Auto Accident Injury in Columbus, GA

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Columbus? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Columbus, GA that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Columbus, Georgia

Recent data shows a rise in both pedestrian and vehicle-related fatalities. Speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving remain common causes of accidents. The trends in Columbus are similar to trends observed across Georgia. Statewide, Georgia recorded a total of 1,638 fatalities due to car crashes in 2023.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

Serious accidents in Columbus, especially those involving injuries or alcohol, should be reported immediately by calling 911. Minor accidents can be reported to the Columbus Police Department.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

  • Full name, address, phone number and email address
  • Driver’s license state and number
  • Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

  • Burn injuries
  • Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
  • Brain and head injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, auto accidents are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in Columbus. In addition, auto accidents are the second leading cause of hospitalizations and ER visits. The CDC reports that Georgia auto accidents cost around $18 million in medical bills and $2.08 billion in lost work costs per year.

Additionally, the National Safety Council reports that the average costs per accident range from $12,000 to almost $100,000. Your potential compensation can include payment for medical or car repair bills. However, there may also be less clear costs you experience, like lost wages or loss of quality of life. A Columbus attorney can help you recover all of the damages that you are entitled to.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Georgia

Liability Laws for Columbus

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

Liability insurance is required for all Columbus motorists. Georgia insurance companies use a fault system, so the at-fault driver’s insurance company typically pays the damages. If a lawsuit is filed, Georgia courts apply a modified comparative negligence standard. This means that if you were less than 50% responsible for the accident, you can recover damages. However, your damages will be reduced by the percentage that you were at fault.

Statute of Limitations in Columbus

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. Columbus drivers have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for injuries. However, the law in Georgia allows up to four years to file a claim for damage to your vehicle.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Columbus, GA

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across Georgia state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!

If we haven’t answered all of your questions, consider looking into a different applicable sector of Columbus, GA law.

Bankruptcy

Business Law

Child Birth Injury

Child Custody

Child Support

Consumer Law

Copyright Law

Criminal Defense

Debt Collector Harassment

Divorce Law

DUI Law

Employment Law

Eviction Law

Foreclosure Defense

Identity Theft

Immigration Law

Insurance Claims

Lemon Law

Medical Malpractice

Nursing Home Abuse

Patent Law

Personal Injury Law

Power of Attorney

Probate Law

Property Disputes

Real Estate Law

Social Security Disability

Tax Law

Traffic Law

Vaccination Injury

Workers Compensation

Workplace Discrimination

Wrongful Termination

Wills and Trusts

How It All Works

Call us or answer the questions on this site. Your category, location, and additional information will help us connect you to a legal professional and we’ll send you the results instantly.

Which Areas of Law?

We have attorneys in over 20 legal categories to choose from.

How Much Does This Cost?

We don’t charge you to be connected. Some legal categories require upfront fees while others do not. The legal professional will determine this with you before you commit to anything.