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 Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Car Accident?
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when managing injuries, medical bills, and insurance adjusters who may not prioritize your best interests. A lawyer can assist by:
- Investigating the accident: We gather and preserve evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage.
- Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, but an experienced lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to pursue the maximum compensation for your claim.
- Assessing damages: We ensure that all your losses, including future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering, are fully accounted for in your compensation demand.
- Managing paperwork: Car accident cases involve extensive documentation, and missing deadlines or submitting incomplete forms can harm your case. A lawyer handles all legal paperwork to ensure compliance with Georgia law.
- Representing you in court: While many cases settle outside of court, if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve.
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What Should I Do If the Other Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured?
If the other driver lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage, there are still several ways you may be able to recover compensation:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: If you have UM/UIM coverage as part of your own auto insurance policy, you can file a claim with your insurer to cover the damages the at-fault driver should have been responsible for.
- Personal Injury Lawsuit: In some cases, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver personally for damages. However, this option is often limited if the driver has few assets to cover your losses.
- Other Liable Parties Other parties, such as a vehicle manufacturer (if a defective part contributed to the accident) or a government entity (if dangerous road conditions were a factor), may also share liability. We will explore all available options to maximize your compensation.
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How Long Will My Car Accident Case Take?
The timeline for a car accident case varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of the accident, the severity of injuries, and whether the insurance company is willing to negotiate fairly. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Initial Investigation: This can take several weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly evidence is collected.
- Negotiations: If liability is clear and the injuries are well-documented, settlement negotiations may only take a few months. However, if the insurance company disputes liability or the extent of your injuries, the process could take longer.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial, which could take over a year, depending on the court’s schedule. However, many cases settle before reaching this stage.
We work efficiently while ensuring that we pursue the full value of your case. We will keep you informed at every stage and make sure you know what to expect.
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