Car accidents happen about every two minutes in Georgia, so most residents can expect to get into one sooner or later. If you are in a car accident or other type of accident in Georgia caused by another party, there are things you should do after the incident for a better outcome. Also, you have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit in the state, so contact our personal injury attorney in Atlanta today to get started.
The law requires you to call for medical assistance if anyone is injured after a car accident. So, check yourself and others for injuries and provide first aid if needed. When speaking to others involved in the accident, do not mention fault or who did what. Any comment you make in this regard could harm a claim.
Next, you should call 911 if anyone is hurt. Still, even if it looks like no one is hurt, it is still an excellent practice to call first responders. The police and an ambulance will arrive, allowing you to file a police report and obtain medical assistance.
While you may think you are fine, it is always wise to go to the hospital and be checked by a doctor for injuries. You could have injuries that you do not feel for several hours. The sooner your accident injuries are documented, the better for a potential personal injury claim.
Did anyone witness the car accident or other type of accident? If you see anyone who saw what happened, get a statement from them about what they witnessed, then get their name and contact information. One of the most important aspects of proving a claim is what independent witnesses saw.
Most of us have cell phones with cameras, so take advantage of taking plenty of photos of the accident scene and your injuries. If you were in a car accident, take pictures of every vehicle and their positions on the road. Also, photograph property damage and cuts, scrapes, and injuries. This visual evidence may be used to prove fault in a personal injury lawsuit.
Tell the police what happened from your perspective and what your injuries are. These facts should be noted in the police report and could help your lawyer build a case.
If another party caused the accident, they are probably represented by an insurance company. For example, all drivers in Georgia must have auto insurance, so if the other person caused the accident, it is best to have your lawyer handle the negotiations. If the insurer knows a lawyer does not represent you, they may try to get you to accept a quick settlement. Do not take it. Let your attorney work with the insurance company for a fair settlement for your injuries and losses.
If you were hurt in an accident caused by someone else in Atlanta, you should not have to bear the costs yourself. However, you could receive compensation in a lawsuit, so contact our personal injury attorney in Atlanta at Shani O. Brooks, P.C., at (404) 920-4736.