What Are Georgia Laws on Auto Accidents?

What Are Georgia Laws on Auto Accidents?

Georgia uses a “fault-based” system when it comes to insurance coverage for car accidents. This means that if you get into a car crash, the insurance company of the person at fault covers the costs. For instance, if another driver hits your car, their insurance should pay for your car repairs and medical bills. But if you are at fault for the accident, your insurance will have to pay for the other driver’s expenses.

Here are some other important laws and regulations you should know if you are involved in a car accident in Georgia:

Georgia Auto Insurance Requirements

Georgia law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance to cover any harm or damage from accidents they cause. Specifically, you need insurance that covers at least:

• $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage
• $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
• $25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage

The state requires all drivers to carry these minimum coverage amounts so that, if they cause an accident, they can pay for the other person’s car repairs and medical bills. If any person drives without this insurance in Georgia, they could get in trouble with the law.

It’s important to note that while these are the minimum coverage amounts required by law, it’s highly recommended to have additional coverage, such as uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you in case you are involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.

Without this coverage, you may be left to pay for your own medical bills and car repairs out of pocket, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. Adding uninsured motorist coverage to your policy can provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind on the road.

Georgia’s Statute of Limitations on Accident Injury Lawsuits

If you get hurt in a car accident, Georgia’s statute of limitations says you have two years from the accident date to start a personal injury lawsuit. This means you must act quickly to get compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, or lost income. If you wait too long to initiate your lawsuit, you could lose the right to sue. The best way to preserve your right to file a lawsuit is to hire a knowledgeable injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.

Georgia’s Comparative Negligence Rule

Georgia’s comparative negligence rule comes into play when two or more parties share responsibility for an injury accident. Under this rule, the courts must look at how much each person is to blame for the accident to determine how much money they should pay. If the evidence suggests that the accident is partly your fault, the total amount of compensation you can recover might be reduced.

For example, let’s say the court decides you are 30 percent at fault for the accident, and the other driver is 70 percent at fault. You can still get compensation in those circumstances, but it will be 30 percent less than the total amount of your compensable losses.

Crucially, if you are 50 percent or more at fault, the law says you can’t get any compensation from the other party. This is why it’s so important to work with an experienced accident attorney who can protect your rights after a Georgia car crash.

Contact a Georgia Car Accident Attorney Now

Did you get hurt in a Georgia car accident? Reach out to Kaufman Injury Law today. We’re ready to sit down with you for a free initial consultation, discuss your situation, and guide you through your options.