Car Accident Attorneys in Decatur, Georgia

A car crash can happen to anyone at any time. It could happen to you no matter how safely you drive. Every day, you are sharing the road with thousands of other drivers whose actions and driving behaviors are out of your control. An automobile accident can leave you with severe injuries, costly medical bills, lost work time, and other damages, losses, and unresolved problems.   

However, you should not bear the costs of someone else’s negligent mistakes. If another driver is responsible for the collision, it is essential to contact a car accident attorney in Decatur, Georgia, to explore your compensation options.   

At Chambers & Aholt, LLC, our experienced and trusted personal injury attorneys help accident victims create winning legal strategies, build strong insurance claims, and obtain the compensation to which they are entitled. From our office in Decatur, Georgia, we handle car accident cases throughout the state, including Fulton, Gwinnett, Douglas, Polk, Cobb, Clayton, and DeKalb counties.   

Liability for Car Accidents in Georgia  

The state of Georgia averages about 1,500 fatalities in motor vehicle accidents annually, according to the Federal Highway Administration. When an accident occurs, it may not be immediately clear who is to blame for the crash. It is key to keep in mind that Georgia is an at-fault insurance state that requires motorists to pay for any damages they cause to others because of their negligence.   

As a victim of a car accident that occurs due to someone else’s negligent mistake in Decatur or other parts of Georgia, you have three options to obtain compensation: 

1. File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company;  

2. File a claim with your own insurance company (your insurance provider will do the rest for you to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer); or 

3. Pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver and recover damages in civil litigation.  

Which option is best in your particular situation depends on who is liable for the accident, the severity of your injuries, the other driver’s conduct, and other factors. That is why you may need to work with a practiced car accident attorney in Decatur, Georgia, to determine liability and pursue the compensation you deserve through all available sources.   

Georgia Insurance Requirements  

Georgia law sets specific minimum liability insurance requirements for motorists who drive on the state’s public highways and roads. When a car accident occurs, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance usually becomes the first source of compensation for the victim who suffered injuries or property damage.   

According to Georgia’s Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, Georgia law requires at least $25,000 per person and a minimum of $50,000 for all persons involved in an incident in bodily injury liability coverage. The minimum requirement for property damage liability coverage is $25,000 per incident.   

Many drivers also purchase physical damage insurance, which pays for damages to their own vehicles. Insurance companies in Georgia offer two types of physical damage insurance: comprehensive and collision. However, none of these two coverages are mandatory in the state.   

State Laws Addressing Personal Injury Claims  

When a car accident occurs, there are specific state laws that may come into play and affect your personal injury claim. In fact, if you do not comply with these laws, you may lose your right to seek compensation.  

The statute of limitations is one of the laws you should be aware of when filing a personal injury claim after the crash. This law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. The deadline is two years from the date of the accident for most car accident cases in Georgia. The only exception is when the crash involves a city or county vehicle. In that case, the time limit is reduced to six months.  

Another state law that may affect your ability to recover damages after a car accident in Georgia is the so-called “comparative fault” law. Georgia adopted a modified comparative negligence rule, which prevents persons from seeking any compensation if they are found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident. If you are partially to blame and your fault is less than 50%, you are entitled to compensation, but your recoverable damages will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.  

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia 

In Georgia, you can file a wrongful death claim if your loved one was killed in a car accident or any other incident resulting from someone else’s negligent, criminal, or wrongful act. The primary purpose of filing a wrongful death claim is to seek justice and recover damages for the victim’s death.  

However, not all family members can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia. Under state law, the following individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased person in this particular order:  

• The surviving spouse 

• Adult children 

• The surviving parent(s) 

• The administrator or executor of the victim’s estate 

Only the family members listed above can pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased person in Georgia. No other family members, including siblings and grandparents, are granted the right to sue for wrongful death. If the administrator or executor files a claim, the recoverable damages will be distributed for the benefit of the victim’s next of kin.  

Car Accidents Attorneys Serving Decatur, Georgia 

If you have been injured or a loved one has died in a car accident, our attorneys at Chambers & Aholt, LLC, can answer your questions and help you navigate the laws pertaining to your claim. Our knowledgeable car accident attorneys in Decatur, Georgia, will work to take care of every aspect of your claim from start to finish, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.