If you’ve been injured in a Georgia car accident, you will want to seek medical treatment immediately. The next thing you want to do is contact a car accident lawyer. A good car accident lawyer will seek compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering and damage to your vehicle.
What Damages Can You See Following a Georgia Car Accident?
If you have been in a Georgia car accident, you can file for pain and suffering and actual damages.
- Pain and suffering
Some damages are for non-economic impact. This includes your pain and suffering as well as emotional distress. These are much harder to prove than actual damages.
- Actual Damages
Loss and injuries that can be measured qualify for actual damages. They include things like:
- lost wages
- out of pocket medical expenses
- damage to your vehicle.
They are much easier to prove and should be paid by the insurance company or the other driver.
Georgia law allows you to file suit within two (2) years of the date of the accident. In 2 years, you should have plenty of time to figure out what your actual damages should be. It also gives you time to find out how much you should be compensated for your pain and suffering. Your car accident lawyer in Carrollton will be able to help you determine how much you should demand.
What if I Suffer Whiplash in a Car Accident?
Whiplash is a very common injury to suffer in a Georgia car accident. It is also, unfortunately, one of the hardest to prove. Many people hear the term “whiplash” and think it is a fake injury. They don’t realize that it is a legitimate injury and that it can be painful. It can also cause long-term problems for the victim. You really need an expert to testify that you suffered the injury in order to get damages for whiplash. Your attorney will find these experts to make sure you have a strong case in court.
Unlike most lay people, judge and the court realize that whiplash is a legitimate injury. They see it all the time. However, because it is such a common injury, the damages they award for whiplash are lower than you may think.
Insurance companies and attorneys prefer to settle out of court rather than go to trial. A settlement is when two parties agree the victim will dismiss the case if the defendant pays a certain sum. If you do settle, you cannot go after the insurance company or the defendant later for more money.
Georgia has seen its share of whiplash cases. The average settlement for whiplash is about $5,900. This amount represents the physical injury and pain and suffering that goes along with whiplash. It isn’t a lot of money. However, it is a fair amount of compensation for an injury that is hard to prove and usually temporary.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been in a Georgia car accident, you will need a car accident lawyer. Your lawyer will look at your injuries and evaluate the value of your case. A good attorney is not going to inflate the value of your case. They want to give you a fair idea of what you can expect. They also don’t want to take a case that isn’t worth any money. Their time and resources are valuable. If you don’t have a case, a fair and experienced attorney will let you know.
If the only injury you suffered was whiplash, don’t expect your case to be worth much more than the $5,900 average. In fact, since this is just an average, your case could be worth less than $5,900. However, your attorney will make every effort to get you the money you deserve. He will have to take his fee and costs out of this amount. You will then probably have to pay any outstanding medical bills associated with the accident. Once this is all done, you may not be walking away with a ton of money.
Call the Law Office of John B. Jackson in Carrollton, Georgia
Most car accidents are minor. However, there are those that cause extensive injuries. If this is the case with you, you will have more than just whiplash to deal with. You will need an experienced attorney in Carrollton, Georgia. You will need the Law Office of John B. Jackson.
The Law Office of John B. Jackson will give you a free consultation. Discuss your case with one of their expert attorneys. They can review your file and let you know what type of case you have. They will let you know what they estimate your Georgia car accident case to be worth. They will fight hard to make sure you are compensated for all of your injuries.
