Author: Sami Tabbaa
Car crashes happen in an instant. Yet, they may leave long-lasting impacts on the accident victim. Medical bills and other expenses can quickly pill up, and being out of work may only add to the financial burden. When another driver’s negligence causes an accident, you might be able to pursue compensation for their accident-related losses. Obtaining compensation might be complex to do on your own, especially if you are not familiar with Georgia’s injury laws, so contact a skilled car accident attorney. They can guide you through the claims process and protect your rights.
What to Do after a Car Accident?
Accident victims must remember that they are not guaranteed a payout for being in a car crash. To secure compensation, they must prove that the other driver’s negligent actions caused the accident and their injuries. The steps you take immediately after and in the coming days and weeks might be vital to your claim’s success, so keep the following steps in mind.
Call the Police
You must report the accident to law enforcement if the crash resulted in injury or death, regardless of who may have caused the collision. However, we recommend calling the police even if there were no injuries or death. Having a police report may benefit your claim. After the police finish their report, ask how you can obtain a copy for your record. The police report usually acts as the first piece of evidence in your case. Reports typically take between three and five days to process, and you may have to go to the police station to pick them up.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
While you wait for police officers to arrive, you should take this time to exchange information with the other driver. Ask for their name, contact information, insurance company, and policy number. You will need this information if you decide to file a claim later. Exchanging information can also tell you how much insurance the other driver carries if any.
Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
After exchanging information with the other driver, gather evidence of the accident scene. Take pictures from multiple angles, including up-close and wide-angle shots. Up-close images can show the extent of vehicle damage, while wide-angle shots may show who caused the accident. Additionally, speak to any witnesses at the accident scene. Remember, witnesses are under no legal obligation to remain at the scene, so talk to them immediately.
Seek Medical Care
You should seek medical attention after a car accident, regardless of how minor your injuries may seem. Remember, injuries may worsen over time, and not all injuries show symptoms right away. Additionally, seeking medical care right after an accident may be beneficial to your injury claim. Some insurance companies might claim you did not sustain any injuries if you did not see a doctor. Similarly, they may argue that your injuries resulted from a different accident if you wait until symptoms appear to see a doctor. Do not risk an insurer denying or reducing your claim and seek medical attention immediately.
Contact a Skilled Georgia Car Accident Attorney
If you were in a car accident in Georgia, contact Tabbaa Law. Attorney Sami Tabbaa has the skill and experience needed to handle car accident claims. Remember, you only have two years from the accident date to file a claim, so the sooner you contact us, the more assistance we can provide.
When you partner with Attorney Tabbaa, he will handle all aspects of your case, such as reviewing evidence, filing paperwork, and negotiating settlements while you focus on your recovery. To learn more about how Tabbaa Law can help you, call (770) 370-7881 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Auto Accidents