We will start with the DO'S
DO Call the Police
It is important to contact the police immediately following a collision. You will need to have the accident documented properly, especially if you are going to file a claim against the person who caused the accident. Having a police report that states that other driver's negligence and fault in the accident will only make your case stronger.
DO Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention after an accident is just as important as calling the police. A medical doctor will diagnose your injuries and write a report stating that the injuries you have were caused by the accident.
If your accident was caused by another driver, you deserve to be compensated for your medical treatment. However, if you wait too long to seek medical attention after an accident, you may miss out on your chance to receive the compensation that you deserve.
Even if you believe your injuries are minor, you still need to seek medical attention. Some injuries take a couple of days to manifest, and you do not want to wake up in excruciating pain 2 days after your crash.
DO Get the Other Driver's Information
If you are able, it is important to get other driver's information before leaving the accident scene. You will need to obtain the following:
- Make and model of the vehicle that hit you
- License plate
- Driver's license information
- Driver's address and telephone number
- Insurance information
DO Take Pictures
After being hit by another driver, it is important to take pictures of the accident scene as soon as possible. You will need to take pictures of your damaged vehicle along with any injuries that you suffered.
Having pictures will help if the other driver tries to say you were at fault when in reality it was the other way around.
DO Get Information from Witnesses
If there were any witnesses to your accident, it is important to speak with them, get their contact information, and see if they will make a written statement to the police officer before leaving the scene.
Sometimes when an accident occurs, it is difficult to determine fault and comes down to your word against the other driver. Having an eyewitness provide a statement on your behalf is very powerful when it comes to filing a lawsuit.
While you want to make sure you follow all of the DO'S listed above, there are also DON'TS that should be followed after being involved in a Car Accident.
DON'T Move Your Vehicle
Unless it is required by law, do not move your vehicle after the accident. It is crucial for the police officer to see exactly where the vehicles ended up after the collision. The police officer will need to properly document where the point of impact occurred in the accident. If you or the other driver moves their vehicle, it then becomes you against the other driving stating what you believe happened in the accident. Often, the stories do not line up.
DON'T Admit Fault
Although it may be your first instinct to get out of the car and apologize for the accident, it is very important not to say those words. If the accident was not your fault, you do not want to be caught apologizing to the other driver, because it could be taken as an admittance of guilt.
Do not tell anyone that you believe you caused the accident, it is important to let the police arrive and determine fault.
DON'T Agree to Record a Statement
If the other driver's insurance company contacts you to record a statement about the accident, do not agree without legal representation. Insurance companies are trained to trick you into saying things that make you look guilty or partially to blame for the accident even if you are not.
When you have an attorney, they make all negotiations and contact with the insurance company. They know exactly what to say and what not to say when it comes to protecting your legal rights.
DON'T Agree to a Settlement Without an Attorney
The insurance company will make you an offer rather quickly to settle the claim and be done with everything. They often do not take your medical bills into account and usually do not cover all of the expenses that accumulated because of the accident.
They will lowball their offer and hope you accept because you don't want to deal with it anymore.
That is not the way to go.
When you hire an attorney from The Roth Firm, LLC to handle your car accident injury case, they will make sure you receive the maximum amount of compensation that you deserve for the damage, injuries, pain and suffering that happened as a result of the accident.
Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and they will not accept a settlement that you do not agree to.
Your attorney will be your legal council, they will not let you be taken advantage of by the other driver's insurance company.
It is their job to help you get paid because they do not get paid until you receive a favorable amount during the settlement process.
If you need more information about your car accident, check out this useful guide.
If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault in Georgia or Tennessee, contact us for a free consultation.
