The Georgia statute of limitations for car accidents is two years. That is, if you were hurt in a car accident, you generally have up to two years to take legal action against the other driver. The statute of limitations prevents you from suing after two years have passed, so it is best to act quickly.
How the Statute of Limitations Affects Your Case
The statute of limitations affects your case by setting a deadline for filing a lawsuit. O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury and wrongful death against the other driver and his insurance company. Even if you have a valid case, you cannot sue once two years have passed.
However, there might be exceptions to this time limit. For example, if your child was involved in the accident and a minor at the time, the statute of limitations would start once they turn 18. In another case, if a government agency was responsible for the accident, the deadline may be shortened.
Your lawyer can help you determine which time restriction applies to your case.
For a free legal consultation, call (404) 888-8888
Recovering Damages After a Car Accident
Even seemingly minor accidents can cause major expenses. Medical treatment and vehicle repairs are just a few of the bills you may face after an accident, which can be especially daunting if your injuries prevent you from working.
After a car accident, you may be able to recover damages, such as:
Medical Treatment
You can request reimbursement for past and expected medical care that covers:
- Ambulance bills
- Emergency treatment
- Follow-up care
- Diagnostic imaging
- Doctor’s visits
- Surgeries
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Prescription medication
Property Damage
Here are some vehicle-related expenses you may be able to recover:
- Tow truck bills
- Mechanical repairs
- Vehicle replacement
Lost Wages
You may be able to recover damages for lost wages if your injuries temporarily keep you from working. If you cannot return to your previous occupation, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost wages as well.
Pain and Suffering
You may be entitled to compensation for the negative impact of the accident on your quality of life. O.C.G.A. § 9-10-184 allows victims of personal injury to seek compensation for pain and suffering if they:
- Develop mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia
- Suffer from chronic pain
- Lose mobility
- Lose function of a body part
- Lose a limb
- Face a long recovery
- Need multiple surgeries
Negligence and Liability in a Car Accident Case
If the other driver caused your accident through his negligence, he can be held liable for your expenses. In legal terms, negligence refers to any behavior that fails to offer the same level of care that other people would in the same situation. Negligent drivers fail to drive in a safe manner, putting other drivers or pedestrians at risk.
Many types of driving are considered negligent., such as:
- Speeding
- Driving too slowly
- Texting while driving
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Driving while intoxicated
- Falling asleep at the wheel
Your lawyer can investigate the accident for evidence of negligence.
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How a Lawyer on Our Team Can Help You After a Car Accident
Dealing with insurance companies and navigating the legal system can be confusing and exhausting, especially when you are simultaneously healing from your injuries. While you can handle this process on your own, working with a personal injury lawyer on our team can allow you to focus on your recovery instead.
You can rely on us to:
Investigate the Accident
Your lawyer will investigate the accident to see who was at fault. He can interview eyewitnesses, collect police reports, take pictures of the scene, and collect other forms of evidence, such as traffic camera footage, cell phone records, and more.
Estimate how Much Your Damages are Worth
Insurance companies prefer to settle cases as quickly and cheaply as possible. To evaluate whether a settlement offer is fair, you need to know how much your damages are worth.
Your lawyer will estimate the value of your damages based on your medical bills, vehicle repair bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Handle Insurance Matters
Your lawyer will communicate with the insurance providers, file a claim for you, submit supporting documents, and negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
File a Lawsuit
If negotiations fail, your lawyer will file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
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Bader Law Injury Lawyers Can Represent You
If you were injured in a car accident, Bader Law Injury Lawyers can help you recover damages before the Georgia statute of limitations for car accidents runs out.
Call our office today at (404) 888-8888 for a free, no-obligation case consultation. Our team works on a contingency-fee basis, so we never collect payment unless we win your case.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
