Do not expect a car accident lawsuit to get resolved in days or weeks. In many instances, it can take one or two years before an auto accident lawsuit gets resolved. For the plaintiff in a car accident lawsuit, this means it is important to plan ahead financially for their case.
At Barrios Virguez Attorneys, we can connect you with a Georgia car accident lawyer who does not rush through the legal process. Our goal is to help you secure the most damages possible in your lawsuit, regardless of how long it takes. On top of that, we provide answers to common questions about how long a car accident lawsuit takes.
What Is a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Car accidents cost the U.S. economy $474 billion in 2020, according to research from the National Safety Council. An auto accident can cause injuries and property damage. If a person suffers an injury or property damage in a car accident caused by someone else, this individual can file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
A car accident lawsuit allows a person to seek economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are quantifiable, and they can include money awarded due to a loss of wages or medical bills. Non-economic damages are subjective, and they can include compensation for pain or suffering.
If you want to find out if now is a good time to file a lawsuit, you can meet with a Georgia car accident attorney. This allows you to provide an attorney with details about your auto accident. From here, the lawyer can help you determine if you are eligible for damages.
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What Does It Cost to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
The cost to file an auto accident lawsuit varies based on the lawyer you choose. Your attorney can explain any legal fees before you file your lawsuit. There may be times when an attorney works on contingency, too.
If an attorney operates on contingency, you will not be charged anything for their legal services. Instead, the lawyer deducts a percentage of your settlement when your case is resolved. An attorney may even agree to accept payment only if you are awarded damages.
For those who want to file a car accident lawsuit but are worried about the cost of doing so, financial help may be available. For instance, you may qualify for a settlement loan that you can use to cover various costs throughout your litigation. This loan lets you borrow against a future settlement.
How Much Time Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for filing an auto accident lawsuit depends on where you live. In Georgia, there is a two-year statute of limitations for those who want to seek damages in a car accident lawsuit. This means you have up to two years from the day your accident occurred to request damages.
If you do not file a car accident lawsuit within the statute of limitations, the risks can be significant. You lose your opportunity to seek damages at a later time. Also, you are solely responsible for any costs relating to your accident now and in the future.
It is in your best interest to contact a lawyer right after your car accident. Your attorney can review the facts surrounding your accident and help you pursue damages in accordance with the statute of limitations. Plus, your attorney will help you request the maximum amount of damages.
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How Much Money Can I Request in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Some states have restrictions on the amount of economic and non-economic damages you can request in a car accident lawsuit. Georgia does not have a cap on economic and non-economic damages in auto accident lawsuits. You can ask for any amount of money in economic and non-economic damages as part of a car accident lawsuit in Georgia.
Ultimately, a car accident lawyer in Georgia can help you decide what to request in damages. Your attorney can take a look at your medical bills and any other accident-related expenses you have incurred to date. Next, your lawyer can help you submit a request for an appropriate amount of damages.
Of course, you will not necessarily be awarded the amount of damages you request in an auto accident lawsuit. For instance, Georgia is a comparative negligence state, and you may be found partly responsible for your auto accident. If this happens, the damages you are awarded will be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident.
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Is There Anything You Can Do to Speed Up a Car Accident Lawsuit?
The legal process can be extensive, and a car accident lawsuit requires time and patience. However, there are several things you can do to accelerate the legal process, such as:
Be Willing to Negotiate a Settlement
Your attorney can keep you updated if an at-fault party offers a settlement. If you get a settlement that accounts for the short- and long-term costs of your car accident, you can accept it. On the other hand, if a settlement falls short of your expectations, you can continue to negotiate with the at-fault party.
Gather Plenty of Evidence
Your car accident police report, medical records, and other evidence can make a difference. With relevant evidence, you can make it clear to a judge or jury why you should be awarded damages. Your evidence can also be used as you try to negotiate a settlement with an at-fault party.
Partner with a Top-Notch Attorney
Choose a car accident attorney in Georgia with a wealth of experience. This attorney should know the ins and outs of the legal system and what can be done to help you settle your case. In addition, select a lawyer who has received dozens of positive client reviews and will advocate for you in any way possible.
The team at Barrios Virguez Attorneys is ready to help you with your car accident lawsuit. We can connect you with a Georgia auto accident lawyer right away. To get started, please contact us today.
Call or text 678-888-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form