Car Accidents Attorneys in Griffin, Georgia

Traffic accidents are among the leading causes of bodily injuries, ER visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in Georgia and throughout the United States. Thankfully, Georgia personal injury laws allow auto accident victims to pursue financial compensation for their injuries and damages from the negligent party. If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, you're within your rights to seek damages by filing a claim or lawsuit. 

Attorney Todd A. Harding has the skill and resources to guide and represent clients in their car accident cases. The highly-experienced  Georgia personal injury attorneys at the firm can investigate all of the surrounding facts of your unique situation and help you understand your possible legal options to seek damages. In addition, Attorney Todd A. Harding and his legal team will advocate for your best interests, hold the negligent party accountable, and help you recover the financial justice you may be entitled to. 

The Harding Law Firm, LLC, proudly serves clients across Griffin, Georgia, and surrounding areas throughout Spalding County, Lamar County, Butts County, Henry County, and Monroe County. 

Liability for Car Accidents in Georgia

Georgia is an "at-fault" state for car accidents. Under the state's fault laws, the driver who caused the motor vehicle accident (the at-fault party) will be held civilly and financially liable for injuries, property damages, and other accident-related losses suffered by the accident victims. 

Furthermore, to recover damages, the injured person or plaintiff can: 

• File a first-party claim with their own insurance provider. 

• File a third-party claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver. 

• File a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault driver. 

A skilled Georgia car accident attorney can explore your available options to seek compensation after the auto crash and determine the best way to proceed with your injury claims. 

Georgia Insurance Requirements

In addition, motorists in Georgia are mandated to have a minimum amount of liability insurance with the following coverage limits: 

• $25,000 liability coverage for bodily injuries per person 

• $50,000 liability coverage for total bodily injuries per accident involving more than one person 

• $25,000 liability coverage for property damage in a single accident 

Generally, the basic liability insurance coverage will help cover the medical costs, vehicle damages, and other accident-related expenses incurred by the accident victims up to the policy limits. 

State Laws Addressing Personal Injury Claims

If you have been involved in a car accident, it’s essential that you learn Georgia state laws and rules addressing car accident reporting, the time limit for filing a claim, and the amount of damages that may be recovered. 

Reporting a Car Accident 

According to Georgia laws, a driver involved in an accident must immediately inform the police or law enforcement by calling 911 to report the incident if any of the following is true: 

• The auto crash causes bodily injury or the death of a person. 

• The auto accident caused at least $500 in property or vehicle damages. 

• The accident occurred in a city which requires filing a report. 

• The insurance provider requires the policyholder to report the accident. 

Modified Comparative Fault

Additionally, Georgia operates using the "modified comparative fault" principle, with a 50% bar. Pursuant to the system, an accident victim may only seek compensation if the other party was mostly (more than 50%) responsible for the auto crash or injury. Also, the amount of damages they can recover will be reduced by the claimant's percentage of fault. 

For example, if the jury awarded $70,000 in damages against the liable driver but found you to be 40% at fault for the auto collision, your compensation would be reduced by $28,000 (40% of $70,000). Hence, you would only receive $56,000. According to Georgia's modified comparative fault rule, you will be barred completely from seeking compensation if you were equally or mostly (50% or more) at fault for the car accident or injury. 

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Georgia, including auto accidents, is two years after the car accident or injury. This means that you must commence civil action to recover damages within two years from the date the car accident or injury occurred. 

Proving Negligence

In addition, the claimant must prove fault and establish liability by showing that: 

• the at-fault party owed you a legal duty of care; 

• the at-fault party breached that legal duty of care by acting recklessly or negligently; 

• the careless or negligent actions of the at-fault party caused your injuries; and, 

• you suffered actual harm, bodily injuries, damages, or loss due to the at-fault party's negligence. 

A seasoned lawyer can help prove fault, seek to establish liability, and help negotiate a reasonable settlement with the insurance providers involved. 

Available Damages

Additionally, you may be entitled to recover the following damages by filing a car accident claim in Georgia: 

• medical costs related to the accident, including ongoing and future medical treatment 

• lost income/wages, pension, and other benefits 

• replacement or repair of damaged property 

• reduced earning capacity 

• disability expenses 

• loss of enjoyment of life 

• attorney fees and legal costs 

• physical pain and suffering 

• loss of consortium 

• mental anguish or emotional distress 

• punitive damages to further penalize or punish the at-fault driver for their willful misconduct or intentionally harmful behavior. 

• wrongful death damages, when applicable 

An experienced auto accident lawyer can review your case details, estimate your claim's value, and help you recover the maximum available compensation for your injuries and damages. 

How Legal Counsel Can Help

Getting hurt in a car crash caused by a negligent driver can be a devastating experience. Unfortunately, the accident can affect you mentally, financially, and physically. Nonetheless, you should never face challenges and financial liability all by yourself. Therefore, if you or a loved one were hurt in a car accident, hiring a practiced attorney  is imperative to protect your legal rights and help you pursue your rightful compensation. 

Since 2006, the skilled attorneys at The Harding Law Firm, LLC, have successfully recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for car accident victims and their loved ones. Using their extensive knowledge, they can guide you through the complex procedures involved in filing auto accident claims and recovering damages. Above all, they will fight diligently for your rights and help you seek fair financial compensation to cover your injuries, damages, and losses. 

Car Accidents Attorneys Serving Griffin, Georgia

If you or someone you know were hurt in a negligent car accident, you may pursue damages. Contact The Harding Law Firm, LLC, today to schedule a simple case consultation. Attorney Todd A. Harding and his reliable lawyers can offer you the vigorous representation and personalized legal counsel you need in your car accident claim. The firm proudly serves clients across Griffin, Spalding County, Lamar County, Butts County, Henry County, and Monroe County, Georgia.