Getting involved in a car accident can result in a lot of costly bills. Whether you have to repair damage to your car or pay for medical examinations and treatments, you might be wondering how much you have to pay out of your own pocket. Since Georgia is an at-fault state, whether or not you have to pay your deductible will be based on whether or not you were to blame for what happened on the road.

Determining Fault for a Car Accident in Georgia

At-fault states are states in which the amount you pay after an accident is based on your level of fault. Georgia is an at-fault state, so you have to alert all involved insurance companies to kickstart the process of determining who was to blame. After you are in a vehicle accident in Georgia, and you have attended to any medical needs, you should let your auto insurance company know what happened as soon as possible. You will also need to exchange insurance information with the other driver. The other driver will also inform their insurance company, and the companies will look into what happened. Using the evidence about the incident, the companies will determine who is at fault. If you are found responsible for less than half of what happened, you are not the at-fault driver. The at-fault driver is responsible for paying for all of your damages.

How to Get Compensation After a Car Accident You Did Not Cause

One of the most important ways to secure compensation is to ensure you can prove that you did not cause the accident to occur. Often, in situations with minimal evidence, an at-fault driver or their insurance company will try to get you to admit fault or pin the blame on you so they don’t have to pay for the suffering you endured. Don’t give in to this. Collect as much evidence as you can at the scene of the accident and hire a lawyer to protect your rights and advocate for your needs. To secure the compensation, you need to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Hiring a car accident lawyer will give you the best chance at a smooth, effective claim process, as lawyers have filed these claims many times and know exactly what information the company needs to accept yours.

When You Might Have to Pay Your Deductible

The at-fault driver will be responsible for paying everything you owe, including your deductible. However, unfortunately, this payment can take a bit of time to secure. You might end up having to pay your deductible out of your pocket first, but you will eventually be reimbursed by the at-fault driver. For example, if your car is extremely damaged and you need a vehicle to go about your daily life, it might be in your best interest to file a claim with your insurance company so you can quickly get back on the road. Eventually, you will get that money back if your claim with the at-fault insurance company is accepted.

A Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you are in need of legal assistance after a car accident, you should reach out to our experienced team at Lamar Law Office, LLC. We can help you file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company, negotiate with them if any problems arise, and assist you in understanding how to go about making your payments. You shouldn’t have to deal with this trying time alone. Focus on healing and repairing your property while we work our hardest to ensure the person responsible pays for all of it. Contact our team today to discuss your case.