How Often Do Auto Accident Settlements Exceed Policy Limits?

It is rare for an auto accident settlement to exceed a policy’s limits. If you are involved in a car crash in Georgia that occurs due to no fault of your own, you deserve fair compensation from the at-fault party. By hiring an Atlanta car accident lawyer, you can boost your chances of getting damages that cover 100% of the costs of your crash.  

At John Foy & Associates, we offer best-in-class legal representation to auto accident victims. Our Atlanta car accident attorney can discuss the ins and outs of auto crash settlements and other legal topics with you. To get started, please reach out to us. 

Liability Insurance Is a Must-Have for Georgia Drivers

In Georgia, all drivers are required to have liability insurance that meets the state’s minimum limits. They must have bodily injury liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident. Also, they must have property liability coverage of at least $25,000 per incident. 

Along with liability insurance, Georgia drivers can purchase physical damage insurance, which covers losses or physical damage to their vehicles. Collision coverage is available that protects against losses associated with damage to a vehicle. Comparatively, comprehensive coverage is also available, which provides compensation for theft, vandalism, and other non-collision-related losses. 

Your car insurance company can explain the coverage options it offers and help you find the right ones. Ultimately, it is in your best interests to purchase an auto insurance policy that has limits that meet your expectations. However, it is important to note that just because you purchase insurance with high policy limits does not mean other drivers will do the same, which can create problems after an accident. 

You Can Collect Damages from the At-Fault Driver in Your Auto Accident

If a negligent driver causes an accident, you can file a claim against them. Per O.C.G.A. §9-3-33, there is a two-year statute of limitations for submitting personal injury claims following auto accidents. For those who choose not to file a claim during this window, they lose the right to pursue compensation at a later time. 

After your auto crash, you can report your accident, get medical help, and begin to recover from the incident. You may be able to get compensation from an insurance provider. Yet, there can be times when an insurance company refuses to compensate you or the at-fault driver attempts to blame you for your crash. 

The team at John Foy & Associates understands how car insurance companies handle auto accident claims in Georgia. We can help you get compensation to cover all of the damages you incur in your auto accident. For more information, please get in touch with us. 

An Insurance Company May Offer a Settlement Just Days After Your Auto Crash

Do not be surprised if you get a call from the insurance company of the at-fault driver in your car crash. The company may reach out to you only days after your accident. It will propose a settlement in the hopes that you will accept the offer and give up your right to pursue additional compensation. 

If you receive a settlement proposal, be skeptical about it. An insurance company may offer you far less than what you would get if you sued an at-fault motorist as part of a personal injury lawsuit. To find out if this is the case, it pays to work with a car accident lawyer. 

An auto accident attorney can explain what to do if an insurance company offers a settlement, investigates a claim, or takes any other actions after your crash. Your lawyer can go over your legal options with you and help you determine the best course of action. If your attorney believes that an insurance company is not offering you enough money, they will let you know. 

Consider the Short- and Long-Term Impact of Your Auto Crash

In a car accident lawsuit, you can pursue economic and non-economic compensation. You can be awarded economic damages based on damage to your car, your medical bills, and other quantifiable losses. A judge or jury can provide non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and other subjective losses that you are forced to deal with due to your crash.  

The damages you suffer in your car accident can exceed the limits of an insurance policy. To get the compensation you need to cover all of your losses, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver responsible for your crash. There is no limit on the amount of compensation that you can ask for in your lawsuit, and a car crash lawyer can help you decide how much money you should request. 

Your lawyer will account for the immediate and long-term ramifications of your crash as they work with you to calculate your losses. Ideally, it is beneficial to partner with an attorney who has helped past car accident victims secure large settlements. If an attorney has a track record of great case results, they are likely to be able to help you secure tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. 

Settlement Negotiations Can Result in Compensation without a Trial

It can take months or years to resolve an auto crash lawsuit. As you and your lawyer get ready for your trial date, you may have plenty of evidence to support your request for compensation. Meanwhile, the defendant in your case may have concerns about disputing your argument, which may lead them to offer a settlement. 

Your attorney will keep you in the loop about any settlement offers in your auto accident case. If you receive a settlement proposal, you can review it with your lawyer. From here, your lawyer can help you weigh the offer’s pros and cons. 

It is in your best interests to share any questions you have about how much money you can get if you were partially at fault for a car accident and similar auto crash topics. Doing so can help you get the insights you need to make informed decisions throughout your litigation. You can also use these insights to decide if it is beneficial to accept a settlement proposal or continue with your case. 

Get the Legal Help You Need After Your Auto Crash

John Foy & Associates will help you get the money you deserve following your auto collision. We can work with an insurance company on your behalf, submit a personal injury claim for you, and more. Please contact us today to request a free case consultation.