident. Out-of-state car accidents raise 2 important questions:

Which state has a pure contributory negligence statute?

Alabama has a pure contributory negligence statute, meaning plaintiffs aren’t able to recover any damages if they’re even 1% at fault for the accident. On the other hand, New York has a pure comparative fault statute, meaning a plaintiff’s damages are reduced by their percentage of fault.

Where does Kelly live in the car accident?

The car accident occurred. Let’s look at an example: Kelly lives in Connecticut. One winter, she decides to drive to Florida for vacation. While driving through South Carolina, she’s struck by Adam, who’s driving while intoxicated. Adam is visiting family in South Carolina, but he lives in Tennessee.

Can you sue a truck driver?

If you’re injured by a truck driver or some other business employee, you can sue the business in the state where the accident occurred or in the state where the business resides.

Can you sue a business in any state?

What’s more, you may be able to sue a business in any state where the business has sufficient “minimum contacts.”. That is, if a business does a significant amount of business in a state, you can generally sue the business in that state.

Does car insurance cover you?

When it comes to auto insurance, the most important thing you need to know is that your car insurance will cover you no matter where you are in the United States. For example, if you bought your car in your home state of California but get into an accident in Georgia, your policy will still cover you.