What Should I Know Before Filing a Car Accident Claim in GA?
Involvement in a Georgia car accident can turn your life upside down. One minute you're feeling fine, driving to your destination, and the next, your car is totaled, and you are in an ambulance on the way to the hospital. Even if you don't suffer significant injuries, the process of filing a claim, dealing with the insurance company, getting treatment for your injuries, and compensation for your damages can be lengthy and overwhelming. However, knowing a few pieces of information about filing a car accident claim in Georgia can help make this process easier and more successful for you.
Hire a Georgia Car Accident Attorney
It's in your best interest to contact a Georgia car accident lawyer and discuss your injuries and car accident with them before filing a claim. They can help you avoid costly mistakes which lessen the value of your claim. Your car accident attorney can take the stress of dealing with the insurance company off your plate and help you obtain access to high quality medical care. Your attorney is well-versed in the rights of car accident victims and will fight to protect yours, standing up to large insurance companies.
The Insurance Company Puts Their Needs First
Part of the reason you should hire an attorney to handle your claim is that insurance companies often put their needs first. They are in business to make money. One alarming trend we have seen is insurance companies’ offering a quick settlement to claimants. If you agree to a quick settlement with an insurance company before speaking to an attorney, it will be enforceable in court. If you then need expensive treatment or a surgery, it will come out of your pocket when it should have been paid by the insurance company. So, if you talk to them before speaking to an attorney, you could give up some of your rights and potentially settle your claim for far less than it's worth. The insurance company may even go so far as to say that you don't need an attorney because they will take care of you. No matter what the insurance company says, you should always check in with an experienced car accident attorney before filing your claim.
You Deserve Compensation for Your Damages
In a motor vehicle collision caused by another driver’s negligence, you deserve compensation for your damages. Damages can include economic or tangible losses and non-economic losses that are subjective. Examples of damages you can claim in a car accident case include:
- Lost wages and income
- Medical bills and related expenses
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Claims Take Time
In order to obtain a full recovery for your losses, it is important not to settle your claim prematurely. When you settle a claim, you will have to sign a release of all liability. Never settle while you are still treating for your injuries. Some straightforward claims in which the insurance company accepts fault for their driver and you complete treatment in a few weeks can be resolved in just a few months. Other claims involving more significant injuries or if the insurance company denies responsibility can take much longer. If the insurance company doesn’t offer you a full and fair settlement, your Georgia car accident attorney can litigate your case on your behalf. While this will take more time, sometimes you have to go through a litigation process in order to achieve justice.
Contact a Seasoned Georgia Car Accident Attorney Today
One of the first steps you should take after suffering injuries in a car crash is to contact a seasoned Georgia car accident lawyer. They will be an invaluable asset when it comes to receiving compensation for your losses. If you need an attorney, look no further than the experienced professionals at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland. Schedule a no-obligation case consultation today by calling 770.887.1209 or completing our online form.