After a car accident in Sandy Springs or Atlanta, Georgia, your mind might be racing with “What to do after a car accident?” Do you call 911, your insurance agent, or a Sandy Springs car accident attorney?
At Ashenden & Associates, our Sandy Springs auto accident attorneys understand the stress and uncertainty that follows auto accidents and are here to simplify this process as much as possible. In our latest blog, we’ve compiled the most important steps on what to do following a collision and additional information that should help clarify the actions you need to take to protect yourself and a possible claim.
If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident, call Ashenden & Associates at 770-394-8909 to meet with one of our car accident attorneys.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Sandy Springs, GA
After a car accident, quick and decisive action is crucial to protect yourself legally and ensure your safety. The aftermath of a car crash can be overwhelming, but understanding the essential steps to take can mitigate stress and expedite the resolution process.
Whether it’s exchanging information with other involved parties, seeking medical attention, or documenting the scene, knowing the steps to take in the immediate aftermath can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Call 911
In the event of a car accident, one of the first actions you should take is to call 911. Contacting emergency services ensures that medical assistance and law enforcement are promptly dispatched to the scene.
Emergency responders can aid any injured parties and secure the area to prevent further accidents or hazards. Additionally, having an official police report documenting the details of the accident can be invaluable for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver(s)
After calling 911, exchanging information with the driver(s) of all the other vehicles involved in the accident is essential. Important information you should collect includes their name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance details, vehicle registration, and the make and model of the vehicle. If multiple vehicles are involved, this step should be repeated for each driver. Collecting this information is crucial for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.
Document the Accident Scene and Your Injuries
Here’s what to do at the scene of a car accident.
Documenting the accident scene and any injuries sustained is vital for building a strong case and increasing your chances of receiving fair compensation. Take photographs or videos of the scene from various angles, capturing the vehicles involved, the surrounding environment, traffic signs, and any visible property and vehicle damage.
Documenting your injuries by photographing cuts, bruises, or any other visible signs of harm is also important. Detailed documentation serves as crucial evidence when filing insurance claims or pursuing litigation against the driver at fault.
Seek Medical Attention
After the accident, you may feel uninjured or experience minor discomfort due to the rush of adrenaline that often follows an accident. While you may not think you sustained injuries, seeking medical attention is still important. Some injuries may not be apparent but could worsen over time if left untreated.
Prompt medical evaluation creates a record of any injuries sustained, which can be crucial for insurance claims or litigation. Postponing medical treatment may jeopardize your health and weaken your case.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Following this accident, it’s critical to promptly notify your insurance company, even if you believe you were not at fault or the other driver offers to cover the damages privately. Contacting your agent allows them to initiate the insurance claim process, gather essential information, and guide you through the next steps.
Be prepared to give details about the accident, including the date, time, location, and the names and insurance information of all parties involved. Also, you’ll need to inform your insurance company about any injuries sustained and the extent of vehicle damage. Failing to report the accident in a timely manner could potentially jeopardize your coverage or delay the resolution process.
Call a Car Accident Attorney if Necessary
Many ask, “After a car accident, should I get a lawyer?”
There are many reasons to get a lawyer after a car accident.
An experienced Sandy Springs car accident attorney can provide priceless advice and legal representation to help you navigate the challenges of insurance negotiations or pursue legal action if needed. They can assess the strength of your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and advocate for your rights to guarantee that you receive fair compensation for damages.
Get a Rental Car, If Necessary
A rental vehicle may be necessary if your vehicle is inoperable or requires extensive repairs after an accident. Contact your insurance agent to determine if you have rental car coverage and what limitations or requirements may apply. Remember that rental car availability may vary depending on your location and the accident’s severity.
If your insurance policy covers rental vehicle expenses, your insurer may arrange for a rental vehicle directly or reimburse you for expenses incurred. Be sure to keep all receipts and documentation related to the rental car to facilitate reimbursement.
What To Do After a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault in Georgia
If you’ve been involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s essential to remain calm and follow the steps above to protect yourself and your interests. If the accident wasn’t your fault, meeting with an experienced car accident attorney from Ashenden & Associates is especially important. Your attorney will work with the other driver’s insurer on your behalf and take the case to court if necessary. It’s common for insurance companies to lowball payouts, so having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can drastically improve your chances of recovering maximum compensation.
What To Do After a Car Accident Not Your Fault – No Insurance
If you’ve been involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault and you don’t have insurance, it’s still recommended that you follow the steps listed above. Even without insurance, it’s crucial to report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the Georgia accident report for documentation purposes.
Seek legal advice from a Sandy Springs personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options for compensation. They can provide guidance on navigating any legal obstacles and exploring alternative avenues for seeking restitution for your damages and injuries.
What to Do After a Car Accident That Is Your Fault in Georgia
If you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of causing a car accident, it’s essential to handle the situation responsibly and follow the steps listed above. However, refrain from making any statements that could be construed as an admission of guilt. It’s recommended to consult with an experienced car accident attorney from Ashenden & Associates to understand your rights and options for resolving any potential liabilities resulting from the accident.
What NOT To Do After a Car Accident in Atlanta, GA
In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure about the next steps to take. However, understanding what not to do after a car accident is just as crucial as knowing what actions to prioritize. Making the wrong decisions in the immediate aftermath can have lasting consequences, potentially impacting your safety, legal rights, and ability to receive fair compensation for damages.
Here are the mistakes to avoid in a personal injury claim:
Leave the Scene of The Accident
Regardless of severity, leaving the accident scene is illegal and can result in serious consequences. Fleeing the scene denies others involved in the accident necessary medical attention and prevents law enforcement from accurately documenting the incident.
Plus, leaving the scene may be perceived as an admission of guilt, which can complicate legal proceedings and jeopardize your ability to receive fair compensation. Instead, stay at the scene, ensure everyone’s safety, and cooperate with law enforcement and emergency responders.
Apologize Profusely to the Other Driver(s)
While it may be instinct to apologize after a car accident, doing so can inadvertently imply fault and complicate matters in potential legal proceedings. Apologizing profusely to the other driver(s) may be perceived as an admission of guilt, even if you were not at fault for the accident.
Instead, focus on ensuring everyone’s safety and exchanging necessary information, such as contact details and insurance information. It’s essential to remain calm and avoid making statements that could be misconstrued as an admission of liability.
Admit Fault for the Accident
Even if you believe you were responsible for the accident, it’s essential to avoid admitting fault at the scene. Admitting fault may be used against you in insurance claims or legal proceedings, potentially resulting in increased liability and financial repercussions. Leave the determination of fault to the insurance companies and legal authorities, who will assess the evidence impartially.
Lose Your Cool
Losing your cool can escalate tensions, hinder communication with other parties involved, and interfere with collecting vital information. Feeling shaken or upset is natural, but reacting impulsively or aggressively can exacerbate the situation. Instead, take deep breaths, ensure everyone’s safety, and communicate calmly with the other parties and law enforcement.
Fail to Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Even if you think the accident was minor or you were not at fault, you must report the incident promptly to your insurer. Delaying or failing to report the accident may violate the terms of your insurance policy and could lead to legal and financial repercussions. Your insurance company needs to be informed so they can assess the damages, investigate the incident, and provide guidance on the next steps.
Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Without Speaking to an Attorney First
Speaking to the other driver’s insurance company without consulting an attorney first can potentially jeopardize your legal rights and impact the outcome of your claim. Insurance adjusters are taught to minimize payouts, and anything you say to them can be used against you in negotiations.
Without legal guidance, you may inadvertently provide information or make statements that weaken your position or undervalue your claim. It’s essential to seek advice from a car accident attorney from Ashenden & Associates before engaging in any discussions with the other driver’s insurance company. An attorney can provide valuable insight into your rights, help you navigate the claims process, and protect your interests throughout negotiations.
Accept the First Settlement Offer
Initial offers are usually lower than the actual value of your claim and may not sufficiently cover all your damages, including medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.
It’s essential to carefully review any settlement offer with the guidance of a car accident attorney who can assess the offer’s fairness and advise you on whether it accurately reflects the full extent of your losses. You risk forfeiting your right to pursue additional compensation for unforeseen expenses or ongoing medical treatment by rushing to accept the first settlement offer.
Sandy Springs Car Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Sandy Springs and need expert legal representation, contact Ashenden & Associates today. From navigating insurance claims to pursuing litigation, our attorneys provide personalized attention and aggressive representation every step of the way.
Call the Sandy Springs car accident lawyers at 770-394-8909 for a free consultation today.
