Providing Serious Counsel After Serious Car Accidents In East Georgia
Even though you are a careful driver, you could not stop an out-of-control motorist from crashing into your car. In a few moments, you have gone from physically fit and pain-free to badly injured and debilitated because of a collision that was not your fault.
Harrison & Medlin, P.C., an accomplished law firm located in the Augusta, Georgia, area, assists people who were seriously injured in a car accident. We will help you demonstrate the level of financial compensation you need. We will negotiate with the defendant’s insurance company and go to court, if necessary, to obtain those damages.
Seeking Maximum Compensation For Auto Accident Injuries
Among the types of auto wreck cases our lawyers routinely handle, there are:
- Drunk driving accidents
- Distracted driving accidents due to texting and driving
- Accidents caused by speeding or other traffic violations
- Road rage accidents
- Crashes caused by a driver who failed to adjust to weather conditions
One of our attorneys will personally handle every step of your case, including investigating the collision and determining who was to blame. For example, if you were hit by a person in the course of their job duties, their employer may potentially be liable for your injuries.
Once we have identified the responsible party or parties, we will enter into negotiations for a possible settlement. If a settlement isn’t in your best interests, we’ll pursue a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. We can also pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in the event the accident was fatal and a loved one was unfortunately lost.
Answers To Frequent Auto Accident Questions In Georgia
Facing the aftermath of a motor vehicle collision often raises complex legal questions. We address common concerns regarding Georgia personal injury law below. We provide straight answers that can help you understand your legal options.
What happens if an uninsured driver hits me in Georgia?
Georgia law mandates minimum liability insurance, yet many motorists potentially drive completely uninsured or carry insufficient coverage. When an uninsured driver causes a crash, you may seek compensation through your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Your UM policy effectively steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver to help pay for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering up to policy limits. Although you are dealing with your own insurer, the claims process can become adversarial because the insurance company could attempt to minimize payouts. If you did not reject UM coverage in writing when purchasing your policy, Georgia law automatically includes it, which helps protect you in these situations.
What happens if a severe car accident results in a wrongful death in Augusta?
A fatal auto collision triggers specific statutory rights governed by a strict hierarchy under Georgia wrongful death laws. The primary legal right belongs to the surviving spouse, who pursues the claim and shares recovery with any surviving children. If there is no spouse or child, the right passes to surviving parents. Only if no spouse, child or parent exists can the estate administrator pursue the wrongful death claim on behalf of next-of-kin.
Georgia allows families to potentially recover the full value of the life of the deceased, combining tangible economic losses like future lifetime earnings, employee benefits and household management and care with intangible losses like the loss of companionship, guidance and enjoyment of life. Separately, the estate executor or administrator can file a survival action to collect reimbursement for medical costs, funeral expenses and financial compensation for the victim’s pain and suffering.
Where are serious car accident lawsuits filed in Augusta?
If a fair settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, serious car accident lawsuits in the Augusta area are primarily filed at the Augusta-Richmond County Judicial Center on James Brown Boulevard. Most high-value personal injury cases fall under the jurisdiction of either the State Court or the Superior Court of Richmond County. While both courts hear severe injury disputes, complex cases with extensive damages can proceed in Superior Court. If all named defendants are non-Georgia residents and the claim exceeds the $75,000 federal threshold, such as in collisions involving out-of-state commercial trucking companies, the lawsuit could instead be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, which is also located along James Brown Boulevard.
Easing Your Worries
Usually, we are able to reach an acceptable out-of-court settlement with the insurance company, though we are always ready to litigate in situations where negotiations are not successful. Whatever the method, we strive to provide you piece of mind and restore financial security to your household.
Contact Harrison & Medlin, P.C., to schedule a free consultation. We can meet with you at our Evans or Lincolnton offices. Call us at 706-250-7653.