Car accidents are a sad fact of life on Georgia’s roads and the aftermath can be overwhelming – physically and financially. Common car accident injuries, such as back and neck injuries, can significantly impact the settlement amount. If you’ve been in a car accident, knowing what to expect regarding settlement amounts can help you understand what you might be entitled to. However, no two accidents are the same and the settlement depends on many factors such as the severity of your injuries, property damage, and who was at fault.
In this blog, we’ll look at the average car accident settlement amounts in Georgia, the factors that affect those amounts and how working with an Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you get the most.
Factors That Affect Car Accident Settlements in Georgia
Car accident settlements in Georgia are determined by several key factors all of which can impact the final payout. Medical expenses are a critical factor in determining settlement amounts. Knowing these can help you understand what to expect.
Severity of Injuries
The severity of injuries is the biggest driver of settlement amounts. More serious injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries get higher settlements because of the medical bills and long-term impact on the victim’s life. Minor injuries like whiplash get lower settlements, catastrophic injuries could get settlements over $1 million. Pain and suffering damages are also calculated using methods like the multiplier method and per diem method, significantly impacting the overall settlement amounts based on the severity of the injury.
Property Damage
The extent of damage to vehicles and property also affects settlement amounts. Minor accidents with minimal damage get lower payouts, and severe accidents like T-bones or head-on crashes often require compensation for repairs or replacement. Settlement amounts for property damage can range from $25,000 to higher depending on the damage.
Medical Bills and Rehabilitation
Medical bills are a big factor in determining settlements. Injuries that require surgery, long-term care, or rehabilitation will naturally increase the settlement value. For example, moderate back or neck injuries might settle for $30,000 to $100,000, but more severe injuries that require ongoing care could get much higher amounts. An experienced car accident lawyer can analyze medical reports, work with medical professionals, and evaluate the severity of injuries to ensure the victim receives a fair settlement based on their injuries and economic impact.
Emotional Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages like emotional distress and pain and suffering are also considered in car accident settlements. While harder to quantify, these damages are usually calculated using methods like the multiplier method which multiplies economic damages by a factor of 1.5 to 5 depending on the severity of the injury. This can add tens of thousands of dollars to a settlement, especially in cases of long-term emotional or psychological trauma.
Wrongful Death
In cases where a car accident results in death, settlements can be in the millions. Wrongful death claims include compensation for economic losses (funeral expenses and lost income) and non-economic losses (emotional suffering for surviving family members). These cases usually settle for $500,000 to $1 million or more depending on the circumstances.
Insurance Policy Limits
The amount of insurance coverage from both the at-fault driver and the victim also affects the settlement. Georgia’s minimum insurance requirements may cap the maximum payout in some cases but victims can seek additional compensation through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Average Car Accident Settlements in Georgia
Car accident settlements in Georgia can vary greatly depending on the case but knowing the average settlement ranges can help you understand what to expect. Georgia car accident settlement amounts are influenced by factors such as insurance coverage and the severity of injuries sustained.
Minor Accidents (No Injury)
In cases where there is no injury and only property damage, the settlement amounts are lower. Average settlement ranges from $16,700 to $25,000. These cover vehicle repairs, rental costs and minor related expenses.
The insurance company plays a crucial role in settling these claims, and their practices can lead to potential delays in the process.
Moderate Injuries
For accidents with moderate injuries like whiplash or bone fractures, the settlement amounts are between $20,000 to $100,000. The actual amount will depend on the medical treatment required and the impact on the victim’s ability to work and function normally.
Understanding the Georgia car accident claim process is crucial for those with moderate injuries to ensure they receive fair compensation.
Severe Injuries
Severe injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries result in much higher settlements. These cases settle for $500,000 to over $1 million especially when there is long-term care or permanent disability involved. The settlement reflects the cost of medical treatment, loss of earning capacity, and the victim’s diminished quality of life.
Georgia car accident settlements for severe injuries often involve complex negotiations. Factors influencing the settlement amounts include the severity of the injury, the need for ongoing medical care, and the impact on the victim’s ability to work.
Georgia Laws that Impact Car Accident Settlements
Georgia’s laws play a big role in determining car accident settlements and the amount of compensation victims can get based on state laws and regulations.
Comparative Negligence Rule
Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state which means if a victim is partially at fault for the accident, their settlement can be reduced by their percentage of fault. If they are 50% or more at fault, they may not recover at all. This law encourages good driving and impacts settlement amounts, especially in cases where fault is shared.
Punitive Damages Cap
Georgia has a $275,000 cap on punitive damages in most cases. Punitive damages are awarded when the defendant’s conduct is grossly negligent or intentional like in DUI cases. However, 75% of the punitive damages must be paid to the state treasury. This cap does not apply to product liability cases or intentional harm cases.
Minimum Insurance Requirements
Georgia requires drivers to carry a minimum of liability insurance: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. These limits will cap the maximum payout unless there is additional coverage like uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance. Victims can also pursue other legal avenues if the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough.
Deadline to Sue
Georgia has a 2-year statute of limitations to file a car accident claim. If you don’t file a lawsuit within this timeframe you will likely lose your right to recover. This deadline is serious. Consulting a personal injury lawyer can ensure your claim is filed within the statute of limitations, improving your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
Contact an Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Attorney Today!
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and are unsure about your settlement options, it is crucial to hire an experienced car accident lawyer to navigate the complexities of the settlement process. Our team at Atlanta Metro Law is experienced in handling car accident claims and will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us at 864-894-2045 for a free case review today!