Frequently Asked
Questions

Learn what happens when you total a car, starting with how insurance companies make that determination, the types of insurance coverage available, and why – when dealing with a company concerned about its bottom line — it helps to talk to an attorney.

In Georgia, the Department of Driver Services can suspend a license for as little as sixty days to as long as three years. Even a sixty-day suspension is no minor punishment, given the role of cars and driving in our society. Our car is more than transportation; it’s our connection to the broader world. Whether we use our vehicles to get to work, pick up children, or buy groceries, they are vital to our lives.

It makes sense, then, to better understand how license suspensions in Georgia operate, what offenses trigger them, and how to reinstate your license with as little interruption as possible. There are some driving offenses and even non-driving offenses that can trigger an automatic suspension. On the other hand, an accumulation of minor infractions can lead to a suspension. Georgia also increases the suspension period depending on the offense and the offender’s driving record.

The most recent available data shows that the average combined costs for nonfatal pedestrian accident victims are $337,309. This combined cost represents all the medical, work loss, and quality of life costs associated with the accident.

In Georgia, you can file an insurance claim without a police report. However, filing your claim with a can help make the process smoother and increase the likelihood of a successful claim.

Absolutely. A car accident attorney can and should negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf. A Montlick car accident attorney can handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance company, ensuring that they take your claim seriously and offer a fair settlement.

If you are somewhat responsible for a car accident, but not more so than the other driver(s), you might still be able to recover damages for your injuries in Georgia. GA Code § 51-12-33 applies the comparative negligence principle to accident injury claims.

Generally, the statute of limitations window for car accident injury and wrongful death cases is two years. If you file a claim after these two years are up, it’s extremely unlikely you’ll be able to recover any damages, even if you’ve been severely injured.

It can take a thorough Decatur car accident attorney several months to put together a strong case. Gathering evidence, and waiting on insurance companies and the legal system takes time. To preserve evidence and give yourself the best chance at getting the compensation you are truly owed, it pays to contact a car accident attorney right away.

These cases tend to see higher amounts of compensation. As a result, insurance companies will fight tooth and nail to deny just compensation. Taking on these well-resourced behemoths alone is unmanageable. Thankfully, representation can put insurance companies on the back foot.

Generally speaking, settlement money is not subject to federal taxes.

The immediate aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident is similar to any car accident, but with some additional pieces of information that need accounting for.

The average payment for a car accident varies depending on the type of auto accident and the unique facts of the case. In Georgia, the average settlement for the different types of auto accident claims are:

Car Accident: $20,000-$25,000
Motorcycle Accident: $50,000-$150,000
Commercial Truck Accident: $50,000-$150,000
Pedestrian Accident: $40,000-$100,000

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning, generally, if the plaintiff is found partially at fault for their injury, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Report your injury to your employer immediately. GA Code § 34-9-80 requires that workplace injuries be reported within 30 days, but it’s best to do it as soon as possible to avoid any disputes about when or how the injury occurred. Make sure the report is in writing and that you keep a copy for your records.

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Georgia is typically two years from the date of the injury. The statute of limitations window is also two years in a wrongful death case.
Some special circumstances can affect the window:

A personal injury attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

First and foremost, check yourself and others for injuries. Call emergency services immediately if there are any signs of trauma or discomfort. If you can, move to a safer location and call law enforcement. Once medical services arrive, seek their attention and follow up with your primary care doctor. Finally, contact a car accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale from Montlick and report to your insurance agency.

While every case is complex and compensation is based on many factors, the most important is generally the severity and long-term impact of a victim’s physical injuries. Minor injuries will generally pay less compared to injuries that cause a short-term disability or permanent. If your injury is catastrophic or will cause long-term problems, then the settlement will be more significant, however, this is also determined by the amount of insurance available and/or defendant assets.