While car accidents can happen to anyone, witnessing it firsthand is an emotionally challenging experience to go through. If you have been involved in a recent crash, it is vital to seek medical care as soon as possible and take measures that can help protect your right to compensation.
Here are five steps you need to take after your car accident:
Remain at the scene and dial 911
After the accident, you must try to stay alert and call 911 to ask for help. Check yourself for any signs of injuries or trauma. If you have passengers with you, check their conditions too and take them to a safe spot.
It is important to note that if your crash has caused an injury, a death or over $500 in property damage, you must report it to the local police or the Georgia state patrol.
Call the police
While waiting for help to arrive, call the police to inform them of the accident. If they respond, they will begin to investigate the accident and gather key information from you and the other party.
You can request for online access of the police officers’ submitted crash report by contacting the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). When you add this document in your list of evidence, you help strengthen your personal injury claim.
Exchange information
Before leaving the scene of the accident, you must exchange contact information with the other driver and get their car’s license plate number. You also need to take photos and videos of the accident from various angles.
Additionally, if there were witnesses in the vicinity, request their full names, phone numbers and home addresses as well.
Seek medical attention
Now that you have dealt with the main factors of your car accident, you should ask the paramedics or your family members to take you to the hospital. It is crucial to receive proper treatment for your injuries, no matter how minor you think they are.
Notify your insurance company
Although hiring an attorney is not mandatory for filing your auto insurance claim, it can be beneficial for your personal injury case. For example, your attorney can call your insurance company on your behalf and help ensure that your rights cannot be taken advantage of.
Your focus should be on your recovery
Being involved in a traffic crash is a scary experience. However, by learning about Georgia’s car accident laws and following the proper legal timeline, you can file your personal injury claim and seek financial support for your crash injuries and other damages.