Have you recently been injured in a rear-end collision? Being struck from behind may seem like a cut-and-dry case. However, you can expect the defense to do everything possible to avoid compensating you for your losses.
When you need help holding negligent parties accountable and recovering the damages you deserve, having an experienced Hinesville rear-end collision lawyer at John Foy & Associates advocating for you could make all the difference. We may be able to secure total recovery of your losses and potentially prevent future rear-end collisions. Find out what is next for your insurance and civil claims when you contact us for a free consultation.
Learn how our Hinesville car accident lawyer may be able to help with your situation.
How Insurance Claims Work After a Rear-End Collision
One of the top ways your rear-end collision lawyer in Hinesville, GA will recover maximum compensation for your damages is by filing a claim. Preparing and filing a personal injury claim is a very complex process. Having a knowledgeable and skilled rear-end collision attorney working for you could show the insurance company how seriously you are taking your claim.
Georgia Is a Fault State
You may be confused as to how the claims process works. Let us explain. Some states require drivers to purchase no-fault or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Then, when they are involved in an accident, they file a claim with their own insurance company no matter who is responsible for causing the accident.
However, this is not how insurance works in Georgia. We follow a fault system. We are not required to purchase no-fault or PIP coverage and instead file claims with the liable party’s insurance provider as opposed to our own. Policyholders often have the option of purchasing uninsured motorists, UIM, and no-fault protection coverage.
If you do purchase these types of coverage, you may have the option of filing a claim with your own insurance company after being involved in a rear-end collision. However, we do not necessarily advise doing so, as this could increase the amount you are required to pay the insurance company when it is time for your auto insurance policy to be renewed.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
All motorists have an obligation to ensure their vehicles. Under Georgia law, motorists only need to purchase a minimum of the following:
- $25,000 per person and bodily injury liability coverage
- $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
- $25,000 per accident and property damage liability coverage
Although Georgia is a fault state, many drivers fail to increase their insurance limits, putting them at risk for liability when involved in a collision. If the driver who struck you from behind was not insured or does not have enough coverage to adequately cover your losses with their insurance protection, your rear-end collision attorney may be prepared to pursue further legal action against them.
What Insurance Will Cover
You might be surprised to learn that insurance coverage does not always meet your needs. Many car accident victims find themselves in shock when they learn that insurance only covers vehicle repairs and medical bills. There may be some types of insurance coverage that will cover other types of expenses.
Generally, however, non-economic damages and a variety of economic losses are not covered by insurance. In fact, insurance coverage only applies to specific types of losses. This means damages like pain and suffering cannot be recovered through an insurance claim.
It is common for victims of rear-end collisions to pursue civil claims as well as insurance claims.
Prepare for Negotiations with Insurance Adjusters
Your rear-end collision attorney in Hinesville, GA will be responsible for handling insurance negotiations. Although you might have assumed the insurance company is on your side due to convincing advertising and marketing, insurance companies are actually only looking out for their best interests.
The insurance company will lose money when they pay out on your claim. Insurance adjusters are responsible for coming through insurance claims, looking for opportunities to deny you wherever possible. Fortunately, your rear-end collision lawyer will be prepared for any tactics that may come your way.
We will not allow you to settle for less than you deserve or be taken advantage of by profit-driven insurers.
Types of Damages You Could Recover for Your Rear-End Collision in Hinesville
You have the right to be repaid for every way you have been negatively affected by your rear-end collision damages. This includes compensation for your economic damages, which have verifiable monetary values, and non-economic damages, which do not.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are a type of non-economic loss. To prove the value of your non-economic damages, your lawyer may need to have your friends and family testify, introduce personal journal entries as evidence, and present your personal testimony as to the significant impact your injuries have had on you emotionally and physically. You could recoup the loss of enjoyment of life, skin scarring and disfigurement, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and other non-economic losses.
Medical Coverage
You can also get your medical expenses covered when you file an insurance or civil claim after a rear-end collision. Insurance may cover a portion of your damages, but any medical costs that the insurance company does not cover candy recouped when you file your rear-end collision lawsuit. Your attorney will also be sure to consider the impact your rear-end collision injuries will have on your life for years down the line.
Call a Hinesville Rear-End Collision Attorney for Help Today
After suffering devastating injuries caused by a rear-end collision, you may be hoping to put this experience behind you and move forward with your life. Having access to the compensation you are going to need to cover your expenses and cope with the trauma of what you went through will be an essential element of your recovery.
Learn more about how much your car accident damages could be worth when you contact a dedicated Hinesville rear-end collision lawyer at John Foy & Associates for a no-cost, risk-free consultation. You can fill out our online contact form or call our office to take advantage of this opportunity today.
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