It is difficult to pinpoint the average settlement in a car accident case in Georgia because recoverable compensation varies based on factors unique to the crash and its accident victims. Depending on the circumstances of the collision and the severity of the injuries, financial awards could range from several thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands, possibly more.
If a negligent driver hurts you or someone you love, a car accident lawyer with our law firm can identify and aggressively pursue all of your losses so you do not leave money on the table.
What Factors Can Affect the Value of a Car Accident Case?
First, Georgia is an at-fault state, meaning at-fault drivers are financially responsible for the accidents they cause. According to the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Fire Safety, state law mandates that motorists carry insurance coverage with a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury liability (BIL) per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 in property damage liability (PDL). Your settlement may fall within those minimum values, but severe injuries could exceed those policy limits.
Pursuing an average car accident settlement should not be your focus. Instead, you should seek compensation from the at-fault party that covers all of your injuries and losses. An accident attorney can guide you through the claims process.
The following variables can affect personal injury compensation:
- The severity of the crash injuries. The severity of your injuries will likely have the greatest influence on the value of your case. More severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage, usually require more medical treatment. In turn, these injuries lead to higher medical costs. In addition, severe injuries have a more significant effect on a victim’s quality of life and ability to earn a living.
- The age of the victim. If you suffer a permanent or disabling injury, the younger you are, the longer it will affect your life and earning capabilities. Therefore, younger victims may qualify for more compensation.
- The victim’s current income. Your average weekly wage at the time of your injury will determine your recoverable lost wages. The longer your injury prevents you from working, the more compensation you can receive for your lost wages.
- The physical, mental, and emotional consequences of the collision. Personal injury compensation can include awards for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering. These non-economic damages can be significant in severe and catastrophic injury cases.
- Whether the accident involved a fatality. If the car accident led to a wrongful death, the victim’s family members may recover damages based on the estate’s claim and the family’s losses.
- The strength of the case. If you have a solid case that clearly demonstrates negligence caused your injury, the insurance company may be more likely to offer you full and fair awards rather than risk going to court.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Motor Vehicle Collision?
As with the amount, the types of damages you can pursue for a car accident injury will depend on the details of your case. In general, financial compensation may include the following:
- Medical expenses: Including all current and future accident-related medical bills and the cost of medical equipment, medications, physical therapy, and nursing
- Loss of income: Including lost weekly wages, lost employment benefits, lost future earnings, and awards for lost earning capacity if your injury prevents you from returning to work
- Personal property damages: Including the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle
- Pain and suffering: Including monetary damages for mental anguish, emotional distress, chronic and severe pain, disfigurement, scarring, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment in life, and diminished quality of life
- Wrongful death: Including damages for the wrongful death of a loved one
Who Is Financially Liable for the Crash?
Financial liability for a car accident will rest with the negligent party whose actions caused the crash. In many cases, this will be a negligent driver. Examples of negligence include:
- Driving distracted (including texting and driving)
- Speeding
- Failing to obey traffic signs and signals
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Making an improper turn
- Passing improperly or illegally
- Tailgating
- Driving drunk
Car accidents can also result from vehicle malfunctions and roadway problems. You may have a personal injury claim against a liable roadway owner, manufacturer, or mechanic if negligent road maintenance, poor road design, faulty brakes, engine problems, blown tires, or another vehicle or roadway issue contributed to the crash.
How Long Do You Have to Pursue a Car Accident Claim in Georgia?
Insurance policy deadlines can be short, so it is a good idea to immediately notify the liable driver’s insurance company about your claim. You should also inform your insurance company.
If you cannot secure a satisfactory settlement, you can seek your losses with a personal injury lawsuit. According to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you generally have two years to file your case. If the statute of limitations expires, the court will usually refuse your suit, so this deadline is essential.
No law requires you to hire a personal injury lawyer to negotiate a settlement in a car accident case in Georgia. However, engaging a personal injury attorney from our firm can help you recover the maximum compensation possible.
Working with our legal team will provide you with a legal advocate who can identify the liable party, compile your damages, and build a robust claim for fair compensation. Working with us also signals to the insurance companies and opposing counsel that you mean business and will not accept a low accident settlement.
In addition, we will handle case details so you can focus on your health. We can:
- Investigate the accident and collect evidence, like the police report and medical records
- Identify all possible liable parties and prove how they acted negligently
- Identify and seek all your financial losses and demand compensation for pain and suffering
- Draft insurance claims and legal documents
- Track and adhere to case deadlines
- Communicate with involved parties and aggressively negotiate on your behalf
- File a lawsuit and represent you at trial if necessary
- Provide practical, client-focused services and support
- Answer all of your questions and update you frequently
Contact the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown About Your Car Accident Claim
The Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown has over 30 years of experience representing personal injury victims and their families. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a car accident in Georgia, we can help you pursue every cent owed for your losses.
Contact us online or call today for a free consultation and learn more about working with our Georgia car accident lawyers.
