What Should You Do If You Are The Victim Of A Car Accident In Georgia?

Do Not Provide Information About What Happened To Bystanders

Try to remain as composed as possible at the scene of an accident. If you do not know what happened, do not speak with bystanders about how it may have occurred. Talking about the incident in the immediate aftermath may cause unnecessary confusion. Wait for law enforcement and other first responders to arrive. Allow them to gather the necessary evidence and put the facts together. It is not helpful for you to discuss what happened otherwise.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you believe it is not a serious injury, you should seek out professional medical care. If you have experienced an internal injury, matters could become worse over time. If you do not seek medical care after your accident, the settlement will often be reduced, and in many cases by a significant amount.

Contact Law Enforcement And File A Report

The outcome of your case can be negatively affected if you do not take the proper steps and call the police. A police report is important because it serves as an unbiased record made shortly after the incident of what happened. Law enforcement will speak with everyone necessary, including witnesses who may otherwise be unknown to you. Failure to take this step can make your case much more difficult to prove and is often a costly mistake.

Keep Records Of All Costs And Expenses, And Of Your Overall Recovery

Record every expense. This not only includes any medical treatment, but also other expenses you have experienced because of the incident. This information often creates the baseline of your claim. Record any lost time at work. All this is very valuable to ensure you get the best settlement. Keep records of your recovery. A simple journal will allow you to document how much pain you are experiencing from day to day and will be useful to chart the progression of your recovery when presented to the insurance provider.

Do Not Sign Anything Before Consulting With A Legal Professional

When an insurance company tells you “we need you to sign this form, it’s just a formality” what they are trying to do is get you to agree to settle your case in a way that is favorable to them without you knowing. Usually, they are trying to trick you into agreeing to mediation. Never sign anything unless someone who is representing your interests has reviewed it.

Do Not Try To Settle The Case On Your Own

Insurance providers have lawyers on their side, and so should you. Never forget, from the insurance provider’s perspective, the less you recover the better. I am attorney Matt Andrews and I am here to make sure you have the best opportunity to recover the settlement you deserve. Call me if you were the victim for any of the following: