Car accidents can get messy, especially when more than one driver might be responsible. If you were in a crash in Atlanta and think you could be partly at fault, you’re not alone. Accidents in busy neighborhoods like Midtown or Buckhead often involve more than one person making a mistake. But what does that mean for your ability to get money for your injuries and damage?
In Georgia, the law allows people to still get compensation even if they share some blame, but only to a point. That’s why it’s so important to understand how this works. If you’re unsure how fault affects your case, a savvy Atlanta car accident lawyer can explain your options and help protect your rights.
What Georgia’s Fault Rules Mean for You
Georgia uses a rule called “modified comparative negligence.” That means you can still get money after a crash as long as you weren’t mostly at fault. To be specific, you must be less than 50% responsible. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you won’t get any compensation.
Even if you’re under that 50% mark, your payout will be reduced based on your share of the blame. For example, if you were going to get $20,000 but were 25% at fault, you’d end up with $15,000. This rule tries to be fair, but it also gives insurance companies a good reason to argue that you caused more of the accident than you actually did.
How People Decide Who’s at Fault
Figuring out who’s to blame in a car crash takes some digging. Police officers usually start by writing a report that includes what they saw, what people said, and any traffic laws that may have been broken. They might also talk to witnesses and look at the damage to the cars.
Insurance companies do their own investigations. They may come to a different conclusion than the police. Sometimes, both sides don’t agree on what happened. That’s especially common in parts of Atlanta like Old Fourth Ward or West End, where traffic can be tight and accidents happen fast.
Even if you think you made a mistake, don’t admit it at the scene. You might not have all the facts, and your words could be used against you later. It’s best to let the evidence speak for itself.
What to Do if You Think You’re Partly to Blame
Worried that you may have played a part in the accident? That doesn’t mean you lose your right to a claim. Just make sure to take smart steps right away:
● Take photos of the crash scene, including your car, the other vehicle, and the road conditions.
● Get a copy of the police report and check if it mentions who was at fault.
● Don’t speak to the other driver’s insurance company before talking to a lawyer.
● Write down your own memory of what happened while it’s still fresh.
● Talk to a lawyer early on so they can help you avoid mistakes and secure your rights.
Doing these things helps your case and makes sure your side of the story is heard.
Why a Lawyer Can Make a Big Difference
When more than one person is blamed for a crash, insurance companies often use that to pay you less, or nothing at all. That’s where a lawyer can really help.
A good attorney knows how to collect proof, talk to witnesses, and deal with insurance adjusters who are trying to avoid paying. They can also bring in experts if needed to show that the other driver was mostly at fault. All of this gives you a better shot at getting the money you deserve.
If you’re being blamed for part of the accident, don’t give up. Legal help can level the playing field and stop the insurance company from taking advantage of you.
Talk to a Lawyer Before You Accept an Offer
Just because you may be partly at fault doesn’t mean you should settle for less. Georgia law still gives you the chance to get compensation, but it’s important to act quickly and get the right advice.
Before you accept any check or sign anything, talk to an experienced lawyer who handles car accident cases in Atlanta. Whether your crash happened in Buckhead, Midtown, or anywhere else in the city, you should understand your options clearly.
If you want to know where you stand and what your case might be worth, reach out to a local lawyer for a free consultation. It could make all the difference in how your case turns out.
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