Car accidents are never planned for, but unfortunately, they are experienced by almost every driver at some point in their life.
Whether due to intoxication, distracted driving, or a complete disregard for the rules of the road, there are many acts of negligence that can lead to car accidents and, sometimes, severe harm. In all the chaos and stress of a car accident, you can forget the critical steps to take at an accident scene, especially if injuries are involved.
Georgia has specific laws regarding what to do after getting involved in a car accident, knowing what information matters and what steps to take is essential. Plus, if you were not at fault, you may be able to recover for damages – provided you gather all the necessary information.
Call 911 and Check for Injuries
If any injuries require immediate medical attention due to the accident, it is crucial to contact emergency services immediately. The health and well-being of all individuals involved in the accident should always be the top priority.
Once you have ensured that all immediate medical care has been taken care of, you need to contact the police. A law enforcement officer can collect unbiased evidence, create a police report, and document any observations that may be helpful in your insurance claim. It is important to gather as much information as possible following an accident to assist with the claims process.
Identify Any Eyewitnesses and Write Everything Down
If anyone has stopped at the accident or witnessed the accident, you will need to ask them about what they saw, document their answers, and get their contact information (name, address, phone number, and email address) if possible.
Many witnesses won’t stay at the scene until the police officer arrives, and the officer may not have time to talk to all the witnesses, so if you don’t gather their contact information, you may lose a valuable witness.
It is important not to make any statements to the other driver about the facts of the accident. If they speak to you, document what they said as soon as possible. You will need to exchange the following information with the other driver(s) involved:
- Full names and surname
- Physical addresses
- Phone numbers
- Insurance details such as the company names and policy numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers
If you do not gather this information, you risk losing your chance of compensation for the damages. All of this information is necessary for insurance claims and any legal matters.
Take Photographs
Take as many photographs as you can of the accident scene, your vehicle, and the other driver’s vehicle. In addition to documenting the damage to both vehicles, these photographs can help show any dangerous driving conditions, roadway obstacles, or other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
See a Doctor as Soon as Possible
It is crucial to schedule a doctor’s appointment after the accident, even if you believe you haven’t suffered any severe injuries. It is possible for latent injuries to take some time to manifest serious symptoms. However, a medical professional can help diagnose any potential injuries early on, which can save you time and money and possibly prevent long-term disabilities. Seeking medical attention promptly after an accident can be beneficial for your overall health and well-being.
Notify Your Insurance Provider
It is important to remember that an insurance policy is a contract, and as such, you have a duty to report any claims to your insurer as soon as possible and cooperate with them in the investigation and handling of your claim. You should consult your policy to understand your specific obligations and follow them carefully. It is a good idea to notify your insurance agent as well. Make sure to document your efforts, including keeping copies of any letters you send to the insurance company and making notes of your conversations, including the date, time, and name of the adjuster you spoke with. Failing to comply with the terms of your policy could result in the denial of coverage.
While it is important to speak to your insurance provider as soon as reasonably possible, do not speak to the other driver’s insurance company until you’ve spoken to an injury lawyer at Meeks Impact Law. Our lawyers will be able to assist in the conversations with your own insurer as well.
Call a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
While you may take all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road, the negligence or recklessness of another driver can still put you at risk of suffering severe injuries or even death.
Before filing a claim for a car accident, hiring the attorneys at Meeks Impact Law is critical so that your rights and claim are protected. Our attorneys have years of experience, knowledge, and resources to provide you with reliable, trustworthy representation. If you try and file your car accident claim on your own, you could put your compensation and rights at risk. However, by working with Meeks Impact Law, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while we handle all of the legal aspects of your case to ensure you are fairly compensated.
The attorneys at Meeks Impact Law will put the time and effort into gathering all the necessary information for your personal injury case and can even assist in tracking down hard-to-find evidence like surveillance or dash-cam footage of the accident. We know exactly how to help you, who to speak to, and how to navigate the unique characteristics of each case.
Meeks Impact Law’s Georgia Car Accident Lawyers
At Meeks Impact Law, you are not just a number. Every one of our clients is given the personal attention and time they deserve. Car accidents are traumatic as it is, so choosing a personal injury attorney that makes the entire process easier for you can help relieve some of your stress and give you the time and space you need to recover.
As a family-owned practice, we understand the legal, financial, emotional, and medical toll that traffic accidents can create. That is why we prioritize a client-first approach to help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you have been involved in a car accident and would like to pursue legal action to claim damages, contact us today for a free case evaluation or to find out more about how we can help you.
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