- Car Accidents
A car accident can be a harrowing ordeal to go through. Most of us learn how to drive from our parents. Maybe your high school offered a driver’s education program. But one of the things they don’t cover is what to do if you get into a car accident. Sure, they remind you to get insurance. But what if you weren’t the one who caused the crash? That’s when it’s a good idea to call an Atlanta car accident lawyer. They do know what to do after a car or truck accident. They also know how to fight to get you compensation for your injuries.
If you’re worried about how much it’ll cost to meet with one of our attorneys, rest assured. You won’t have to pay a dime until your case is resolved. Plus, we offer our clients a free consultation to give you a chance to see if you really need an Atlanta car accident lawyer. Hopefully, we never need to hear from you. But if you do get into a car accident, here are the 5 most important things you can do immediately after your crash.
Use Your Cell Phone to Get a Picture of the Vehicle and License Plate
You’d be surprised at how many people get into an accident and have the other driver take off. At first, they’ll pretend they want to work things out and wait for the cops. The next thing you know, they go to their car presumably to get their license and insurance information. Then you watch in surprise and frustration as they close their door and take off. If you have a picture of their vehicle and license plate, your Atlanta car accident lawyer can at least provide it to the police and state prosecutor.
Call 911 Immediately
It doesn’t matter how minor your car crash is, you need to call 911. Not only does Georgia law require you to report the crash, but your attorney is going to need the police report. They’ll come out and investigate the accident scene. They’ll talk to witnesses and make a note of the road conditions. They’re going to put all of this information into their police report. Your Atlanta car accident lawyer will need this to prove fault. The cops will also arrange to get you to the hospital.
Go to the Hospital No Matter What
Even if you don’t think you’re hurt, you need to go to the hospital. The doctors there will do the tests necessary to see if you’ve suffered any serious injuries. Some of these tests include the following:
- X-rays
- MRI
- CT scans
- Toxicology Screen
- Neurological testing
If you choose not to get treatment, your Atlanta accident lawyer will have no way to prove you were hurt. There’s a good chance the other driver did go to the hospital. They’ll have records documenting their injuries. It’ll be their word against yours in court. Who are they going to believe – the guy who says he didn’t think he was hurt or the guy with a folder full of medical records? You don’t want to make your attorney’s job any harder than it already is.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
In Georgia, all drivers are required to carry auto insurance. Once you get home from the hospital, you need to call and report the accident. They’ll want to get a statement from you. It may be a good idea to ask them to talk to your attorney instead. One little phrase could be twisted by the insurance agent, so you don’t get your claim paid. Some people are afraid to do this because it’ll make their premiums go up. If you’re scared about that, call and talk to one of our experienced Atlanta accident lawyers and they can walk you through the process.
Call and Meet with Our Skilled Atlanta Accident Lawyers
If you or your loved one are hurt in a car crash, we understand you’re angry and afraid. You don’t know what to do next. Thankfully, our skilled Atlanta accident lawyers have years of experience handling cases just like yours. All you have to do is call our office and schedule your free, initial consultation. Sit down with one of our experienced attorneys who can answer any questions you may have. The other driver is going to have an attorney fighting for you. You don’t want to put yourself at a disadvantage. Plus, the consultation is free, and you pay nothing at all up front.
