When it comes to auto accidents, Georgia is an at-fault state, meaning that the person responsible for the collision pays medical bills in a car accident. But while the law is clear, insurance companies make getting compensation a complicated process that often requires the legal assitance of a car accident lawyer to navigate successfully.
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Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident in Georgia?
The one breaking the law.
Whether in Atlanta or one of Georgia's other cities, you can hold the party that broke the traffic at fault - assuming you didn't contribute to the accident. This includes situations like speeding, running a red light, failing to yield, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
However, this rule has some exceptions, such as rear-end collisions where Georgia adopts a comparative fault approach. This means that if both parties contributed to the accident, their liability for damages will divide based on their percentage of fault.
The negligent one.
Not all traffic laws are as clear-cut as speeding, running red lights, or driving under the influence. Sometimes, a driver may cause an accident due to negligence. While negligence is harder to prove, it includes changing lanes without signaling, failing to check blind spots, or driving while texting.
In these cases, you need a lawyer to gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene including witness statements and photos of the damage. This will help determine fault and decide who you can hold responsible for paying medical bills when the time comes.
The one with poor vehicle conditions.
While having an older car is not a crime, a car with poor maintenance can make the driver at fault, making them the one who pays medical bills in a car accident.
Poor maintenance situations include:
- Faulty brake lights
- Worn-out/poorly inflated tires
- Burned-out headlights
- Ineffective wipers
- Even power steering or brake failure
In these cases, you can establish the driver's negligence for not properly maintaining their vehicle and hold them liable for any damages that result from an accident.
At-Fault versus Comparative Fault
Breaking the law and fault both have implications for who pays medical bills in a car accident.
In cases of clear fault, such as running a red light or driving under the influence, you can hold the other party responsible for damages and medical bills.
But in situations where both parties contributed to the accident, comparative fault comes into play. This means the damages awarded will decrease by the percentage of fault assigned to each party.
Situations involving comparative fault may include:
- Speeding past someone drove slowly due to intoxication
- Cases where both drivers broke the law
- When both drivers engaged in distracted driving behaviors
In these cases, the damages awarded may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to each driver. This is why you must gather evidence and seek legal counsel to ensure a fair outcome when getting compensated for medical bills in a car accident.
What Medical Bills Can You Expect After a Car Accident in Georgia?
Paramedic Care
An ambulance may come to the scene of your car accident. In some cases, paramedics will treat you on the spot and not take you to a hospital. In others, they will transport you to the nearest medical facility.
No matter what action they take, paramedic care and emergency transportation costs will add to your medical expenses. In Atlanta, the average price of an ambulance ride is $900 plus mileage fees, with some rides tallying well over $1,300, not including treatment or supplies.
Hospital Bills
If an ambulance does take you to the hospital, you'll likely receive a bill for emergency room services, including any necessary diagnostic tests and treatment. While the figure varies based on the hospital and the severity of your injuries, expect to pay no less than $3,300 for the ER visit plus the costs for CT scans, X-rays, physician consultation, medications, and supplies.
The hospital may admit those with more severe injuries from a car accident as inpatients, increasing the overall medical costs by tens of thousands of dollars.
On average, hospitals in the Atlanta area charge as much as $4,000 per day, not including additional treatments or procedures.
Surgeries
Added to your inpatient hospital stay or billed by a specialist clinic capable of outpatient procedures, surgeries are one of the most costly aspects of medical care after a car accident.
The cost depends greatly on the type of surgery and the severity of your injuries, with some procedures costing tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
For example, back surgery is one of the most common surgeries following a car accident and can cost anywhere from $50,000 to over $170,000. This excludes additional costs for hospital stays, medications, or follow-up care.
Rehabilitation
Car accidents wreak havoc on our bodies and take a lot of time to heal. This often means having to undergo rehabilitation, whether it be physical therapy, occupational therapy, or both. The length and cost of rehabilitation depend on the severity of injuries and individual recovery time.
On average, physical therapy sessions can range from $50 to $350 per hour, depending on the treatment needed. And for those who require long-term rehabilitation services, costs can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars.
Medical Devices & Equipment
Car accidents may result in the need for long-term medical devices or equipment. For example, someone who suffers a spinal cord injury may require a wheelchair for mobility, or a patient with severe burns may need specialized wound care supplies.
Even though some of these items may be covered by insurance, the costs can still be quite high. For example, a manual wheelchair can cost anywhere from $250 to $2,000, while an electric one can range from $2,500 to $25,000. Specialized wound care supplies and equipment may add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to medical bills.
Mental Health Services
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a car accident is a real and serious issue. Those who have experienced a traumatic event may require mental health services such as therapy or medication to help with coping and recovery.
These services can range from $50-$200 or more per session, depending on the type of therapy and location. The medication cost can also vary greatly depending on the type and dosage prescribed. All of these costs may add up to a significant amount when seeking treatment for psychological injuries after a car accident.
In-Home Care Services
For those who sustain severe injuries, in-home care services may be necessary for a period of time. This can include nursing care, assistance with daily tasks, and other medical care needs.
The cost of in-home care services can range from $20 to $200+ per hour, depending on the level of care needed and location. For someone who requires 24/7 in-home care, the costs can quickly become overwhelming.
Can Insurance Cover My Medical Bills After A Car Accident In Georgia?
Insurance companies may or may not cover some of your medical bills after a car accident in Georgia. It depends on your insurance coverage you have and who was found to be at fault for the accident.
For example, if you have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in your auto insurance policy, it may cover some of your medical expenses regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, this coverage is not required in Georgia, and many drivers do not have it.
If the other driver is at fault, their liability insurance should cover your medical expenses up to their policy limits. However, if they are uninsured or underinsured, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company to reclaim all medical expenses in a car accident.
But regardless of coverage by either party, one fact remains true: insurance companies are for-profit businesses. They will do their best to minimize the amount they pay for medical expenses in a car accident.
This is why seeking legal representation after a car accident in Georgia is vital to receiving fair compensation for your medical bills and other damages.
How Can A Lawyer Help Me Claim Compensation For Medical Bills After A Car Accident?
Understanding your case.
The mental and physical trauma caused by a car accident can be overwhelming, leaving victims feeling lost and unsure of how to handle the aftermath. A lawyer can provide a clear understanding of your case, including your legal options for seeking compensation for your medical bills.
Gathering evidence.
Seek legal representation after a car accident to collect and preserve all necessary evidence. This includes medical records, police reports, witness statements, and other documentation supporting your compensation claim. Because of the chaos and stress that often follows a car accident, you may overlook or lose important evidence without the help of a skilled lawyer.
Negotiating on your behalf.
Because insurance companies often try to low-ball settlement offers, having a lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in the amount of compensation you receive.
A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your medical bills and other damages. If you don’t receive a fair offer, a lawyer can take your case to court if necessary.
Navigating the legal process.
Filing a claim for compensation after a car accident can be complex and time-consuming. A lawyer familiar with the Georgia legal system can guide you through each step of the process, filing all necessary paperwork correctly and meeting all deadlines.
Not only is this a huge burden off your shoulders, but it also increases the chances of a successful outcome for your case.
Providing support and advice.
A lawyer not only provides legal support but also emotional support during this difficult time. With their support, you can feel confident in making informed decisions about your case and focus on your recovery without stressing about the legal aspects.
How Much Can I Get In Settlement After A Car Accident In Georgia?
The compensation you may receive after a car accident in Georgia depends on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your daily life. Seeking legal representation as soon as possible after a car accident allows your lawyer to gather all necessary evidence to support your claim.
While Georgia does cap punitive damages from a car accident, it does not cap medical expenses reclaimed from the at-fault party or their insurance company. In some instances, such as when the driver intentionally caused harm or was intoxicated, higher limits on punitive damages may apply.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident In Georgia?
No matter your insurance, the accident's severity, or location, contacting a lawyer after a car accident in Georgia is paramount to reclaiming medical bill costs. A lawyer can assess your case and help guide you through the necessary steps for seeking compensation for your medical bills.
Make sure to keep detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, and expenses related to your injuries from the car accident. This includes hospital bills, prescription costs, and any other out-of-pocket expenses. These records will be crucial in supporting your compensation claim.
It is imperative not to sign anything or make any statements to insurance companies without first consulting your lawyer. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to settle for a lower amount, but an experienced lawyer can ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical bills and other damages.
Recover Your Medical Expenses After a Car Accident In Georgia
Whether it's in Atlanta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Marietta, or one of the many other cities in Georgia, you may recover compensation for your medical expenses after a car accident with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer. Don't let insurance companies take advantage of you during this difficult time. Contact a personal injury lawyer today to ensure the fair and just compensation you deserve.