{"id":372706,"date":"2016-11-15T15:36:28","date_gmt":"2016-11-15T20:36:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/georgia-law\/georgia-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html"},"modified":"2024-06-25T14:37:41","modified_gmt":"2024-06-25T19:37:41","slug":"georgia-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/georgia-law\/georgia-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html","title":{"rendered":"Georgia Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Georgia Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/christie-nicholson-j-d\/\">Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/katrina-wilson-esq\/\">Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            June 25, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>For the first time in nearly two decades, the number of car crashes in Georgia is rising. To put this into perspective, there were almost 1,800&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gahighwaysafety.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2021-Risky-Driving-Georgia-Traffic-Safety-Facts-updated.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fatal car crashes<\/a>&nbsp;in the Peach State in 2021.&nbsp;This&nbsp;was the highest number of traffic fatalities since 2006.<\/p>\r\n<p>Many people have no idea&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-checklist.html\">what to do after an auto accident<\/a>. If you don\u2019t take specific steps within hours of the collision, you\u2019ll jeopardize your chances of recovering damages.<\/p>\r\n<p>Here, we\u2019ll explain how the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-accident-settlement-basics.html\">car accident settlement<\/a>&nbsp;process works in Georgia and discuss the settlement timeline. If you still have questions about your car accident case, contact an experienced personal injury attorney.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Do I Need to Report a Car Accident in Georgia?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Georgia law requires motorists to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ga\/title-40-motor-vehicles-and-traffic\/ga-code-sect-40-6-273.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">report a motor vehicle accident<\/a>&nbsp;to law enforcement immediately. Technically, the law states that you must submit a car accident report if the crash results in injury or death or if there is more than $500 in property damage.<\/p>\r\n<p>Since it\u2019s impossible to determine the extent of property damage, you\u2019re better off reporting all car accidents.<\/p>\r\n<p>Georgia law also requires parties to exchange specific information at the accident scene.&nbsp;This&nbsp;includes:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>Name and contact information<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Driver\u2019s license and insurance information<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Vehicle registration number<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>You must also assist anyone who suffers a personal injury in the crash. The best way to do this is by calling 911. The dispatcher will send an officer to the crash scene and arrange an ambulance to transport accident victims to the hospital.<\/p>\r\n<p>Finally, you must&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ga\/title-40-motor-vehicles-and-traffic\/ga-code-sect-40-6-270.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">remain at the accident scene<\/a>&nbsp;until you\u2019ve completed the above requirements. You&nbsp;may face civil and criminal penalties if you leave the accident scene. Plus, the only way for your car accident lawyer to prove your case is with a copy of the police report.<\/p>\r\n<p>This report is necessary to prove your car accident claim. The report contains information that will not be accessible to your Georgia personal injury law attorney.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Georgia Car Insurance Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>All Georgia motorists must maintain auto insurance. Your personal injury lawyer will file a claim with the at-fault driver\u2019s insurance company. If they don\u2019t have insurance, you\u2019ll have two options. First, you can file a claim with your uninsured motorist\u2019s policy. But these policies often only cover $10,000 in damages.<\/p>\r\n<p>Your second option is to file suit against the other driver. If they have auto insurance, the carrier must represent them in court. If they don\u2019t have insurance, you\u2019ll seek damages against the driver personally.<\/p>\r\n<p>In Georgia, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/oci.georgia.gov\/insurance-resources\/auto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">minimum liability coverage amounts<\/a>&nbsp;a driver is required to carry are:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>$25,000 for the injury or death of one person (yourself, a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, etc.)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>$50,000 for the injury or death of more than one person in a single accident<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>$25,000 for property damage<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>As you can imagine, these amounts may not cover your medical expenses and other out-of-pocket losses. Your attorney will do their best to negotiate a fair settlement offer. Your settlement amount will depend on several factors, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>The extent of your injuries<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Whether you need extensive medical treatment<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>If you\u2019ll need future medical care<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Whether you can still work after the crash<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Damage to your vehicle<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Below, we\u2019ll discuss the settlement process and how long it may take to settle your personal injury case.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>How Do Car Accident Settlements Work in Georgia?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The last thing anyone wants is to spend years arguing over a car accident claim only to lose at trial.&nbsp;This&nbsp;is why most car accident victims settle their personal injury claims. With a settlement, you\u2019ll receive a guaranteed payout in a lump sum. Plus, you don\u2019t risk losing at trial. If you lose in court, you\u2019ll walk away with nothing.<\/p>\r\n<p>A&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/resolution-before-trial-settlement.html\">settlement<\/a>&nbsp;is an informal wrapping up of a case for a mutually agreeable remedy. Once the settlement negotiations are complete, the plaintiff will&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/what-does-it-mean-to-settle-a-case.html\">drop the pending lawsuit<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Georgia courts don\u2019t require parties to attend a settlement conference. But many courts, such as in Gwinnett County, offer parties the option to attend a settlement conference or mediation before trial.<\/p>\r\n<p>Typically, your attorney can file a claim with the at-fault party\u2019s insurance company. The adjuster decides whether to admit fault on behalf of their insured. From that point, your attorney will send a demand package advising the adjuster how much monetary compensation you are seeking on behalf of your client. Then, the negotiations will start. Once an agreed amount is decided, they will send you a check within two weeks or less.<\/p>\r\n<p>If the insurance carrier denies your claim, you can make a claim that the insurance company is acting in bad faith.<\/p>\r\n<p>If this does not work, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. Once the insurance company receives notice of your claim, they must file an answer. After this, they may reach out to discuss an auto accident settlement.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you and the other party can agree on a settlement amount, your attorney will draft a settlement agreement. Both parties will sign, the insurance adjuster will cut you a check for the settlement amount, and you\u2019ll dismiss your lawsuit.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Georgia?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>It\u2019s impossible to answer this question. Every case is unique, and too many variables can impact the size of your claim.<\/p>\r\n<p>During settlement negotiations, the parties and their attorneys will consider the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>Insurance coverage (insurance companies won\u2019t pay more than insurance policy limits)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/worksheet-damage-estimate.html\">Car repairs<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/economic-recovery-for-accidents-and-injuries.html\">Medical bills&nbsp;<\/a>(past and future)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-accident-pain-and-suffering-damages.html\">Pain and suffering<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Amount of time away from work<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Nature and extent of your car accident injuries<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If your attorney and the insurance company agree on an amount of compensation, you\u2019ll receive a lump sum payment. You can\u2019t demand additional money later.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>How Long Does It Take to Negotiate a Car Accident Settlement?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Most car accident cases take several months to settle. As with the amount of your settlement, it\u2019s impossible to give a precise time frame for how long it will take to resolve your case. Your attorney will likely work with the insurance adjuster for a few months to reach a fair settlement amount.<\/p>\r\n<p>In many cases, settlement negotiations don\u2019t start until the judge schedules a trial. Some cases don\u2019t settle until the day before the trial. It all depends on the strength of your evidence, the size of your claim, and the insurance company\u2019s settlement practices.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Georgia\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/georgia-law\/georgia-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html\">statute of limitations<\/a>&nbsp;dictates how long you have to file your car accident lawsuit. For motor vehicle accidents, the statute of limitations period is two years. The two years start on the date of the accident.<\/p>\r\n<p>The court will dismiss your lawsuit if you don\u2019t file your claim before the deadline. You\u2019ll lose the opportunity to sue the other driver and walk away empty-handed.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Learn More About Georgia Car Accident Settlements: Talk to a Lawyer<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Most settlements are binding. If you&#8217;re not careful, you could end up with a settlement that doesn\u2019t cover your medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses.&nbsp;This&nbsp;is why it\u2019s essential that you talk to an experienced&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/georgia\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">car accident attorney<\/a>&nbsp;in Georgia before signing anything involving your claim.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              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class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of 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class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help seek fair compensation on your behalf\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Car accident claims are complex and insurance carriers have lawyers on their side\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Car Accident Attorney Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img 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