Sudden, traumatic car accidents can completely throw us off our game. Your daily life goes from work, family, and leisure time to doctor’s visits, physical therapy, and dealing with an avalanche of medical bills, not to mention the loss of perhaps your only mode of transportation.  

As accident victims struggle with physical, job, and financial setbacks, they can become distracted and neglect seeking the restitution they need to fully recover. That’s where we come in. At Dozier Law, we handle hundreds of car accident claims and necessary lawsuits, battling with insurers to help our clients get what they need to move forward. We have in-depth knowledge of Georgia insurance claim laws and car accident laws that can have a significant impact on your case.  

Read on as we share crucial facts about claim filing deadlines so you can recover, too. 

Georgia Car Accident Claims 

If you’re in a car accident in Georgia, time is of the essence. Reporting the accident and seeking medical help are your top priorities. But you also need to document everything you can at the scene and get witness information that will give your claim teeth. Any delay can result in some of this information being lost or forgotten. 

Georgia Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents 

Georgia car accident law puts a statute of limitations on filing an injury claim or lawsuit. For injury accidents, you have a two-year timeframe from the date of the accident. For property claims only, you have a four-year timeframe.  

Statute of Limitation Exceptions 

While the previously stated deadlines are the rule, there can be rare exceptions. For example, if there was a minor involved in the accident or your injuries were not immediately apparent. The deadline might be extended. Consult with an experienced accident attorney for more detailed information. 

Lawsuit Filing Time-Frame 

If negotiations with the insurer don’t result in a satisfactory settlement, filing a lawsuit is the next option. Generally, the time frame here is two years, making early claim filing paramount. If the insurer stalls or responds with a less-than-fair settlement offer, you still have time to take them to court.  

Georgia Accident Claim Deadline FAQs 

Q: What is the car accident claim clock?  

A: The “claim clock” starts ticking on the day of the accident, and you have two or four years to file a claim, depending on if it is for injury or property damage only.   

Q: What are the two-year and four-year deadlines for car accident claims in Georgia? 

A: Two-Year Deadline: If you are filing a claim for injuries. Four-Year Deadline: if you are filing for property damage only. 

Q: How much compensation can I expect for a car accident in Georgia? 

A: Compensation is decided based on how serious or permanent your injuries are, the extent of property damage, and whether or not you share part of the fault. Compensation typically covers medical costs, lost income, and possibly pain and suffering. Your accident lawyer can give you a more precise dollar amount expectation. 

Q: What is the average payout for a car accident claim in Georgia? 

A: Accident payouts will range from a few thousand dollars for minor accidents up to millions for severe, life-altering, permanent injuries. 

Q: Does this time limit apply to personal injury claims? 

A: Yes, if you were injured in a car accident in Georgia, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. 

Q: When is the right time to file an accident claim? 

A: To give yourself the best advantage, filing immediately after the accident is recommended. If you wait until the statute of limitations has passed and you are more injured than previously thought, you have no way of getting compensation for those additional injuries. Filing quickly while the incident, evidence, and witness testimonies are fresh also plays in your favor. 

Q: How long after the claim does the insurer have to settle? 

A: Insurance companies in Georgia have 40 days to settle a claim after it is filed. Once you file a claim, insurers in Georgia typically have 15 days to acknowledge receipt and may take up to 30 days to make a decision regarding your claim. 

Q: What happens if you miss the claim filing deadline in Georgia? 

A: The news isn’t good. You could have missed your claim and lawsuit windows entirely. However, there are rare exceptions that your car accident lawyer can explain in greater detail. 

Act Quickly – Don’t Wait to File an Accident Claim 

There’s no time to lose when filing an accident claim. Evidence and your recollection of what happened are still fresh, as are witness recollections. Begin the process with your car accident attorney as soon as possible so they can begin gathering evidence for a strong claim and possible lawsuit. 

Summary  

Understanding the critical motives for early claim filing for Georgia car accidents helps you avoid losing critical evidence and strong witness statements. It’s also helpful to have the claim in motion if other injuries develop after the fact so they can be added before the statute of limitations expires. 

Still Need Answers? Contact the Georgia Accident Claim Specialists 

Having a million questions about car accident claims is quite common and nothing to shy away from. The team of legal specialists at Dozier Law is here to help you find your way through the maze of claim requirements and evidence documentation. Let us be your partner to get the settlement you need while you concentrate on recovery. 

Contact Us 

Our knowledgeable attorneys are here to provide more information about car accident claims or to schedule a free consultation. Contact us today, and let us help you move your claim forward effectively.