Facts at a Glance
- Liability
Georgia is a Third-Party Liability State, not a no-fault state - Statute of Limitations
Per the Georgia statute of limitations, legal actions for injuries should be brought within two years after the accident. - Who’s at Fault?
It can be tough to answer. In Georgia, comparative fault is a legal standard used to determine who caused the accident. Sometimes more than one driver is partly at-fault. Even if you are partly at-fault, you may still be entitled to seek compensation for damages. - Motor Vehicle Accidents
In 2019, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation, 1,507 people died on Georgia’s roads. Unsafe driving, such as impairment, speed or distraction, caused seventy-six (76) percent of fatalities in crashes. - Client’s Rights
Great attorneys respect your rights, are loyal to your case, and treat you with professionalism. Most importantly, they tell you the truth about your case and what compensation you may be able to receive. - How the Best Attorneys Help
Top lawyers provide a free consultation to understand your case, explain the options, determine your goals and follow up with case updates. They only get paid if you win.
What Makes a Great Lawyer?
When an accident has happened and you need legal help, the last thing you want to do is hire the wrong lawyer. You lead a busy life and you don’t have time to figure what really matters when choosing an advocate. Don’t get fooled. Here’s your checklist to hire the best:
–Personalized Service: great lawyers and law firms actually listen. They understand your case and its needs.
–Attention to Detail: great lawyers do a truly thorough review of your case to understand who is liable for your injuries and how to get the best settlement.
–Expertise: they have deep experience and understanding of personal injury law, how to succeed in the courtroom. Ideally, they also have a medical background or experience.
–Financial Independence: the firm has the wherewithal to take on your case no matter what the size.
So, if the worst happens and you or a family member is injured, make sure your attorney checks the “what makes a lawyer great” boxes, and you’ll be in good hands.
Car Accident in Georgia To Do List
You were in a car accident. So were a lot of other people. According to the state Department of Transportation, there were a whopping 402,380 crashes in 2018, the last year with reported data. In fact, a total of 142,649 people got hurt in these accidents, people like you. The good news is that there’s a lot you can do if you’ve been injured, your car was damaged or both.
First – let’s brush up on the law. Start with the “statute of limitation,” a state law that sets a time limit on when you have the right to bring a lawsuit. In Georgia, the statute of limitations that applies to car accidents also covers personal injuries. The bottom line: you need to file your case within TWO YEARS of the accident for personal injuries. (Note: for vehicular damage, you have four years to file a claim.)
Second – don’t wait. If you’re injured, get treated immediately. Make sure your doctor takes clear notes tying your injuries to the accident.
Third – contact your insurer. Do so in writing. And don’t leave any details out. You should include the names of all people involved, the names of anyone injured, the time of the accident, where it happened, contact info for all involved, and anything else you think relevant. If you wait, your insurer may reject your claim.
Fourth – understand how “fault” works. To get this one, you have to embrace the concept of comparative fault. In plain English, it means more than one driver might be responsible for the accident. So even if you made a mistake that contributed to the accident, you still might be able to make a recovery if the other driver is considered to have been more responsible.
Fifth – if you’ve been injured and / or your vehicle has been damaged, talk to a lawyer asap. Good lawyers provide a free consultation to get the facts, figure out the options, understand your goals and decide if you can work together. They only get paid if you win.
What are you waiting for? Get started on your checklist today.
