Personal injury auto accidents can cause injuries
By Michael D. Barber, Georgia Lawyer specializing in DUI, Drug Charges & Criminal Defense
Experiencing a severe personal injury from an accident can lead to a mounting pile of bills, causing financial strain not only for you but also for your family.
Many individuals facing such circumstances are unaware that Georgia law grants an injured person the right to seek compensation for their damages from the responsible party.
The financial struggle resulting from a personal injury can encompass various expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, funeral costs, property damage, and more. Additionally, it accounts for the physical and emotional pain experienced due to the injury, allowing the injured party to seek compensation for their suffering and treatment.
It is essential to note that the driver responsible for the injury is usually required to have insurance, and insurance companies possess extensive experience in defending personal injury claims. Consequently, it becomes crucial to engage a personal injury attorney to help navigate dealings with the insurance company.
The Evaluation of a Personal Injury Claim’s Worth is Complex and involves assessing the nature and extent of the injury, recoverable losses, and potential liability for both parties related to the accident. Moreover, the location of the trial can significantly influence the case’s outcome, an aspect often overlooked.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a car accident in Georgia, including cities like Atlanta, Decatur, Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Macon, or Columbus, don’t hesitate to contact our law office at 678-672-6690 for a confidential and free consultation with an experienced attorney.
The Role of Insurance Companies in Personal Injury Claims
Following an auto accident, the insurance company representing the at-fault driver initiates an immediate investigation. Their primary objective is to minimize the injured person’s recovery to the lowest possible amount. To achieve this, insurance companies employ specific and detailed procedures, particularly in the early stages of the claim.
During this time, the insurance company will take recorded statements from those involved in the accident, inspect the vehicles, collect photographs, obtain the police report, and assess the extent of the injuries sustained in the collision. Often, these tasks are completed within the first week, and many even within the first 24 to 48 hours after the accident.
While approaches may vary, some insurance companies try to settle with injury victims quickly to avoid responsibility for future medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that may arise. However, settling prematurely can be a trap to be avoided, as it may take months to fully assess the extent of the injuries, and a proper prognosis from a physician is necessary to determine the claim’s true value.
Reimbursement of Insurance Money Paid for a Car Accident
Injured individuals may encounter other significant issues following a car accident. For instance, if their health insurance company covers medical expenses, the insurer may seek reimbursement from the settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, there are limitations on their right to obtain such reimbursement.
Similarly, if the injury occurred while on the job, the worker’s compensation insurance company might seek reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages. Again, certain limitations apply to their right to receive reimbursement. An experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer can help individuals understand and maximize their recovery in such situations.
Types of Insurance in Auto Wreck Cases
In Georgia, individuals are required to maintain liability insurance coverage for their vehicles. The minimum requirements for bodily injury liability insurance coverage in Georgia are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. However, these limits may prove insufficient to cover an injured person’s claim, prompting the injured party to explore other insurance coverage options available to the responsible driver, including personal assets and additional policies.
The responsible driver might be eligible for coverage from insurance policies of family members, employers, rental car companies, or umbrella policies. Additionally, other entities or individuals may also share liability for the accident. For example, if the accident resulted from a defective road or traffic light, a government agency may bear responsibility. Furthermore, an individual’s own insurance policy might provide coverage for their injuries.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a car accident in Georgia, including cities like Atlanta, Decatur, Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Macon, or Columbus, don’t hesitate to contact our law office at 678-672-6690 for a confidential and free consultation with an experienced attorney.
