Category: Personal Injury

Some of the most destructive and devastating car accidents occur when one or both of the vehicles involved are traveling at a high speed, resulting in a high-impact crash. The property damage caused by a high-impact car accident is often extensive, and the resulting injuries tend to be severe. However, even a relatively minor, low-impact car accident can cause property damage and injuries that require immediate medical attention. The expenses of treating your injuries and repairing your vehicle will accumulate quickly.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Low-Impact Car Accidents?

A low-impact car accident occurs when the vehicles involved are traveling at a speed of less than ten miles per hour. However, if a car accident occurs when one vehicle is traveling at 35 miles per hour, and the other vehicle is traveling at 45 miles per hour, this would also be considered a low-impact car accident because the difference in speed is only ten miles per hour. Low-impact car accidents are generally caused by a range of negligent driving behaviors, including the following:

• Failure to yield to the right of way when merging into traffic, at a two-way or a four-way stop, or at a traffic signal
• Tailgating
• Distracted driving
• Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
• Drowsy driving
• Failing to take the necessary precautions when driving during inclement weather

What Are Common Types of Injuries Associated With Low-Impact Car Accidents?

Even a relatively minor car accident can cause serious injuries, particularly if the occupants of the vehicles involved were not wearing their seatbelt at the time of the accident. Common injuries include broken bones, cuts and lacerations, and back injuries, as well as the following:

• Whiplash: This is a common injury that occurs when the sudden force of impact causes a rapid backward and forward movement of the head, causing strain and stiffness in the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and discs in the neck area. While whiplash is not generally a life-threatening injury, it can cause severe pain in the neck and upper limbs. If the injury is not properly diagnosed and treated, it can cause crocus pain and discomfort, which is why it is so important to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident, even if you do not experience any symptoms right away. If you fail to get immediate medical attention, your injury can progress and become more challenging. In addition, if you file a claim, your insurance provider may argue that your injuries must not be very serious if you do not find it necessary to go to a doctor. As a result, your claim may be denied.
• Head and brain injuries: This is another common injury that occurs in low-impact car accidents. Like whiplash, the symptoms of a head injury may not be immediately apparent, so it is crucial that you are examined by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Depending on the nature and severity of the accident, head injuries from low-impact car accidents can range from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI). 
• Soft tissue injuries: These include sprains, strains, or contusions that affect the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
• Wrist and hand injuries: These often occur when motorists brace for impact by placing their hands on the dashboard or steering wheel.

What Damages Can I Receive if I Am Injured in a Low-Impact Car Accident?

If you are injured in a low-impact car accident in Georgia, you may be entitled to the following damages:

• Economic damages: These are the damages that can be easily quantified by obtaining copies of medical records, estimates for the cost to repair the vehicle, and copies of pay stubs.
• Non-economic damages: These refer to intangible losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and stress and anxiety.

What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Low-Impact Car Accident?

Even if you are involved in a low-impact car accident where there is minimal property damage and the injuries are minor, it is important that you take the following steps, particularly if you plan on filing a personal injury claim:

• Report the accident. Call 911 and notify dispatch that you were involved in a car accident. Ensure you inform dispatch about any injuries so they can send an ambulance to the scene. The responding officer will fill out a police report, which will be valuable evidence if you file a personal injury claim.
• Seek immediate medical attention. Allow emergency medical personnel to examine you, even if you do not have any apparent symptoms.
• Collect evidence, including photos of the damage to your vehicle, injuries, and any debris or skid marks on the road.
• Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance and driver’s license numbers.
• Avoid apologizing or saying anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault, which can be used against you during the claims process.
• Notify your insurance company that you were involved in a car accident. Keep in mind, however, that insurance companies are making money and will resort to a range of tactics to avoid paying a large settlement. The more evidence you can collect, the more likely you will be able to prove that the other driver was at fault and negotiate a fair settlement.

Our Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Victims of Low-Impact Car Accidents

If you or a loved one was injured in a low-impact car accident, it is highly recommended that you contact our Savannah car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law as soon as possible. We will assist you with every step of the claims process, determine the nature and severity of your injuries, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a confidential consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

Leaving the scene of an accident without waiting for the police is not just a violation of law but a serious crime with severe legal repercussions. If the accident results in serious injuries or fatalities and the responsible driver flees, they could face felony charges and a potential prison sentence of up to five years.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, hit-and-run accidents occur every minute in the United States, which amounts to approximately 682,000 hit-and-run crashes each year. If you are injured in a hit-and-run accident, there are steps you can take to ensure that you recover the financial compensation you deserve.

To avoid having to pay for the property damage to your vehicle, the medical expenses associated with your injuries, and other losses, it is essential that you take the following steps in the moments following the accident:

• Move to a safe spot. If you can do so safely, move your vehicle to a safe area that is away from the flow of traffic. If the other motorist fled the scene, do not chase after the driver. Try to remain calm and gather as much information as possible. For example, if you can obtain information about the make, model, and color of the vehicle as it drives away, this will be very helpful in tracking down the driver, particularly if you can write down or take a picture of the license plate.
• Call 911. Call the police as soon as possible. When the responding officer arrives, write down their name and badge number. Provide as much detailed information as possible about what happened, sticking only to the facts. Do not embellish or share your opinion about the accident. The more information you can provide about the other vehicle and the other driver, the more likely police will be able to locate the driver.
• Take detailed notes. In the moments immediately following the accident and before the police arrive, take a moment to assess the damage to your vehicle. If you are physically able to do so, take pictures of the property damage from various angles, as well as any debris or skin marks on the road, the weather, and the exact location of the accident. Write down a detailed account of what happened, including where you were going, where the accident occurred, a detailed description of the other driver, and a description of the other car. This can be beneficial information even if you could only provide a partial license plate number.
• Seek immediate medical attention. A medical professional must examine you after a car accident. Some injuries may not be obvious right away, particularly when the shock of the accident causes adrenaline to course through the body, masking pain and other symptoms. If you fail to seek medical attention, undiagnosed injuries can become more serious and difficult to treat. In addition, this will likely have a negative impact on a personal injury claim. The insurance company may argue that your injuries must not be severe if you do not find it necessary to seek medical treatment.
• File a claim with your insurance company. Notify your insurance company that you were injured in a hit-and-run car accident. Provide your insurance agent with a copy of the police report number and the information you collected from the accident scene.
• Contact a car accident lawyer. An experienced car accident lawyer will assist you with every step of the claims process, negotiate with the insurance company, and help you recover the damages you are entitled to. It is highly recommended that you look for a lawyer with experience handling hit-and-run cases.

What If the Other Driver Cannot Be Located?

In some cases, the hit-and-run driver may not be found. Unfortunately, Georgia ranks fourth in the country for fatal hit-and-run accidents. While this can make the claims process more challenging, you may still have options for recovering compensation. You may obtain a MedPay policy, which pays for treatment costs after an accident. This works faster than your personal health insurance. If you have an uninsured/underinsured driver policy on your insurance, this is meant to provide coverage if you are involved in an accident and the at-fault driver does not have insurance to cover the damages. This also provides coverage if the other driver flees the accident scene. Ideally, this policy will already be in place before the hit-and-run accident happens. However, some insurers will allow you to file a claim after the fact, although coverage may over-apply to property damage and may not cover medical expenses.

Our Springfield Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Victims of Hit-and-Run Car Accidents

If you or a loved one was injured in a hit-and-run car accident, it is highly recommended that you contact our Springfield car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law as soon as possible. We understand how traumatic and frustrating these accidents can be, particularly if the other motorist flees the scene and cannot be found. To schedule a confidential consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

If you were injured in a car accident and filed a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver, you may have received a settlement to cover the costs of your medical expenses and lost wages. The car accident claim is closed once the settlement agreement has been signed and the money has been accepted. However, if you have ongoing medical expenses or your injuries are more serious than you thought, you may have questions about whether you can reopen a claim to seek additional compensation. Typically, a claim cannot be reopened once it has been closed. However, some exceptions may allow you to reopen a closed claim.

What Is a Closed Claim?

When a personal injury case is closed, the insurance company has decided that no further action will be taken with your claim. An insurance adjuster may simply notify you that your claim has been closed. If you have been paid, you cannot collect any additional money after the claim has been closed. You will not get paid if you have not received any settlement money and the insurance company determines that your claim is closed.

Depending on why the insurance company closed the claim, you may need to take legal action to have the claim reopened. For example, if the insurance company believes your contract does not require them to pay you, the only way to recover compensation is to take legal action. However, if you failed to pay your insurance premiums or did not pursue your claim and it closed for administrative reasons, you may reopen your claim without pursuing legal action.

What Are the Most Common Reasons for Reopening a Closed Claim?

In most cases, people try to reopen a closed claim because their injuries are more serious than initially thought. It is highly recommended that you do not sign a car accident settlement until you have reached maximum medical improvement, or MMI, which occurs when an injured person reaches a point where the person has fully recovered from their injuries.

You may also try to reopen a claim if you suffer injuries that were not immediately apparent after the accident. Insurance companies often settle claims quickly to avoid having to pay larger settlements for injuries that may appear at a later date, like a traumatic brain injury or other types of head injuries.

In addition, if new evidence is discovered that was not considered in the insurance company’s initial investigation, you may request that your claim be reopened and that the new evidence be included in your case file.

Reopening a Claim

Once your claim has been closed, it will unlikely be reopened. However, some circumstances may make you eligible to reopen a closed claim, including the following:

• You settle a claim against one defendant, but multiple parties are involved. If multiple cars were involved in the accident, you may still be able to file a lawsuit against one of the other drivers. However, it is in your best interest to hire a car accident lawyer to review the legal documents and ensure that you understand the settlement terms. For example, some releases state that you agree to give up potential claims against anyone once you accept the settlement money.
• You have not yet agreed to a settlement offer. If you are still negotiating with your insurance company and have not yet signed a release of liability, you can pursue legal action. A release of liability is a legal document that waives the other party from additional liabilities once the case has been closed.
• The agreement is void. If there are errors in the contract agreement, including incorrect names or inaccuracies regarding the settlement amount, it may be considered void. A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract. If there are errors, it may be invalid, even if you have signed it.
• There is no signed agreement. If you have not yet signed the settlement agreement, you may be able to reopen the claim if it falls within the statute of limitations. In Georgia, the statute of limitation for filing a personal injury claim is two years after the car accident date. If the statute of limitations has expired, it is unlikely that you will be able to reopen your claim.
• You verbally agreed to a settlement. Often, only a signed settlement agreement is considered valid, which means you may be able to renegotiate an agreement if you verbally agree to the terms of the settlement. However, in some cases, a verbal agreement is considered valid. A dedicated car accident lawyer will review your agreement and determine whether you can reopen a closed claim.
• The responsible party failed to pay the agreed settlement. If the other party fails to make the settlement payments within the agreed-upon timeline, you may be able to reopen the case. Depending on the circumstances, the judge may require the responsible party to pay by a specific date or reopen the case.

What Can I Do If My Insurance Company Refuses to Reopen My Claim?

If your insurance company does not reopen your claim, you must take legal action to get the financial compensation you deserve. It is highly recommended that you contact an experienced car accident lawyer, who will thoroughly examine your policy agreement and determine whether any clause in your policy was breached or if there is any error or details in the agreement that can help you reopen your claim and negotiate the settlement to which you are entitled.

Our Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Assist Clients Who Wish to Reopen a Closed Car Insurance Claim

If you were injured in a car accident and filed a closed claim, do not hesitate to contact our Savannah car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law if you want to reopen the claim. We will discuss the details of your case with you. To schedule a confidential consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

If you are involved in a car accident that resulted in property damage, serious injuries, or fatalities, the accident must be reported to the police. When the responding officer arrives at the accident scene, they will fill out a police report, including important details about the accident. Often, the report will help identify the motorist who was responsible for causing the accident. If you intend to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver, it is crucial that you obtain a copy of the police report, as this may provide a valuable piece of evidence to support your claim. There are several ways that you can secure a copy of the police report.

In Georgia, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) manages the accident reports for all accidents that occur on state-owned roadways and highways. If you need a copy of the police report for an insurance claim, you can do so in the following ways:

• Go to the nearest DOT office.
• Request a police report by mail.
• Request a police report online.

What Information Is Included in a Police Report?

A Georgia police report is a valuable piece of evidence as it contains important information about the accident, including:

• The specific location of the accident and the date and time that the accident occurred.
• The names, addresses, and contact information of all parties involved.
• Detailed information about the vehicles involved, including make, model, and license plate numbers.
• A graphic representation of how the accident occurred.
• A written description of the accident.
• Whether any citations were issued.
• Details about injuries and property damage caused by the accident.

Are Police Reports Always Admissible in Car Accident Cases in Georgia?

Police reports provide key evidence about the details of a car accident. In some cases, the report may identify which motorist was responsible for causing the accident. While many other states do not allow police reports to be included as evidence because they contain statements from police officers considered hearsay, certain parts of a police report may be admitted as evidence if they fall under one of the exceptions to Georgia’s hearsay rule.

Is it Possible to Dispute Information Included in a Police Report?

The scene of a car accident can be very chaotic, and it is possible that the responding police officer could include information on the police report that is not entirely accurate. Depending on the incorrect information, this could hurt your claim. Unfortunately, once the report has been filed, it is difficult to challenge it or make changes unless the police officer is willing to change their report. If the officer refuses, it will have to be challenged in court. An experienced car accident lawyer will assist you with this process and protect your legal rights.

Our Springfield Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Assist Clients With Every Phase of the Claims Process

If you are filing a personal injury claim after being injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact our Springfield car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law. We will help you navigate every step of the claims process, including obtaining a copy of the police report and other important evidence necessary to support your claim. Our dedicated legal team will protect your rights and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

If you are involved in a minor fender-bender, you will likely be able to resolve the issue without hiring a lawyer. However, if the accident is more serious and you suffer a severe injury, the costs of a serious car accident will accumulate quickly, including medical bills, insurance fees, and the cost of repairing your vehicle. This can be highly stressful and overwhelming, particularly if your injuries prevent you from being able to return to work and earn an income. To recover the damages that you are entitled to, it is highly recommended that you contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Why Should I Hire a Lawyer Immediately Following a Car Accident?

If you decide to hire a car accident lawyer after being injured in a car accident, it is in your best interest to do so as soon as possible or within a day or two following the accident. There are several reasons why this is a good idea, including:

• Your lawyer will assist you with the claims process. Navigating the claims process after you have been injured in a car accident can be overwhelming. Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side will alleviate some of that stress, knowing that every aspect of your case is being managed and that your legal rights are protected.
• Your lawyer will make sure you do not miss important deadlines. You will need to meet several deadlines as you navigate the claims process. For example, in Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the accident date. Depending on your insurance policy type, there may also be deadlines. For example, your policy may state that you must notify the insurer about the collision “promptly” or “as soon as possible.” If you miss any of these deadlines, it could hurt the outcome of your case.
• Your lawyer will help preserve evidence. You must prove that the other motorist was negligent to have a successful claim. To do this, you must collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. This may include photos of the damage to your vehicle and your injuries, debris, or skid marks on the road. Your lawyer will assist you with collecting key evidence as quickly as possible, particularly evidence that may only be available for a short time. For example, surveillance camera footage is often deleted after a certain period of time. Skid marks and debris can also disappear if rain, wind, and other road traffic wash them away or cause them to scatter. Your car accident lawyer may hire an accident reconstructionist to examine the accident scene and the evidence available to determine how the accident happened.
• Your lawyer may contact witnesses. Often, witnesses who saw the accident can provide valuable information about the events leading up to it and who was at fault. Your lawyer will contact witnesses as soon as possible to ensure their memories are still fresh when they provide their statements.
• Your lawyer may negotiate with the insurance company. Even if the other motorist was clearly at fault, insurance companies are for-profit organizations. They will resort to various tactics to avoid paying you the compensation you deserve, including delaying your case, which can increase the risk of missing the statute of limitations deadline. They may also offer an initial lump-sum payment that seems like a large amount of money. However, this rarely covers the total costs associated with your injuries, including future medical costs. Your lawyer will anticipate these tactics and negotiate the best possible settlement outcome.
• Your lawyer will fight for you to be compensated for lost wages. In addition to the physical injuries you suffered, you may also experience PTSD and other serious side effects that prevent you from being able to return to work for an extended period of time. In extreme cases, you may be unable to work permanently. Unfortunately, some employers withhold pay benefits while an employee is recovering from a car accident. This can be financially devastating, particularly if your injury has a lengthy recovery period. Your car accident lawyer will always protect your legal and financial rights.
• Your lawyer will seek the maximum financial compensation. If you suffered serious injuries, there are a range of damages that you may be entitled to, including all medical expenses associated with your injury, property damage, lost wages if you are unable to return to work, loss of future earning capacity, and the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of the accident. Your car accident lawyer will pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve.
• You may not be responsible for any upfront costs. People often hesitate to hire a car accident lawyer because they fear it will be too expensive. However, most car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means that they only get paid if you have a successful claim and they recover compensation for you. Not only does this eliminate the financial burden of paying upfront legal fees, but it also motivates your lawyer to negotiate the maximum settlement.

Our Springfield Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Victims of Car Accidents

If you have been injured in a car accident, it is highly recommended that you contact our Springfield car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law as soon as possible. We will help you navigate every step of the claims process, address your questions and concerns, and ensure your legal rights are always protected. Call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

Whether you are a newly licensed driver or you have years or even decades of experience behind the wheel, all motorists are responsible for understanding and following the rules of the road. In addition to following the speed limit, using your signal when necessary, and avoiding unsafe driving behaviors like distracted or drowsy driving, motorists are expected to understand the merging laws, particularly when driving on a busy highway. Failure to do so can result in a severe car accident. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, certain merging accidents can be difficult to prove since they often happen quickly and at high speeds. If you are injured in a merging accident, and the other driver was at fault, contacting an experienced car wreck lawyer is highly recommended.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Merging Accidents?

A merging accident can happen when you least expect it, particularly if you drive on a highway where motorists travel at 65 miles per hour or faster speeds. The consequences of these accidents can be devastating and may include severe injuries and fatalities. The following are examples of some of the most common causes of merging accidents:

• Failure to check the side and rearview mirror before merging or changing lanes.
• Failure to check blind spots.
• Failure to signal when merging.
• Not matching the speed of other vehicles already in the flow of traffic.
• Talking or texting on the phone or engaging in other distracted driving behavior that takes your attention off the road.

Proving Fault for a Merging Accident

To prove that the other motorist involved in the merging accident was at fault, you will have to demonstrate that the driver was negligent and that their negligence caused the accident. The following evidence can help prove that the other driver caused the accident and help your car wreck lawyer negotiate the outcome of a successful claim:

• Copy of the police report.
• Photos and video footage from the scene of the accident.
• Copies of medical records.
• Statement from witnesses who saw the accident happen.
• Report from a forensic accident reconstructionist.

There are many different types of merging accidents, most of which are caused by motorists who are not paying attention, are distracted, or drive recklessly. Depending on the nature of the accident, it can be challenging to prove which driver was at fault. The following are examples of merging accident scenarios and how to determine fault:

• Another driver hits you while trying to merge. If you were already in the traffic flow, and the other driver attempted to merge when they hit you, that driver will likely be considered at fault because you had the right of way. The other driver was responsible for ensuring that it was safe to move into another lane before merging. While the at-fault driver is responsible for following the rules of the road, you will need to provide evidence supporting your claim to recover compensation, including whether the motorist was distracted, failed to use their signal, or did not check their rear or side view mirror. A copy of the police report may also provide valuable evidence and may identify the at-fault driver.
• You were sideswiped by a driver who failed to merge. A sideswipe accident can occur when one or both drivers drive at a high speed and attempt to merge simultaneously. In most cases, however, one driver is either at fault or considered more responsible for the sideswipe accident. The merging driver is usually considered at fault in a sideswipe accident.
• Another driver hits you while changing lanes. Motorists must ensure that there are no vehicles in the direct vicinity and that it is safe to change lanes before doing so. If they proceed to change lanes without checking their mirrors and their blind spots, they will likely be considered at fault for a merging accident. The driver changing lanes at the time of the accident is almost always at fault for a resulting accident. Additional evidence that can help prove fault includes photos from the accident scene, witness statements, and police reports.

Is the Merging Driver Always at Fault?

In most cases, when a merging accident occurs, the merging driver is usually at fault. However, there are situations where the driver who is already in the flow of traffic may be at fault, including:

• Driving too fast to prevent the merging driver from entering the lane.
• Driving too slowly to block the merging driving.
• Tailgating to avoid a merge.
• Brake checking the merging driver.
• Failing to adjust their speed.

What Damages Am I Entitled to If I Am Injured in a Merging Accident?

If you were seriously injured in a merging accident that another motorist caused, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit. It is highly recommended that you contact a highly skilled car accident lawyer who will assist you with the claims process and help you recover the damages you are entitled to, which may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Reduced quality of life
• Mental anguish

Keep in mind that Georgia is a comparative negligence state, which means that if you were partially responsible for causing the accident, you may still recover damages. However, your total recovery will be reduced by the percentage of your share of liability. You cannot recover damages if you are 50 percent or more at fault.

Our Savannah Car Wreck Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Victims of Merging Accidents

If you or a loved one suffered a severe injury in a merging accident that another motorist caused, contact our Savannah car wreck lawyers at Kicklighter Law as soon as possible. We will thoroughly review the accident details, determine who is responsible for causing the accident, and assist you with every step of the claims process. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas. 

If you are injured in a car accident, the expenses will start to accumulate very quickly, from the cost of repairing your vehicle to the hospital bills and other medical expenses, as well as lost wages if your injury prevents you from being able to return to work. However, if the other motorist was at fault, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. An experienced car accident lawyer will assist you.

If you suffered serious injuries, property damage, and other losses in a car accident that the other motorist caused, you may be entitled to financial compensation if you can prove that the other motorist was negligent, that their negligence caused the accident, and that you suffered losses as a result. A successful claim may include the following damages:

• All medical expenses associated with the accident
• Future medical expenses
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Trauma associated with the accident and the losses you suffered
• Reduced quality of life

When you are involved in a car accident in Georgia, the moments following the accident can be overwhelming and chaotic, particularly if you suffered serious injuries. If the other motorist was at fault, you will likely be able to recover damages from their insurance company. However, Georgia is a modified comparative fault state, which means that if you are partly at fault for causing the accident, your total damages will be reduced by the percentage of your share of liability. You cannot recover any damages if you are more than 50 percent at fault.

The following tips can help you maximize your car accident settlement.

Call 911

Whenever a car accident involves injuries, the police must be notified as soon as possible. When the officer arrives at the scene, they will make a report about the accident, which may include details that will validate your claim in court, including whether the other driver was responsible for causing the accident. Notify dispatch that injuries are involved so they can send an ambulance to the scene.

Seek Medical Treatment

Even if your injuries seem relatively minor, it is extremely important that you are examined by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be obvious right away, or your symptoms may be masked by the adrenaline coursing through your body in the moments following the accident. A medical professional will be able to diagnose and treat your injuries. In addition, if you fail to seek medical attention, the other motorist’s insurance company may argue that your injuries must not be very serious if you do not find it necessary to seek treatment. This will likely hurt your claim.

Collect Evidence

If you are physically able to do so after the accident, collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photos of the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, the position of the other vehicle, and any skid marks or debris on the road. In addition, obtain a copy of the police report, and if witnesses saw the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and ask for your contact information. The more evidence you can provide, the more likely you will be able to prove that the other driver was at fault.

Do Not Make a Statement to the Insurance Company

The other motorist’s insurance company will likely contact you and ask questions about the accident and may even present a settlement offer. Insurance companies are making money, so they will use a range of tactics to avoid paying you the settlement you deserve. They may use your own words against you, making it seem you were partially to blame for causing the accident. Often, insurance companies make a lowball settlement offer that may seem like a lot of money. However, this rarely covers the total costs of the accident, particularly if you suffered a serious injury and have substantial medical expenses.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

It is highly recommended that you have a dedicated car accident lawyer who will protect your legal rights, assist you with every step of the claims process, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and pursue the maximum financial settlement you deserve. The following are additional examples of how a car accident lawyer can help you with your case:

• Determine the maximum value of your case.
• Address any questions and concerns.
• File paperwork.
• Ensure that you file your claim within the statute of limitations.
• Hire expert witnesses and accident reconstructionists when necessary.
• Communicate with your medical team to gain a comprehensive understanding of your injuries and their effect on your case.
• Help you avoid common mistakes that can have a negative impact on your case.

Our Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Pursue Maximum Settlement Outcomes for Car Accident Victims

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact our Savannah car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law. Our skilled legal team will help you navigate the claims process, ensure that your legal rights are protected, and help you recover the maximum damages you are entitled to. We will address your questions and concerns. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

Speeding is one of the most common causes of serious, yet preventable, car accidents. In addition to being a traffic violation, speeding can increase the severity of a car accident due to the extreme force of impact. All motorists are responsible for obeying the rules of the road, which includes following the speed limit at all times. Unfortunately, too many motorists routinely exceed the speed limit despite the known dangers, including the increased risk of a high-speed collision. If you or someone you know suffered a serious injury in a car accident that was caused by another motorist who was speeding at the time of the accident, do not hesitate to contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Why Is Speeding So Dangerous?

Speed limits are in place to protect you, the other passengers in your vehicle, and other motorists on the road. Motorists have a duty of care to obey the speed limit and avoid other negligent driving behaviors. Exceeding the speed limit, even by five or 10 miles per hour, increases the risk of a car accident and the severity. The faster a car travels, the greater the risk of a serious, potentially fatal car accident.

In addition to the force of impact associated with a speeding-related accident, if a driver is speeding, they have significantly less time to react to other vehicles, sudden changes on the road, or an animal running across the road. Vehicles also need time and adequate road space to safely slow down or come to a complete stop. If a driver is speeding, they may be unable to slow down or stop in time to avoid hitting another vehicle. They may have to slam the brakes, which could cause them to skid and lose control of the car.

What Are the Consequences of Speeding?

All car accidents have the potential to cause injuries and property damage. However, the faster the collision, the more likely it is to result in devastating injuries and fatalities. High-speed car accidents involve extreme force of impact, which can cause severe injuries, including the following:

• Broken bones
• Whiplash and other serious neck injuries
• Arm and chest injuries from the airbags deploying at full force
• Severe lacerations
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Crush injuries
• Paralysis
• Loss of limb or amputation
• Burns from exploding airbags or fires
• Internal organ damage or internal bleeding

If you were seriously injured in a speeding accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the speeding driver. To reach the best possible outcome, there are steps you should take immediately following the accident, including:

• Call 911 to report the accident and request an ambulance if you are injured.
• Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to your vehicle, injuries, and debris or skid marks on the road.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
• If there are witnesses who saw the accident, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and get their contact information.
• Seek immediate medical attention. High-speed car accidents can cause serious injuries, so it is imperative that you are examined by a healthcare professional as soon as possible, even if your injuries do not seem severe or life-threatening. Avoiding or delaying medical attention can cause an undiagnosed injury to become worse. In addition, this can hurt your claim, as the insurance company may argue that your injury must not be severe if you do not find it necessary to seek treatment.
• Contact an experienced car accident lawyer at your earliest convenience.

Our Springfield Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Victims of High-Speed Car Accidents

If you were severely injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact our Springfield car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law. To schedule a confidential consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

If you were involved in a car accident and your vehicle was damaged, you will need to have your car repaired. In extreme cases, you may need to replace your vehicle if it was totaled in the accident. Either way, in the days or weeks it takes to get an estimate and have the repairs completed, you will need an alternate mode of transportation to get around.

Depending on the number of days or weeks that your car is in the shop, the costs of a rental vehicle can accumulate quickly. Fortunately, if the other motorist involved in the accident was at fault, you will not have to pay the costs of your rental car. An experienced car accident lawyer will assist you.

How Do I Get My Rental Car Paid for After an Accident?

In the state of Georgia, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for covering the costs of your rental vehicle. The rental company will usually bill the at-fault driver’s insurance company directly. Your insurance adjuster can explain the daily rate approved for coverage and if there is an overall limit. If your rental costs exceed your policy’s limits, you will likely be responsible for covering the difference out of your pocket.

If your auto insurance policy does not include rental insurance, you can still seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, the process is a bit more complicated. If you can do so, you will have to cover the costs of the rental vehicle and file a claim against the at-fault driver seeking reimbursement from their insurance company. Unfortunately, these claims are often delayed or denied. Hiring a skilled car accident lawyer to help you navigate the claims process is highly recommended.

Do I Need to Purchase Insurance for a Rental Car?

Rental car companies often encourage customers to purchase insurance to cover the car when they use the vehicle. This is an added expense that is generally optional. If you have collision insurance through your auto insurance policy, this generally covers rental cars with the same coverage limits and deductible as your policy. If your rental car is damaged in an accident, your collision insurance will pay for the repairs if you need to file a car insurance claim.

What Steps Do I Need to Take to Get Reimbursed for a Car Rental?

To make the process of getting reimbursed for your rental vehicle as seamless and uncomplicated as possible, you will need to take the following steps:

• Keep copies of receipts. To be reimbursed in a timely manner for the costs associated with your rental, it is important that you keep copies of all receipts and records of your rental car expenses. This will provide proof of the costs you incurred as a result of the accident.
• File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance. If you can prove that the other driver was responsible for causing the accident, you can file a claim with their insurance company and seek reimbursement for your rental car expenses. The total amount you can recover will depend on the at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy.
• Use your insurance. If your policy has rental coverage, you can file an initial claim through your insurance company. Your insurance agent can seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurer. This process is called subrogation.

A Savannah Car Accident Lawyer at Kicklighter Law Will Help You if You Were in a Crash

If you were involved in a car accident that caused damage to your vehicle or severe injuries, do not hesitate to contact a Savannah car accident lawyer at Kicklighter Law. We will assist you and pursue the financial compensation you deserve, including rental vehicle costs. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.