Some people don’t realize that the things you do in the days following your car accident can make or break your case. If you don’t follow certain steps in the moments after the crash, you could end up walking away with nothing. The last thing you want to do is have to pay those medical bills out of your own pocket. If you didn’t cause the crash, there’s no reason why you should be left holding the bag. Our Atlanta car wreck attorneys work hard to make sure this doesn’t happen. As long as you do what we suggest, you’ll protect your legal rights and have the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Here, we’ll explain the three most important things you can do immediately following your motor vehicle accident. If you do these things and your claim is still denied, that’s okay. Instead of walking away with nothing, call and speak with one of our Georgia personal injury lawyers.
You Have to Call the Police Immediately After the Crash
Like it or not, you have to call 911 immediately after your accident. Too many people agree with the other driver to handle things between the two of them. They don’t see the sense in calling the cops. They exchange insurance information and go their separate ways. Unfortunately, this often leads to disappointment. When you realize the other driver gave your false or expired insurance information, you may panic. Most people would. That’s why we insist that you call the cops as soon as you’ve recovered from the initial shock of the crash.
When you call 911, the dispatcher will send an officer out to investigate the crash. They will also make sure an ambulance is sent to the crash scene. Once the officer has finished their investigation, they’ll document their findings in their accident report. This report will be critical to your Atlanta car wreck attorney.
This information includes the following:
- The name and insurance information of both drivers
- Contact information for any witnesses
- Statements made by eyewitnesses
- Voluntary statements made by the drivers involved
- Description of the accident scene and road conditions
- Notes about whether either driver was issued a ticket or was arrested for DUI
None of this information will be available to your Georgia personal injury lawyer any other way. They’ll need a copy of this report to prepare and prove your case.
You Have to Go to the Hospital Immediately After the Accident
A lot of accident victims assume they’re fine after their crash. They don’t want to go to the hospital because they don’t see the point in it. The problem is that, if you don’t go to the emergency room, there will be no way to prove you were hurt. In order to sue the other driver, you must be able to show that you were injured.
You also need to be able to prove that the accident caused your injuries. The only way to do that is to show that no time passed between the time of the accident and your visit to the hospital.
Not only will going to the hospital help your legal case – it will also be the best thing for you. There is no way to know if you’ve been injured after a car accident. You may look and feel fine. However, you could have internal injuries or a traumatic brain injury. If left untreated, these things can prove fatal.
You Should Speak with an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney As Soon as Possible
The third thing you need to do after a car accident is speak with an Atlanta car accident attorney. Even before you file your insurance claim, it’s a good idea to meet with a legal professional. Knowing that your claim could be denied if it isn’t filed perfectly, it’s in your best interest to have an attorney help you with it.
Our Georgia personal injury attorneys are very familiar with the law. They know how important it is to file your insurance claim properly the first time. You don’t want to give the insurance adjuster any reason to deny your claim. If you make a mistake when filing your claim, you could be setting yourself up for disaster.
You also want to have an attorney close by in case your claim is denied. You only have a certain amount of time to file an appeal. If you miss this window, you could walk away with nothing. Your attorney not only knows how to file an appeal, but they also know how to negotiate with the insurance company. They’ve spent years dealing with insurance companies – big and small. They aren’t intimidated and won’t back down until you get the money you receive.
Contact an Experienced Atlanta Car Wreck Attorney Today
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may have a potential claim for damages. It all depends on the facts of your case. It also depends on how your Atlanta car wreck attorney handles your case. If they don’t have the tools they need, it can be difficult to prove your case. This includes the police report and a copy of your medical records.
We recommend that you call and talk to one of our Georgia personal injury lawyers sooner rathe than later. There’s no reason you should have to handle this on your own. The defendant is going to have attorneys in their corner, and you should too. And, since your initial consultation doesn’t cost you a thing, you have nothing to lose. Let our helpful staff give you the peace of mind you need at this difficult time.
Call our office and our front desk staff can find a date and time that works for you. Make sure to bring any information you have about the case with you when you come. Your lawyer will need to review whatever you have upfront in order to determine if you have a valid claim.
