Once everything settles after a car accident, you may be considering your legal steps. Medical bills are high for many, and holding the responsible party accountable is crucial. But just who is responsible? In what situations can you pursue compensation directly from the other driver, not just their insurance policy?
While you can sue someone personally after a car accident, it may not be necessary. With the help of an efficient and aggressive Atlanta car accident lawyer, you can determine the right course of legal action. The team at Rafi Law Firm can offer the needed guidance and support to move forward with your claim.
Reasons to sue another driver personally for a car accident
Following a car accident in Georgia, it is sometimes worth suing the other driver. However, it ultimately depends on state insurance. If the insurance policy pays the maximum amount you need to cover expenses, it may be worth suing the other driver.
Here are some of the most common reasons why one may personally sue another driver.
Low initial offers from the insurance company
When you file an insurance claim, it’s generally known that the company may offer you the lowest amount possible for your losses. If this claim doesn’t cover essential medical bills or damages, it is in your best interest to sue the other driver to recover all you are owed.
You have significant medical bills and losses
If you have suffered severe injuries and many losses from a car accident, filing a personal injury claim against the driver may be the only way to get compensated.
You were not at fault for the collision
Total proof of fault in a car accident may be enough to file a claim against the other driver. The more evidence and proof you have of their fault, the better off you may be recovering the appropriate amount of compensation.
Previous negotiations have failed
After negotiating with insurance companies, you and your car accident lawyer will decide to make a settlement. If insurance companies lowball you and further negotiations haven’t worked, then suing the driver may be your next step.
What damages can you claim by suing another driver personally?
Many involved in car accidents may sue another driver personally to obtain more damages. Many insurance claims only cover injuries and apparent losses. By suing another party, you could have access to multiple more damages.
In general, by suing another party personally, you can recover the following two types of damages:
- Economic damages: These are tangible losses with a set monetary value. Things like medical bills, ongoing therapy costs, lost wages from the inability to work, and vehicle damages.
- Non-economic (pain and suffering) damages: A skilled attorney can advocate for your pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of quality of life, which can be determined by a jury and compensated for.
Consult an Atlanta car accident lawyer today
So when asking yourself, can you sue someone personally for a car accident, the answer is yes. But, as previously touched on, there may be multiple factors that it depends on. Our team at Rafi Law Firm can assist you in choosing the best way to move forward with your claim. With years of experience, Mike Rafi and his team can effectively represent you in your insurance and car accident claims.
If you want more information on your claim, call us at (404) 800-9933. You can schedule a free consultation so we can get to know you and your claim.