Auto accidents remain a serious issue in Valdosta, Georgia. They can result in significant bills such as hospitalizations and car repairs, which can set you back months or even years financially. The event may have also been traumatizing for you and your family.
However, the law allows you to seek compensation for your losses. A Valdosta personal injury lawyer with Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can walk you through the process of pursuing that compensation from the responsible parties. We will work for you at no upfront or out-of-pocket costs, as your lawyer gets paid only if you do.
Options For Getting Compensated After a Car Accident in Valdosta
You typically have two avenues for compensation following a car accident in Georgia.
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Valdosta, call (404) 888-8888
Valdosta Car Accidents FAQs
Do I Need a Lawyer if I Was Hit by a Waymo Vehicle in Atlanta?What Steps Should I Take If I Suspect a Hit-and-Run in Atlanta?What Types of Compensation Can I Expect From a Car Accident Claim in Decatur?How Can a Decatur Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?What Is the First Thing to Do After a Savannah Car Accident?How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim Injury?You Can File a Liability Insurance Claim
Georgia motorists, including those in Valdosta, must carry liability insurance when driving in the state. Liability insurance pays for the damages that other parties suffer from in accidents caused by the at-fault driver. These are the minimum required coverages:
- $25,000 per individual and $50,000 per incident for injuries
- $25,000 per incident for property damage
You can file a personal injury claim with the other driver’s insurance provider to recover the costs accrued from the accident. However, you can only receive as much as their coverage allows. If the amount exceeds their policy, you may have to search for other options, like filing a lawsuit.
Valdosta Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
When to Consider Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit
Lawsuits can take more time and money due to all the legal fees and scheduling involved. Even so, it may be beneficial to consider filing one if the driver’s coverage is not enough.
In a car accident lawsuit, the civil court will review the arguments and evidence from both parties before determining how much you can recover.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Damages You May Recoup in a Valdosta Car Accident Claim or Lawsuit
If your Valdosta car accident case settles, you can recover two types of losses: economic and non-economic damages.
Possible Economic Damages in Car Accident Cases
Economic damages pay for the tangible costs of the car accident. These losses typically include hospital bills, lost wages, and auto repairs. In addition, if a loved one passed away in the crash, you can also recover wrongful death damages, such as funeral and burial expenses.
Non-Economic Damages You May Be Able to Collect in a Car Accident Case
Meanwhile, non-economic damages aim to compensate for more intangible costs. Some examples include pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, or mental anguish. If you lost your loved one to a car accident, you may qualify to recoup damages for loss of services or consortium.
Having as many records of your expenses, such as medical and car repair bills and medicine receipts, will help calculate your total damages more accurately. A Valdosta car accident attorney with our firm can assist with compiling them and evaluating how much you can recover.
Click to contact our Valdosta Personal Injury Lawyers today
Retaining Our Legal Services After a Car Accident in Valdosta, Georgia
After you were hurt in a car accident, it is important that you focus on your treatment and getting back to your routine – not working on a personal injury case. Leave all the legalities to Bader Scott Injury Lawyers.
On your behalf, our personal injury attorneys can:
- Create an evidence file that comprises the police report, photographs, video footage, or witness accounts
- Uncover the cause of your car accident, whether it was distracted driving, driving under the influence, or speeding
- Handle all emails and phone calls to and from the liable insurer
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Make sure all paperwork is filed within state deadlines
- Represent you in a jury trial if necessary
Our attorneys will handle these tasks for you on a contingency-fee basis, so there will be no retainers or upfront fees required upon hiring us. We only get paid if we achieve compensation at the end of your accident case. That way, you minimize your financial risk.
Deadlines for Filing Valdosta Car Accident Cases
Generally speaking, according to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you have two years to file a case for personal injury or wrongful death after a car accident.
Failure to comply with Georgia’s statute of limitations could result in your Valdosta car accident suit getting rejected. While a couple of years may seem like a long time, it would be in your best interest to start working on the case as early as possible. Doing so will help you avoid losing time should you have problems later on.
How Comparative Negligence Laws Can Affect Your Right to Damages
Georgia operates under a comparative negligence law as stated in O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. It means that in your Valdosta car accident claim or lawsuit, you can get compensated by the other party so long as they were more at fault than you.
Suppose that you were driving slightly over the speed limit while the other driver ran a red light. The jury or claims adjuster then decides that the other driver is 70 percent liable while you share 30 percent of the fault. If your damage award is $100,000, you would only recover 70 percent or $70,000. However, you would not receive compensation if you were over 50 percent liable.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Valdosta
A car accident is scary, but there are a few things you should do to protect yourself:
- Get to safety.
- Check yourself for injuries.
- Call 911. When paramedics get to the scene, allow them to examine you. You may think you’re uninjured, but your adrenaline could be masking serious injuries.
- Get the other driver’s information.
- Get medical care if paramedics did not examine you at the scene. Follow your doctor’s orders.
- Get a copy of the accident report.
- Keep copies of your receipts and bills.
- Watch what you say to the insurance company. The insurance adjuster will call you with questions soon after the accident. The insurer is trying to trip you up on this call, so only give them the basics of the accident. Don’t apologize for the accident, and don’t say you’re okay. If they ask about any injuries, tell them you’re waiting to hear back from your doctors. Direct them to your lawyer for any other questions.
- Don’t accept a settlement offer without running it by our personal injury lawyers first.
Take the First Step to Compensation Today with Bader Scott Injury Lawyers
A car accident and its aftermath are a traumatizing and draining experience for anyone. However, do not let these hardships stop you from seeking justice. We are here to fight for your right to recover damages. Our Valdosta car accident attorney can help you understand the laws related to your case and represent you in court if necessary.
Since 2008, Bader Scott Injury Lawyers has worked with clients in Valdosta and throughout Georgia on personal injury cases. For over 15 years, we have handled personal injury cases throughout Georgia. Our practice areas include product liability, auto accidents, and nursing home abuse.
Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. A team member is standing by to listen to the facts of your case and get you connected with one of our personal injury lawyers who can advocate for you.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form