Motor vehicle accidents and the inevitable car accident injuries and vehicular or property damage are way too common in Georgia and are often caused by reckless behaviors or negligence.
Understanding reckless driving in Georgia
Georgia law defines reckless driving as “driving a vehicle in a way that shows a complete disregard for the safety of others.” It can include behaviors such as excessive speeding, tailgating, weaving through traffic, failing to obey stop signs and signals, making improper turns or lane changes without signaling and more.
Steps to take when injured by a reckless driver
First and foremost, seek medical care right away. Be sure to document all of your medical expenses associated with the injuries. Take pictures of the accident scene and any property damage. Contact the police, and make sure they file the report. Obtain contact information from witnesses and other drivers involved in the accident.
What to expect
Georgia is a “fault” state when it comes to almost all claims, including for motor vehicle accidents. This means that the driver that hit you could be responsible for your medical expenses and vehicular damages if they were found to be at fault for the accident. Their insurance company will cover these costs; however, if they exceed their limit, you may be able to proceed to court for further compensation.
The court process may be a better route, given the circumstances of the accidents. Apart from the economic compensation that you might receive, like lost wages and medical bills, the court might decide to award you non-economic damages for your pain and suffering and punitive damages based on how reckless the other driver was.
When pursuing your claim in Georgia, you should keep in mind that there’s a timeline for filing personal injury claims, known as the statute of limitations. In Georgia, you must file your claim within two years from the date of the accident. Failure to do this can lead to the dismissal of your case.