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What Steps Should You Take After an Auto Accident in Georgia?
Forewarned is forearmed, or so they say, and at T. Madden & Associates, P.C. in Atlanta, GA we’re inclined to agree, especially when it comes to vehicle accidents. Being prepared for something ahead of time can make sure that, if the worst should happen, you are better able to handle the situation calmly and act strategically. Read on to find out what an auto accident attorney Atlanta recommends that you do if you’re in an accident.
What Steps Should You Take After an Auto Accident in Georgia?
The following steps to take after an accident are aimed at making sure that despite the shock of a crash you can keep yourself safe, comply with Georgia law, and put yourself in the best possible situation going forward.
Stop Immediately
If you are involved in an accident, you must stop immediately. Failing to stop and provide information after an accident is a crime. If you have hit a stationary vehicle or someone’s property, you must still stop.
Move to a Safe Place
If your vehicle is drivable, and you are able to drive, you should move it to a safe location such as the shoulder or an emergency lane or median. Moving your car out of the road helps to decrease the risk of further collisions and is recommended by the police. If you are injured and therefore incapable of moving your car, you are permitted by Georgia law to request any other licensed driver in the area to move your car for you. Moving a vehicle in this situation is not considered “failing to stop” and does not affect your ability to file a report.
If your car cannot be moved, it may be safer for you and any uninjured passengers to leave it and move to the side of the road if you are all uninjured. Put on your hazards and put out a reflective triangle if you have one to warn other road users. If you have any small children with you, it is best to take them out of the car still in their car seats and leave them there until they can be assessed by EMTs. If you are unable to exit your car because it is damaged or you are injured, put on your hazards.
Report the Accident
Under Georgia law, you are required to report any accident involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $500. You should also alert the police if you hit a deer, especially as insurers will usually require a written police report before paying out on a deer-automobile crash.
Dial 911 to report the accident and request a law enforcement officer to the scene. You should also request ambulance services if you or anyone else has been injured. When the police arrive, they will assess the scene and ask questions of the drivers involved, and any witnesses. This information will be used to create an accident report, which is important for both insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. You can request a copy of the report from the Georgia Department of Public Safety or the local police department handling the incident.
Help the Injured
If you have reported injuries, the EMTs will be with you as soon as possible, but you should provide reassurance to any injured people, try to keep them calm, and let them know that the emergency services are on their way.
Do not move injured people out of their vehicles unless they are in immediate danger from fire or explosion. The greatest concern in auto accidents is spinal injury, and moving people can make this sort of injury much worse. Similarly, you should not move injured pedestrians or motorcyclists, or attempt to remove a motorcyclist’s helmet. If anyone is bleeding, you can try to slow it by covering it with a pad of clean fabric and applying pressure firmly with your hand. You should also attempt to keep injured people warm, covering them with blankets or coats if necessary.
Exchange Information
While waiting for law enforcement to arrive, check on any other drivers involved and exchange information with them. Your adrenaline may be racing, but you should try to stay calm. Note down the name, address, and phone number of each driver involved, along with their driver’s license number. You should also record the make, model, and license plate numbers of the vehicles. Finally, you should make sure you have the name of each person’s insurance company and their policy number. You should also be prepared to provide this information to them.
If you have damaged someone’s car or property, but they are not present, you must either try to locate them (such as knocking on nearby doors if you are in a residential area), or to leave information including your name, address, and phone number, in a conspicuous place where the owner will find it.
Document the Scene
Gathering evidence at the accident scene can be important for your insurance claim or legal case. Now that we almost all carry smartphones, you can use that to take photos of the scene, record the information of any witnesses, and write down your observations of the incident, including the time, weather conditions, and anything else that you think is relevant. Memories fade quickly, so it is very useful to have your initial thoughts to refer to later on.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, you should still seek medical attention after an accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, may not be immediately apparent. Visit your own doctor, or an urgent care, to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible, and keep hold of all medical documentation as well as your bills for assessment and treatment.
Track Expenses and Losses
Make sure that you keep records of any losses you have suffered as a result of the accident. This includes your medical bills, and repair or replacement costs for your vehicle. It also includes any wages you may have lost if your injuries have prevented you from working.
Don’t Forget the Statute of Limitations
In Georgia, you have a limited time to file a lawsuit for damages resulting from a car accident. This is typically two years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims and four years for property damage claims. Remember, if you don’t file within this time, you will lose your right to compensation, no matter how valid your claim is otherwise.
Consult an Auto Accident Attorney in Atlanta
You’re likely to be shaken up after an accident, and may find it difficult to know what steps to take next. When you consult an attorney with experience in this area of the lawyer, you can trust that they will make sure that nothing is missed in the process of getting you the compensation that you deserve. Whether negotiating with insurance adjusters or filing a personal injury suit, you will benefit from having a professional on your team.
Don’t let an auto accident put you in a spin. By taking the right steps after an accident and finding the right lawyer, you can be up and running again in no time. Get in touch with us at T. Madden & Associates, P.C. in Atlanta, GA, to book a consultation today.
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