Georgia Injury Lawyers Blog

Our Atlanta Georgia law firm has long argued that insurance costs depend more on insurance company premium investment returns rather than claims by injured people. Now there is more information that lawsuit inflation is a myth.
Insurance Information Institute

Tort inflation is a constant threat to the health of the insurance industry and the U.S. economy. Large increases in tort costs lead to higher insurance costs and can harm businesses trying to grow. In this report, the Insurance Information Institute examines the state of tort inflation in the United States. As with last year's report, the current environment in some ways seems calm: the average jury award has peaked at just over $1 million; tort costs rose modestly to $838 per person in 2008, though costs are projected to increase in subsequent years; and settlements in securities class actions rose to $3.8 billion in 2009 but remain far below the peak years of 2005-2006. However, there are signs that tort inflation may be returning: businesses in the U.S. and U.K. anticipate more legal disputes--40 percent of companies anticipate facing more legal disputes in the coming year; the largest jury verdicts are getting bigger.

The 10 largest jury verdicts in 2009 totaled $1.5 billion, an increase of 12 percent from 2008; trends in presidential appointments and policy directives could give the appearance of a shift away from principles that rein in tort inflation the overall number of actions filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission dipped slightly in 2009, but remains substantially above the levels of 2007 and prior; terrorism remains a liability threat and current proposals could weaken the ability of insurers to offer coverage; and tort costs associated with medical malpractice have fallen four years in a row, an apparent example of the effectiveness of malpractice caps. However, court decisions

What you innocently tell an insurance company can be the difference between a check or a fight. Our Georgia injury law firm has seen it happen to the most honest people.

The Wall Street Journal reports that in accident, homeowner claims and even health insurance, what insurance companies hear makes a difference. The example is the driver who naively says "I'm sorry" at an intersection collision without even thinking about who was at fault. Those two words can mean an insurance denial even though the other driver was responsible.

Think before writing or speaking to an insurance company. Assume that everything is either recorded or written down because it is. Or, contact a lawyer who understands how insurance companies work before you make an honest mistake.

What does the insurance company owe you for collision damage under Georgia law? Most people are uncertain and that puts them at a disadvantage negotiating with an insurance adjuster.

In a Georgia auto accident you are entitled to repair up to the fair market value or replacement of your car and contents, loss of use or rental costs, decreased value if repaired, and in a DUI or extreme negligence case punitive damages. The insurance company will not volunteer the information that you may have a right to all of these damages.

In Georgia full coverage can mean that the only auto insurance coverage you have is what the law requires.Buyer Beware! When your insurance agent says you are buying "full coverage" you may feel safe. Problem? That can leave you shocked by what you have to pay after a collision.
            
If you buy minimum coverage in Georgia you will only have $25,000.00 of protection if you are at fault and injure another person. If you hurt more than one person there will be $50,000.00 of protection for all of the injuries. Property damage to other cars will be limited to $25,000.00 and that is less than the cost of a lot of cars on the road today. And if you cause a multiple car collision? You may be responsible for all the costs and that could lead to financial ruin.

What happens if the driver that hits you is at fault and has too little insurance or none at all (10 to 15% of vehicles on Georgia highways are not insured). You would receive nothing for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. You have a right to buy Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage on your policy for a small premium. Without this optional coverage you will get nothing for injuries from an uninsured driver even if you were told you had "full coverage".