Being involved in a car accident is a distressing experience, and one of the major concerns that follows is filing an insurance claim to cover the damages. However, it's important to understand that insurance companies are profit-driven entities and may employ various tactics to devalue your claim. Below, we will delve into the numerous strategies insurance companies may use to diminish the value of your claim for damages in a Georgia car accident. By gaining a thorough understanding of these tactics, you will be better prepared to navigate the claims process and seek the maximum compensation you deserve. Additionally, we will emphasize the paramount importance of consulting with a knowledgeable car crash attorney who can skillfully negotiate on your behalf and ensure fair compensation. Can An Insurance Company Dispute Liability? When you file an insurance claim for a car accident, one of the tactics an insurance company might employ is…

Getting into a car accident can be stressful enough. The worry can increase exponentially in situations where a friend or family member was the person driving your car. Many people immediately worry. Will insurance cover the damage? Were they allowed to drive the car? Who is deemed at fault? How Is Fault Determined? If a family member, friend, or significant other was driving your car and is not listed as an insured driver, whose insurance applies will depend on 1) which driver is deemed the “at fault” driver in the accident and 2) the specific language policy of the applicable insurance policies. The general rule of thumb is if the person driving the car caused the accident, they are liable for the damage. This does not mean, however, that the person’s insurance policy will cover the accident. Rather, insurance policies typically follow the insured vehicle instead of the policyholder. Therefore,…

Car accidents can cause devastating injuries. If you were injured in a car accident and the other driver was at fault, you may be able to obtain compensation from the negligent driver's insurance company. However, their insurance company will want to limit your compensation. Take the proper steps to preserve your claim and get the compensation you deserve. Steps To Take After A Car Accident First and foremost, make sure everyone is safe. Contact the police. If there is a chance that someone is injured, make sure they get medical attention and inform 911 when you call that an ambulance is requested. At the time of the accident, if you can, you should collect the following information: Take photographs of any damages to the cars. Take photographs of any physical injuries you sustained. Get witness statements or contact information for any witnesses to the accident. Exchange insurance information with the…

Car accidents can occur in a blink of an eye. One minute you are driving safely down the road, then out of the blue, another vehicle slammed into yours. Because accidents happen quickly, suddenly, and violently, you may not be able to recall what happened or prove who was at fault. Witnesses can be helpful, but they are not always around and can be unreliable. Dashboard cameras (dashcams) have become commonplace in other counties. Still, they have not caught on in the U.S. These devices can be very valuable in providing the crucial evidence you need to prove who was at fault and help you get the compensation you deserve if you have suffered damages due to another driver's negligence. Here are the top five reasons you should consider getting a dashcam in your vehicle. What Is A Dash Cam? A dashcam is a small camera typically mounted on your…

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience. If you have suffered damages or injuries due to the carelessness of another driver, then you deserve to receive compensation for your losses. Hiring a Georgia car accident lawyer can help you get what you deserve. Still, not all lawyers are the same, and some lawyers are better than others. Finding the right lawyer for you is crucial to receiving justice. Here are a few questions you can ask potential Georgia car accident lawyers to see if they will provide the representation that you are looking for. What Is Your Fee? While you should never select a lawyer solely based on price, the amount they will charge you will be an important factor in your decision. Finding out upfront what the lawyer's fee will be and how it is to be paid and calculated can help save you time…

Car accidents involving rideshare vehicles, such as Lyft and Uber, are on the rise in Georgia. Uber opened in Atlanta in 2012. Lyft arrived two years later, in 2014. We often hear about the many benefits of the rideshare industry. They provide efficient and affordable transportation. While these rideshare services are generally safe, they have increased the number of accidents, including fatalities, on Georgia roadways. Georgia accidents involving the two primary rideshare services, Uber and Lyft, raise unique legal questions. These questions generally concern who is financially responsible when accidents do occur. With the possibility of multiple parties being at fault and overlapping insurance companies, the answer to these questions depends on the unique circumstances of each accident. This article will review the current legal landscape and answer many of your questions concerning a Georgia Uber or Lyft accident. If you have any additional questions, contact Dozier Law for a…

If you are involved in a Georgia car accident claim, this article will help you understand what to expect. There are three phases to your claim, evidence gathering, negotiation, and a potential lawsuit. The process can take some time. Although everyone works efficiently to resolve your claim as soon as possible, it is necessary to be thorough at each phase of the process to ensure that your interests are fully protected, and your monetary compensation maximized. Georgia has seen a disturbing increase in car accident fatalities in recent years. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) reports 1,588 fatal car crashes on Georgia roads in 2020. This represents the single deadliest year since 2007. There were 331,797 Georgia car accidents in total in 2020. This represents a decrease from the previous year. GDOT maintains that the best way to avoid accidents and catastrophic injuries is to follow three basic rules. First,…

Over the past decade, car manufacturers have added to their vehicles an increasing number of features designed to keep you safe. Backup cameras, emergency braking, and lane-keep assist are just some of the features commonly included these days to prevent collisions. Airbag systems and vehicle structure have also improved to provide greater protection in case of an accident. Despite all of these advances, car accident fatalities and severe injuries still happen more than you might think. Notably, Georgia’s roadways saw a surge in car accident fatalities in 2020 even though fewer vehicles were on the roads due to the pandemic. This suggests that there was a spike in dangerous driving behaviors. But other reasons such as driver negligence could have led to these incidents. For those who are injured from a car accident, there is a good chance that someone’s negligence is involved – and that matters for purposes of…

On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, a motorcycle accident resulted in the death of a Richmond Hill Middle School teacher. The victim was driving along Belfast River Road near Savannah, Georgia when he collided with a vehicle operated by a motorist attempting to make a left turn. The man was later pronounced dead at St. Joseph's Hospital in Savannah. Because the driver who caused the accident failed to yield, serious consequences are involved — especially since the person struck was later pronounced dead. It seems likely the police will quickly assign fault to the surviving driver. The police are not the only group of people who will be interested in wrapping up the case quickly and efficiently. Receiving an Offer From an Insurance Company In situations like this, insurance companies will often reach out to the family of the deceased and offer to negotiate with the goal of paying out as…

On October 12, 2020, a 65-year-old man was killed when a woman who tried to turn left on MLK Jr. Boulevard in Savannah, Georgia entered his path. The man could not avoid her, and the two vehicles collided, resulting in a car crash that brought on his death. The man received care from EMTs on-site, and he was transported to the hospital, where he later passed. Seeing how this accident occurred at a major intersection, there would have been witnesses. These witnesses would be essential in answering the police’s questions and determining the at-fault party, which makes their statements crucial. Dozier Law Firm, a team comprised of experts in dealing with these kinds of cases, explains: "Be aware of any witnesses to the accident that may have important information. Make sure you write down their contact information and any information they may have regarding the circumstances of the accident. If…