Taking the right steps after a car accident could mean the difference between walking away without compensation for damages and receiving a fair settlement. If you have been seriously injured, it may be in your best interest to discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta at Shane Smith Law.
Important Steps after a Car Accident
No matter the severity of your accident or injuries, what you do afterward is critical. It could help in not only establishing fault, but also preserving evidence.
The first thing you should do is remain at the scene of the accident. If you were to leave, you could face criminal charges. While you might be concerned about the damage to your vehicle, it’s more important that medical attention is given to those who need it, so first check for injuries.
If your injuries require medical care at the scene of the crash or in an emergency room, some of the following steps after a car accident might be more difficult – or impossible – to follow. In that case, a passenger or witness might be able to help, or you simply may need to start evidence collection after receiving emergency care and recovering. Your personal injury lawyer inAtlantacan assist you.
Otherwise, the next step will be to contact the police so a report can be filed. The information contained within it can help establish who was responsible. Be sure to ask the responding officer how you can obtain a copy of the report.
If you are able, take pictures of the damaged vehicles. This includes getting shots of anything that may be relevant, such as street signs or road conditions. Be sure to also get the contact information of all involved parties, including other drivers and witnesses.
As soon as you get home, call your insurance company to let them know about the car accident and give them only the facts of which you’re sure regarding the accident.
One of the most important steps after a car accident is getting a physical exam by your doctor, even if you didn’t require medical attention at the scene. Don’t take any chances. You may think your injuries aren’t serious, but there could be underlying problems.
If you do this before contacting the insurance company, let them know of any diagnoses or treatments you have received. If not, let them know that you have an appointment scheduled to see your doctor. You can always follow up afterward.
Sometimes symptoms don’t manifest until later on. If you experience any changes, be sure to let your physician know. In order to collect damages for any physical harm suffered, you will need adequate medical records that document your injuries.
Facts Surrounding Car Accidents in Georgia
The good news is that according to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in Georgia, the year 2010 saw the least number of fatal crashes in Georgia since data collection began. At the same time, between the years 2000 and 2010, the number of drivers has increased by almost 14 percent.
This means there are an additional 760,000 motorists on the road. And of course with more traffic, the risk of being involved in a serious accident increases. This could be a bigger concern for some of the most dangerous intersections in Atlanta.
Consulting a Personal Injury Lawyer in Atlanta
No matter where your accident happened or what the circumstances are, it’s important that you take the right steps. After a car accident, meet with a personal injury lawyer at Shane Smith Law. We can assist you in every stage of your case, from assembling the evidence to make sure you have taken the appropriate steps after a car accident.