Auto Accident Injury in Georgia

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Georgia? 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 GA that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Georgia

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reports there were 15,623 crashes with suspected serious injuries in 2017, down from 16,007 in 2016. It also reports that in 2018, there were more than 1,500 traffic fatalities in Georgia, which represents a 2.3% decrease from 2017. This drop in fatalities may be due in part to Georgia’s Hands Free Law, enacted in July 2018. The state also utilizes a Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) program and Young Adult (YA) program. These projects work together to increase awareness of young drivers’ safety issues, such as impaired driving and high-risk behaviors.

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 report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you. Police crash reports are available for purchase directly via BuyCrash.com, and they are also available by submitting a request to the Georgia Department of Transportation. The cost is $5 for each report requested and an additional $2 to certify the report.

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

The cost of fatal traffic crashes in Georgia is more than $1.6 billion annually. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury deaths and the second leading cause of ER visits and hospitalizations in the state. A 2019 study ranks hospital prices in Georgia in the top third of 25 states reviewed.

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 GA

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.

Georgia has a Modified Comparative Fault rule, meaning the jury in a personal injury trial can divide fault among the drivers in an accident. One must be less than 50% at fault to receive any compensation from the other driver. By law, Georgia drivers must carry liability insurance with a minimum of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, up to $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

Statute of Limitations in GA

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. In Georgia, you must file an injury claim within two years of the date of the accident. The time limit on wrongful death lawsuits is two years from the date of the victim’s death.

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 In Georgia

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.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in GA!

If we haven’t answered all of your questions, consider looking into a different applicable sector of Georgia law. However, if you are satisfied and ready to meet with an attorney, return to our home page to get started!