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5 steps after a car accident

On Behalf of | Mar 13, 2018 | Car Accidents |

If you are in a car accident in Georgia, there are five steps which should be taken. These are worth remembering should anything ever happen to you, a friend, or a loved one.

If you have already been in an accident, there is still time to start the process and make sure that you are protected. But you need to act quickly.

Step 1 – File a police report

If anyone was killed or injured, or if damages appear to be over $500, it is crucial to call the police using 911 as soon as possible. That covers nearly all accidents at any speed, as car repairs easily exceed that $500 threshold. If it was more than a bumper-to-bumper collision, you need to call the police and file a report.

Step 2 – Document the Scene

You should also get the other driver’s name, address, license plate, driver’s license number and insurance information while providing the same from yourself. This will assist you in making a claim through your insurance company.

Take pictures, if you can, and obtain information from any witnesses so that they can be contacted later. Write down as many notes as you can regarding the accident, as you may not remember them later.

Step 3 – Get medical attention

Many injuries to the neck and spinal cord may not show up for a day or even a week after an accident. If you wake up the day after an accident with a terrible headache or stiffness, you have been injured. You need to be evaluated immediately to evaluate the injuries and be sure they are treated properly.

It is vital that you do this as soon as possible. If you lack adequate health care coverage, see a doctor no matter what and explain your circumstances.

Step 4 – Talk to an attorney

If you have been injured, it is vital that you talk to an attorney immediately. Georgia is a “modified comparative fault” state, meaning that your compensation for your injuries will depend on who is at fault. If you are found to be more than 50% to blame for the accident, you will not be compensated. If you are partially at fault, say 20%, your compensation will be reduced by that amount.

The process for determining this is tricky and complicated. Insurance companies will want to talk to you to get you to admit even a little bit of fault so they can get out of their responsibility. They have their ways of getting you to say things you may not mean. That’s why it’s critical to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process before you talk to anyone.

Step 5 – Follow your doctor’s advice

In order to receive full compensation for your injuries, it is vital that you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and never miss appointments. Failing to do this can reduce your injury claim and limit the compensation you need to make a full recovery.

These five steps are important to follow to receive the compensation you deserve and need to make a full recovery after you have been injured in an accident. It is important that you act quickly to make sure that everything is documented and the right steps are being followed. Peace of mind is important, too, and following this procedure should help you rest easy while you heal.

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