Because no two car accidents are the same, average car accident settlement numbers provide only limited information when it comes to estimating the amount which may be recoverable in your case. Settlement amounts vary widely, depending on factors like the type of accident, the severity of the injuries, and the financial losses incurred. With so many variables, an “average” settlement figure may mean little.
A Georgia car accident attorney can help you understand and calculate the full scope of your financial and personal losses and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Can Different Types of Injuries Result in Higher Settlements?
The nature and severity of your injuries are some of the most significant factors in determining your compensation. Severe injuries generally lead to higher potential settlements, mainly due to expensive medical care. However, it’s not simply the type of injury that determines the size of the settlement, and instead, it’s the impact of the injury on your life.
A settlement should account for the pain and suffering your injuries have caused, medical expenses and financial losses you’ve experienced, and the effect your injuries might have on your future. The more significant these factors are, the more compensation your car accident lawyer will fight to recover.
What Helps to Maximize the Amount of a Car Accident Settlement?
A number of things you can do in the days and weeks following your accident may help you to maximize the amount you seek to recover in a car accident settlement, including the following steps:
- Keep everything — You should keep records of your medical expenses, receipts, missed workdays, and communications with insurers. Gather accident scene photos, police reports, witness statements, and other evidence. This evidence can support your version of events, show the impact of your injuries, and help you pursue a full and fair settlement.
- Be cautious when dealing with insurance companies — Insurance companies protect their profits by making quick offers to car accident victims who don’t realize how much higher their settlement can potentially be. You should allow an experienced car accident attorney to review any offer you receive from an auto insurance company.
- Get help from an experienced car accident attorney — A knowledgeable Georgia car accident lawyer knows how to calculate full and fair compensation. They can also help you gather evidence to establish liability and avoid critical errors that might weaken your claim. Protect yourself by speaking with an attorney as soon as you can.
What Is Necessary to Prove the Other Driver Is at Fault for the Accident?
In every car accident claim, the injured party has the burden to show that someone else’s irresponsible actions caused them harm or loss. To establish liability, your car accident lawyer will collect:
- Medical records
- Vehicle repair records
- Police reports
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Witness testimony
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Expert testimony.
Your lawyer can also work with accident reconstruction experts to examine vehicle damage, scene debris, skid marks, and road conditions and may even utilize advanced technology like computer simulations to gain insight into who and what caused the accident.
What Are Different Types of Compensation in a Car Accident Settlement?
You can seek compensation for a variety of losses through a Georgia car accident claim or lawsuit, including:
- Medical expenses — The liable party may be responsible for the cost of any ambulance services, hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription medications, surgeries, medical devices, and future medical expenses incurred by your injuries.
- Lost wages — If your injuries have prevented you from earning a living, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages, including hourly wages or salary, benefits, commissions, tips, missed promotions or raises, sick days, vacation time, and future lost wages.
- Pain and suffering — The physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional trauma are often the most devastating aspects of car accident injuries. You may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve endured.
- Wrongful death — If the accident resulted in a fatality, the surviving loved ones may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims can allow family members to seek compensation for their losses and for their loved one’s pain and suffering.
Is There a Time Limit in Georgia for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit?
According to Ga. Code § 9-3-33, you have two years from the date of injury to file a car accident lawsuit. However, if liability for your accident falls on a government entity like the Georgia Department of Transportation or a local municipality, the window in which to act is smaller. For claims against the state, you have one year to file. For claims against a municipality or county government, you have just six months.
Acting quickly after a car accident makes it easier to gather the necessary evidence and can help prevent insurance companies from employing stalling tactics to delay or deny your claim.
How Long Can a Georgia Car Accident Settlement Take?
All car accident cases are different. Many of the same factors that affect settlement amounts affect the timeline to resolve a case. Factors that influence the length of your legal process include the severity of injuries, the amount of your medical expenses, whether there are disputes over liability, and whether the case settles or goes to court.
Settlements of cases that involve relatively minor injuries may take a few months to reach, while more complex ones can take up to a year or more. If your claim goes to court, the process will take longer. However, fighting for fair compensation can be well worth the wait. It’s important not to rush into a settlement and trust your attorneys to advocate for your best interests.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident someone else caused, the team at Bayuk Pratt is ready to fight for your right to fair compensation. We have more than 50 years of combined experience representing injured clients in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. Our extensive track record of substantial settlements and long list of satisfied clients speak for themselves. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
