Dealing with the aftermath of an auto accident can often be a complex process. This is especially true when it comes to filing an insurance claim. Our Atlanta car accident lawyers understand the intricacies of this process and are here to guide you through it. Contact us today for a free case review.
Understanding Your Insurance Policy
The first step in navigating insurance claims after an auto accident is understanding your insurance policy. Under Georgia law, each driver is required to have bodily injury liability insurance coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This is the minimum coverage requirement.
In the event of an accident, the insurance company will compensate each victim up to $25,000, but the total payout for all parties involved in the incident will not exceed $50,000.
Reporting the Car Accident
After ensuring everyone’s safety and notifying the authorities, the next step is to report the accident to your insurance company. This should be done as soon as possible. When reporting, be prepared to provide details about the accident, including the date, time, location, and any other relevant information.
In Georgia, it’s a legal requirement to report a car accident to the police under the following circumstances: if the accident resulted in a fatality, if there were any injuries sustained by one or more individuals involved, or if the accident caused at least $500 worth of property damage.
Documenting the Accident
Documentation is key in filing an insurance claim after an accident. This includes taking photos of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle, and any injuries sustained. It’s also important to gather information from the other driver involved in the accident, including their name, contact information, and insurance details.
If there were any witnesses to the accident, their statements could also be valuable. You should record the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Filing the Insurance Claim
Once you have all the necessary information, you can proceed to file the claim with your insurance company. This process may vary depending on your insurer but generally involves submitting the accident report and any supporting documentation.
Dealing With Adjusters
After filing the claim, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case. The adjuster’s job is to investigate the accident and determine the amount of compensation you’re entitled to. It’s important to remember that the adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Therefore, it’s crucial to have an Atlanta car accident lawyer to advocate for your best interests.
Fault Determination
The determination of fault is a critical component of the insurance claims process. After conducting a thorough investigation of the accident, insurance companies assign a percentage of fault to each party.
According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated OCGA §51-12-33, Georgia operates under a system of modified comparative negligence, allowing a driver to recover damages if they are less than 50% at fault.
Damage Compensation
In Georgia, if a car accident occurs due to another driver’s actions or inactions, that driver is considered “at fault” according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-1. This means that the driver is liable for your damages, and you are likely entitled to file an insurance claim against that driver for your damages.
Georgia’s Insurance Laws
Georgia follows a fault-based system for car accidents. This means that you can seek compensation for your losses from the other driver if they were at fault for the accident. If you can demonstrate that the other driver’s negligence or misconduct caused the collision, you can hold them responsible for damages.
The minimum liability insurance requirements under Georgia law are:
- Bodily Injury Liability – $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident
- Property Damage Liability – $25,000 per incident
Navigating insurance claims after an auto accident can be a complex process. It’s often beneficial to seek legal advice to ensure your rights are protected. An Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you understand the process, deal with insurance adjusters, and if necessary, represent you in any legal proceedings.
Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help
Filing the insurance claim after a car accident can be overwhelming. It is important to understand your insurance policy, document the accident thoroughly, and deal effectively with insurance adjusters.
Our Atlanta car accident lawyers are here to help you navigate this process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact the Weinstein Firm at 770-HELP-NOW for a free case review.
