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Georgia Car Accident Laws

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Tifton, Georgia, navigating the legal process can be overwhelming. Understanding your rights, the state’s insurance requirements and the steps you need to take to protect yourself is crucial. From knowing the minimum liability coverage to being aware of the time limits for filing a claim, Georgia’s laws can have a significant impact on your compensation. Whether you’re dealing with insurance companies or managing the complexities of comparative negligence, it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Understanding Insurance Requirements in Georgia

Georgia law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. These minimums include:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage per accident

These coverage requirements help ensure that all drivers can meet their financial responsibilities in case of an accident.

Unlike some states, Georgia is not a no-fault state for car accidents. This means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages through their insurance company.

Time Limits For Filing a Claim

In Georgia, you have two years to file a claim for injuries from your accident. For damage to your car or property, you have four years. If you miss these deadlines, you might lose your chance to get any money for your accident.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Georgia takes what’s called a modified comparative negligence approach to contributory fault. This means you can get compensation for your accident if you were less than 50% at fault. The amount you get depends on how much of the accident was your fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you’d get 80% of the total money awarded.

Insurance companies and courts look at how each person contributed to the accident when deciding who’s at fault in Georgia. They check several things, including:

  • Traffic law violations
  • Road and weather conditions
  • Vehicle maintenance records
  • Driver behavior and attention
  • Speed and positioning of vehicles

Understanding how these factors affect your claim can significantly impact your compensation. A thorough investigation often reveals multiple contributing factors to an accident.

Common Types of Compensation

After a car accident in Georgia, you may be entitled to various types of economic and non-economic damages, including:

Understanding these potential compensation types helps victims assess the full value of their claims and ensure they seek appropriate compensation for all damages.

Recent Changes in Georgia Law

The Hands-Free Georgia Act has significantly impacted driving regulations in the state. Georgia has strengthened its distracted driving laws, making holding or supporting a wireless device while driving illegal. Violations can result in fines and points on your license, affecting your insurance rates and liability in accidents. The law aims to reduce the rising number of distraction-related crashes across the state.

Evidence Collection and Documentation

Proper documentation plays a crucial role in car accident claims. Taking photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries can strengthen your case. Additionally, obtaining the police report, medical records, and witness statements helps establish the facts of the accident. Many successful claims rely on thorough documentation gathered in the immediate aftermath of the collision.

Steps To Take After an Accident

Protecting your rights begins immediately after an accident. Important steps include:

  • Seeking medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries
  • Documenting the accident scene with photos and videos
  • Gathering contact information from witnesses
  • Reporting the accident to your insurance company
  • Keeping detailed records of all accident-related expenses

Following these steps systematically helps protect your legal rights and strengthens your potential claim.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for Help

Be cautious of quick settlement offers from insurance companies. While they may offer immediate compensation, these early offers often don’t fully cover all of your expenses or long-term needs. Take the time to understand your rights and evaluate the true value of your claim before accepting any offer. 

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Georgia, understanding the law is essential to protecting your rights and securing fair compensation for your injuries. Consulting with an experienced auto accident lawyer can help guide you through the legal process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm at The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Today

For more information, please contact The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.

We have three convenient locations throughout Georgia:

The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Tifton Office
1603 US Hwy 41, Tifton, GA 31794
(229) 386-1376

The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Griffin Office
3317 Fayetteville Rd, Griffin, GA 30223
(404) 567-4546

The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Macon Office
886 Mulberry St, Macon, GA 31201
(478) 292-7272

Or if you would prefer to reach out to us online, please visit our contact us page.

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