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| Most of us have been in
a motor vehicle accident in our lifetime. Your
first reaction is disbelief that you were
actually involved in a crash. Your adrenaline is
on the rise. It’s an unexpected event and your
response is typical. If this happens to you,
take a deep breath and remain as calm as you
can. Your next step should be to remember some
simple, but important, guidelines that could
help you navigate successfully through your
situation. |
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Below are 10 steps to follow if you are in a
motor vehicle accident in Georgia: |
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1. Check for
injuries - Check to see if you or
anyone in your car is injured. Check to see if
the other driver is injured. Contact 911, if
necessary.
2. Report the collision - Call
the police to report the accident. Do not let
the accident go unreported. Do this yourself
even if the other driver says he or she will do
so.
3. Exchange information –
Exchange information with the other driver(s).
Get his or her name, insurance information,
license tag, and the make & model of all
vehicles involved.
4. Obtain Witness information -
Get any witness’s contact information. Witnesses
who stop at the scene of a collision usually do
not stay long. A witness’s account of the
accident is critical if liability is ever
disputed by the other driver’s insurance
company. Without the witness’s version, a
liability dispute quickly becomes a “your
version versus his version” case. A witness,
however, can tip the scale in your favor.
Obtaining a witness’s information at the scene
cannot be overemphasized.
5. Document evidence – Document
everything you can at the scene. Use your cell
phone (or camera) to photograph the scene,
including the lanes, any debris, and the
property damage of both vehicles.
6. If injured, seek treatment –
If you are fine, that’s great news. If you are
injured, seek medical treatment at a hospital or
medical facility. Seek follow-up treatment from
your doctor afterwards. Your medical providers
will treat your injuries. Additionally, your
medical provider’s records document valuable
information that assists in the evaluation of
your claim.
7. Notify insurance companies -
Contact the other driver’s insurance company to
notify the company of the accident and your
injury. Notify your own insurance company as
well.
8. Prepare for a recorded statement
– Give a recorded statement only after you have
been prepared. Never give a recorded statement
to the other party’s insurance company without
consulting an attorney. Typically, the insurance
company requests a recorded statement shortly
after the collision. Consult an attorney before
you give a recorded statement.
9. Explain your injuries to your
doctor(s) - At the scene, the police
officer will ask about your injuries. You may
respond that you are okay. Most make that
statement because they are grateful the
collision was not life-threatening. However,
tell the nurses and doctors everything about
your injury. Explain what hurts and how you
feel.
10. Take care of yourself – If
this has happened to you, get the appropriate
treatment and contact our firm to represent your
claim against the other driver that caused the
accident. We will pursue your claim to the
fullest for medical bills, lost wages and pain
and suffering.
*NOTE:
THE SUGGESTIONS LISTED ABOVE DO NOT REPLACE A
CONSULTATION WITH AN ATTORNEY. THE SUGGESTIONS
DO NOT TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE SPECIFIC
FACTS AND APPLICABLE LAW OF YOUR SITUATION. IF
YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE
ACCIDENT, CONTACT OUR FIRM. OUR FIRM WILL ASSESS
YOUR SPECIFIC FACTS AND GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE
RESOLUTION OF YOUR CLAIM.
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