Car accidents in Georgia are often complex matters that require legal support to get through even if the victim is only partially at fault for the collision. The two parties must understand comparative fault, how to process a settlement and what to do after the wreck occurs to ensure that all necessary procedure occurs within the confines of the law. The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch car accident lawyers in Atlanta, GA are experienced with these kinds of cases.
Car Accident Laws in Georgia
Car accident laws in the state of Georgia exist to provide an understanding of the various aspects of these incidents to include how to proceed through the collision, when and how to contact insurance companies and when and what to report about the accident. The person that suffers injury often has the ability to either acquire a settlement for compensation by damages that accrue from the collision or must go through litigation to force a person or company to pay for these damages. The laws in this state also explain who is at fault based on liability and comparative fault through a detailed number which the court can use to calculate compensation amounts within the range awarded.
Georgia Insurance Requirements
Per Georgia law, all drivers have standard minimum requirements for auto insurance coverage within the individual policy. To legally drive in the state, the adult driver must carry bodily injury liability of $25,000 per each person and $50,000 for each accident. Property damage liability of $25,000 is necessary for each collision. Uninsured motorist bodily injury of $25,000 for each person and $50,000 for each incident along with and property damage of this type of $25,000 as well as deductibles of $250, $500 or $1000 based on the coverage policy. This is necessary for all drivers, but teen drivers must also adhere to additional policies.
A fifteen-year-old teen can acquire an instructional permit after passing a written test. He or she must have a licensed driver of no younger than 21 in the car. After one year and one day, this teen can pass a driving test and receive an intermediate driver’s license between ages sixteen and eighteen. Supervised driving is still necessary but it tapers off after increments of months and as the teen ages. At seventeen, this person is exempt from the driver educational requirement but must still drive with supervision. At eighteen, the teen can apply for a Class C driver’s license but keeping a permit or license with unexcused absences in school of ten or more is not possible.
Requirement to Report Accidents in Georgia
In most situations, the person in a car accident will contact the police and also exchange information with the other driver at some point. Then, the individual will follow Georgia law and report the accident with certain information. This requires proof of insurance, following through with a police report and following all necessary steps. The steps usually start with police contact and remaining at the scene. Both drivers should stay but often must move the vehicles out of traffic if they are still there. If that is not possible, contacting a tow truck or emergency services is the next step.
The officer will immediately respond when communication comes through about an accident. This professional will complete a crash report, record property damage of $500 or more and detail injuries or deaths of any drivers or passengers. He or she may question both drivers and even passengers for additional information. Then, a copy of the report is available at the local police station. A personal report about the accident is not usable in the courts in the state. However, it can help understand what happened and to explain to an insurance adjuster the specific details.
Contact a Lawyer
When a driver or passenger suffers injury because of the other driver or special circumstances, it is vital to contact an Atlanta, GA car accident lawyer to initiate the lawsuit in a timely manner. A legal professional at Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch can help prove liability, explain and use comparative fault and assist with the investigation. He or she can also communicate with the insurance company and the settlement offer.
