What happens after a car accident that is your fault depends on Georgia’s fault laws, your insurance coverage, and whether other parties share responsibility. Even when you believe you caused the crash, your legal and financial exposure may not be as clear-cut as it seems. To get the help and protection you need, reach out to a car accident lawyer in Columbus, GA from Fox Injury Law.
What to do at the accident scene if the crash is your fault
In Georgia, you must report an accident if it involves injury or death, or if a vehicle is so damaged that it cannot be driven from the scene. From there, law enforcement can respond and create an official police report.
The priority is safety, so if possible, move the cars to a safer nearby location, such as a road shoulder. If injured parties need assistance, provide what you can. Then, exchange information with other drivers involved. Be sure to take down the other vehicle’s license plate number.
Take photos of the scene, including damage to the cars, road conditions, and other details of the crash. Even if you think you caused the accident, do not admit fault. Avoid speculating with other parties about the cause of the crash.
Common mistakes to avoid after a car accident that is your fault
You need to notify your insurance company of the accident. Keep the details strictly factual. Avoid speculating about fault or making assumptions at the scene. Stick to factual information when speaking with law enforcement or insurance representatives.
Failure to attend to your injuries could put your health at risk and lead to claim complications, so seeking medical attention after an accident is important. After leaving the scene, have your injuries professionally diagnosed and addressed. Be sure to follow your treatment plan.
Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to false accident narratives that put unfair amounts of blame on you. Connect with a car accident lawyer right away. Your lawyer can challenge unfair accusations that could cost you a lot of money.
How a lawyer can help after a car accident
A car accident lawyer can help investigate how the crash happened by reviewing police reports, available footage, witness statements, and insurance records. Our team will collect available camera footage and physical evidence, police reports, witness statements, and explore any other source of information.
We will provide guidance, preventing you from doing or saying anything that could hurt your situation and advising you on actions that could help. We can also review your auto policy to ensure you understand your coverage and how it applies to the crash.
Georgia’s modified comparative fault system can affect your situation
You might hold fault for the car accident, but you might not be entirely to blame. Under Georgia’s comparative fault system, which follows the 50% rule, each party’s level of fault matters.
The 50% rule only allows victims to seek damages when they are less than 50% culpable for the crash. Those who hold a lower percentage can file a claim against your auto policy, but their collectible damages are reduced in proportion to that percentage.
How insurance works when the accident is your fault
If the other party has grounds to file after an accident, your auto policyholder will provide compensation. The other party’s representatives will calculate the value of their medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering to include in their initial demand.
Your insurance company will likely counter with a lower offer, and negotiations continue until the sides agree. If your policy amounts cover the victim’s losses completely, you will not have to pay out-of-pocket, but car insurance premiums are likely to rise considerably, and you may need to find a new provider.
If the calculated settlement amount exceeds your policy limits, the other party may file a claim against your assets. A car accident lawyer can provide critical protection for you in this scenario.
Coverage for your losses after a car accident that is your fault
You may have sustained injuries and vehicle damage in the accident as well. Georgia’s auto insurance requirements only include liability minimums to cover third-party victims hurt in accidents that are the policyholder’s fault. Still, you can add optional coverage to your policy.
If you opted for comprehensive or collision coverage, you may be compensated for vehicle damage. If you included Medical Payments coverage (MedPay), you may see compensation for medical costs. If this is the case, we can work to hold your insurance company accountable for paying what you deserve.
Talk with a Columbus car accident lawyer about your next steps
If you need an experienced personal injury lawyer after an accident, we’re here to help. Call (404) 777-7778 or contact us online for a free consultation. We can answer your questions, explain how Georgia law applies to your situation, and help you understand your options. You don’t have to figure out what comes next on your own.
