Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone crashes, can happen at any time. The other driver might seem to come out of nowhere. Suddenly, you’re dealing with a car accident. A side-impact collision lawyer in Macon will help investigate the incident.
Don’t discount your rights after your accident. If you or a loved one were injured, our Macon car accident lawyers can help you with the next steps. At Foy & Associates, we have over 20 years of experience helping accident victims. To get a free consultation today, give us a call.
How Much Your Accident Settlement Should Be
If another driver caused your side-impact accident, they are responsible. You can seek a settlement through the driver’s insurance company. Our personal injury lawyers in Macon are ready to help you understand the negotiation process with the insurance company.
How much should that settlement be? It depends:
Every car accident is different. One victim’s damages could be catastrophic, while another victim could have minor losses.
Let’s look at the most critical factors that determine a fair settlement.
Personal Injury Damages
There are two main types of damages, according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-12-2: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription drug costs
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Future medical treatment
Economic damages are any financial losses you have. Thankfully, these expenses are pretty easy to prove. You can provide bills, records, and receipts.
That being said, you’ll also need to account for future costs. For example, you might need ongoing treatment or assistance for your injuries.
Non-economic damages can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
These damages are about the accident’s mental and emotional impacts.
You cannot provide a bill or receipt for pain and suffering. But your lawyer can calculate what these damages are worth in your claim.
Your total damages will determine what compensation you deserve. That’s why it’s vital to know all of your damages before filing an insurance claim.
Percentage of Fault
Georgia is a modified comparative fault state, according to OCGA §51-12-33.
Here’s what that means:
You can recover damages from an accident if you were less than 50% at fault.
If you were partially at fault, your damages will be reduced by that percentage of fault. Let’s look at an example.
Partial Fault in an Accident
Say you were injured in an accident where you were five percent at fault. The other driver was 95% at fault.
You have $100,000 in damages. Since you were five percent at fault, your compensation is reduced by five percent of $100,000, which is $5,000.
The other driver is responsible for 95% of the damages. They owe you $95,000 in damages.
If you were partially at fault, that can affect your compensation. However, talk to a lawyer before assuming any responsibility. Most of the time, victims are not responsible for their accidents in any way.
Statute of Limitations
When you file your claim is also important. In Georgia, the statute of limitations is two years from the accident date.
If you wait longer than two years, you could miss any chance of getting compensation. It’s best to start working on your case as soon as possible.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help you stay within the deadline and calculate your damages. Our team has 20-plus years of experience working on side-impact collision cases.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Get the strong arm
Reasons Why You Should Speak with a Lawyer After Your Collision
An experienced lawyer can help in many ways after an accident. If you were injured, you might be wondering:
Is getting a lawyer really worth it?
In most cases, having a lawyer on your side makes all the difference. Here are some signs you need legal help.
You Have Injuries or Vehicle Damage
Did the accident leave you with physical injuries? Then you probably have a personal injury claim. And building a claim can be complicated.
If you only have vehicle damage, you can still file a claim for property damage. (However, keep in mind that some injuries take time to show up. You could have injuries that worsen with time, so always see a doctor.)
Minor injuries or damage don’t always require help from a lawyer. But most of the time, a car accident attorney is so beneficial for an accident victim. Your lawyer will know how to protect your rights and seek fair compensation.
Your Injuries Are Severe
If you have very serious injuries, contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Severe injuries can affect your finances and entire life. You might need:
- Costly surgeries or other procedures
- Lifetime medical care
- Home modifications for a disability
- To quit your job or take on lower-paying work
A lawyer can make sure you’re seeking the fullest compensation possible. Attorneys know how to account for damages that most people don’t consider—until it’s too late to recover anything.
Someone Else Might Have Been at Fault
If another driver caused your side-impact accident, you have rights. You probably have a personal injury case against the driver.
Talk to a lawyer about your rights. You can learn your legal options and make sure you stay within the statute of limitations. In Georgia, you only have two years to file a lawsuit.
You Got a Lowball Settlement Offer
Maybe the insurance company already offered you a settlement. You might wonder if taking it is worth it.
The first offer is always a lowball. Unfortunately, it won’t come close to covering your damages. Before responding or accepting any money, contact an experienced lawyer.
If you take a settlement offer, you won’t be able to pursue any more money.
A lawyer can examine your damages and make sure you’re fighting for fair compensation.
A Loved One Died in an Accident
Certain family members can bring a wrongful death claim after a loved one dies in an accident. You can learn more with a Macon wrongful death lawyer. We can make sure you know your rights.
Get Help from Our Macon Side-Impact Collision Lawyers Today
Even if your accident was minor, it’s best to speak with a lawyer. At the very least, you can ask questions and learn your rights during a free consultation. Get the power of the “Strong Arm” on your side today.
To get a free consultation with John Foy & Associates, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
478-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form