Georgia Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline

Resolving a car accident can be challenging in many ways. The Georgia car accident settlement process and timeline can vary from case to case, but there are a few fundamental rules for resolving these cases. Working with an experienced car accident attorney is one of the most effective ways to resolve your car accident case as efficiently as possible.

First Steps After a Car Accident in Georgia

The immediate aftermath of any accident can be traumatic and confusing. If you are able to do so, call 911 to report the accident and check on those involved. Take photos of the scene of the crash, the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, and the positions of the vehicles on the road. If you are severely hurt, do not move and risk making your injuries worse. Wait for first responders to arrive and provide medical attention.

If you believe you only suffered minor injuries, you still need to see a doctor right away. You may have sustained injuries that have not yet caused noticeable symptoms. A doctor can detect these hidden injuries, potentially preventing them from worsening. Once you have addressed your immediate medical concerns, you should reach out to an experienced car accident attorney so they can help you with your recovery.

Recovering From Your Car Accident in Georgia

Your first option for recovering from a car accident in Georgia will likely be to file an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver. State law requires every driver to have auto insurance, and this insurance is meant to compensate for the damages a policyholder caused in their recent accident. However, dealing with insurance companies can be very challenging without legal counsel you trust on your side.

The Barnes Law Group can help you resolve your insurance claim efficiently. We know the tactics the insurer may use against you in their efforts to avoid paying out a settlement. With the right attorney’s help, it may only take a few weeks for you to receive a fair settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier.

An experienced attorney can gather any evidence and documentation you will need to strengthen your insurance claim. Additionally, your attorney’s help can be especially valuable if you must file a personal injury suit against the at-fault driver. A successful personal injury case could potentially cover the damages that insurance won’t cover, or it could be your primary method of recovering compensation if an at-fault driver does not have insurance.

If you must file a personal injury case to recover from your accident, it may take longer than you expect. If the defendant accepts liability and agrees to settle the case, it is possible to complete this relatively quickly if you have experienced legal counsel on your side. However, if litigation is necessary, it can take much longer.

Ultimately, the Georgia car accident settlement process and timeline will be different for every accident victim. Some cases can be resolved within a matter of a few weeks, while others may require intense litigation that takes several months to resolve. Whatever your case entails, you have the greatest chance of reaching a positive outcome when you have an experienced attorney representing you.

FAQs

Q: What Is the First Thing to Do After a Car Accident in Georgia?

A: The first thing to do after a car accident in Georgia is call 911 to report the accident if you are able to do so. This will generate a police report for the accident, and first responders will move to the scene as quickly as possible to help anyone who was injured. After you have received medical care, you should speak with an attorney as quickly as possible so they can help you with your insurance claim and a personal injury case if necessary.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Recover for a Car Accident?

A: The amount of compensation you can recover for a car accident will depend on several factors. If you can prove another driver is responsible for the crash, you can claim compensation for vehicle repairs, medical expenses, lost income, and your pain and suffering. Your recovery may begin with an auto insurance claim, but a personal injury suit may be necessary to ensure the fullest possible recovery.

Q: How Do You Calculate Pain and Suffering in a Car Accident Case?

A: In a car accident case, pain and suffering can be calculated based on the overall severity of the victim’s injuries and the scope of long-term effects those injuries are likely to have. Generally, a plaintiff who has suffered a permanently disabling injury can expect more compensation than a plaintiff expected to make a full recovery. Your attorney can assist you with maximizing this aspect of your case award.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer to File an Auto Insurance Claim in Georgia?

A: You need a lawyer to help you file an auto insurance claim in Georgia if you want to have the greatest chance of resolving the claim quickly and obtaining maximum compensation. Insurance companies will typically fight claims in whatever way they can, looking for ways to deny or devalue claims whenever possible. Your attorney can ensure you are treated fairly and receive a suitable settlement offer.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer?

A: The cost to hire a Georgia car accident lawyer depends on the lawyer’s billing policy. At Barnes Law Group, we only charge our client a fee if and when we recover compensation for you. This fee is a percentage of the total recovered, so there is no risk of paying more for legal counsel than you win in compensation. Our goal for every client is maximum compensation right away.

The Barnes Law Group can help you understand the Georgia car accident settlement process and timeline. Our team has successfully resolved many car accident cases for clients throughout Georgia and knows how to help you overcome the challenges you might face in your case. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help.