What To Do After A Car Accident
Car accidents are sudden, dramatically impactful incidents that can leave those involved in a state of shock, confusion, and even fear. This emotional whirlwind, coupled with possible injuries, can often make the immediate moments after a crash seem like a blur. Considering this, it becomes crucial to know what to do after a car accident to ensure the safety of all parties involved, as well as to arrange for the best possible payout against insurance companies.
In Atlanta, Georgia, The Wilson PC is a respected personal injury law firm that specializes in car accidents. Our firm advocates for the rights of those impacted, helping them get through the legal landscape that follows a traumatic event such as a car accident, motorcycle accident, Uber Accident, or truck accident. Our relentless fight against insurance companies aims to bring justice and maximum compensation to their clients. This blog aims to guide you through the necessary steps to take after a car accident.
Immediately Following the Car Accident
Following the shock of the initial impact, your first responsibility is to make sure that you are safe along with anyone else involved in the accident.
A. Ensure the safety of all involved parties
If possible, move to the side of the road or a safe spot away from oncoming traffic to prevent additional accidents.
Turn on your hazard lights or use a flashlight to increase visibility and signal to other drivers that there's been an incident.
B. Exchange information with other drivers
It would help if you gathered the following information from all other drivers involved in the accident:
Full names, contact details, driver's license information, and insurance information.
Photographing the accident scene and vehicles involved can serve as additional evidence and detail verification when reporting the incident
C. Report the accident to the police
Even if the accident seems minor, you should always report the incident to the police. The police report serves as an essential piece of evidence when filing insurance claims. It provides an objective third-party account of the accident, details about damages and injuries, and, in many cases, a clear-cut determination of fault.
Following these immediate steps leaves you more prepared to face the consequent legal and insurance processes. For help with these processes, contact the expert personal injury attorneys at The Wilson PC who specialize in getting their clients the maximum payout possible against insurance companies.
Documenting the Accident Scene
An essential part of understanding what to do after a car accident involves documenting the accident scene in detail. This step can significantly help investigators reconstruct the accident and verify your claims:
A. Take several photographs
Capture clear images of not only the vehicle damages but also the overall accident scene and injuries to people involved. These records can serve as persuasive pieces of evidence to demonstrate the extent of the damage and injury.
Take photographs of your injuries if visible.
Capture images of the damage done to all vehicles involved from multiple angles.
Pictures of the overall accident scene can provide context and may help investigate the cause.
Remember to capture landmarks or street signs, weather conditions, and any other unusual circumstances at the scene.
B. Speak to witnesses
Witness testimonies can provide an unbiased perspective and add weight to your claim. If there are witnesses:
Approach them politely and request their contact information.
Make a note of what they've seen and their perception of the accident.
C. Make personal notes
Beyond photographs and witness testimony, your personal testimony is very important. It can be beneficial to jot down:
Your recollection of the event.
Any pain, discomfort, or mental distress experienced.
Any conversations you had with any of the involved parties or the police.
These items help to create an account of the accident scene that can aid your personal injury claim. For assistance in documenting the accident scene, and the steps that follow.
Post-Accident Actions
After leaving the accident scene, the journey toward claiming your rightful compensation begins.
A. Seek medical attention
After an accident, adrenaline can often mask injury symptoms. Therefore, even if you feel fine, schedule an examination with a healthcare provider to:
Rule out any potential internal injuries
Have documented records of any injuries related to the accident, strengthening your claim.
Be sure to follow through with all prescribed treatments and keep accurate records of these medical expenses.
B. Keep detailed records
The more evidence you have in your case, the better your chances for a significant payout.
Put together all relevant documentation from the police report to medical bills in a file.
Include records of additional costs incurred due to the accident, such as transport fees if your vehicle was inoperable.
C. Consult with a personal injury attorney
It's wise to seek legal advice after an accident to understand your rights and the potential for compensation.
Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the insurance claim process and maximize your payout.
The Wilson PC, a personal injury law firm in Atlanta, Georgia, provides free consultations for car accidents, motorcycle accidents, Uber accidents, and truck accidents.
D. Notify your insurance company
Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, but be aware as they may not always have your best interest.
Deliver just the facts about the accident.
Avoid giving recorded statements and never confess fault, even if pressured to do so.
E. File a personal injury claim
If you have been injured, consider filing a personal injury claim.
In Georgia, it's important to be aware that you have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim.
Starting the process quickly can help you gather more accurate evidence, reach medical stability, and maximize compensation.
Conclusion
Understanding what to do after a car accident is vital not just for personal safety but also to ensure you're not left at a financial disadvantage due to someone else's mistake. Ensure everyone's safety first, exchange details with the other driver(s), and report the accident to the local police.
Do not overlook the importance of documenting the accident scene with photographs and personal accounts of the incident. Seek immediate medical attention following the accident to ensure you've not sustained any invisible or internal injuries and maintain duplicate copies of all medical records and bills.
Keep your insurance company informed of the incident but avoid giving them unnecessary details that they may use against you. Lastly, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to guide you through the intricacies of filing a successful personal injury claim.
Remember, time is of the essence in these situations, particularly with the two-year deadline for filing personal injury claims in Georgia. Start the process as soon as possible to maximize your chance at compensation.
The team at The Wilson PC, a dedicated personal injury law firm in Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in car, motorcycle, Uber, and truck accidents, is always ready to help protect your rights and provide the aggressive representation you need to take on insurance companies. Their goal is to not only get justice for their clients but to ensure their clients receive the maximum payouts they are due.
