Car Accident Attorney in Macon, Georgia
According to Georgia’s Department of Public Health, in 2020, in 2020, motor vehicle traffic deaths ranked as the primary cause of injury-related fatalities for children aged 5 to 14, and as the second leading cause of death among adults aged 25 and above. These alarming statistics highlight the importance of understanding Georgia's car accident laws and having a trusted legal team by your side in case of an accident.
Arnold & Arnold LLC, led by Attorney Brian Arnold, is a trusted law firm based in Macon, Georgia. The firm provides personal injury and workers’ comp services to clients across Covington, Dublin, Savannah, Cochran, Augusta, and Columbus. They're ready to be your advocate in any auto accident legal matter. Reach out today to set up a time to discuss your case.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Suffering a car accident can be a traumatic experience, which is why it's difficult to know what to do when you're in the heat of the moment. If you're ever in a crash, it's crucial to stay calm and follow some essential steps to ensure your safety and protect your chances for recovery. Arnold & Arnold LLC recommends these measures to their clients:
Check your safety and that of others involved in the accident. If possible, move to a safer location off the road to prevent further accidents. Once everyone's immediate safety is ensured, it's important to contact the police. A formal report can serve as valuable evidence if you decide to seek compensation later on.
Next, exchange details with the other driver involved in the accident. This should include names, contact information, and insurance details. Document the scene by taking photos of the accident, the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. If there are witnesses, get their statements and contact details. Their testimony could be crucial in establishing fault.
Seek medical help. This is important even if you think you're not injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not manifest immediately and could worsen over time if left untreated. A doctor's report can also serve as evidence in your claim for compensation, because it documents any injuries sustained from the accident and proves that you were concerned enough to seek medical attention.
Notify your insurance company about the accident. But before you accept any settlement offers, consider consulting with a car accident lawyer like Brian Arnold. An attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you on the best course of action for seeking compensation.
Dedicated Representation for Car Injury Victims
Get in ContactGeorgia's At-Fault Insurance System
Understanding Georgia's at-fault insurance system is key to navigating the aftermath of a car accident. In Georgia, the party responsible for causing the accident is typically liable for any damages. This is why it's called an "at-fault" state.
In terms of insurance, Georgia requires motorists to have auto insurance liability coverage with minimum limits of bodily injury liability ($25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident) and property damage liability ($25,000 per incident).
Under Georgia's modified comparative negligence rule, you can only recover compensation if you're less at fault than the other party. The amount of damages you can recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're found to be 20% at fault, your total compensation will be reduced by that percentage.
Determining fault often involves a thorough investigation and negotiation with insurance companies. This is where Arnold & Arnold LLC comes in. Their experienced car accident attorney can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for your rights in court if necessary.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Cases in Georgia
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the car accident, so it's essential to act promptly. For property damage, the limit extends to four years.
What Damages Are Available for Recovery?
In Georgia, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages resulting from a car accident. These include:
medical expenses,
lost wages,
property damage, and
pain and suffering.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded as punishment for the responsible party's reckless or intentional actions. Punitive damages refer to a monetary award beyond compensatory damages that are intended to deter similar behavior in the future. Also, there's no cap on compensatory damages in Georgia, but punitive damages are limited to $250,000.
All these details can make car accidents seem confusing, but with Arnold & Arnold LLC in your corner, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with care and respect. Their team has a deep understanding of Georgia's car accident laws and are dedicated to helping you seek the maximum compensation possible. Don't hesitate to reach out to them for a consultation if you've been in a car accident in Georgia.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Car Accident
Losing a loved one in a car accident can be paralyzing, and understandably so. To help support your family through the grieving process and to seek justice for your loved one, you may consider filing a wrongful death claim. With Arnold & Arnold LLC by your side, you'll have a team that understands Georgia's wrongful death laws and is committed to seeking justice for you and your family.
Knowing who can file a wrongful death claim is critical, as it ensures that the process commences correctly and helps minimize any potential legal complications. Not everyone has the right to file a wrongful death claim in Georgia. The eligibility is limited to certain family members. The surviving spouse is given the first priority. If there's no surviving spouse, the right to file a claim passes to the deceased person's children.
In cases where the deceased person left no spouse or children, the parents can file the claim. If none of these family members are alive, the personal representative of the deceased person's estate is eligible to pursue the claim.
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim due to a car accident is two years from the date of the accident.
Car Accident Attorney in Macon, Georgia
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be challenging. As if the traumatic experience isn't enough, you have to navigate complicated laws, insurance policies, and any forthcoming medical appointments and treatments. But with the right guidance and legal advice, you can protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. Trust Arnold & Arnold LLC to guide you through this process with their passion for justice and dedication to top-notch service.