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Filing a negligence claim following a car accident

On Behalf of | Dec 21, 2022 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

Georgia car accident victims suffer for many months following an accident. They may have long-lasting physical injuries that cause severe pain and make it impossible for them to go back to work and earn money to support themselves and their families. Additionally, they may be suffering from depression, anxiety, insomnia and emotional distress as a result of the crash.

Filing a lawsuit after an accident

If you are struggling physically, emotionally or financially after an accident, you may consider filing a lawsuit against the parties responsible for your accident. Georgia is an at-fault state, meaning that those who are at-fault for your accident will have to cover your accident-related damages. Your lawsuit may contain claims for:

  • Negligence: If another driver failed to follow traffic laws or did not operate their vehicle safety, they may be liable for your accident.
  • Negligent hiring/training: If a negligent driver was driving within the scope of his or her employment, the driver’s employer may be liable for your accident for failing to conduct a background check before hiring an employee, letting an employee drive without a valid license, or failing to properly train the employee (especially if they are operating a commercial truck).
  • Vicarious liability: Employers may be vicariously liable for a negligent employee driver under the doctrine of respondeat superior.
  • Negligent entrustment: Under Georgia’s Family Purpose Doctrine, car owners may be responsible for negligently entrusting their vehicle to a negligent family member in their household.

What damages can I recover?

Victims of motor vehicle accidents can recover damages for both physical and non-physical injuries. Damages may cover a victim’s:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

If you are thinking about filing a lawsuit against the negligent parties who caused your accident, consider speaking to a personal injury attorney in your area. Your attorney can help collect evidence, prepare witnesses and create a strategy to present your case to the court in the best way possible.