No one expects to be in a car accident. However, if this does happen, do you know what to do?
In the unfortunate event that you are injured in a traffic accident, your actions after a traffic accident can have impact on your injury case.
1. Call the police.
Call the police and get a police accident report for the car wreck. Your insurance company may request this in order to pay damages. In addition, drivers have been known to give false information. Ask where you can obtain a copy of the accident report.
2. Exchange personal information.
Get name, address, telephone number, and insurance information from every driver involved in the accident. If the accident involves a commercial truck, get the owner’s name and registration number.
3. Get name, address, telephone number, and insurance information of any witnesses.
4. If possible, take photographs.
Take pictures of the damages to your car, the other car, any injuries and the scene of the accident. If it involved a commercial truck, photograph the cab and registration number.
5. Get medical care.
If you are injured, you should seek medical attention. Even if you do not think you are severely injured, you should see a doctor. If you lost consciousness, even momentarily, you may have a head injury. When you hit your head, you may not notice symptoms for several days. So, if you have any unusual symptoms in the weeks following the accident, see a doctor and get them checked out.
6. Report the accident to your insurance company.
Get a copy of the accident report.
7. Talk to a lawyer who specializes in car wrecks.
After an accident, it is helpful to speak to an attorney, especially if you have been seriously injured. An attorney can help you determine if an insurance settlement is adequate to cover your medical expenses, property damage and pain and suffering, or if you are not getting all the benefits to which you are entitled.
A good accident lawyer will investigate your accident. He will research the events leading up to the crash, talk to witnesses, inspect the scene, take photographs, even hire experts if that is what it takes to help your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Georgia auto accident, Atlanta personal injury attorney Shane Smith would like to help you get all the compensation that you deserve. Contact him for a free consultation at (980) 246-2656 before taking a settlement.
Learn more from our free book, 10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Georgia Wreck Case.