Car accidents are very jarring events, and many people struggle with pain for weeks after the collision. The choices you make immediately after a car accident will improve your chances of receiving compensation in a claim. Call Griffin Law Firm, P.C., to speak with a Snellville, GA car accident lawyer for assistance. Below, we highlight what to do after a car accident, as well as what to do in the weeks and months ahead.
What to Do When You Get in a Car Accident: Initial Steps
Motorists should try to do as many of the following steps at the scene of an accident:
1. Get an Ambulance for Anyone Who Needs One
Some people are in incredible pain after a collision. Ask all the occupants of the cars involved if they need an ambulance, and call emergency services if they do. Should you be in so much pain that you can’t move around, then ask someone else to call an ambulance for you.
2. Report the Collision to the Police
Georgia law requires that drivers report most car accidents, so call the nearest police station. An officer will likely come to the scene to create a crash report.
3. Swap Information with the Other Driver
You want to share:
- License number
- Registration number
- Insurance information
- Personal details (name, address, and phone)
Get this information from the other driver, which will aid in making an insurance claim.
4. Avoid Admitting Fault for the Car Accident
Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law will reduce your compensation if you were partially to blame for your crash. (Georgia Code § 51-12-33.) If you are equally at fault, then you will receive no compensation for a car accident in Georgia. Should your share of fault be less than 50%, you can receive compensation, though it is reduced.
It is vital not to slip up and say anything that sounds like you are admitting to any role in the crash. You should avoid apologizing or saying something like, “I wasn’t paying attention!” or “I didn’t see you!” since those statements sound like you were driving while distracted.
5. Take Pictures of the Accident Scene
Using your phone, take pictures of anything that will be relevant to your claim:
- The vehicles involved. Zoom in on dents and scrapes to show how the cars collided with each other. You can also take a picture of the license plate, since you will want that information.
- Debris field. At high speeds, a collision will send car parts flying all over the place. Shattered glass, bumpers, and other parts will form a debris field. Get pictures.
- Skid marks. One driver could have tried to avoid a collision. You can photograph the skid marks on the road or the grassy median.
- Obscured signs. Tree limbs could obscure a sign, or a sign might be missing at an intersection.
- Potholes and other road hazards. Sometimes a defect on the road contributes to a crash. A picture can document the state of the hazard on the day of the crash.
6. Talk with Witnesses to the Scene
An eyewitness could be critical to receiving compensation for a car accident in Georgia. Ask a witness what they saw, along with a way of contacting them (like a phone number).
7. Visit the Hospital for Medical Care
Medical care is important for recovery. Go to the emergency room and tell the doctor you were involved in a wreck. Point out where you feel pain. Your doctor can order tests, like X-rays, which are very helpful at documenting your injuries.
8. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Share basic details about the accident, including the location. You don’t need to go into detail about what happened or your injuries. Your insurance company can reach out to the at-fault driver’s insurer to open a claim.
Steps to Take in the Coming Weeks and Months
As you rehabilitate and rest, there are important steps to take, along with some mistakes to avoid. We recommend the following:
1. Continue with Medical Treatment
Take advantage of all medical care to improve your chances of making a full and complete recovery. If you stop treatment too soon, then the defendant might blame you for not healing faster.
2. Keep Important Records
A key component of a car accident claim is proving your damages. Our clients can make a claim on the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. But you will need to prove how much your accident has cost you.
Keep the following records:
- Any statement of benefits from your health insurer;
- Receipts for assistive devices, prescription drugs, or other medical care;
- Proof of car rental payment or costs;
- Repair bills or estimates for car repairs;
- Paystubs or records documenting self-employment income.
You can keep copies in a giant folder or scan them so you have digital copies. Remember to share these with your attorney.
3. Avoid Giving a Recorded Statement
In the coming weeks, the insurance companies might reach out for a statement. You should politely decline until you hire a lawyer. As mentioned above, any admission of fault can undermine a claim. The insurance company might start to dig to find information to use against you or trip you up with confusing questions.
If an insurer calls, tell them you are hiring a lawyer and will get back to them. That should be enough for now.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Snellville Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents cost innocent motorists thousands of dollars. After a serious crash, you could feel as if the world had flipped upside down on you. Call Griffin Law Firm, P.C. for assistance. Our firm has brought many injury claims for people like you after a variety of collisions, including rollovers and rear-end crashes.
We can review any proposed settlement to see if it is the best you can do. We have a long history of negotiating tough settlements for those hurt in collisions in the 30078 zip code and surrounding communities. Reach out for a free consultation with our office.