Accidents often happen in what appears to be split seconds. The damages caused by accidents can last for long; some for as long as the accident victim lives. Typically, damages caused by auto collisions can range from minimal to catastrophic.
Since the damages from accidents vary, the amount of compensation a Georgia accident victim can get varies as well. Most people have never imagined how accidents could change their lives until they’ve experienced it. Unfortunately, accidents occur, and the damages range from minimal to very severe.
Minimal damages include bruises, sprains, minimal burns, body pains, and little property damages. On the other hand, severe damages include catastrophic injuries like brain injuries, severe burns, paralysis, and sometimes death. In 2019, 1,491 people died from car accidents in Georgia.
With such alarming statistics, it is vital to know the compensations available to you as a Georgia accident victim. A Georgia car accident lawyer can provide more information.
Damages That Get Compensated in Georgia
Typically, after an accident, those injured can seek compensation from the negligent party. Georgia accident victims get awarded compensation for different kinds of damages or losses.
Losses from accidents can never get fully quantified in dollar figures, hence the need for some form of financial compensation. Monetary compensation enables accident victims not to feel the full financial impact of the cost of the damages incurred. The losses from accidents do not just affect the accident victims alone. Their family, friends, and jobs suffer as well.
Depending on several factors like whose fault the accident occurred, the reason for the accident, and the nature of the losses, the compensation Georgia accident victims receive can vary on a case-by-case basis. Consequently, Georgia accident victims can choose to file to get financial compensation for their injuries and losses.
In Georgia, victims get compensated for general, special, and punitive damages.
General Damages Compensation
General damages, otherwise known as non-economic damages. The law made provisions for other damages caused by accidents that invoices and receipts cannot calculate.
However, accident victims often have to adjust to a new lifestyle due to injuries from the occurrence. Sometimes they have to take time away from work or even their family. Accident victims also bear pains that may or never go away. Injuries such as these are covered and compensated with a pain and suffering claim.
Pain and suffering include traumas, emotional distress, anxiety, scarring, or disfigurement. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to measure pain and suffering claims monetarily. However, the court uses a particular formula to calculate general damages.
To calculate general damages, the court calculates the damage and multiplies by a figure ranging from 1 to 5. The numbers 1 through 5 represent the severity of your injuries, five being the highest. Since the calculations are subjective, you need to work with an experienced accident lawyer to ensure you get compensated adequately.
Special Damages
Special damages, also known as economic damages, can be quite expensive. They are injuries that can get quantified monetarily. A high-impact accident can result in severe injuries that can lead to very high medical bills.
Special damages help to pay for expenses that get incurred presently and in the future. Special damages include:
- Cost of rehabilitation
- The cost of prescriptions
- Cost of medical treatment
- Loss of wages and future earning
- Cost of repairs of the property
- Sometimes, accident victims can get compensated for childcare, housekeeping, landscaping, and other house chores that their injuries may prevent them from carrying out.
Punitive Damages
Like the name implies, punitive damages aim to punish the at-fault party. A lot of accidents are just that, accidents. However, if a party gets discovered to have acted out of wilful misconduct or malice, they will pay punitive damages. For instance, if a driver causes an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, he might pay punitive damages as punishment for driving while intoxicated.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Get My Compensation?
The simple response is no. However, the at-fault party’s insurer is not seeking to pay the highest amount for your damages or all the damages. They will want to pay as little as they can. If you get a lawyer, the lawyer will launch a full investigation to work from the best angle to guarantee maximum compensation for you.
Talk to an Experienced Accident Attorney in Georgia Today!
A Calvin Smith, our car accident attorneys are experienced in accident settlements and are seasoned negotiators who will drive a hard bargain for your compensation. We work on a contingency basis and demand no upfront fee. Contact us today to find out more about our services and for a free case review.
