If another driver is responsible for a car accident, according to Georgia law, they may be liable for any damage you incurred. As such, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim against them. Compensation can be claimed for different types of losses or damages that have arisen as a result of the accident.
Medical expenses that occurred due to the accident can be included in your claim. Such expenses might include hospital bills, prescribed medication, travel costs for medical appointments, costs for physical therapy, and any current or future medical expenses due to the accident. The at-fault driver's insurance company should cover these costs, but they won't be directly paying for each visit. You must complete necessary treatments to know the full cost, which you can then include in your claim.
You might lose income because of the accident. If you have been out of work for a while due to a serious injury, you can claim compensation for lost wages. This can include your regular salary, any potential future income lost due to disability from the accident, and missed opportunities for earnings.
If you had to rent a car because yours was in the shop, the other driver’s insurance company should cover the cost. Also, if your car was damaged or totaled in the accident, you can file a property damage claim which could be for the repair of the vehicle or a total loss.
Pain and suffering are more subjective damages that can be claimed.
They refer to the discomfort or emotional distress caused by the accident and resulting injuries. This could include mental anguish, depression, fear, mood swings, or a decrease in your quality of life.
In the unfortunate case of a death from a car accident, the family of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim. This includes compensation for funeral costs, the pain and suffering of the deceased, and loss of companionship.
Lastly, punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the at-fault driver acted with malice or was extremely reckless, such as in drunk driving incidents. These are intended to punish the offender rather than compensate the victim.
Navigating these claims can be complex. Therefore, it is advised to get assistance from a car accident lawyer who can guide you through the process and ensure that all potential damages are included in your claim.
