Despite Georgias landscapes it may come as a surprise that the state lies, among the leading states in terms of motor vehicle accidents. The numbers speak for themselves with over 1470 fatalities reported in 2022 and numerous others left grappling with injuries. Thankfully there are regulations in place to safeguard the rights of those affected and to ensure accountability for those following an accident.

Overview Of Georgia Car Accident Laws:

In Georgia it is mandatory to report a car accident if it led to;

• Injuries to any individual regardless of their severity. This encompasses injuries sustained by drivers, passengers, pedestrians or any other party involved

• Fatality

• Property damage exceeding $500

It is crucial to contact the police or Georgia State Patrol and provide details about the incident even if it was a minor collision. Failure to do so can result in repercussions and jeopardize your ability to seek compensation for your losses. If your accident meets any one or more of the criteria and goes unreported you may be subject, to charges.

Fled the Scene

A driver might report the incident as a hit and run since the other driver fled the scene. This could lead to penalties, license suspension or even imprisonment- When a person is seriously hurt or dies as a result of their accident injuries, leaving the scene can lead to being charged with felony hit-and-run. In Georgia, this may lead to up to five years in prison. Additionally, if you were the one who caused the accident and went away without calling 911 or emergency services, you can be sued by the injured driver or their family for damages.

Georgia’s Fault System for Car Accidents

The first question that often arises during an accident is who caused it? There are two ways of approaching this issue: no-fault and at-fault. The “at-fault” system determines who is responsible for causing accidents. This is what Georgia follows. The driver found at fault pays for any harm incurred as a result of his actions under this system. No other payments will be made in these states unlike in “no fault” jurisdictions where each driver’s insurance company pays their own claims irrespective of whose fault it was. This is why claiming compensation for car accidents under the law in Georgia becomes slightly more difficult than it would be in no-fault states.

To sue someone, you must demonstrate that he or she is liable for the accident which injured you. The investigation should be thorough in order to achieve this, considering several aspects such as:

• The official police report
• Eyewitness testimonies
• Physical evidence such as skid marks, damage to the cars, and the positioning of cars
• Videos recorded by surveillance cameras and dashcams or smartphones
• Data from other drivers involved in the accident e.g., they accepted responsibility at the scene.

The reason why it’s a requirement for drivers to have at least minimum liability coverage meant to compensate damages from third parties. These levels include:

• No less than $25,000 per individual harmed or killed

• No less than $50,000 per accident involving bodily injury or death

• No less than $25,000 per accident involving damage of another person’s vehicle or property

It can also pay for any medical bills incurred by the other party stemming from injuries sustained during that auto collision and repair costs.

Have A Skillful Auto Accident Attorney on Your Side in Georgia

In the aftermath of an accident, insurance companies are crucial players in dealing with this and can be said as such to be your helping hand. However, it is essential to keep in mind that ultimately, they are for-profit enterprises and nothing else. Consequently, they focus on settling claims while seeking to minimize their financial exposure. For this reason, they have been known to tender initial settlement offers that are patently unfair, deliberately drag their feet about resolving claims, and contest the nature and extent of the victim’s injuries so as to force acceptance through desperation on the part of the injured person.

In case you or your loved one recently got involved in an accident and an insurance adjuster visits you, do not sign anything until you comprehend how serious your injuries might be as well as how much you will spend over time. Contact our experienced Georgia Car Accident Injury Attorney at the Cobb Personal Injury Law Firm immediately. We offer a powerful legal representation designed to assist in obtaining significant compensation for personal injuries suffered by victims. For consultation or more information please call us or fill out this form.