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What do victims of wrecks need to know about compensation claims?

On Behalf of | Jan 30, 2019 | Personal Injury

There is no reason why a person who is involved in a motor vehicle accident caused by another driver should have to cover the costs of the crash on their own. These individuals have the option of seeking compensation for the damages they suffered. Some people might be unsure of what this means, so browsing through a few frequently asked questions is beneficial.

While you are reviewing this information, remember that every case is different. You have to find out how the circumstances of your case might impact the outcome. This enables you to make decisions based on what’s unique to your circumstances.

How long do you have to file a claim?

You have two years to file a claim for compensation in Georgia. The time starts when you are involved in the crash. There is one exception. If you don’t know that you were injured right away, there is a chance that the time might not begin until you realize that you suffered an injury. There are specific requirements for this, so make sure that you don’t wrongfully assume that you have longer than what you really do. Once the time limit expires, you can’t do anything to recover your money.

Where is the claim filed?

A personal injury claim is filed in civil court. This means that even if the driver is facing charges in the criminal court, you can still seek compensation. The defendant in the matter is the person who hit you. They can’t face time in prison or jail as a result of the civil matter.

How are these cases resolved?

These cases are often handled through a settlement process that enables you to work with the other side to come up with a deal that will end the lawsuit. You must ensure that you are getting what you need in these cases because you can’t come back to ask for more later. The alternative is that you will go through the trial process and the jury will determine what must occur to resolve the matter.

If you were injured in a car wreck, make sure that you review your options. Don’t waste any time. By taking early action, you have the ability to review those options and make decisions based on what you feel is best.

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