Most people have questions about how to recover fair compensation after an auto accident in Georgia. Holding the responsible party accountable after a crash usually means filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit. But how do you start? Here’s what you need to know.
What to Do After the Crash
Always seek medical treatment after a traffic collision. Your health comes first. You’ll also need proof of your injuries before beginning the car accident settlement process.
Next, talk to an experienced auto accident attorney. The Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., offers free consultations to individuals in Albany and the surrounding communities. We’ll advise you on the merits of your case and how we can help.
The Process of a Personal Injury Auto Accident Case
The path to compensation in a motor vehicle accident claim generally includes 10 steps. Because most cases settle, you may never go through the entire process. But for many victims, simply knowing what to expect can put their minds at ease.
- Notify the insurance company of claim – Before doing anything else, you (or your lawyer) need to notify your auto insurance company of the crash and your intent to file a claim. Never go into the details of the accident when you first report it. Anything you say to an insurance company can be used against you.
- Preliminary investigation – Using your firsthand account, the police report, and other evidence, your auto accident attorney will conduct an initial investigation to identify who may be responsible for your injuries.
- Determining liability – To recover compensation after a car accident in Georgia, you must show that another party’s negligence caused the crash and your injuries. That party would be financially responsible, or liable, for your injuries. An attorney will identify every liable party during their investigation.
- Gather evidence – Once your attorney has a firm idea of who is liable for the accident, they will collect additional evidence to support your case. Examples of evidence include medical records, pay stubs, witness testimony, accident reconstruction findings, expert testimony, cell phone records, and photographs of the accident scene.
- Make a settlement demand – Once you thoroughly document your injuries and collect evidence to establish liability, your attorney will submit a demand letter to the liable party and their insurance company. This letter outlines what you seek compensation for and how much money you want to recover.
- The case settles – If you and your attorney have built a strong case, the insurance company will likely settle for an agreed-upon amount after negotiations. Most car accident cases stop at this stage.
- File a car accident lawsuit – Going to trial may be the best way to recover compensation if the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer.
- Discovery – After the lawsuit is filed, both sides will exchange the evidence they gathered in a process known as discovery.
- Mediation – Insurance companies do not like the expense and risk of taking a case to trial. In these cases, mediation may help the parties reach a satisfactory settlement. A third-party mediator listens to both sides of the story and tries to facilitate a resolution to avoid the need for trial.
- Trial – When mediation fails, it is time to proceed to a civil trial. A case could still settle at any point before the verdict is read. Sometimes, a trial is just what it takes for the insurer to make a fair offer.
Talk To Our Auto Accident Injury Lawyers Today
After a Georgia car accident, you need top legal representation to recover the money you deserve. Contact the Albany car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., today for a free consultation.
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