Car accidents can be very traumatic. Globally, about 1.35 million persons die annually from car accidents. In the US, about 38,000 people die annually from car accidents. Thus, the death rate is about 12.4 persons per 100,000 inhabitants.
In Georgia, car accidents are the leading cause of injury deaths and the second leading cause of ER visits and hospitalization. In addition, these crashes can result in minimal or severe damages. Also, they can cost from a few thousand dollars to millions. This is why victims file car accident claims.
So many factors affect how much you can sue following a car accident in Atlanta. This article looks at how much you can get from the fault party in a compensation claim. If you suffer injuries from a car crash, our Atlanta car accident lawyers can help you.
Factors That Affect the Amount You Can Sue for Car Accidents
The costs associated with car accidents are high, hence the need to know how much you can get from a collision. However, no two car accidents are the same. Some factors affect the amount you can sue for an accident.
One major factor is the insurance amount. By law, drivers with registered vehicles are expected to carry a minimum amount of liability Insurance. In Georgia, the minimum amount for car liability insurance is $25,000.
Therefore, if you get into a car accident and the at-fault driver has only minimum liability insurance, that’s the most you can sue. However, you can make a recovery from your under-insured or uninsured motorist policy. Below, we look at some factors that affect a compensation claim.
The Permanence and Severity of Your Injuries
Car accident injuries can range from minor ones like bruises to major ones like permanent disability. The severity and permanence of your injuries affect the amount you can sue. Injuries with no risk of permanent damage, where the victim makes a full recovery, do not get very high amounts.
On the other hand, injuries with permanent disabilities get higher settlements. However, no matter the severity of your injuries, you get paid for your medical treatment. You need to work with a car accident attorney and provide medical proof of the seriousness of your injuries. Also, you don’t have to settle for any amount until the severity of your injuries gets established.
Delayed Treatment of Injuries
Car accident victims get advised to seek medical treatment immediately. Even when there are no apparent injuries or pains, get examined by a medical practitioner. The longer you delay getting medical care, the higher the chances that the insurer will argue that you didn’t get injured in the car accident. If that argument wins, the amount you can sue from a car accident is affected. So it would be best if you ruled out any idea of a gap in treatment that the insurer might use against you.
Medical Treatment Received for Injuries
The type of medical treatment you received after an accident is part of the determinants of a settlement. For example, injuries that got treated by physical therapy or chiropractic care have smaller settlements. On the other hand, injuries that require surgeries, hospitalization, or even disabilities have higher payments. That’s why you must go for a medical check-up and have everything checked out and documented.
Average Amount to Expect From a Car Accident Settlement
Here are some of the average payments for different degrees of injuries in Atlanta:
Minor Injuries
Injuries like whiplash fall under minor injuries. Settlement ranges from $2000 to $25,000. The amount you get depends on what you can prove and if therapy is involved.
Long-Lasting Injuries
Injuries like broken bones or torn ligaments last over a long period. Settlements for such ranges from $50,000 to $75,000.
Spinal Injuries
Injuries to the spine that require surgery but do not result in paralysis are severe. Their settlement ranges from $75,000 to $100,000.
Permanent Injuries
Permanent injuries are injuries that result in paralysis or impair cognitive functions. Some even require continuous daily assisted living. These injuries run into hundreds and sometimes millions of dollars in settlement.
Get a Premium Attorney in Atlanta Today!
You can indeed represent yourself in an accident claim and get compensated. But the amount significantly differs from when you have an attorney with you. By working with an experienced car accident lawyer at The Weinstein Firm, you will get the maximum compensation and timeously too. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.
