Decatur Personal Injury Attorneys

Starting a Personal Injury Claim

If you have been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, you can seek just compensation. Starting a personal injury claim might seem daunting, but by taking a few key steps, you can put yourself on the right path. 

The first step is to seek medical attention. Doing so will not only ensure your health and safety give you an official record of your injuries. You should also be sure to document all expenses you incur and keep track of how your injuries affect your day-to-day life. All these things could serve as crucial evidence for your case. 

Next, contact a Decatur personal injury attorney. While it is possible to go it alone, you should not have to. Throughout the many legal processes of a personal injury case, you deserve a representative who can guide you through negotiations, protect your rights, and advocate for your best interests. 

Lastly, you should not delay starting your claim. Georgia’s statute of limitation for personal injury claims is two years. Starting the filing process early will give your attorney ample time to collect evidence, strategize, and ultimately build a strong case. 

What Damages Can You Recover in Your Georgia Personal Injury Case?

Georgia is a comparative-negligence state. Injured parties can seek damages, even if they were partially responsible for an accident. As long as a person is not more than 50% responsible, they can file a personal injury suit. 

The damages available in Georgia personal injury cases vary from one situation to the next and fall under three categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive. 

Economic damages are quantifiable and can include:

• All types of medical expenses
• Lost or reduced wages
• Property damage

Non-economic damages are subjective and can include compensation for:

• Emotional distress
• Pain
• Loss of quality of life
• Scarring, disfigurement, or disabilities

Judges may require an at-fault party to pay punitive damages. This happens when a judge determines their negligent actions were deliberate or malicious. 

Should I Accept a Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company?

In car wrecks and other accidents, the at-fault party’s insurance company may quickly make a settlement offer. While getting this money might be appealing, waiting to accept the offer and consulting with a personal injury attorney can be beneficial.

An insurance adjuster’s goal is to see that the provider they represent pays as little money as possible. This fact alone should give any recipient of a settlement offer pause. It is not uncommon for the offer to fail to cover the actual cost of a person’s damages. 

By consulting with an experienced attorney, you can get a clear idea of what a fair offer would look like. A lawyer can also negotiate with insurance companies to get a higher sum or take the matter to court and argue for adequate damages. 

At Morrison & Hughes, we have proudly recovered $300 million in insurance claims since we opened our doors in 2014. This sum has helped numerous clients move forward with their lives. Have you received a settlement offer? Give us a call to discuss the details.