When you are involved in an automobile accident, you’ll likely have a rush of emotions, including anger, fear, horror, and sadness, among others. In many cases, you may not be thinking as clearly as you should. Knowing what to do at the scene of an accident could not only save someone’s life, but it may help you at a later point when you go to file a case.
Following a car accident, there are certain things you can do to protect yourself, not only physically, but legally, too. The personal injury attorneys at Ashenden & Associates, P.C. urge you to keep these tips handy if you’re ever at the scene of an accident:
Things to Do Following a Georgia Auto Accident
Call 911: Following an automobile accident, filing a police report is crucial — even if there are no injuries. You may need the police report in the future to file a claim with your insurance company. During the questioning, make sure to tell the officer exactly what happened to the best of your knowledge; avoid speculating or guessing. If you’re not sure, just be honest rather than make something up.
Stay at the Accident Scene: Don’t drive away from the scene of an auto or trucking accident — even a minor one. If you’re involved in the accident, or if you witness it, you will need to give a statement to the police.
Protect the Scene: Prevent further accidents by setting up flares or putting your flashers on.
Talk to Witnesses: Talk to any drivers or bystanders who witness the accident, and urge them to stay at the scene with you until the police arrive. Try to get their contact information as well in case you need it later. Having different accounts of the accident, especially if you are not at fault, will help you build a solid case.
Take Pictures: Pictures are not only helpful when filing a claim with your insurance company, but they could help you build your case. Use your camera phone to document the scene. If you have visible injuries, it’s important to take pictures of them as well as any damage to your vehicle.
Contact Your Insurance Company: As soon as you can, contact your insurance company. Many auto policies require immediate reporting. If you have injuries, ask your insurance company if you have medical benefits as part of your coverage. Be sure to document your claim number and the name/number of the adjuster who is handling the claim.
Keep Documents and Notes: Keeping all of your accident-related documents organized in one place will help you later on. Take as many notes about the accident as you can while the accident is still fresh in your mind.
Call an Attorney: One of the most important things you can do following an accident is consult an experienced attorney. A personal injury attorney with experience in auto accident cases can protect your rights, help you file a case, and allow you to move on.
Contact Ashenden & Associates, P.C. About a Georgia Auto Accident Case
If you or a loved one have been involved in an automobile accident in Georgia, the law firm of Ashenden & Associates, P.C. can help.
Our legal team, led by Super Lawyer Thomas J. Ashenden, has helped clients throughout Georgia with their auto accident cases. Call for a free consultation at our Atlanta office. We will sit down with you, answer your questions, and help you get you the compensation you deserve for pain and suffering, medical costs, lost wages and other hardships.
