There are essential steps to take when you’ve been involved in an automobile accident. Knowing what to do can help protect you and your passengers as well as others involved in the collision.
More importantly, knowing what to do after a car accident can help you get compensated for your injuries and other damages.
Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney will help you determine the best legal strategies for your needs.
What to Do at the Scene of an Accident
The first thing to do after an accident is to make sure everyone involved is okay. Accident injuries can range from minor scrapes to fractures and head injuries. Call 911 if there are any injuries so that victims can get medical help as soon as possible.
If you’ve been injured, always accept medical care from first responders. Have them evaluate you so that you can document any immediate injuries. Keep in mind that the effects of some injuries may not appear until later.
Having a professional medical care provider treat you as soon as possible can help you demonstrate your injuries to insurance companies and personal injury court judges.
Gathering Evidence After an Accident
Call the police once you’ve determined who has been injured. Responding officers can take a formal report that includes details related to your accident.
Always wait for the authorities to arrive. In some cases, the other driver may try to exchange information and leave. But leaving an accident can be a mistake.
Filing a report can prevent disputes about what occurred. In addition to the report, you can gather evidence by taking photographs and video recordings of the scene of the accident, including damage to automobiles and injuries.
Get eyewitness accounts from anyone who may have seen what happened. If you can’t get their accounts at the scene, get their name and contact information so that you or your personal injury attorney can reach out to them later.
Having the right evidence and eyewitness accounts can support your claim and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Getting Compensated for Your Injuries and Other Damages After a Car Accident
An experienced personal injury attorney can calculate the value of your legal claim so that you can get the highest possible compensation under Georgia state law.
You can receive financial compensation to cover medical expenses resulting from your accident. This can include the cost of hospital stays, surgery, medication, and other treatments as well as future medical care required to treat your injuries.
Your attorney can help you get compensated for the loss of income due to lost days at work. Severe injuries can cause victims to be unable to return to work in the future. You may receive compensation to make up for the loss of your capacity to earn income.
Compensation can cover the costs of damaged property. The courts may compensate you for pain and suffering as well as the loss of companionship in cases where a person dies as a result of a car accident.
Knowing what to do after a car accident is critical to getting the compensation you deserve. Filing a police report and gathering evidence can strengthen your legal case and prevent others from disputing your claims.
Getting the medical care you need can ensure that you get compensated for the long-term effects of injuries that can occur in a car accident. With the right legal professional by your side, you can protect the wellbeing of you and your family.
