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Cars and other passenger vehicles travel on Stonecrest roads every day. If a driver is careless, they can cause an accident and injuries. The aftermath of an auto accident can include costly medical bills, lost income, and more. If you or a loved one were injured, contact a Stonecrest passenger vehicle accident lawyer.
You might be eligible for financial compensation for your costs. You also do not have to handle the legal details alone. At John Foy & Associates, we can help you build a strong claim against the other driver. We’ve been helping car accident victims win what they deserve for over 20 years.
Our firm does not charge a fee unless we win your case. To consult with the “Strong Arm” today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We are available 24/7 to take your call.
Damages You Can Claim from a Car Accident
Georgia is a fault state. That means the at-fault driver in an accident is responsible for the costs. If the driver has insurance, the insurance company should cover your losses.
Personal injury damages are anything you’ve lost because of the accident. Common damages include:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Prescription medication costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Damages can be economic or non-economic. For example, you can prove your medical costs through bills and records. Those damages have set dollar amounts.
Non-economic damages are about how the accident affects your life. There is no monetary value for pain and suffering. However, you and your lawyer can determine the worth of your emotional damages in your claim.
Negligence in Passenger Vehicle Accidents
All injury cases depend on the concept of “negligence.” Negligence is a legal term for lack of care. If someone is negligent, they’ve acted in a way that can cause harm.
Examples of negligence in a car accident include:
- Driving while distracted
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Failing to yield correctly
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Speeding
- Driving recklessly or aggressively
You will need to show how the other driver was at fault. Your claim should also show that the driver’s actions led to your crash. At the same time, you’ll need to prove that you were not at fault.
All drivers in Stonecrest have a duty of care to each other. If someone is careless and causes an accident, they are likely at fault. The at-fault driver is responsible for all of the costs of the accident.
Partial Fault in an Accident
Sometimes, more than one driver is at-fault for a car accident. Georgia has modified comparative negligence laws under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-12-33. According to these laws:
- Partial fault could reduce the amount of compensation you deserve.
- You can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault.
- If you’re eligible for damages, the courts will reduce your recovery by your percentage of fault.
The other driver’s insurance company could use these laws against you. For example, the insurer might try to blame you for the accident to reduce its own liability. You will need to protect your rights when filing a claim.
At John Foy & Associates, we can make sure the insurance company treats you fairly. If someone else caused your accident, we’ll help protect your right to compensation. Plus, we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
To get started with a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
When the Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance
All drivers in Stonecrest should carry insurance. The minimum coverage in Georgia is:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
Drivers can also include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in their policy. If you get into an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance, your UM coverage can help. UM coverage can provide compensation after an uninsured driver accident.
You might not know if you have UM insurance. However, most drivers have it without knowing. Unless we opted out of this coverage when you bought your insurance, you probably have the coverage.
You’ll need to file a claim with your own insurer after an uninsured driver accident. Even when facing your own insurance company, be careful what you say. Talk to a lawyer before accepting any money or signing anything.
Common Passenger Vehicle Accident Injuries
Car accident injuries range from minor to severe. If another driver caused your accident, they should cover your injury costs.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve seen accident injuries like:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Whiplash
- Shoulder injuries
- Lacerations
- Bruising
- Severe burns
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
Don’t wait to get medical help after an accident. Even if you feel okay, you could have injuries that worsen with time. Also, waiting to see a doctor often hurts your accident claim.
After your accident, the insurance company will review your evidence. It will look at all documentation of your injuries. If the insurer sees you waited to get treatment, it won’t look right. The insurer might assume you were not hurt as badly as you’re claiming.
How to Build Your Accident Claim
Besides seeing a doctor, you can also help your claim by:
- Taking pictures of the accident scene
- Photographing your injuries
- Saving all medical bills, receipts, and other evidence of your damages
- Following your doctor’s treatment instructions
- Not admitting any blame for the accident
Also, contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer can handle the insurance companies and help you build a strong claim.
Talk to a Stonecrest Passenger Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Passenger vehicle accidents are some of the most common crashes. If you were hurt because of someone else’s actions, you have rights. Our team can help you fight for the money you deserve for your injuries.
At John Foy & Associates, we have over 20 years of experience helping car accident victims. We also do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Let’s discuss your compensation options during a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We are available 24/7 to take your call.
