A car accident can cause variety of injuries. While some injuries (like bruises) may require nothing more than first aid care, others like the head, spine and internal injuries can be catastrophic. Besides rendering you immobile, catastrophic injuries can cost thousands of dollars or more to treat or manage.
If you have been hurt in a car accident that was not your fault (or was only partially your fault), it can help to understand that you are not alone. You may be eligible for compensation for the resulting economic and non-economic damages via a personal injury lawsuit. These are two important laws that you’ll need to acquaint yourself with when filing a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia.
Georgia’s negligence laws
When a motorist who is intoxicated or distracted by a cell phone causes an accident, they will be generally responsible for the accident and the resulting damages. To establish fault and award damages, however, the court will apply Georgia’s fault law. Georgia applies what is known as modified comparative fault when apportioning responsibility following an accident. Per Georgia’s modified comparative fault, you can only recover damages if your contribution to the accident that resulted in your injuries is less than 50 percent.
Georgia’s statute of limitations
Georgia, like all the other states, has a time limit within which a plaintiff must bring a lawsuit. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations period. If you are hurt as a result of someone else’s negligent or intentional actions, Georgia’s statute of limitations requires that you file your personal injury claim within two years from the date of the accident. It is extremely important that you do not let the statute of limitations run out before filing a lawsuit or you could be barred from receiving compensation.
If you have been injured in a car accident that is not your fault, you deserve justice. Seeking legal guidance and learning more about Georgia personal injury laws can help you safeguard your rights and interests while holding a liable party accountable.