How Car Accidents Happen
Car accidents don’t just happen on their own. Someone has to make a mistake at some point to cause a crash. In legal terms, such a mistake could be called a form of negligence, which might make that party liable or at fault for the outcome.
Mistakes that drivers make that lead to car accidents include the following and more:
- Driving while texting
- Driving while distracted
- Driving while intoxicated
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Speeding
- Tailgating
In some cases, the mistakes that cause a car accident don’t originate from a driver on the road. Instead, a third party’s errors can contribute to a heightened risk of a crash. For example, if a car is manufactured with faulty brakes, the automaker’s mistakes could be the sole cause of a crash later.
Evidence of Liability in Car Accident Claims
You might be confident that you didn’t cause your car accident, but the other driver could still say the same. For something as important as your injury claim, though, you won’t want to leave it to your word against someone else’s. Instead, you’ll want to back your claim with convincing evidence of liability, which our LaGrange car accident attorneys can gather, review, and utilize on your behalf.
Evidence that might help prepare your car accident claim includes:
- Dashcam or security footage
- Eyewitness statements
- First responder reports
- Medical reports
Value of Your Car Accident Claim
The “value” of your car accident claim is a reflection of the compensation that you should be provided by the liable party for your damages and losses. Every case will have a unique value based on its unique details. Some car accident claims seek $100,000 in damages while others seek $1,000,000 in damages, for example.
To figure out the total value of your car accident claim, our attorneys can carefully sort through evidence of your losses, both tangible and intangible. Regardless of the final value, we will be ready to fight for every dollar owed to you.
Car accident claim damages are sorted into two main categories, including:
- Economic damages: Medical treatment costs, future rehabilitative therapy costs, lost wages, etc.
- Non-economic damages: Pain, suffering, disability, lessened enjoyment of life, etc.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim?
Georgia uses a two-year statute of limitations on most car accident claims. Starting on the date of the accident, you have two years to bring a claim against the liable party or parties using the civil court system. If you do not, you will likely lose the option to bring such a claim at all, even if you have a stack of evidence that proves the liable party should be held responsible for your losses.
For More Information, Please Reach Out Today
Would you like to start a car accident claim but don’t know where to begin? We make it simple. Just call (706) 710-4230 to connect with our LaGrange car accident attorneys from Morrison & Hughes. During a free initial consultation, we can go over your legal options and help you decide what you want to do next in pursuit of compensation.
Our FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 706-710-4230 today!
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How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?
In the state of Georgia, you usually have up to two years from the date of the car accident to file a lawsuit. If a loved one passed away due to fatal injuries sustained in a wreck, you will have two years from the date of their passing – not the date of the accident – to file a wrongful death claim. You will be unable to recover any damages if you miss the applicable deadline, so do not wait to discuss your case with a legal professional.
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What Should I Do if I’ve Been Injured in an Auto Accident?Depending on the severity of the auto accident, a driver may be facing substantial injury or loss of function. Recovering from the injuries, coping with any financial liabilities, and adjusting your daily activities afterward can be very difficult, but there is help. A qualified Marietta auto accident lawyer can mitigate some of these issues, handling the legal process and working to make sure you receive every dollar of compensation owed to you.
If you’ve been in a car accident, our lawyers advise that you:- Get a medical examination: The first thing you should do is get a medical examination. This will let you know exactly what physical injuries you may be dealing with, and how your life may be impacted by the incident. Keep track of all medical details, fees, and obligations your doctors may require.
- Collect Evidence: If your case goes to court, you’re going to need as much evidence as possible to help back your case. Take as many photos and collect as much physical evidence of the accident as you can, so you’re prepared. Remember, we can help with this process with our team of investigators, so call us early.
- Find appropriate legal representation: Before you do anything else, you will need to contact an auto accident attorney that is equipped to handle the ensuing legal process. They will be your most trusted resource as you navigate the legal proceedings that are to come.
- File a claim with your lawyer: If you have been injured in a car accident, you need to take prompt action to protect your legal rights. Keep in mind that the state of Georgia places a time limit on filing a claim in civil court after an auto accident, so it’s important that you and your car accident lawyer move quickly.
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Can I Recover Compensation in Georgia If I Was Partially Responsible for a Car Accident?
Possibly. Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state, meaning you may be able to recover partial compensation for damages if your share of the blame does not exceed 49%. If you are found to be equally at fault or primarily at fault, you will not be able to recover anything. Should you be only partially responsible, your damages will be reduced by what the court determines to be your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and the court decides you are 20% responsible for the car accident, you would receive $80,000. Our firm can assess your potential level of fault and advise how it may impact your case.
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