Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Georgia

Call 911, check for injuries, move to safety if possible, document the scene with photos, exchange information with other drivers, and avoid admitting fault.

Yes, Georgia law requires reporting any accident with injuries, death, or property damage over $500 to law enforcement.

Most insurance companies require notification within 24 hours. Check your policy, but report as soon as possible.

Collect names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance information, license plate numbers, driver's license numbers, photos of damage, witness contact information, and the police report number.

No. Never admit fault or apologize, even casually. Georgia uses comparative negligence, and any admission can reduce your compensation.

Two years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims, and four years for property damage claims under Georgia law.

Georgia is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages.

If you're less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

$25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. 

Yes, if the accident is minor, no serious injuries occurred, vehicles are operable, and it's safe to move them. Otherwise, leave vehicles in place for police investigation.

Insurance companies must acknowledge your claim within 15 days and must accept or deny within 40 days after receiving all necessary documentation. 

Your uninsured motorist coverage (UM) should cover your damages. About 1 in 4 Georgia drivers are uninsured.

Offset UM reduces your coverage by the at-fault driver's liability amount. Add-on UM adds to it, providing more total coverage.

Yes, and this is often beneficial. Your attorney can negotiate down the reimbursement amount later, leaving you with more settlement money.

Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. They may undervalue injuries, delay claims, or use your statements against you.

Hire a lawyer if you have serious injuries, significant medical bills, disputed fault, accidents involving commercial vehicles, or permanent disability.

Most work on contingency (typically 33% if settled before lawsuit, 40% if litigation required). No upfront costs and no fees unless you win.

Investigates the accident, gathers evidence, handles insurance negotiations, calculates full damages, protects your rights, and represents you in court if needed.

Yes. Even if you've given a statement or accepted an initial offer, you can still hire an attorney to protect your interests.

Simple cases: 3-6 months. Complex cases: 6-18 months. Cases going to trial: 1-2+ years. Timeline varies based on injuries and liability disputes.

Medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and future medical costs.

Value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, fault percentage, insurance limits, and impact on daily life. No calculator can accurately predict this.

Settlements vary widely from $3,000 for minor injuries to millions for catastrophic cases. Your case is unique and depends on specific factors.

There's no fixed formula. Factors include injury severity, treatment duration, permanent disability, impact on daily activities, and emotional trauma.

Yes, as long as you're less than 50% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your fault percentage.

Call 911 immediately, note any details about the fleeing vehicle, look for witnesses and cameras, and file a police report. Your uninsured motorist coverage may apply.

Yes. Truck accidents involve federal regulations, commercial insurance policies, multiple liable parties, and often result in more severe injuries.

You can pursue both compensatory damages and potentially punitive damages. The bar or establishment that served the drunk driver may also be liable.

Yes. Motorcyclists face bias, more severe injuries, and helmet law considerations. Specialized documentation of injuries is crucial.

Pedestrians have the right to compensation for injuries. Georgia law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

I-285 (The Perimeter), I-85, I-75, Peachtree Street, and the Downtown Connector have the highest accident rates.

Grady Memorial Hospital, Emory University Hospital, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, and Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center all have trauma centers.

Usually 5-10 business days through the Atlanta Police Department or online via Georgia's BuyCrash portal.

Yes. Local attorneys understand Fulton County judges, jury tendencies, and local court procedures, which can benefit your case.

This interchange is one of Georgia's most dangerous. Accidents often involve multiple vehicles and require thorough investigation.

Atrium Health Navicent, Medical Center of Peach County, and Coliseum Medical Centers are main options.

Yes. The Historic District sees many accidents involving unfamiliar drivers, pedestrians, and narrow streets.

Historic district limitations, high pedestrian traffic, tourist drivers unfamiliar with area, and unique street layouts.

Different court systems, judges, and jury pools. DeKalb has seen increasing accident rates in recent years.

Yes. Military service members may have different insurance, deployment issues, and specific legal protections to consider.