After suffering a car accident in Georgia, you may bring a claim against the at-fault motorist seeking payment for the damages you incurred. However, calculating your damages may be a complicated process.
The amount you can sue for after a car accident hinges on various factors. Compensation typically covers economic damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Additionally, non-economic damages such as physical pain and emotional suffering may also contribute to your overall claim amount. After reviewing the specifics of your case, our legal professionals can help calculate your damages and build your case.
Seek support and guidance from our Georgia car accident lawyers at Howe Law by calling (844) 876-4357 for a free case assessment.
Damages You Can Sue for After a Car Accident in Georgia
There are multiple types of economic and non-economic damages that you can sue for after suffering a car crash. Our experienced Atlanta car accident attorneys can determine which of the following you may pursue:
Medical Expenses
Car accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor to severe. When a car accident occurs, the injuries sustained by the victims can lead to a cascade of medical expenses. These expenses encompass the costs associated with seeking medical treatment such as ambulance fees, hospital bills, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy. Victims often find themselves grappling with the financial burden of these treatments, making it imperative to include them in the compensation sought in a Georgia car accident lawsuit.
Lost Income
Car accidents can also lead to time off work or even long-term disability, causing victims to lose income. The impact of a car accident can extend far beyond the initial collision. Victims may face substantial economic hardships because of hospitalization, recovery, or ongoing medical appointments, all of which result in lost wages. In severe cases, the injuries sustained in the accident may also involve a reduced earning capacity if the victim’s ability to work is affected. These economic losses need to be factored into the compensation sought in a Georgia car accident lawsuit, as they represent a significant portion of the financial toll experienced by victims.
Property Damage
In car accidents, vehicles are often damaged or even totaled. This typically necessitates repairs or replacement of the damaged property.
The financial implications of property damage are relatively easy to calculate. These damages typically cover the costs of repairing or replacing the damaged vehicle and any personal belongings inside. This direct financial impact on the victim cannot be underestimated. Property damage compensation is essential for victims to get their lives back on track.
Pain and Suffering
Car accidents can cause not only physical injuries but also emotional distress. Pain and suffering damages encompass the emotional and psychological trauma experienced by the victim, which can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. The toll may include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the overall reduction in the quality of life because of the accident.
Although non-economic in nature, pain and suffering damages are a critical aspect of the compensation sought in Georgia car accident lawsuits. Our legal team is prepared to help fight for the maximum amount of pain and suffering damages available in your case.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Car accidents may result in various additional expenses that might not be immediately obvious but can significantly impact the victim’s financial situation. These out-of-pocket expenses include transportation costs to and from medical appointments, home modifications to accommodate injuries, and the cost of hiring domestic help for tasks the victim can no longer perform.
While these expenses may not be as evident as medical bills or property damage, they can add up, causing further financial strain on the victim. Therefore, it is crucial to include these out-of-pocket expenses in the compensation sought in a Georgia car accident lawsuit.
Time Limit to Sue After a Car Accident in Georgia
Time limits to file certain types of cases are governed by states’ statutes of limitations. In Georgia, the deadline to file your car accident case is set forth by O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
Accordingly, you will typically have two years after the date of your crash to pursue payment for your car accident injuries. Failure to comply with this deadline may cause you to miss your chance to recover payment.
Furthermore, even though you may have up to two years to file your car accident case in Georgia, you should begin working on your claim as quickly as possible after your collision. The evidence needed to support your case can become difficult to collect or preserve as time passes. The sooner you begin building your claim, the more efficiently you will be able to gather the information necessary to recover compensation.
Considering Settlement Offers in Georgia Car Accident Cases
If you file a car accident lawsuit in Georgia, the defendant will most likely present you with a settlement offer at some point before trial. When you accept a settlement offer, you will receive a specific sum of damages in exchange for the dismissal of your case. There are some advantages to settling early. For instance, by reaching a settlement agreement, you may save on some of the costs you would incur at trial. Furthermore, you may acquire payment sooner.
Still, many defendants in car accident lawsuits try to settle their claims for less than they are worth. If you are not presented with an appropriate settlement offer, then you will need to go to trial to obtain the full extent of financial compensation you deserve. Our legal team can help consider any settlement offers made in your case. That way, you can confidently decide if going to trial is right for you.
Additionally, if you need to go to trial, then our team will help represent your interests and fight for the damages you deserve.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys for Help with Your Claim in Georgia
In the aftermath of your collision, get assistance from our Georgia personal injury lawyers by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free case review.
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