Do’s and don’ts after a car accident in Georgia
You may feel overwhelmed, confused, and scared if you have been involved in a car accident in Georgia. You may not know what to do next or how to protect your rights and interests. However, the actions you take after a car accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. In this blog post, we will provide some do’s and don’ts to help you navigate the aftermath of a car accident in Georgia.
What should you do?
Do call 911.
The first thing you should do after a car accident is to call 911 and report the incident. This will ensure that the police and emergency medical services arrive at the scene as soon as possible. The police will document the accident and create an official report that can be used as evidence in your claim. The emergency medical services will provide you with the necessary medical attention and transport you to the hospital if needed.
Do exchange information with the other driver.
You should obtain the name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, insurance information, and license plate number of the other driver involved in the accident. You should also note the make, model, color, and year of their vehicle. This information will help you identify the liable party and file a claim with their insurance company.
Do take pictures and videos of the scene
If you have a smartphone or a camera, you should take pictures and videos of the scene of the accident, including the vehicles, the road conditions, the traffic signs and signals, the skid marks, the debris, and any injuries or damages. You should also take pictures and videos of any witnesses who are present at the scene and ask them for their contact information. These pictures and videos can serve as valuable evidence to support your claim and prove your damages.
Do seek medical attention
Even if you feel fine after the accident, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not manifest immediately or may worsen over time. You should visit your doctor or go to the emergency room and get a thorough examination and diagnosis of your injuries. You should also follow your doctor’s instructions and recommendations for treatment and recovery. You should keep all your medical records, bills, receipts, prescriptions, and reports as proof of your injuries and expenses.
Do contact your insurance company
You should notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. You should cooperate with them and provide them with the information they need to process your claim. However, you should be careful not to admit fault or liability, or to accept any settlement offer without consulting with an attorney first. Your insurance company may try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether.
Do hire an experienced car accident attorney
One of the most important things you can do after a car accident is to hire an experienced car accident attorney who can represent your best interests and fight for your rights. An attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, file a lawsuit if necessary, and obtain the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
What should you do?
Don’t leave the scene of the accident.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Georgia, especially if someone is injured or killed. You could face criminal charges, fines, or even jail time if you flee the scene. You should stay at the scene until the police arrive and tell you that you can leave.
Don’t apologize or admit fault.
After an accident, you may feel tempted to apologize or admit fault to the other driver or anyone else involved. However, this could be used against you later on as an admission of liability. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that your compensation could be reduced or denied if you are found to be partially or fully at fault for the accident.
Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance company.
The other driver’s insurance company may contact you after the accident and try to get a statement from you or offer you a settlement. You should not talk to them or give them any information without consulting with your attorney first. The other driver’s insurance company is not on your side and their goal is to pay you as little as possible or deny your claim altogether.
Don’t sign anything without reading it carefully.
The other driver’s insurance company may ask you to sign some documents or forms after the accident. You should not sign anything without reading it carefully and understanding what it means. You could be signing away your rights or agreeing to something that is not in your best interest.
Don’t delay taking legal action.
After a car accident, you have a limited amount of time to file a claim or a lawsuit against the liable party. In Georgia, this time limit is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to take legal action within this time frame, you could lose your right to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
Better Safe than Sorry
A car accident can be a traumatic and stressful experience, but it is important to know what to do and what not to do after the incident. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can protect your rights and interests and increase your chances of obtaining a fair and favorable outcome. If you have been injured in a car accident in Georgia, you should contact John Morrison Law today. We are a team of experienced and dedicated car accident attorneys who can help you with every aspect of your case. We will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.