Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatizing experience.
As one of Georgia’s leading car accident attorneys we can say with expertise, that the moments immediately following the accident can greatly influence your claim. Within these moments, the evidence surrounding your accident is untouched, allowing you to properly document and photograph the details for a court to see.
By doing this it provides irrefutable proof of your vehicle’s damages and any injuries you may have suffered.
This following is a guide of the steps you should take if you ever involved in a car accident.
ONCE YOU HAVE MADE SURE NO ONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT, HERE ARE THE 6 THINGS YOU MUST DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT:
1. Make sure everyone is safe, then call the police
Even if the accident doesn’t seem serious, it is important to contact the police in order to file a car accident police report. Every state has its own laws on whether or not a police report is required for any accident. Georgia state law requires drivers to report any car accident that results in an injury, death or property damage over $500. It is in your best interest to call the police to the scene of the car accident even if the other drier involved just wants to exchange information.
Oftentimes a police report is also required to file an insurance claim.
3. Take photos of the car accident
This is the most important visual evidence you may have regarding your accident. Try to take your photos before the scene is disrupted or tainted by the police or tow trucks. Be sure to photograph the scene from different angles, as well as an overview of the scene, in addition to close ups of damage or injuries.
3. Record all of the details surrounding the accident and scene
In addition to photographic evidence, write down the details you remember in the moments shortly after the accident while your memory of the accident is still fresh.
Taking down the other driver’s insurance and license information is vital if you are seeking compensation later on.
You should also write down any important information to match it up to the police report later, including witness names and telephone numbers.
Relay this information to the police officer who arrives at the scene of your accident.
4. Contact your car insurance agent
Every insurance company offers different types of coverage and unique rules for making a claim. Your insurance policy may require you to notify the company of an accident and sometimes there are time restrictions.
If you fail to report the incident within the time constraints, it could mean your insurance company may refuse to pay for the damages.
Provide the insurance company with your account and the information you gathered. This is also a great opportunity to ask if any additional documentation will be needed.
Also, you do not have to speak with the insurance companies for any of the other vehicles in the accident. Speak with your insurance company first and they will give you guidance.
5. Seek medical attention for your automobile accident-related injuries
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, it’s important to seek treatment immediately, especially if there’s a possibility you will file a claim against the other driver. Visiting a doctor who can identify, treat and document your injuries, (especially those that can’t be seen in pictures) is crucial to filing your car accident claim.
6. Contact a car accident attorney
In many cases, the other persons involved in the car accident will have their own car insurance agent working to minimize the amount of money you receive for repairs to your car and for your injuries. Therefore, you should contact Joshi & Patel for a free case evaluation, no obligation consultation. Once it has been determined that you have a case, we will work for you on a contingent fee basis. In other words, you don’t pay your personal injury attorney fees up-front. Instead, you sign an agreement to pay us a percentage of your settlement amount. You pay us absolutely nothing unless you recover.
**Many of our blog articles discuss the law. All information provided about the law is very general in nature and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Every situation is different, and should be analyzed by a lawyer who can provide individualized advice based on the facts involved in your unique situation, and a consideration of all of the nuances of the statutes and case law that apply at the time.
