What to Expect During the Car Accident Claims Process in Savannah
If you were involved in a car accident that resulted in injuries and property damage, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim. While the thought of navigating the claims process may feel incredibly overwhelming, particularly if you are recovering from serious injuries, a successful claim will ensure that you recover the financial compensation to which you are entitled.
Fortunately, you do not have to navigate this process alone. An experienced and dedicated car accident lawyer will walk you through every step of the claims process in Savannah, ensure that the negligent party is held liable for their actions, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve.
What Are the Steps Involved in the Claims Process?
To reach a successful claims outcome, there are several steps you will need to take, including the following:
- Report the accident. Call 911 immediately following the accident. If there are injuries involved, make sure that you notify dispatch so that they can send an ambulance to the scene. The responding police officer will interview the parties involved and fill out a police report. You can obtain a copy of the police report, which will serve as a vital piece of evidence in your claim.
- Collect evidence. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, skid marks or debris on the road, the location of the accident, and any other evidence that can help prove that the other motorist was at fault. If there were witnesses who saw the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and ask for their contact information.
- Exchange information. Share contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information with the other driver. Avoid saying anything to the other driver that could be interpreted as an apology, as this may be used against you during the claims process.
- Seek immediate medical attention. As soon as the ambulance arrives at the scene, it is crucial that you get medical attention, even if your injuries do not seem serious. Oftentimes, the stress of the accident can cause adrenaline to course through the body, which can mask pain and other symptoms. If you delay seeking medical treatment, this can cause an undiagnosed injury to become more serious and difficult to treat. It can also hurt your claim if the insurance company argues that your injuries must not be severe if you did not find it necessary to seek immediate treatment.
- Notify your insurance company. Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible and inform them that you were injured in a car accident. If you do not report the accident promptly, this could impact your claim and even result in your claim being denied.
- Contact an experienced Savannah car accident lawyer. It is highly recommended that you work with a car accident lawyer who will protect your legal rights, hold the negligent party liable for your injuries, and negotiate the best possible settlement outcome.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Savannah?
If you intend to file a personal injury claim after you were injured in a car accident, you must understand the timeline for filing a claim. In Savannah, the deadline for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. If your claim is filed after the statute of limitations expires, your claim will likely be denied, and you will be prohibited from recovering any damages.
Some circumstances may extend the filing deadline. For example, if the victim is under the age of 18, the two-year statute of limitations will be suspended until the minor reaches the age of 18. In some cases, an injury may not be immediately apparent, in which case the statute of limitations may begin when the injury is discovered.
A dedicated car accident lawyer will make sure that you are aware of this deadline and that you file your claim well before the deadline approaches.
What If I Was Partially At Fault for Causing the Accident?
Georgia is a comparative negligence state, which means that you may still be able to recover damages if you were partially at fault for causing the accident. However, your total damages will be reduced by the percentage of your share or liability.
For example, if the other motorist was found to be 70 percent at fault after driving through a red light, and you were 30 percent at fault for driving 35 mph in a 25 mph zone, you may still recover 70 percent of the total damages. However, if you are found to be 50 percent or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering any financial compensation.
Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Help Clients Navigate the Claims Process
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a car accident, it is highly recommended that you contact the Savannah car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law as soon as possible. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. We are located in Springfield, Georgia.