Not all car accidents are the same. The damages victims suffer vary, and so does their compensation. Several different things have to be considered before you can figure out the value of your car accident claim.
What was the extent of your injuries? Are there any damage caps that will apply to your claim? Here is what you need to ask if your accident occurred in Georgia.
How serious are your injuries?
Usually, car accident victims are compensated for the damages caused by the accident, be they economic or no-economic. The more the damages, the higher the compensation due to you.
Any lost wages, hospital bills and even the pain and suffering caused by your injuries are all compensable.
Did you contribute to the accident?
Unlike some other states, Georgia does not cap compensatory damages, so the full amount of your economic losses can be claimed. But, Georgia is also a modified comparative negligence state that follows the “50% rule.” Therefore, any contribution you made to the crash will limit the compensation you can recover.
If you were 40% at fault for the crash, you can only recover 60% of your damages. However, if you were 50% or more at fault for the wreck, you cannot claim anything.
Maximizing your settlement
You do not want to end up in a situation where you’re paying for another party’s negligence. This can happen if your compensation is not enough, and you have to pay accident-related expenses out-of-pocket.
For instance, if you incorrectly valued your damages or settled for less compensation, you may be on your own should the amount be insufficient to cover everything. To maximize the value of your claim, it is advisable to be aware of your rights and what to expect in the claims process.