The Athens Car Accident Attorney 

In order to secure compensation for injuries and other damages sustained in an automobile collision in Georgia, you must show that you are less than 50 percent at fault for the crash. Georgia follows what is known as the “modified comparative fault,” or shared fault, rule. Under this rule, you may still be able to collect compensation if you were partially at fault for an accident, as long as the other driver is determined to have been more at fault.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Georgia include:

• Distracted driving, including texting while driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol
• Reckless driving, including speeding and street racing
• Engaging in road rage behaviors
• Following too closely (“tailgating”)
• Inexperienced drivers
• Fatigued driving and/or falling asleep at the wheel
• Failing to stop at red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield the right-of-way

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Georgia?

This list is not exhaustive; if you believe your accident was caused by another motorist engaging in any of these or other negligent behaviors, reach out to our Athens car accident lawyer as soon as possible. In most cases, you only have two years from the date of the accident to bring a personal injury claim.

Real Life Situations of Real Clients

Imagine you're the following person:

On my way home, I came upon a large intersection that I pass through everyday. As I proceeded through the intersection, all I remember is that everything went black as I heard a massive metallic crushing sound. Continue Reading.

Hear From Real People We've Helped

"There are not enough words to express or say what a fantastic lawyer that Joshua W. Branch is. I would highly recommend Joshua W. Branch to anybody. He is a lawyer that takes his clients very seriously as if they were his children or his family. I have not had to ask him anything, he kept me up to date and advised me of everything without question. I was seriously hurt in a car wreck and he resolved my case beyond my expectations. I would recommend him to be the lawyer of the year. Also, his staff has been very courteous and I highly recommend him and his staff." - Gloria, Personal Injury Client

Put our extensive experience on your side; call us at (706) 760-9220 for a no-cost consultation with the Athens car accident attorneys at The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC. We are here to help!

Car Accidents:  The Importance of Uninsured Motorists/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

More often than not we deal with defendants who do not have adequate insurance coverage on their motor vehicle.  The State of Georgia only mandates $25,000 in liability coverage to have the minimum required.  So, you can imagine a scenario in which the injured victim from a car accident has over $100,000 in medical expenses but the defendant driver has only the state minimum of $25,000 in liability coverage – sadly, this happens quite often. Thankfully, the solution is simple: MAKE SURE YOU CARRY AS MUCH UM/UIM COVERAGE ON YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY THAT YOU CAN AFFORD so in those such instances you have additional insurance coverage to purpose so that justice can be obtained in such situations.  Remember, the insurance coverage (liability and UM/UIM) is the extent of available recovery in your personal injury case, so having substantial UM/UIM allows you seek a full and just recovery if the at-fault driver is without coverage or has inadequate coverage.

Often clients become concerned that if they use their own coverage that their rates/premiums will increase; however, there is a statute in the State of Georgia that prohibits such retaliatory conduct from insurance companies and it is codified at O.C.G.A. 33-9-40.  In essence it says that an insurance company cannot punish a customer for using their own insurance in situations which they were not at-fault.

If you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM), you might still have options to make a recovery if you were wise enough to ensure you have adequate UM/UIM coverage on yourself and your family.

• Uninsured motorist insurance is meant to cover your losses and damages if you are hit by a driver with no auto insurance coverage. This type of insurance can also apply if the other driver can’t be identified, such as after a hit-and-run accident (Granted, an independent witness needs to be present to verify such a hit-and-run).
• Underinsured motorist insurance is meant to cover the losses and damages that are left unpaid after using up the other driver’s insurance policy coverage. For example, if your medical bills were $50,000 but the liable driver’s insurance only covered $20,000, then your UIM coverage could provide the remainder of what is fair based upon your pain and suffering and total medical expenses and lost wages.  However, the details of the UM/UIM policy will dictate so ensure you have as much UM/UIM as possible.

Importantly, make sure your UM/UIM coverage is “add-on” or “excess” so that it can stack on the liability coverage and not be reduced by the at-fault driver’s coverage.

Claims filed using UM/UIM insurance coverage are first-party claims. Both types of insurance have a coverage cap, too, so it is always recommended that you purchase a UM/UIM insurance policy with the maximum cap that you can reasonably afford. If there are any issues, disputes, or denials with the insurance coverage, its caps, and/or your eligibility as a covered party, then it could mean that you end up in a legal contest with your own auto insurance provider, rather than that of another motorist.

Contact us online or call (706) 760-9220 for a free consultation with The Athens Car Accident Attorney. We have secured millions on behalf of our clients; find out how our firm can help you today.