An auto accident in Atlanta can ruin your day, week, month, or even year.
Dealing with missed work, vehicle damage, liability issues, and potential accident injuries is overwhelming.
While understanding what to do post-accident is important, knowing what not to do is equally crucial.
Missteps post-accident can exacerbate the situation, impacting compensation and out-of-pocket expenses for injuries and damages caused by others.
Ensuring you avoid mistakes aids you and your Atlanta accident lawyer in achieving the best outcome.
In a previous blog post, we discussed how much does it cost to see an Atlanta chiropractor after a car accident?
Below we'll outline actions to avoid post-auto accident in Atlanta.
Table of Contents
- Leave The Accident Scene
- Forget To Call 911
- Lose Your Cool
- Admit Guilt
- Help The Other Driver's Insurance Adjuster
- Forget To Exchange Information With The Involved Parties
- Forget To Document The Car Crash
- Neglect The Aftermath
- Skip The Doctor
- Forget To Contact A Car Accident Chiropractor
Leave The Accident Scene
Leaving the accident scene in Atlanta is a serious offense.
If you're involved in an auto accident, leaving can turn an accident scene into a crime scene.
In many states, it's illegal to leave the scene of an accident, regardless of fault.
Any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in property damage or accident injuries must remain at the scene.
If you're involved in an accident, no matter how minor or insignificant it may seem, it's crucial to stop your car.
Pull out of traffic to the side of the road to avoid further collisions and ensure the safety of all accident victims.
This action is not only a legal requirement but also a critical step in the claims process and obtaining fair compensation for any damages or injuries.
That brings us to our next point...
Forget To Call 911
After pulling off to the side of the road following an accident in Atlanta, it's important to call 911.
Many believe calling emergency services is unnecessary if no visible injuries are present, but this is incorrect.
Regardless of the severity, from a minor fender bender to more significant collisions, the presence of law enforcement is essential.
A police officer will document the incident in an official accident report detailing the events, road conditions, witness information, and their assessment of the accident.
This report is crucial in establishing fault for the accident, which is vital for your personal injury claim and ensuring fair compensation.
The police report is crucial evidence in your claim for damages.
It is crucial to provide your accident attorney access to the accident report as it can significantly affect the outcome of your insurance claim or lawsuit.
Lose Your Cool
Maintaining your composure after a car accident in Atlanta is crucial.
It's understandable that your emotions are running high, and you might be in pain, but it's essential to keep your cool.
Losing your temper with the other driver can negatively impact the claims process and potentially harm your case.
The only thing you should ask the other driver is if they are okay.
Avoid placing blame or expressing anger.
Keeping calm won't change what has happened, but it will help you stay in a good frame of mind.
This will ensure you can properly assess property damage and accident injuries and gather necessary information for your accident report and personal injury claim.
Taking a few deep breaths can help you stay focused on documenting the accident scene and collecting witness contact information.
These are vital steps in ensuring fair compensation for any damages or injuries sustained.
Admit Guilt
You should never admit guilt after an automobile accident.
Admitting liability can jeopardize your chances of receiving compensation for damages and expose you to legal action.
While it's understandable to want to resolve the situation quickly, apologizing can be interpreted as admitting fault.
The other party's personal injury attorney may use your words against you, turning an apology into an admission of guilt.
It's essential to be mindful of what you say at the accident scene, as it can significantly impact your case.
Limit your communication and let your experienced car accident attorney handle most of the discussions with the insurance companies and other lawyers.
They will protect your interests and ensure you receive fair compensation for property damage, accident injuries, or other losses.
Help The Other Driver's Insurance Adjuster
The other driver's insurance company might contact you after the accident.
When the other driver's insurance company gets in touch after an accident, be polite but cautious.
Direct them to your insurance company or your accident lawyer for the info they need.
Avoid giving a recorded statement or signing anything without your lawyer's advice.
Your attorney can handle all the details for you.
And don't rush to accept the first settlement offer—it might not be what you deserve.
Trust your lawyer to negotiate the best deal for you.
Forget To Exchange Information With The Involved Parties
After a car accident, it's common to feel confused and stressed, making it easy to overlook important steps.
However, it's crucial to remember to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
This includes their insurance company's name and policy numbers, as most car crashes are resolved through insurance claims without going to court.
In addition to insurance details, you should get their name, address, phone number, and vehicle registration information.
This comprehensive exchange of information is essential for a smooth claims process.
It supports your accident attorney in building a strong case for any accident claims or personal injury claims you may have.
Forget To Document The Car Crash
Documenting the car crash is a crucial step after an accident.
Once you've exchanged information with the other driver, focus on gathering evidence.
Use your phone to take photos of the vehicles, their license plates, and any injuries you've sustained.
Capture skid marks, debris, and malfunctioning traffic lights if applicable.
Eyewitness statements can be invaluable, so collect their names and contact information along with their accounts of the incident as you're inspecing the scene.
Note the time, date, and weather conditions at the accident scene.
This comprehensive documentation is vital for the settlement process, as it provides concrete evidence of what transpired.
Without proper documentation, proving the details of an accident can turn into a challenging "he said, she said" scenario.
This can hinder your ability to claim fair compensation and impact the outcome of your personal injury or accident insurance claim.
Neglect the Aftermath
Neglecting the aftermath of a car wreck can be as detrimental as the accident itself.
The period immediately following the collision is critical, and you need to ensure all necessary steps are taken, including seeking legal and medical advice and medical treatment.
Even if your injuries appear minor or you feel fine, it's essential to consult with an accident doctor immediately to assess any hidden injuries and start a treatment plan.
If you believe the other driver was at fault and you're facing significant medical bills, speaking with an experienced car accident attorney is crucial.
Should the other driver threaten legal action or their insurance representatives become persistent, having your own legal counsel is vital to protect your interests.
Initiate the insurance claim process with your provider promptly, as there may be time constraints on filing a claim.
Familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage beforehand to avoid unexpected expenses, such as paying out-of-pocket for a rental car.
Understanding your insurance policies and obtaining appropriate legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your accident and personal injury claims.
This ensures you receive fair compensation for injuries or property damage sustained.
Skip the Doctor
Skipping a visit to the doctor after a car accident is a mistake you don't want to make.
As mentioned earlier, every individual involved in a car accident should seek medical care, regardless of how they feel.
This is crucial for your health and well-being.
It also allows your doctor to document your injuries and protect your legal rights.
To be compensated for medical bills, your injuries must be verified by a medical professional soon after your accident.
Proper documentation that records the nature of your injuries and prognosis will help ensure you are fairly compensated.
Documented injuries also increase the likelihood of receiving a fair settlement without needing a trial.
This step is essential for your health and the success of any accident claims or personal injury claims you may pursue.
Forget To Contact A Car Accident Chiropractor
Forgetting to contact a chiropractor after a car accident is a common oversight after an accident in Atlanta.
If you don't require emergency medical attention at the emergency room, your next step should be to see a car accident chiropractor.
Even after minor accidents, they can evaluate and diagnose any injuries you've sustained and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Your car accident chiropractor will promptly document all of your injuries, providing crucial medical records for your legal counsel.
The Arrowhead Clinic in Atlanta can also refer you to an experienced attorney in the area that can give you legal advice after your accident.
While a car accident can bring many challenges, being proactive about your health and legal rights can lead to timely compensation.
Schedule a free consultation with Arrowhead Clinic in Atlanta to begin treatment for your injuries and secure the medical records necessary for a successful accident lawsuit.
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