We often spend a significant amount of time in our cars, and while we strive to stay safe on the road, it only takes one careless driver to cause an accident. If you have been injured in a car crash, talk to our lawyers to determine if the other driver should be held accountable in a lawsuit.
The damages you can claim in a car accident case can vary widely, but they can be substantial, especially in cases involving severe injuries. With our team’s help, you can pursue compensation for your economic and non-economic losses. The court might even impose punitive damages to punish the defendant’s reckless behavior in certain situations. While your auto insurance might cover some of the accident’s damages, a lawsuit is a better way to recover what you deserve.
For a free initial case evaluation, call (470) 287-3070 to speak to our car accident attorneys at Rice Law.
How to Cover Damages After a Car Accident in Lawrenceville, GA
In Lawrenceville, all drivers are required to carry auto insurance. Most drivers typically file insurance claims to cover any damages incurred when accidents occur. Injury victims will file third-party claims with the other driver’s insurance, which is why exchanging information after an accident is common; it allows both parties to reach out to each other’s insurance companies. To successfully cover the damages in your claim, you must provide evidence demonstrating the other driver’s fault.
While insurance can be a lifesaver for some, it can be a source of frustration for others. If the insurance company determines that you do not have enough evidence to establish fault, they will likely deny your claim outright. Even if your claim is approved, the insurance company will only cover you up to the limit of the other driver’s policy, potentially leaving you with inadequate compensation for your damages. Further, the insurance company will try to get away with making the lowest offer it can to save its bottom line.
If you find yourself needing more to cover your treatments and other losses, enlisting the help of our car accident attorney can be beneficial. We can help you pursue damages through a lawsuit. Though lawsuits typically involve more time and effort and often demand substantial evidence compared to insurance claims, you can secure more substantial compensation than you would receive through insurance.
How Long You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Lawrenceville, GA
Under O.C.G.A § 9-3-33, drivers have a two-year window to file a lawsuit for damages following a car accident. This period begins on the day the accident occurs, making timing crucial. If you do not take action within two years, you will forfeit your right to pursue compensation for your injuries forever.
Although having two years to prepare your case may seem sufficient, it can actually pass by quickly. Many people delay reaching out to a lawyer for weeks or even months. Some need time to heal, while others take time to consider whether legal action is the right path for them. Regardless of the reason, waiting too long puts you at risk of losing precious time. Additionally, critical evidence will likely fade away as time goes by. Thus, consult with our lawyers as soon as possible after an accident so we can discuss your legal options.
In certain situations, you might be able to extend the time limit for filing a lawsuit by having the statute of limitations tolled. This tolling can apply under various circumstances. For instance, if the defendant leaves the state and cannot be found or served through long-arm statutes, you could get the statute tolled, according to § 9-3-94. Considering how close Lawrenceville is to the Georgia state line, which borders two different states, there is a distinct possibility that this scenario might occur.
Another scenario that allows for tolling is fraud. If the defendant has misled you in a way that caused you to delay taking legal action until it was too late to file your case, you might be able to toll the statute under § 9-3-96. For example, perhaps the other driver gave you a false name, address, or insurance information. By not providing any one of these pieces of important information, the other party hopes they can delay the process long enough to escape liability. Our team can gather the evidence you were misled if this describes your situation.
Damages You Can Recover for Your Car Accident Injuries in Lawrenceville, GA
Damages vary from case to case. They reflect what you have lost and endured, including the costs of your medical treatment, property damage, and emotional anguish. These compensatory damages are actually a combination of your “special” and “general” damages, which are your economic and non-economics, respectively.
Economic damages are calculated in terms of dollar amounts and can be added up with payment confirmations, bills, and invoices. These expenses can pile up quickly, including the costs of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle, covering medical bills, and even lost wages from time missed at work. Typically, the more serious the accident, the greater the economic damages you will face. If complications arise that require more extensive medical treatment, like future surgeries or modifications to your home, your claims for economic damages will be particularly significant.
On the other hand, some damages cannot be easily measured in monetary terms, yet they still profoundly affect your overall quality of life. Non-economic damages focus on the emotional and mental fallout from the accident. For instance, we will typically seek compensation for your emotional distress, psychological injuries, physical pain, scarring, disfigurement, and any other personal suffering the accident caused. Because these damages are inherently subjective, their worth is usually determined by the court, either by a judge or a jury. However, our team has methods to evaluate these losses and can request a reasonable and just amount under the circumstances.
Contact Our Lawrenceville, GA Car Accident Attorneys Now for Help Getting Justice Against the Person Who Injured You
Call Rice Law at (470) 287-3070 for a free case evaluation with our car accident attorneys.