- Car Accidents
The recent statistics from Georgia’s Department of Public Health reveal a concerning increase in auto accidents overall. There has been an increase in accidents and accident-related deaths from 2018 onwards.
Fayetteville forms an integral part of these statistics. So, as a resident of Fayetteville, it is important to be prepared if you face an unprecedented auto accident.
For most drivers, the first and most natural reaction is shock or even dizziness when faced with an accident. In such circumstances, it becomes very difficult to grasp the situation and take the necessary steps in the correct order.
After such incidents, understanding what steps to take is of utmost importance. It is also equally important to act fast to avoid breaching the statute of limitations described by Georgia’s laws. Thus, it is in your best interests to contact a legal attorney as soon as possible after your auto accident.
Georgia’s car accident law makes it mandatory to report an auto accident to law enforcement as soon as possible when any person is injured or killed, property damage exceeds $500, the city requires a report, or the insurance company requires a car accident report.
Thus, contacting a Fayetteville car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident is a smart step in auto accident cases in Fayetteville, GA.
How a Fayetteville Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Our Fayetteville car accident lawyers can assist you through every step of the claims process. Here are some of the ways we can help.
Help You Understand the Legal Aspect of Your Case
Not everyone is well conversant with the legal specificities attached to an auto accident case. Even with the knowledge you gather from Google, it cannot match up to professional advice from a lawyer. In addition, each lawyer comes with their own expertise, which will help you deal with the situation better.
Give You a Realistic Idea of Your Role in an Accident
It is important to first assess your role in the accident before filing for a personal injury claim. If you wrongly assess your role, and during the trial, your contribution to the accident is proved by the defendant, you will likely suffer a heavy loss.
Help You Gather the Right Evidence for Your Case
Not everything is evidence in your favor. A legal attorney can help you choose the evidence which best represents your claims. This virtue comes only with long-term legal practice.
Deal With Filing the Claim and Prepare the Legal Documents
It can be a winding and time-consuming process to file the claim and prepare all the documents for proceedings. With a lawyer by your side, you can rest assured that everything gets done in time.
Ensure the Best Settlement Amount for Your Damages
The amount you can recover from the lawsuit depends on how well your lawyer advocated your case. Undoubtedly, a lawyer is the best guidance that you can seek for your auto accident case.
However, as a responsible driver, it is also important to understand the laws that apply to you. It is also essential to know the various legal steps that need to be taken after an auto accident to make your case strong and evident for future proceedings.
Georgia Car Accident Laws to Be Aware of
Experienced auto accident attorneys in Fayetteville are familiar with Georgia’s car accident laws and will fight for the compensation our clients deserve.
-
Georgia Is a “Fault” State
The United States is a mix of “fault” and “no-fault” states regarding auto accidents. Georgia is a “fault” state, and hence the same applies to Fayetteville. In layman’s terms, this means that in auto accident cases, either of the parties will be held responsible, also known as the “at-fault driver.”
This driver is liable to recover all damages and carry full responsibility for the accident. Thus, if you believe you had no part to play in the accident, there is a strong probability of recovering all your damages from the other party.
-
Comparative Negligence
Georgia is a comparative negligence state. According to this law, you can only recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced according to your share of fault. So if you were 20% responsible, you can only recover 80% of the damages.
-
Statute of Limitations
Georgia adheres to a strict statute of limitations like other states of the USA. If you aim to file a lawsuit to recover your damages from the accident, you must do so within 2 years of the accident date. If the lawsuit is filed any later, it will not be considered a valid claim by the court.
-
Automobile Insurance Mandates
Georgia’s car insurance laws require every driver to carry a minimum of the following liability insurance:
- $25,000 to cover the claims of property damages
- $25,000 for each person injured in an accident
- $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident
Not having any of these insurances will be considered a breach of law, increasing your chance of being designated as the “at-fault driver” in the accident.
Recovery of Damages
Certain damages can be recovered in case of auto accidents in Georgia. The broad categories are:
- Medical expenses: any present and future medical expenses can be recovered.
- Lost wages: loss of wages resulting from the inability to work after being injured in the accident can be recovered. Future loss of wages can also be recovered in case of temporal or permanent disability arising from the accident.
- Property damages and repair: you can recover property damages and repair costs that resulted from the accident.
- Pain and suffering: this is a type of non-economic damage that can be recovered. The amount that can be recovered depends on the severity of the pain and suffering of the injured person.
In conclusion, auto accidents are unfortunate but frequent in Fayetteville, Georgia. To rightfully recover your damages from the accident, it is imperative to take proper legal help. Timing is everything in such cases. Thus, reach out to a personal injury lawyer in Fayetteville, Georgia as soon as possible to secure the best odds for you in an auto accident case.
