Everything You Need to Know About Car Accident Insurance Claims

Car Accident Insurance Claims in Atlanta, GA

A car accident leaves many with physical and financial damages. Georgia is an at-fault state, so car accident victims are entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

If you were recently involved in a car accident, it’s important to be familiar with the auto insurance claims process, as you will need to go through it to recover compensation for your damages.

Our attorneys at the Dressie Law Firm can help you file a claim and guide you through the process. We have helped hundreds in Atlanta recover maximum compensation and secure punitive damages to hold the at-fault driver accountable.

What Is a Car Accident Insurance Claim?

In Georgia, an auto accident insurance claim is a formal request made by a car accident victim to the at-fault driver’s insurance company (i.e., the driver who caused the accident) to recover damages they sustained. These could be medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and repair costs. The payment from insurance after accident claims depends on the percentage of fault of the involved parties and the unique circumstances of the case.

Car Accident Insurance Claims in Atlanta, GA sec

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Types of Car Insurance Coverage in Georgia

Because Georgia is an at-fault state, when you get involved in a car accident and sustain damages, you make a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. However, in cases where the responsible driver is uninsured or cannot afford to pay for all your damages, you can file a claim against your own car insurance company if you purchased a policy other than liability insurance.

Here are the common insurance coverage in Georgia:

Liability Coverage

All drivers in Georgia must purchase liability insurance coverage. It protects those responsible for car accidents from being held personally liable for the damages sustained by others in an accident. When you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance, their liability insurance pays for:

Your bodily injury, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.
Your property damage, such as car repair shop costs

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (U/UM) coverage covers accident-related expenses when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. This insurance coverage safeguards you from bearing the financial burden when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. It covers bodily injury, wrongful death, and property damage.

If you have this insurance, you can recover compensation by filing a claim with your own U/UM insurance policy provider.

Physical Damage Insurance Coverage

There are two types of physical damage insurance in Georgia, comprehensive and collision. Collision insurance pays for your car repairs in the event of a collision accident if the at-fault driver’s insurance policy can’t cover all your expenses.

It allows you to get compensation regardless of fault. For instance, if you were found partially at fault or have collided with an object, your collision insurance can still cover the cost of car repairs and replacements up to the actual value of your car.

Comprehensive insurance covers costs arising from non-accidental events like vandalism, theft, severe weather, falling objects, and fire or hitting an animal.

Purchasing this insurance is optional in Georgia. However, if you have a financed or rental car, you may be required to have it. Just like Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist insurance, physical damages coverage comes in handy when the other driver is unable to pay your expenses.

Steps To Take After a Car Accident

Although accidents are often chaotic, it’s essential to remain calm and take the measures below:

Ensure safety: First, check for bodily injuries and pull over to a safe position if possible.
Exchange contact information: Get the contact information of the other driver or drivers involved in the accident.
Call the police: Whether a minor or major accident, you should call the police and report the accident. The police report is valuable when collecting evidence for your car accident insurance claim. Ensure you obtain a copy of the police report and fact-check for accuracy as soon as it is filed.
Collect evidence: Take photos of damages to both cars, license plates, insurance ID card, road conditions, and any relevant information to support your claim. Ensure the photos have a time and date stamp.
Contact a car accident attorney: It’s crucial to consult an attorney early in the process. They will investigate the accident and determine fault. If you are not at fault, they will help you file your claim. They will also provide the necessary legal counsel if the other driver sues you for damages.

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The Insurance Claims Process

Filing an auto insurance claim with the other driver’s insurance company in Georgia involves the following key steps:

Consult an attorney: Before anything else, consider consulting with an attorney experienced in personal injury cases. A car accident attorney from the Dressie Law Firm can provide valuable guidance and legal advice throughout the process and help you understand the rights protected after a personal injury accident and potential options.
Estimate our damages: Your attorney will assess the full extent of your damages, including property damage, present and future medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. This step will help you determine the appropriate amount to seek in your claim.
File a car insurance Claim: Your attorney will prepare your demand letter and file it with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The letter includes details about the accident and your damages and is attached to all the supporting documentation you have, such as medical records and repair estimates. The insurance company will assign you an insurance adjuster to investigate the case. Insurance companies investigate accident claims thoroughly before making a settlement offer.
Negotiate a Favorable Settlement: After conducting an investigation, the adjuster will either accept the offer in your demand letter or make a counteroffer. If the latter is the case, your attorney will negotiate with them for a favorable outcome.
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit: If negotiations with the insurance company prove unsuccessful, you can proceed with filing a personal injury lawsuit. Your attorney can assist you in initiating this legal process and guide you all throughout. Most insurance companies settle out of court, so a settlement without going through the trial is still possible.

The Dressie Law Firm Can Help You

Our dedicated team of legal professionals at the Dressie Law Firm will provide the necessary support and guidance to ease the emotional and financial burden of accidents.

Here are a few ways in which our accident attorney in Atlanta, GA, can help you: