Why You Need An Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer
The moments and days after a personal injury can be overwhelming with paperwork, hospital care (if performed), vehicle repairs, and dealing with insurance companies. Everyone's case is different, and even if you didn't cause the accident, you're going to need help. Under Georgia law, you sue for accident damages.
Georgia is an at-fault state. This means that the person who caused the accident is responsible for the costs of the accident, including injuries. The victim of the accident can face expenses if the person who caused it doesn't pay.
Injury Costs You Can Recover
Medical Costs
Medical costs can include hospital bills, doctor visits, examinations, prescription medications, surgery, and ongoing treatment like rehabilitation and physical therapy. Extreme injuries can take years of treatment and recovery. The person at fault would be the one responsible for these future costs, as well.
Vehicle Repair Costs
In accidents where a car, motorcycle, bicycle, or other kinds of vehicles were damaged, the at-fault party is also responsible for those costs. This also includes replacement costs if the vehicle is beyond repair.
Missed Wages
If you had to miss work to recover from the accident, the at-fault party is responsible for lost wage damages.
General Damages
General damages are harder to calculate because they are meant to account for the injury and later consequences of that injury. This includes pain, disability, quality of life, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of life.
Punitive Damages
If someone has shown misconduct, fraud, malice, or has put others in danger on purpose, the victim of the accident can be awarded punitive damages. The at-fault person would pay these. Drunk driving is one example.
Do You Have to Sue for Damages After an Accident in Georgia?
Most accidents are covered by insurance, and thus don't need a reason to sue. The exceptions are that you are in a car accident caused by another person, and their auto insurance is responsible for the damages to your car. You then would make a claim against the at-fault party's insurance. The insurance company will pay out the damages that you lawfully deserve. The at-fault party may not have insurance, or they aren't carrying enough insurance when the accident occurred, so you can go without damages unless you decide to sue them.
When You Can't Reach a Settlement
If you are the victim of a personal injury caused by a negligent individual it is best to obtain the services of a personal injury lawyer to help you fight the insurance company for money that you deserve for general damages and medical costs. Your personal injury lawyer will try to negotiate a fair settlement with the other party’s insurance company. If this doesn't work, you may be able to take the case to litigation to get damages paid. A lawyer can help decide if this is the best route to take.
About John Foy & Associates
At John Foy & Associates, we have more than 20 years of experience working on injury cases in Georgia. If you've been injured in an accident that wasn't your fault and are wondering how to recover damages, contact us today. We can give you a FREE consultation to discuss your options and how we can help. Call us at (404) 471-3348, or fill out the form to the right for your free consultation.
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