Getting into a car accident can feel stressful, especially when it’s not your fault. Knowing what to do in a car accident is key to protecting your rights.
To give you a quick summary, you should first check for injuries, call the police, and gather important details before then contacting a lawyer from the Brauns Law Firm.
Let’s cover the key steps, whether you have an injury or if you don’t, in more detail.
What to do immediately after a car accident
What you do immediately after an automobile accident affects your safety, health, and any subsequent legal issues.
1. If somebody is hurt in a car accident, call 911 immediately
Emergency responders can provide immediate medical help and ensure the injured person receives the necessary care. The dispatcher will ask for details about the accident and send an ambulance and police to the scene.
This quick response significantly affects the outcome for the injured person. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s best to have medical professionals assess the situation to prevent complications.
If you are injured in a car accident in Georgia, we can help
If you’re hurt in a car accident in Georgia, we’re here to help you through it all. Our team knows the ins and outs of dealing with insurance companies, collecting evidence, and handling medical care.
We know this can be a tough time, and we’re dedicated to making sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Call us today to discuss how we can support you and get you the help you need.
2. Collect all relevant information at the accident scene
Getting the right information at the accident scene is important for your case and for handling insurance and legal matters. Here’s a simple list of what you should collect to help support your situation:
- Get the contact information of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident.
- Collect insurance information from all drivers, including company names and policy numbers.
- Get the witnesses’ information if there’s any.
- Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Record vehicle details (make, model, and license plates) of all vehicles.
- Get a copy of the police report once the police arrive.
- Note any details about road conditions, traffic signs, and signals that might have been relevant to the accident.
- Document any immediate medical care given at the scene or by emergency personnel.
3. Whether you were seriously injured in an accident or not, see a doctor!
Even in a non-injury car accident, getting a medical check-up can help spot any underlying problems and provide documentation for your health. This precaution ensures that any potential issues are caught early and can help support your case if symptoms develop later.
What to do after a car accident injury
After a car collision injury, it’s essential to take a comprehensive approach to your recovery, addressing both physical and mental health. Here’s a guide on the steps to take next:
1. Follow your doctor’s advice
Continuing with any recommended treatments and follow-ups from your healthcare provider is essential. This may include:
- Physical therapy: Exercises to improve strength and mobility, such as stretches for back pain or strength training for knee injuries.
- Chiropractic care: Treatments might involve spinal adjustments, manual therapy for joint pain, or corrective exercises for posture issues.
- Other rehabilitation services: These services could include occupational therapy for regaining daily living skills, massage therapy for muscle relaxation, or aquatic therapy for low-impact exercise.
Attending these appointments regularly is a must for proper healing and recovery. By keeping up with your medical treatment plan, you support your health and strengthen your case for insurance claims and legal matters.
2. Monitor your mental health
Accidents can take a toll on your mental well-being and physical health. Watch for signs of PTSD, anxiety, or depression, such as flashbacks, severe anxiety, or mood changes.
Seeking help from a mental health professional can be vital if you notice these symptoms. Addressing your mental health is as important as your physical recovery.
3. Review insurance and compensation options
After a car accident, it’s important to look at your insurance policy to know what’s covered for medical bills and other costs. Be sure to:
- Check your coverage: Confirm what your policy covers, such as medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs.
- File claims promptly: Most insurance companies have strict deadlines for filing claims, so report your injuries and damages as soon as possible.
- Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the at-fault driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance or enough to cover your damages, this type of coverage can help cover your medical expenses and other losses.
A Georgia car accident lawyer from our law firm will assist in negotiating with insurance companies to help secure a fair settlement for your economic and non-economic damages.
In some cases, we may even pursue compensation through a lawsuit if insurance isn’t sufficient or cooperation is lacking after you suffered injuries.
Follow-up tasks after a car accident
Once the immediate fallout of a car accident is handled, there are a few important follow-up tasks to ensure everything is properly taken care of. Here’s a list of what you should (and shouldn’t) do:
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company without consulting your lawyer.
- Track your recovery progress, including physical pain, emotional distress, and any time off work due to injuries.
- Stay in touch with your car accident attorney, if you have one, to ensure your case is progressing and any legal deadlines are met.
- Don’t admit fault or discuss the details of the accident with anyone other than your lawyer, doctor, or insurance company.
These steps will help you stay organized and protect your rights as you recover from the accident.
The legal process after your accident
- Filing the claim: After the accident, you should file a claim with your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurer within a few days. This process involves submitting details about the incident and any injuries sustained.
- Investigation phase: The insurance companies will spend several weeks (2-6 weeks) investigating the accident. They’ll review evidence to determine fault and evaluate the damages.
- Medical evaluation: Depending on your injuries, you may need to undergo medical evaluations over several weeks or months. These assessments help determine the full extent of your injuries and how much compensation you should receive.
- Settlement negotiations: Once the investigation is complete, your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company. This phase usually takes 1-3 months. It depends on how quickly both parties agree on a fair amount.
- Filing a lawsuit: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer may file a lawsuit. It can take up to six months from the time the lawsuit is filed to the start of the court proceedings, depending on court schedules and legal preparations.
- Going to trial: If the case goes to trial, this step could take a year or more. It depends on the complexity of the case and court availability. Both sides will present their arguments, and a judge or jury will decide on the outcome.
- Receiving compensation: After a settlement is reached or a verdict is issued, it typically takes 2-4 weeks to receive the compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How we’ve helped victims after accidents that weren’t their fault
Over the years, we’ve fought hard to help accident victims get the compensation they deserve. Here are a few examples of how we’ve made a difference:
- $3.5 million settlement for a client who was rear-ended by an ambulance, causing serious injuries that required long-term medical care.
- $650,000 verdict for a mother and daughter who were hit head-on by a negligent driver, resulting in both physical and emotional trauma.
- $600,000 settlement for a driver sideswiped by a semi-trailer, leaving them with severe injuries and mounting medical bills.
These cases show our dedication to helping accident victims like you recover financially and in your lives overall. We work tirelessly to fight for the justice you deserve.
Read out to a Duluth car accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you get the legal support for your car accident case as fast as possible.
I was hurt in a car accident, can you help?
Absolutely. If you’ve been hurt by the accident, we’re here to help guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Whether it’s dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, or managing your medical expenses, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s discuss how we can support you on your road to recovery following a car accident.
Final points
After a car accident, the most important thing is to take care of yourself and gather all the right information to protect your rights.
Even if you feel okay, it’s smart to see a doctor since some injuries don’t show up right away. Be sure to talk to a personal injury lawyer about your options for compensation.
Don’t forget—time is critical. Legal deadlines like the statute of limitations can affect your case. The sooner you act, the better your chances of getting the needed help and compensation.
FAQs
Do you have to call the police after a minor car accident in Georgia?
Following the accident, you need to call the police after a car accident if there are any injuries or fatalities or if the damage is over $500. Even if the accident seems minor, report it. Having a police report can be helpful if you need to make a claim later.
What is Georgia’s law on auto accidents?
Georgia law requires that if you’re in an accident, you must stop, exchange information with the other driver, and help anyone hurt. You also have to report accidents to the police. Georgia’s fault-based system means the driver at fault is responsible for paying for damages and injuries.
What happens if you don’t report an accident within 24 hours in Georgia?
If you don’t report an accident within 24 hours, you could face legal trouble. You might get fined, have your license suspended, or have issues with your insurance claim.
