In an area like Doraville, where many people commute on busy highways to work daily, car accidents are almost a fact of life. While some fender-benders allow you to walk away unharmed, many collisions cause serious and even fatal injuries.
If you were hurt in an accident caused by someone else, you deserve compensation for your losses. With a Doraville car accident lawyer in your corner, you could pursue the payments you need to move on with your life. At Robert James Trial Attorneys, we are committed to getting you the best possible outcome in your case. Reach out today to discuss your options with a seasoned attorney.
Insurance Coverage is Often Inadequate
Georgia requires drivers to have liability insurance coverage to register a vehicle. The minimum coverage limits are $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for injuries to multiple people arising from a single accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This minimum coverage is often insufficient when it comes to paying you fairly, especially if your injuries require extensive hospitalization or rehabilitation.
When an at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient, you could turn to your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if you have it. This coverage is optional, but it could pay some of your expenses, depending on the coverage limits.
Navigating the various insurance scenarios is complicated, and insurance companies do not make it simple. In fact, they often record conversations with claimants and could use anything they say to discount or reject a claim. Allowing an experienced Doraville car wreck attorney to take the lead is best, and at Robert James Trial Attorneys, we are not afraid to fight the insurance companies to get you the settlement you deserve.
Contributory Fault Could Reduce Your Damages
When the police respond to an accident, they often write one of the drivers a citation. That ticket is evidence of driver negligence, but it is not proof. Most insurance companies will review the drivers’ statements, witness statements, photos of the crash site, vehicle damage, and other evidence to determine which driver was at fault.
In many cases, the fault is shared between two or more drivers. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated §51-12-33 allows a negligent driver to sue other negligent parties for damages if the person seeking compensation was not primarily responsible for the accident. However, a court will reduce any damages awarded by a percentage equal to the plaintiff’s degree of fault.
Insurance companies often use this law during settlement negotiations to shift as much blame as possible onto an injured person, reducing the insurance company’s liability. A Doraville car accident attorney could ensure that the insurance companies do not assign an unfair portion of the blame onto you. If an insurer refuses to reach a fair settlement, a lawyer could take your case to trial.
Other Parties Could Be Responsible for Vehicle Crashes
If the at-fault driver’s insurance limits do not cover your damages, the at-driver is personally liable for the balance. However, this can make things tricky if the driver does not have significant assets, which is why it is important to pursue compensation from all possible parties. A Doraville attorney could investigate a car crash and determine whether other sources of insurance coverage could be available. Potentially liable parties include the:
- Employer of an at-fault driver (if they were working when the accident happened)
- Owner of the car the at-fault driver was operating
- Manufacturer of any vehicle involved (if a mechanical failure had a role in the crash)
- Local government (if road maintenance, stop lights, poor design, or other infrastructure failure caused the crash)
In the event that a drunk driver caused a crash, you could be able to take legal action against the bar or restaurant that served the driver. Seeking multiple sources of coverage can complicate the claims process, but it also increases the likelihood that you receive a fair settlement.
Get in Touch with a Doraville Car Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one were hurt in an auto accident, do not wait to take legal action. A Doraville car accident lawyer is standing by to help you get the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
With countless case victories and over 25 years of experience under his belt, Attorney Robert James knows what it takes to win a case. Let us fight for you. Call today to set up your free case consultation.