It is important to know the facts after you have been in a Georgia car accident. Here are six car accident myths that you should stop believing.
1. Your Insurance Will Pay for Everything
Many people wrongfully assume that if they are involved in a car accident in Georgia, especially one that they did not cause, that the insurance company will pay for everything. The truth is, however, that insurance in Georgia is fault-based, which means you will have to prove that the other driver was the one who caused the accident to even begin the recovery process.
Moreover, you can bet that the insurance company will try to get away with paying you as little as possible, even if that amount does not fully cover the harm that you suffered.
2. Rear-end Collisions Are Always the Fault of the Rear Driver
Rear-end collisions are often the fault of the rear driver, but not always. There are many things that may place rear-end collision fault on another party’s shoulders, including:
- A third party driver’s actions
- The forward driver if she did not have properly working brake lights
- The manufacturer of defective brakes
Do not assume that the insurance company of the other driver will willingly pay for your rear-end collision damages.
3. All Drivers Carry Insurance
While Georgia requires all drivers to carry insurance, not all of them do. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, recovering compensation can be complex, and sometimes impossible, if you do not carry your own uninsured motorist insurance and/or MedPay coverage.
4. The Insurance Adjuster Is On Your Side
Do not be fooled for a second into thinking that the insurance adjuster for your claim is on your side. Rather, the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, and will be trying to save it as much money as possible. Be careful what you say, and never admit fault or state a fact that you are unsure about.
5. You Do Not Need to Seek Medical Care for Minor Injuries
Many people believe that they can treat minor injuries at home and do not need to seek the help from a medical professional. While you can certainly treat some injuries, such as minor cuts or bruises, at home, other injuries may be dangerous if left untreated, like a concussion. Further, if the injury progresses to anything worse – the cut becomes infected or the concussion causes swelling in the brain – the insurance adjuster may say that the accident did not cause your injuries. Protect yourself by always checking in with your doctor after a car accident.
6. You Do Not Need an Attorney
Finally, many people think that they can handle the car accident claims process on their own. While handling the claims process without a legal professional may be possible for someone whose injuries were relatively minor, or when fault was cut and dry, a person involved in a more complex accident type, or with severe injuries, should seek legal counsel. An attorney can work hard on your behalf to recover the settlement money that you need.
At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, a car accident attorney David Brauns is ready to advocate for you. Contact us today at 404-418-8244.
