AUGUSTA CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER

FAQ Auto Accidents

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury death, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits in Georgia, according to the Department of Public Health (DPH). Due to various factors, the risk of a collision is greater than ever in the area. The following are answers to frequently asked questions about Augusta auto accidents.

Is Your Car Accident Claim Worth a Lot in Augusta?

All car accident claims have a damage value that should be paid by the defendant to the claimant. Each car accident case’s value is unique, though. How much will yours be worth? It depends heavily on how badly you were injured and how much your day-to-day life has been disrupted because of it.

Damages you can seek in a car accident claim usually include:

• Past and future medical treatment costs
• Past and future lost wages
• Permanent disabilities and related costs
• Pain, suffering, and emotional damage

Do You Have Much Time to File a Claim in GA?

Georgia law requires you to take legal action against the driver who hit you within two years of the car accident. Once this two-year statute of limitations ends, you will not have a clear pathway to seek legal compensation. Indeed, if you try to file a personal injury claim when the statute has expired, the court will most likely dismiss it before it ever reaches the defendant.

Two years can go by quickly, especially when you are dealing with the severe and persistent aftermath of a bad car accident. Please reach out to our auto accident law firm in Augusta, GA, quickly to learn about the steps you must take to start a personal injury claim. We would hate to hear that you lost your chance to get legal compensation because you missed the strict deadline.

How Many Serious Auto Accidents Happen in Georgia?

Safety on the roadways is a statewide issue. As reported by the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT):

• In 2021, 1,844 people were killed in traffic crashes – 125 more than in 2020.
• On average, there were five traffic fatalities per day in Georgia.
• Of the people who died, 17.5% were pedestrians.
• 76% of deaths in motor vehicle crashes are caused by unsafe driving behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.

How Big of a Problem Is Distracted Driving?

In 2020, nearly half (47%) of traffic crashes in Georgia involved at least one confirmed or suspected distracted driver, as stated by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. Among the drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents, 26% were suspected of distraction and 2% were confirmed to be distracted seconds before the accident. Of all distraction-related crashes, 83% involved at least one other vehicle, as well as the vehicle of the distracted driver.

What Types of Risky Driving Behavior Contribute to Auto Accidents?

According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the main contributing factor in traffic crash injuries and fatalities in 2020 was risky behavior. 

Of the 1,552 fatal crashes on our state’s roads, 40% involved at least one driver who was engaged in some type of risky driving behavior, such as:

• Speeding: In speeding-related crashes, occupants of the speeding vehicles suffered more serious injuries and fatalities. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the longer it takes to stop and greater the impact in a collision. A total of 380 people died in speeding-related accidents in 2020, representing a 46% increase from the previous year.
• Drunk driving: Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities increased by 13% to 402. At least one drunk driver was involved in 25% of all fatal crashes. Drivers with elevated blood alcohol concentration (BAC) were 2.3 times more likely to speed.
• Drug impaired driving: Of all fatal accidents, 23% involved at least one drugged driver. Not only controlled substances but also certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs can impair ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Fatigued driving: Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as impaired driving. It is a major problem in the U.S., as stated by CDC. Fatigued driving fatalities in Georgia increased by 11%.

Is Georgia a Fault or a No-Fault State?

Georgia is a fault state for the purposes of auto accidents and auto insurance claims. If you have been injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you can go several different ways in seeking compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. You may:

• File a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
• File a claim with your own insurance company. Your insurer will then seek compensation from the insurance company of the at-fault driver.
• File a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault driver.

Where Can You Get Help After an Auto Accident in Augusta?

At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we are committed to standing up for injured people. Our Augusta personal injury lawyers can be the advocates in your corner if you have been hurt through someone else’s negligence. We have a history of success, winning record-breaking settlements and verdicts for our clients.

How long does a car accident settlement take?

How long it takes for your case to reach a settlement depends on several factors:

• How willing the insurance company is to offer a fair settlement for your injuries
• Whether or not your case goes to court
• How severe your injuries are and how long it takes you to reach maximum medical improvement

While it's true that having the right car accident attorney on your side can cut down on unnecessary delays, it's not uncommon for some car accident settlements to take anywhere from 12-18 months to obtain.