Car accidents can be stressful and devastating. That is why the law protects victims involved in an accident due to the negligence of others. You are allowed to file a lawsuit to receive compensation for injuries and property damages that result from the accident. One of the common questions is what would happen if you were also at fault in an accident. It depends on the specific county. Work with an Atlanta car accident attorney to protect your rights in such a case. Here is what happens if you are at fault in a car accident and injury:
Fault and no-fault states
Your case will be affected depending on whether you are in a fault or no-fault state. In fault states, the responsible party will be liable for the injuries of the other. Their insurance company will pay for the losses when the victim files a claim.
On the other hand, no-fault states require each party to cover their own losses using their auto insurance. Georgia is a fault state meaning that the negligent party will cover for the damages. This article will focus on fault states.
Damages covered if you caused an accident
Like all the other personal injury cases, the insurance pays for losses that result in the event of an accident by the negligent party. This includes:
- Medical expenses, including medications
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
- Loss or decreased earning capacity
The good news is that you will not be forced to compensate the other party from your pocket. If the damages are within the auto insurance policy limits, the injured persons will receive compensation from the insurer.
If you are at fault in an accident that caused severe injuries or death, it is recommended that you work with an experienced attorney. Injury cases do not have to be settled in court; the driver and the insurance company can agree to settle outside court.
What happens to the damage to my vehicle?
We have already discussed the damages to the other driver. What about your own property damage? Collision coverage policies cover damages on your vehicle, but you may need to pay a deductible.
What if I am partially at fault?
If two parties are both at fault in an accident, the terms of compensation are now different. Your compensation will be affected by the percentage of fault after calculation.
Therefore, the victim still receives payment, but the total amount is reduced depending on the degree of your fault.
You will also need to work with a car accident attorney to determine the degree of your fault and ensure your rights are not violated.
Work with an Atlanta car accident attorney
As discussed in this article, car accident claims can be complicated depending on which party was at fault. Therefore, you need an experienced attorney by your side to advise you accordingly and represent you if the case reaches court. Schedule an appointment online today if you are in Georgia. You can also call the offices at 404-860-2454.