- Car Accidents
If you are living in Georgia and have been involved in an auto accident, you may wonder why hiring a personal injury lawyer is important. Obviously if you were not at fault and have been injured they will help to fight for appropriate restitution, but they can also help to protect you if you were at fault for the incident.
Time limits for bringing a lawsuit in Georgia
Georgia has different statutes of limitations, or the time limit for you to file a case, based on the type of lawsuit being filed. The statute of limitation for injuries due to an auto accident is, as in many states, 2 years from the date of the accident. In the matter of property damage, the statute of limitation increases to 4 years. For clarity, case if you fail to file your case within these established time frames, you will forever lose the right to bring your claim to court. Knowing this, if your car has been damaged or you have suffered injuries from an accident that wasn’t your fault, why would you waste anytime filing your claim?
Your insurance will have to contacted as soon as feasibly possible after the accident has occurred. This gives you ample time to make your claim, but if you do not follow the law and allow the statute of limitation to expire, you will not receive the incentives that would have been entitled to you.
Comparative fault laws in Georgia
Georgia has what is called “comparative fault laws”. These laws are used to determine who is at fault for the accident, and can determine who would receive compensation for their damages. During the trial, if you can prove that you are 49% or less responsible for the accident, you will be eligible to receive compensation. However, if you are found to be 50% or more responsible for the accident, you may not be able to recover any damages.
This is more commonly known as “modified comparative negligence law”. It is used to determine that amount that the insurance company of the person at fault will have to pay out. The insurance adjuster can help to lower the amount of compensation for damages by looking into Georgia’s comparative fault laws to get a have a better idea of what the claim is actually worth.
This is not as controversial as it may seem. To give an example, suppose you are driving and are involved in a car accident because another driver has made an illegal turn, then you are eligible to receive compensation from the other driver’s insurance company, provided you have sufficient evidence indicating you were not at fault.
In the event that you are found at fault for the accident, you will not be able to receive any form of compensation. Although it may not seem fair, this is the consequence for disobeying traffic laws or being careless while operating a vehicle. It will be the responsibility of your insurance company to pay for damages based on the injuries that the other motorist has suffered.
The advantages of hiring an attorney after you accident
In the event that you are involved in an automobile accident, you will want to make sure that you receive the appropriate amount of compensation for any damages you may have incurred. By hiring a personal injury lawyer you will have access to proper legal advice and council. They will make sure you speak with the correct individuals while preparing and during your case.
If you are hospitalized due to your accident and you are unable to pay your medical bills, then having a lawyer is critical. By having an attorney that is willing to assist you in collecting evidence and file paperwork while you are bedridden will help to ensure that nothing slips through the cracks. Insurance companies are willing to pay out for settlements, but they want ample proof that the driver they have insured was actually at fault for the accident in question.
In the event your case goes to trial, evidence is will not guarantee you victory. More than that you will need an experienced and skilled attorney to defend you. You may feel that you have a cut and dry case, but it will be unlikely that you know enough about the law to adequately defend yourself. This could wind up causing you to lose a percentage of your settlement that was entitled to you.
Take advantage of the internet, and search for different lawyers in your area. Visit their website and see if they are certified, licensed, and experienced in handling cases similar to yours. Don’t always assume the most expensive or bragerdly law firm is your best option, research the law firm to see what previous clients they have represented say about them. Also consider asking for referrals from people you know who’ve had similar cases.
Beyond that there are several online sources that are available to help with your research. Each state has their own bar website. Georgia’s is located at www.gabar.org; here you can find lists of certified and licensed attorneys in the state.
Once you find an attorney or attorneys that you feel would be able to help you properly, contact them and set up a consultation. In most cases your consultation will be free and you will be able to briefly explain your case, as well as ask a few general questions to learn more about them and their experience. By meeting face to face and having any uncertainties resolved, you will be able to make a stronger and more informed decision about whom you would like to hire as your representation.
The lawyer you choose should show more concern and interest in you and your situation, than how much money they will receive at the end of the case.They should be providing you honest and sincere service, and avoid being rude or dismissive even there are complications with your case. A good attorney will be able to connect easily with their clients, and as the plaintiff, the person filing the case, you need to trust them enough to provide a clear and accurate description of the events that occurred and how you have been affected by it. By doing this your lawyer will be able to give you a more detailed and comprehensive idea of your legal situation. Remember, working together with your lawyer is the only way to ensure that your case will continue to move forward and be finished in a reasonable time frame.
An injury from an accident can leave you in more than physical pain; it can take a toll emotionally as well as mentally. This can make it difficult when having to complete paperwork or speak to insurance adjusters. By having a quality lawyer they can speak to insurance firms on your behalf and express the severity of the effects from the accident. This can help both with reducing your stress and ensuring you receive appropriate compensation.
The last thing anyone needs is an unqualified or, even worse, a fraudulent lawyer taking their case. Gather your evidence, research your lawyer, and be cooperative with the dedicated Georgia auto accident lawyer you hire and you will have the best shot at winning your case.