Average Car Accident Settlement in Georgia

According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, the state sees nearly 500,000 car crashes each year, resulting in almost 200,000 injuries and more than 2,000 fatalities. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and other losses.

But what should you expect when filing a claim—and how can you ensure you receive a fair settlement?

Average Settlement Amounts

Based on data from the Insurance Information Institute, injury claims from private passenger vehicle accidents in the U.S. average just under $20,000, while property damage claims average slightly over $4,500.

However, actual settlement amounts vary widely depending on:

• The severity and type of injuries
• The extent of vehicle damage
• The type of vehicle involved
• Insurance policy limits
• Shared fault or negligence

In more serious cases—such as those involving permanent disability or wrongful death—settlements can exceed six or seven figures. The best way to determine what your case may be worth is to speak with a knowledgeable attorney.

What Is a Fault-Based System?

Georgia follows a fault-based auto insurance system, which means the person responsible for the accident is also responsible for the resulting injuries and property damage.

Additionally, Georgia applies the rule of modified comparative negligence:

• You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you’re less than 50% responsible.
• Your settlement will be reduced proportionally to your share of fault.

For example, if you’re found 20% responsible, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.

Key Factors That Affect Your Settlement

A variety of case-specific details can impact the value of your car accident settlement:

1. Insurance Policy Limits

The at-fault driver’s insurance coverage determines the maximum payout available. If damages exceed policy limits, you may need to pursue additional compensation through other legal avenues.

2. Type and Severity of Injuries

Injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or result in permanent impairment tend to raise the value of your claim.

For instance:

• Head-on collisions and rollovers often cause more serious injuries than minor fender-benders.
• Severe injuries like traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, or multiple fractures will increase settlement potential compared to sprains or bruises.

3. Medical Expenses and Recovery Time

Longer treatment duration and higher medical bills typically lead to larger compensation demands, especially if you’re also facing income loss or a permanent disability.

4. Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity

If you’ve missed work or cannot return to your job, you may claim economic damages for lost wages and diminished earning potential.

5. Non-Economic Damages

In cases involving pain, emotional trauma, disfigurement, or loss of enjoyment of life, non-economic damages may also be awarded.

Getting the Compensation You Deserve

Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating. Adjusters often attempt to undervalue your claim, delay payouts, or deny liability altogether. You shouldn’t have to go through this alone.

Here's what to do after a crash:

1. Seek immediate medical attention to document injuries.
2. Gather evidence at the scene: photos, videos, and witness information.
3. File a police report and retain a copy.
4. Avoid discussing fault at the scene or with insurers.
5. Speak to a car accident attorney to protect your rights.

With the help of an experienced legal team, you can build a strong case, negotiate aggressively, and if necessary, pursue a lawsuit in court.

Contact Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys for Help Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Georgia, don’t settle for less than you deserve. The team at Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys has over 18 years of combined experience helping crash victims recover maximum compensation.