At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our Atlanta personal injury attorneys know that Georgia car crashes can have life-changing consequences. Auto insurance is pivotal in car crash claims, ensuring drivers have the financial protection to cover damages and injuries resulting from collisions and that victims have a financial avenue to pursue so they are not left paying for these overwhelming expenses out of pocket.
Here is a detailed look at how auto insurance works in Georgia, including mandatory coverage requirements and navigating insurance claims.
What are the Mandatory Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements in Georgia?
Georgia law mandates that drivers carry a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per collision for bodily injury liability. This coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for others injured in a crash where the policyholder is at fault.
The minimum requirement for property damage liability is $25,000 per crash. This coverage pays for damages to other people’s property, such as vehicles, buildings, or other structures, caused by the policyholder.
While not required by law, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is highly recommended. This insurance protects the policyholder if they are involved in a collision with a driver without insurance or insufficient coverage. In addition, many Georgia drivers carry additional coverage, which increases the limits our attorneys can pursue on our client’s behalf.
Understand All Insurance Coverage Limits and Exclusions
Here’s where things get a little more tricky. When you are ready to file a claim, our Atlanta car crash attorneys can provide invaluable assistance to crash victims by helping them understand all insurance coverage limits and exclusions.
Navigating the complexities of an insurance policy can be daunting. Still, we can meticulously review the policy details, clarifying the scope of coverage for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. We can identify any hidden exclusions or limitations affecting the claim and advise on the best action to maximize compensation.
Additionally, we can explain the implications of uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage and ensure that all potential sources of recovery are considered, thereby providing crash victims with a comprehensive understanding of their insurance rights and options.
Communicating with the Insurance Provider and Negotiating a Fair Settlement
While no law says you must partner with a vehicle collision attorney in Georgia to file an auto insurance injury claim, our vehicle collision attorneys play a crucial role in communicating with the insurance provider and negotiating a fair settlement for crash victims.
We act as advocates, handling all communications with the insurance company to prevent victims from making statements that could harm their claims. With our deep understanding of personal injury law and insurance practices, we can effectively counter low-ball settlement offers by presenting compelling evidence of our client’s losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
By leveraging our negotiation skills and legal experience, we strive to ensure that the settlement reflects the extent of our client’s damages, ultimately securing the maximum compensation possible. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will be prepared to take legal action and represent you in court.
Navigating a Georgia car crash insurance claim involves several critical steps. Consulting with our Atlanta personal injury attorneys can provide legal support and improve the likelihood of a fair settlement.
What is the Best Way for an Injured Party to Navigate a Georgia Car Crash Insurance Claim?
Navigating a Georgia car crash insurance claim independently can be complex and stressful for an injured party. This is why we are here. Before we can get started, the injured person or people must take several steps to ensure a smooth and successful claim.
They include:
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Report the Collision
Call the police to report the collision. An official police report will be essential for your insurance claim. Inform your insurance company about the crash immediately so there is no reporting delay if you need to pursue coverage for some of the damages later.
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Gather Evidence
Take pictures of the collision scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. Collect contact information and statements from any witnesses to the collision.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Prioritize your health and safety by seeking medical attention immediately after the collision, even if injuries seem minor. Documenting injuries early is crucial for the claim. Obtain detailed medical records, which will serve as vital evidence for your claim.
Contact our skilled Atlanta vehicle collision lawyers and support team at Ashby Thelen Lowry at (404) 777-7771 to schedule a free consultation. This initial step will ensure your rights are protected and enable you to make informed decisions about the direction of your claim.