What Damages Can People Seek Following Auto Accidents in Georgia?

Following an auto accident, those injured may seek to recover special, general and punitive damages as compensation for their losses.

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in Georgia reports auto accidents caused 116,458 injuries in 2013 alone. Beyond the cost of repairing the damage to their automobiles, those involved in motor vehicle collisions may incur a host of other expenses and suffer various other losses. As such, some who suffer injuries in such crashes may choose to take legal action to obtain financial compensation for their losses. In Georgia, people may recover for special, general and punitive damages.

Sometimes the harm and losses caused by auto collisions are not economic. For example, emotional distress, physical pain and suffering, and scarring or disfigurement often accompany people’s physical injuries. However, it can be difficult to measure such things monetarily. This does not mean that people cannot be compensated for such losses. Although subjective, the court may award general damages as compensation these types of losses.

Being involved in an auto collision can be devastating for people in Georgia, and elsewhere. Drivers, passengers and others may suffer serious injuries that require significant medical treatment and, in some cases, long-term care. This may lead to undue expenses, lost earnings and other damages for which the responsible driver may be held liable. In order to understand their rights and determine how best to proceed, those who have experienced such situations may find it helpful to seek legal guidance.