Can You Get Compensation If the Accident Was Your Fault?
Georgia is an at-fault state, giving you the right to file a claim after a car accident to pursue compensation for your injuries. However, car accident lawsuits are based on negligence, meaning the person who caused the crash must compensate the other driver for their injuries.
Not every car accident involves one driver who is entirely to blame for what happened. If you are found partly or fully to blame for a car accident in Georgia, the amount you receive in compensation could be significantly affected. Geiger Legal Group, LLC can help you figure out your options if you bear some responsibility for a Georgia car accident.
Can I Get Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault in a Car Accident?
In cases where multiple parties share fault for a car accident in Georgia, state law says the courts must use a comparative negligence model to determine which parties will receive compensation. Comparative negligence means that any compensation in a car accident lawsuit is awarded based on the level of fault for all parties involved.
For example, if a drunk driver rear-ends you at an intersection, the other driver will likely bear most of the fault for the accident. However, if you slammed on the brakes because you were speeding and trying to avoid running a red light, you might be found partially liable for the accident.
If you are found 20 percent liable for the accident, you would still be able to recover compensation for your injuries. However, the amount you would have received if the other driver had been completely to blame for the crash will be reduced by 20 percent. So if you were owed $20,000, it would be reduced to $16,000.
Since you could still receive a significant amount of compensation, it can be worth pursuing a personal injury lawsuit after an accident, even if you bear some responsibility for the crash. A skilled car accident lawyer can review your case and help you determine if it’s in your best interest to seek financial recovery for your losses.
What If the Car Accident Was Entirely My Fault?
Under Georgia’s negligence laws, you can only recover compensation after a car accident if you are less than 50 percent responsible for the crash. If you are entirely at fault for the car accident, you will not be able to recover any compensation from the other driver. There is a chance you could face a personal injury lawsuit yourself if you are fully to blame for a Georgia car accident.
Talk to an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Canton, GA Today
Georgia’s negligence laws make it crucial to minimize your fault as much as possible after an accident if you want to recover full compensation for your injuries. The experienced Canton car accident lawyers at Geiger Legal Group, LLC can use their knowledge and experience to identify all aspects of negligence so you can maximize your potential compensation. We’re here to serve you, so contact our office today for a free case review.
