Georgia law follows an at-fault system for car accidents, determining who pays the medical bills after a crash occurs. As a result, the driver who is found responsible for the car accident is also responsible for covering any resulting medical expenses.
How Do You Determine Fault for the Accident?
In Georgia’s at-fault system, you must establish another person’s responsibility for your auto accident to recover compensation for your injuries. The driver responsible for the car accident is legally bound to cover the resulting losses. So, if another driver’s negligence caused the crash, their insurance company should cover your medical bills, car repairs, and other losses. However, proving fault can be challenging.
To determine who is at fault, investigators review several types of evidence, such as:
- Police reports — These reports can provide details about the accident and statements from all parties, making them key to the investigation. They can help establish what happened and who may have been at fault.
- Photos of the accident scene — Pictures of the crash site, damage to your vehicle, and any road conditions can provide clear visual evidence. These images can show details like road or weather conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
- Witness statements — People who saw the accident can give an unbiased account of what happened. Their testimony can be invaluable if there is a dispute about who was responsible.
- Traffic camera footage, if available — Videos from traffic cameras can show how the accident occurred. You can use available footage to prove the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
- Damage to the vehicles — The location and extent of the damage to each car can offer clues about how the accident happened. For example, damage to the rear of a vehicle usually indicates that a driver hit it from behind. If a driver ran a red light and crashed into your car, they would typically be considered at fault.
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you share some blame, you can still recover some of your losses. If you were partially responsible for the auto accident, there would be a reduction in the compensation you recover, reflecting the percentage of fault assigned to you. For instance, if you were 20 percent at fault, you would still receive 80 percent of your compensable losses. Contact our car accident lawyer in Atlanta today.
What Evidence Do I Need to Prove My Damages After the Accident?
You must prove your losses and expenses to pursue the compensation you deserve. Here are some key items you should gather:
- Medical records — These records document the injuries you suffered and the treatments you received.
- Bills and receipts — Keep copies of every medical bill, including hospital stays, doctor visits, prescriptions, physical therapy, and other treatments.
- Lost wage documentation — If you missed work because of the accident, ask your employer to provide proof of lost wages.
- Photos and videos — Capture pictures of your injuries, the accident scene, and any property damage.
Keeping organized records will help you file an insurance claim or pursue a lawsuit with help from an experienced car accident lawyer.
What Medical Bills Should I Expect After a Car Accident in Georgia?
The medical bills you receive for the care you need after a car accident can add up quickly. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may face expenses for the following types of treatment:
- Ambulance rides
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Follow-up doctor appointments.
These costs can be overwhelming, especially if you cannot work while recovering. However, you can learn about ways to cover these bills.
Should I Expect Medical Bills to Arrive Before a Settlement Is Reached?
Yes, medical bills often arrive before a case gets resolved through a settlement. Unfortunately, the claims process can take months or years to finalize. While you wait for the insurance company to determine liability and settle your claim, you might receive bills from your healthcare providers.
Many hospitals and doctors understand this delay. They may be willing to wait for payment until your case gets resolved. However, you must communicate with them and let them know you are pursuing a claim. Your lawyer can handle this communication for you.
Should I Submit My Medical Bills to My Health Insurance Provider?
It’s a good idea to submit your medical bills to your health insurance provider. Your health insurance policy may help cover your medical expenses while you wait for the at-fault driver’s insurance company to process your claim. Once your case has a resolution, your health insurance company will request reimbursement from the settlement. This process is known as subrogation.
Using your health insurance allows you to pay your bills on time. It can help you avoid collections or damage to your credit score.
Will the Insurance Company Pay My Medical Provider Directly?
In most cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will not pay your medical provider directly. Instead, they will offer you a settlement, which you can use to pay your bills. You should keep track of all your medical expenses. If you are unsure how to handle these payments, a car accident attorney can guide you and ensure you get treated fairly.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
At Bayuk Pratt, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a car accident can be. With over five decades of combined legal experience, our battle-tested Atlanta personal injury trial lawyers know how to take on even the largest insurance companies. You can count on us to do everything possible to pursue justice for you.
Let us handle the legal work so you can focus on healing. Whether you face an insurance claim, liability dispute, or problems with figuring out how to cover your medical expenses, our team is here to help. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
