As the weather turns colder, there is a lot more you have to contend with when on the road. You need to take additional care when driving on roads that are wet or icy. Unfortunately, during the winter, bad weather can cause a wreck where it is not clear how to determine car accident fault.
Georgia Car Accident Fault & Duty of Care
A lot of factors go into determining car accident fault in Augusta, Georgia. Both you and another driver have a duty to reasonable care when on the road during poor weather. This means that you need to take the necessary actions to be safe during rain, sleet, snow, ice, and fog. When the weather conditions are less than optimal, it is up to you to reduce your speed and drive with additional caution.
When a car accident happens because the weather conditions were poor, you need to look deeper to determine Augusta, Georgia car accident fault. The other driver may not have exercised reasonable care. They may have gone too fast for conditions, failed to have their headlights on, neglected to use their windshield wipers, disobeyed traffic signals, or acted recklessly with their driving maneuvers. All of these behaviors show negligence to a duty of reasonable care when driving and could mean an Augusta, Georgia car accident settlement in your case.
If the other driver displayed reasonable care by going slowly and taking extra precautions to remain safe, fault is harder to establish in your car accident case. The insurance company may fight your damage claims since their client was not negligent. If you are uncertain about car accident fault in Augusta, Georgia, you need to speak to a car crash attorney about your case. They can help establish negligence and determine if the other driver lived up to their duty of reasonable care before the car accident occurred.
When Do I Need to Seek a Car Accident Settlement in Augusta, Georgia?
When you get into a car accident in bad weather, you only have a limited amount of time to file a claim or seek an Augusta, Georgia car accident settlement. The statute of limitations for these types of lawsuits states that a car accident claim needs to be filed within two years from the date of the car accident if there was an injury in the crash.
If you are seeking property damages from a car accident that took place because of poor weather, you have four years from the date of the accident to file your suit. Following the deadline for the statute of limitations is a must to ensure you can file a car accident claim in Augusta, Georgia. If you wait to file your lawsuit after the deadline, your case will be dismissed regardless of your injuries.
This is why it is important to speak to a car accident attorney immediately after your car accident. They can determine where negligence falls in your case, especially if bad weather contributed to the crash. They can advise you on your legal rights and will ensure proper filing of your accident case within the necessary deadlines or help you determine if you should try to seek a car accident settlement without going to court.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Determine Car Accident Fault in Augusta, Georgia?
Your car accident lawyer can help you establish negligence in your crash case. Because bad weather is a factor, they will work to establish Augusta, Georgia car accident fault by reviewing the behavior of the other driver leading up to the crash. In order to prove that you had no hand in the accident, your Georgia car accident lawyer will investigate all claims and support you during the entirety of your case.
A car accident attorney will also negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to receive a car accident settlement in Augusta, Georgia. They will not accept compensation until it is fair for your injuries and damages. A car accident lawyer will consult you on the settlement negotiations and provide their recommendations on when the settlement amount is acceptable.
If a fair Augusta, Georgia car accident settlement award is not offered, your car crash lawyer may suggest that your case moves to court. Here, you will have a better opportunity to receive fair compensation by proving car accident fault in Augusta, Georgia. You can rest assured that your lawyer will represent you in court and fight to get you the car accident settlement you deserve.
Consult with a Georgia Attorney to Discuss Your Car Accident Settlement
When involved in a car accident that was the result of bad weather, you need an attorney that can help establish a car accident fault in Augusta, Georgia. The Georgia automobile accident attorney at Ted A. Greve & Associates will work to prove the negligence of the other driver in your case and get you the Augusta, Georgia car accident settlement you deserve. Contact us today to set up a consultation.
