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Car accidents are not only traumatic—they can also have long-lasting financial, physical, and emotional impacts. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Georgia, it’s important to understand your rights and the most effective settlement strategies. At Kevin Patrick Law, we’ve helped countless accident victims across Georgia achieve fair settlements. This guide provides key insights into navigating the car accident settlement process and maximizing your compensation.
One of the first steps in building a strong settlement strategy is understanding how Georgia law applies to your case.
Georgia operates under a fault-based system. This means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for the resulting damages. Victims can seek compensation by:
Filing a claim with their own insurance (which may pursue the at-fault driver)
Filing a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance
Filing a personal injury lawsuit
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering damages.
Understanding how fault is determined is critical to your settlement strategy. At Kevin Patrick Law, we meticulously investigate each accident to protect our clients from unfair blame and to maximize recovery.
Your actions immediately following a car accident can significantly impact your settlement. Here’s what we advise our clients at Kevin Patrick Law:
Call 911 and request a police report
Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
Document everything – take photos, get contact information, and collect witness statements
Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident on social media
These steps help preserve evidence and protect your legal rights from day one.
Insurance companies often reach out quickly after an accident with a lowball offer. While it may be tempting to settle early, doing so can result in accepting less compensation than you deserve.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we advise clients not to settle until:
They’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) – the point at which no further recovery is expected
All current and future medical expenses are known
Lost wages and pain and suffering have been calculated
Settling too early can leave you paying out of pocket for long-term costs.
A strong settlement strategy involves accurately calculating all your damages. This goes beyond just medical bills.
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish and emotional distress
Our experienced team at Kevin Patrick Law uses medical records, employment documentation, and expert testimony to ensure every client receives a full and fair valuation of their claim.
Insurance companies are more likely to offer fair settlements when presented with solid evidence. This includes:
Police and accident reports
Medical records and diagnoses
Photos and videos of the accident and injuries
Witness statements
Dashcam or traffic camera footage
Kevin Patrick emphasizes the importance of thorough documentation:
“Insurance companies don’t pay what you deserve; they pay what they’re convinced they’ll owe in court. That’s why we build every case as if it’s going to trial.”
One of the most important parts of the settlement process is the demand letter—a formal request for compensation that outlines:
A summary of the accident
Evidence of liability
A detailed list of damages
A specific settlement amount
At Kevin Patrick Law, we carefully craft demand letters that position our clients for favorable settlements by combining legal precision with compelling storytelling.
Negotiating with an insurance adjuster is part art, part science. Having a seasoned advocate like Kevin Patrick by your side can make a substantial difference.
Be patient—don’t rush to accept the first offer
Stay professional and firm
Present new evidence if offers are too low
Know your bottom line, but keep it private
Many of our clients are surprised at how negotiations evolve. What started as a $10,000 offer can often turn into a $50,000+ settlement once the full value is presented and defended.
While most car accident claims in Georgia settle out of court, some require litigation to achieve justice. Filing a lawsuit can:
Motivate insurers to increase their offers
Allow for discovery of additional evidence
Position your case for trial if needed
Keep in mind that Georgia has strict deadlines:
2 years for personal injury claims
4 years for property damage claims
If these deadlines are missed, you lose your right to compensation.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we focus exclusively on personal injury law in Georgia. Kevin Patrick is a former defense attorney for insurance companies, which gives him a unique edge in negotiating with insurers. He knows how they think—and how to beat them at their own game.
Our approach is personal, strategic, and aggressive when needed. We handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovery.
Car accident settlements in Georgia can be complex and intimidating. But with the right legal strategy—and the right attorney—you can recover the compensation you need and deserve. From building your case to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to court, Kevin Patrick Law is here to help every step of the way.
Contact Kevin Patrick Law today for a free consultation and let us put our experience to work for you.
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