Comparative Negligence in Georgia: What If You’re Partly at Fault?

In Georgia, you can recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault, but your recovery is reduced by that percentage. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. KP Law focuses on lowering your fault percentage to raise your recovery.

Georgia’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

  • Under 50% at fault: You can still recover damages, reduced by your percentage of fault.
  • 50% or more: You’re barred from recovery.
    Insurers know this rule and use it to shift blame. Our job is to push your percentage down with evidence.

How Fault Is Determined

  • Police reports and citations
  • Eyewitness testimony
  • Photos, skid marks, and crash reconstruction
  • Vehicle data (including black box info)
  • Surveillance or traffic camera footage

Even small facts, like lighting, speed, or road design can change fault allocation dramatically.

Common Scenarios and Legal Strategies

1. Left-Turn Collisions

Insurers claim turning drivers are always at fault.
Our counter: Signal timing, lane markings, and speed data often prove shared fault or full liability on the other driver.

2. Rear-End Collisions with “Sudden Stop” Excuses

Insurers argue you stopped abruptly.
Our counter: Following distance and distraction evidence often put fault back on the trailing driver.

3. Multi-Car Pileups

Insurers claim “everyone’s to blame.”
Our counter: Impact sequencing and expert analysis clarify real responsibility.

Example of How Percentages Affect Recovery

If a jury awards $200,000:

  • At 10% fault, you get $180,000.
  • At 40% fault, you get $120,000.
  • At 50% fault, you get $0.

Every percentage matters.

How KP Law Reduces Fault Percentages

  • Conducts independent investigations
  • Preserves vehicle data and surveillance footage
  • Brings in reconstruction experts early
  • Challenges insurer assumptions with hard evidence
  • Pushes back aggressively against unfair blame tactics

What You Should Do Right Away

  • Call KP Law before giving any statement
  • Keep all accident evidence (photos, dashcam, medical bills)
  • Avoid social media posts about your injuries
  • Stay consistent with treatment

FAQ

Q: The police said I was at fault, am I out of luck?
A: Not necessarily. Police reports are not final proof in court.

Q: Can I still recover if both of us broke traffic laws?
A: Yes, as long as you’re less than 50% responsible.

Q: Does this rule apply outside car crashes?
A: Yes. Comparative negligence applies to slip and fall, dog bites, and other injury cases too.

Call to Action

If an insurer says you’re partly to blame, don’t accept it.
📞 Call 404-551-4727 or schedule your Free Fierce and Fearless Case Review with KP Law Group.

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