There is no such thing as an “average” settlement for a car accident in Georgia. Each Georgia auto accident case and the factors surrounding it vary. As such, plaintiffs in Georgia car accident cases can be awarded anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
At Barrios Virgüez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law, we understand auto accident cases are not one size fits all. Our Georgia auto accident attorneys give each case that comes our way the attention it deserves. We can also answer common questions about settlements in Georgia car accident cases.
What Is a Georgia Car Accident Settlement?
A driver can cause a Georgia car accident that injures an individual. In this instance, the driver can assume responsibility for the accident and offer a settlement. At this time, the driver gives the accident victim a certain amount of money based on the damages this individual suffered.
There are several factors that can dictate how much a Georgia auto accident victim receives as part of a settlement. These can include:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
A survey of people who received compensation after an auto accident revealed 98% obtained damages through a settlement. Among these individuals, it took an average of 11 months to get their full settlement amount. More than half of these individuals indicated it took up to six months to receive their settlement.
Who Will Offer a Settlement Following a Car Accident in Georgia?
The at-fault party in a Georgia auto accident is the most likely party to offer a settlement. This party may prefer to propose a settlement in lieu of a lengthy and expensive court case. Therefore, the at-fault party can offer a settlement in the hopes of getting the accident victim to accept the proposal right away.
Along with the at-fault party in a Georgia car accident, this individual’s insurance company may come forward with a settlement offer. The company may act quickly to submit a settlement proposal to an individual in the days after an auto accident. It may even pressure the accident victim to accept the proposal.
When presented with a car accident settlement proposal, it is important to avoid a rash decision. By partnering with an expert Georgia car accident lawyer, an individual is well-equipped to review a settlement offer carefully. The lawyer can help this individual analyze the offer in detail and decide how to proceed with it.
What Happens If You Accept a Georgia Car Accident Settlement?
Accepting a Georgia auto accident settlement means an individual cannot pursue further damages relating to the incident. This individual can take solace in the fact that some damages have been provided by the at-fault party. Conversely, this individual cannot pursue a personal injury claim for damages if any issues crop up relating to the auto accident down the line.
Comparatively, a Georgia auto accident victim can reject a settlement. Doing so ensures the victim does not have to settle for a settlement offer that falls short of their expectations. On the other hand, there is no guarantee that this individual will be awarded damages as part of a personal injury lawsuit.
A Georgia car accident lawyer can help an individual evaluate a settlement offer from all angles. The attorney can offer feedback regarding a settlement proposal. This can help a plaintiff weigh the offer’s pros and cons before making a final decision about it.
Is There a Time Limit to Accept a Georgia Auto Accident Settlement?
A Georgia auto accident settlement proposal may be available for only a limited amount of time. If there is a time limit on deciding whether to move forward with a settlement, an individual must make the most of the time available. By analyzing the offer in detail, an individual can make an informed decision about it.
If an individual feels pressured to accept a car accident settlement offer, it may be a good time to step back. Approving a settlement based on the fact that it may be unavailable in the near future is unacceptable. Instead, an individual should accept a settlement only if it meets their expectations.
For those who are faced with pressure to accept a Georgia auto accident settlement, get legal help. A Georgia car accident attorney can negotiate with an at-fault party or their insurance company. This can help an individual get the best possible settlement offer or achieve the optimal auto accident case results in court.
What Should You Do if You Get a Georgia Car Accident Settlement Offer?
An individual can receive a settlement offer at any time following their Georgia auto accident. If someone gets a settlement proposal, here are the steps to help this individual respond to it:
1. Review the Offer
Read through the offer and find out what it encompasses. In addition, examine the damages relating to the auto accident and calculate the short- and long-term costs associated with the incident. This helps an individual determine if an offer provides sufficient coverage for these costs.
2. Examine What Will Happen If the Offer Is Accepted or Rejected
Consider the immediate and long-lasting impact of accepting or rejecting the offer. In the short term, accepting an offer may provide an individual with instant financial aid. Yet, in the long run, accepting the offer will not necessarily help an individual deal with injuries or property damage from the auto accident.
3. Meet with a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
Find a team of Georgia auto accident lawyers that possesses many years of personal injury case experience. This team will do its part to help an individual figure out the best response to an auto accident settlement proposal. It can even negotiate on a car accident victim’s behalf to help this individual maximize their settlement amount.
Barrios Virgüez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law is the top law firm for auto accident victims in Georgia. We take car accident settlement proposals seriously and can review any offers with precision and care. For more information or to request a consultation, please contact us today.
