What You Should Know About Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Atlanta, GA

The Law Office of John B. Jackson is proud to provide educational information on what you should know about filing a personal injury claim in Atlanta, Georgia. Whether you are curious about the subject matter or were recently injured and want to know to learn more about the legal process, we are glad we can help. Read on to learn more about the different types of personal injury claims in Georgia, who is liable for your injury, where and when to file your personal injury claim, and more.  You are also welcome to contact our office at 770-988-6155 and speak with one of our skilled and reputable injury lawyers here in Atlanta for a FREE consultation.

Personal Injury Claims are Common

Even the most careful and cautious individuals can be involved in an unforeseen accident that leads to a personal injury. This can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time. Such an accident could greatly impact your everyday life and interrupt your daily activities. The worst part is that the effects of a personal injury can cost you more time, money and other resources than you can afford at the time. This may include anything from medical expenses to time off from work recovering. Many personal injury victims require surgeries and rehabilitation depending on the type of accident they were involved in and the type of injury sustained.

Types of Personal Injury Claims in Atlanta, Georgia

There are many ways that someone may become injured in Atlanta, Georgia. Here’s a list of different types of accidents that result in personal injury claims:

• Automobile accident injury claims
• Accidents involving business vehicles
• Motorcycles accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Work-related accidents
• Slip and fall accidents

There are even personal injury claims that may result from medical malpractice and elderly abuse at nursing or assisted living homes. Personal injuries may also be caused by defective or malfunctioning products, dog bites and animal attacks. In a worst-case scenario, personal injuries can even lead to death. If it can be proven that the individual died because of personal injuries that were due to negligence, then the immediate family of the deceased individual will be given the option to pursue a wrongful death claim for the loss of their loved one.

How Negligence Determines Liability for Your Injury

In order to be monetarily compensated for your damages, you have the task of proving that the individual or group who is responsible for your injuries acted in a way that was careless, negligent or intentional in causing your harm. Then, you must show the connection between the individual or group’s negligence and your resulting injuries. Finally, you will need to show and prove the damages you sustained from their negligence. Illustration of damages includes lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and trauma — just to name a few. Damages are essentially the consequences that resulted from the injuries you sustained due to the liable individual or group’s negligence.

As long as you are able to provide evidence for your damages then whoever acted with negligence in your personal injury claim will be held liable for your injury and damages.

Personal Injury Lawsuit or Personal Injury Claim

Depending on the type of personal injury claim you filed, as well as the liable party’s insurance provider and insurance coverage, you may be compensated by an auto insurance company, workers compensation insurance company, a homeowner’s company or another type of insurance company. However, if the liable party does not have insurance coverage available, then you won’t be able to settle your claim. In this case, you have the option to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party themselves.

Statute of Limitations for Georgia’s Personal Injury Claims

Every state within the U.S. has its own individual statute of limitations for personal injury claims. What is the statute of limitations? A statute of limitations is a set deadline given for you to file a personal injury claim against the liable party. The clock starts ticking from the date you of the accident or the date of discovery of the injury. The Georgia statute of limitations for a personal injury claim against the liable party is two years in most cases, which is equivalent to 24 months or 730 days. However, there are instances where the timeline may shorter or you may have extra steps to take. An example of this would be when the liable party is a government entity. This is why it is so essential that you know what the statute of limitations is and that you act quickly to hire an injury lawyer who will expedite the process of you filing your claim.

Be Cautious When Dealing with Insurance Companies

If there is an insurance company involved with your personal injury claim, then it’s important that you are aware that they are not on your side. Insurance companies of any kind will want to do whatever it takes to minimize the amount of payout you are due.

Insurance claims adjusters are good at their job.  The first thing they will likely do is attempt to build a rapport with you, make you feel comfortable with them and cared for. They may ultimately end up convincing you of what they suggest your claim is worth. Or, they could do worse by convincing you that you don’t have a claim. This is why we strongly suggest that you avoid getting well-acquainted with the claim adjuster. In fact, it is best to avoid saying anything to the insurance company. Most importantly, do not sign anything or make any agreements with the insurance without seeking some form of counsel first.

In order to ensure that you are protected from having your settlement minimized by the opposing insurance company, it is highly suggested that you contact a skilled personal injury lawyer who knows the ropes and can dodge the bullets. With the legal team here at the Law Office of John B. Jackson by your side, you will be able to get everything resolved much quicker and easier. We welcome you to contact us today at 770-988-6155 for a FREE consultation with a skilled Atlanta personal injury attorney.