According to a 2009 Georgia Department of Transportation mileage report, there are 54,746 statewide lane miles and almost 120 million daily vehicle miles traveled. Road congestion and deficiencies create hazards and danger to all auto travelers.
Consulting a Clayton County attorney after an auto accident enhances a victim's ability to receive a reasonable settlement. If you have been injured in an automobile accident you should discuss your case with an accident attorney at Shane Smith Law.
Georgia auto accident victims will likely face four consideration areas following the accident:
- The accident's immediate aftermath;
- Auto accident lawsuits;
- Auto accident-related pain;
- Auto accident-related injuries.
Georgia auto accident victims should follow the following procedure:
- Move the car from traffic to avoid further accidents or injuries—This should be done if the car is operable and if it is safe to do so.
- Call the police—The responding officer will make a police report that can be obtained and used as evidence. This can be used in negotiations with insurance companies and at trial.
- A formal accident report needs to be taken. Having an official witness to gather details of the incident can help you with the insurance company and a personal injury claim should the matter go to court.
- Call 911 if the auto accident caused an injury—Injured parties should not be moved and emergency medical personnel should be contacted.
- Exchange insurance information—The only discussion with the responsible party should be an exchange of driving information: the driver's name, driver's license number, and expiration, phone number, auto insurance policy number, auto insurance telephone number, and vehicle license plate number. This information will likely be found in the police report.
- Witness contact information—An auto accident victim's case can be enhanced by witness testimony. The witness's contact information should be provided to an attorney and to the victim's auto insurance company.
- Take accident scene photos—Accident scene photos can be submitted to insurance companies and used at trial. These may show road hazards, skid marks, damage at the accident scene, and resting places of the vehicles after the accident.
If you or someone you know has been hurt in an auto accident, meet with a Clayton County auto accident lawyer. Call Shane Smith Law to schedule a free legal consultation.