Union County Car Accident Attorney
Few things can be as terrifying as a sudden car accident. Sometimes, they can be a minor setback that barely registers as part of your day. Other times, they can be absolute nightmares that cause you prolonged trauma. Either way, if you are ever involved in a car accident, it is important that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your future accident claim. Reaching out to a Union County car accident lawyer can help you figure out your next steps.
When you are beginning the process of filing a car accident claim with the aid of an auto crash attorney, it is important to remember the Georgia statute of limitations for such a claim. In Georgia, you have two years from the date of your initial accident to start building a case, file a claim, and pursue compensatory damages from the liable parties. If you miss that window, your claim may not be processed, and your opportunity to pursue compensation may pass.
What to Do After a Car Accident
A car accident can happen instantly and change your life drastically, causing serious damage not just to your property but also to your health. After a car accident, the way you approach everything will be relevant when the time comes to file your claim. Here are some important steps you can take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident that can help you preserve your claim:
- Stay Calm: Car accidents can be terrifying. While your first instinct may be to panic, it is important that you try your hardest to stay calm. Panicking can only make your situation worse and cause you to miss other vital steps that you must take to secure your claim. Calm yourself down, figure out your situation, and keep a cool head. Once you have done that, you can start checking for injuries.
- Check for Injuries: There is a chance that you could be severely injured but due to the shock of the accident, you may be unaware of it. It is vital that you check your body for any obvious physical injuries, such as bloody wounds, broken bones, sprains, bruises, or whiplash. If you are in pain but cannot find any wound, be sure to mention that to the EMTs once they arrive.
- Call the Authorities: Georgia state law requires you to report a car accident if it results in a person’s death, serious injury, or at least $500 in property damage. The sooner you reach out to the authorities, the easier it can be to move things along and ensure that your accident is reported to the right people. Having police officers there to block off the scene and having EMTs check people for injuries can be beneficial.
- Move Your Car: If you are physically able to, you may want to move your car out of the middle of the road and onto the shoulder. You could inadvertently cause another accident by leaving your car in the middle of oncoming traffic. If the police tell you that it is okay to do so and you are not too injured, you should consider moving your car. If the car is too damaged to move, just leave it there.
- Gather Information: When the police give you the all-clear, you can start gathering the information that you will need for your claim. Be sure to take plenty of photos of your injuries, the damage done to both cars, any additional property damage, the road conditions, and any relevant road signs. Be sure to gather plenty of witness statements from people who may have seen the accident happen.
- Exchange Insurance: You will have to exchange insurance and contact information with all the drivers involved in the accident. Do not admit any fault for the accident, as that can severely damage your later claim. Georgia is an at-fault state for car accidents, which means that the driver who is found liable for the accident is also responsible for reimbursing the other driver for damages.
- Inform Your Provider: You will also need to reach out to your own insurance provider and let them know what’s happened. Don’t admit fault to them, either.
- See a Lawyer: Before you start pursuing a damage claim, you should reach out to highly skilled and trusted car accident lawyers who can help you figure out the most effective way to build your case.
Union County Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (706) 276-3636
FAQs
Q: How Long After an Accident Can You Sue in Georgia?
A: It is recommended that you don’t wait too long to file an accident claim, as you might accidentally let the statute of limitations run out. You have two years to file a personal injury claim in Georgia. If you miss that window, your case might be thrown out, and your only opportunity to pursue damages might pass.
Q: What Is the Maximum You Can Sue for a Car Accident?
A: Georgia does not have a damage cap on how much you can sue for in a car accident case, but there is a cap on punitive damages. Usually, the amount that you will likely receive in a car accident settlement will be reflective of the damages you’ve endured. The severity of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, and any aggravating factors will all affect the final amount.
Q: In Georgia, How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim?
A: It takes as long as it needs to take to settle a car accident claim in Union County, Georgia. Every case is different and is built on its own specific circumstances and details. Some car accident cases may take a matter of months to settle, while others may take years. It depends entirely on the simplicity of the case at hand.
Q: What Kind of Damages Can I Claim?
A: In a car accident claim, you can claim many different kinds of damages for economic and non-economic losses. You can claim medical damages, lost wages, property damages, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages in some cases. It depends on your case and how physically or emotionally devastated you were as a result of the accident.
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Reach Out to a Car Accident Lawyer Today
The Teague Law team can help you handle your car accident case with respect and experience. Reach out to a member of our legal team to schedule a consultation.
Call or text (706) 276-3636 or complete a form