Car Accident Compensation in Georgia | Complete Guide 2026

Georgia is an at-fault state with modified comparative negligence using a 50% bar — stricter than Texas (51%) or Illinois (51%). If you're 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33).

At-Fault with 50% Bar

The at-fault driver pays. But Georgia's threshold is tight: 50% or more fault = $0. At 49% fault, you recover 51% of your damages.

Statute of Limitations

• Personal injury: 2 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33)
• Property damage: 4 years
• Wrongful death: 2 years
• Government claims: Ante-litem notice within 12 months

Average Settlements

Source: Georgia jury verdict data; State Bar of Georgia.

Insurance Minimums

Georgia requires 25/50/25:

• $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury
• $25,000 property damage
• UM/UIM not required but recommended (~12% uninsured rate)

FAQs

Is Georgia's 50% bar or 51%?

Georgia uses 50%. If you're exactly 50% at fault, you recover nothing. Stricter than Texas (51%) but less favorable than pure comparative states like California.

How much does a Georgia lawyer cost?

Contingency: 33%-40%. Nothing upfront.

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Updated May 2026. Sources: O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33; O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33; State Bar of Georgia.