During your average year in the United States, there are around 6 million car accidents.
Fortunately, most accidents are minor, resulting in little more than property damage.
But, of those 6 million or so car accidents, about one in every three results in injury. Of those accidents, about 20% are fatalities.
The moments following a car accident can be confusing and frightening. Many people don't know what to do to protect or help themselves after an accident.
After an accident you need to slow down and take a deep breath.
Make sure you aren't injured and that you are in a safe space to avoid any further injuries.
Related post: Do Insurance Companies Pay For Duluth Car Accident Chiropractors?
Car accidents are common in Duluth, GA, leaving many car accident victims wondering what to do first.
After being in an auto accident in Duluth, GA, there are a few things you should do to ensure your physical and financial recovery.
One of these things includes seeing a Duluth Car Accident Chiropractor.
We will talk about what else you should do in the article below.
Table of Contents
- Stop, Call The Police, and Secure The Scene Of The Accident
- Gather Evidence
- Exchange Information
- Get Medical Attention
- Contact A Car Accident Attorney
- Open a Claim with Both Insurance Companies
- Know Your Rights
- Contact the Arrowhead Clinic in Duluth, Georgia
Stop, Call The Police, Secure The Scene of The Accident
The absolute first item on your to-do list after an accident should be to stop.
No matter how minor you think it might be, it is always illegal to leave the scene of an accident in Georgia. Never leave the scene of an accident.
And, no matter how much damage there is, always call 911.
This is important because it is the law in Georgia, having a police report can be a significant piece of evidence for your insurance claim.
While you're at the scene waiting for the police, flip on your hazard lights to make yourself more visible to oncoming traffic.
Stay safe by staying in your car, or if your vehicle is in an unsafe position, stand on the side of the road.
Gather Evidence
While you wait for first responders to arrive, you can also start gathering evidence yourself.
Damage to the cars is always the best evidence to determine who or what caused the accident.
Take pictures of the damage to both vehicles, as well as skid marks on the road, debris in the street, or anything else that could have contributed to the accident.
Exchange Information
Even though this information will likely be on your police report, you should still exchange information with the other driver.
You will need to get their full name, address, email address, phone number, birthday, driver's license number, vehicle information, and insurance information.
This may seem like a pain, and the other driver might not want to cooperate, but this information will be valuable to your personal injury claim and helpful to your attorney.
Get Medical Attention
Getting medical treatment after being involved in a car accident will be crucial for your physical and financial recovery.
Even if you think your injuries are minor, or you don't feel injured at all, you should still be diagnosed by a medical professional and have your injuries documented.
If your accident was caused by someone else, and you want your injuries covered in your claim, you need documentation from a doctor that states that your injuries were a direct result of the accident you were involved in.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
This is another step many people skip after a car accident.
It can be financially challenging to pay for medical bills, especially after a car accident.
But if your accident was due to the negligence of the driver of another vehicle, with the help of your personal injury attorneys, you might not have to pay any money upfront for your treatment.
This allows you to focus on your recovery while your attorney makes sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
After you've received medical treatment, you should schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney so you can discuss your case with them and they can help you decide what to do next.
You won't be under any obligation to hire the lawyer, but you will often find that hiring one will be beneficial for your case.
Hiring an experienced auto accident attorney can help you:
- Receive the compensation you are entitled to under Georgia law.
- Get quality medical care coordinated with or without insurance
- Avoid having your words used against you in your case.
- Focus on your physical recovery instead of stressing over talking to insurance companies.
Open a Claim with Both Insurance Companies
After you've spoken to a car accident lawyer, you need to report the crash to your insurance company and the insurance company of the other driver.
If you don't report the accident soon enough, the insurance companies may choose not to help you.
Let them know you were injured in the auto accident and what your status is with your doctors. Also, let them know you'll be working with an accident attorney if that's what you've decided to do.
This will allow your attorney to handle the communication with the insurance companies.
If either insurance company asks for a recorded statement from you, politely decline their request.
You have to cooperate with their investigation, but you should do so under your lawyer's direction.
Know Your Rights
If you were in a minor accident you might want to pay your deductible, repair the damage to your vehicle, and move on.
But if you are in a position where it might be in your best interest to file a lawsuit against another driver, your case should be evaluated by those with experience in accidents and injuries.
Your personal injury lawyer could file an action on your behalf for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering due to your crash.
You shouldn't try to do this on your own, and you should get a lawyer involved as soon as possible.
This will ensure that evidence is preserved, a thorough investigation is performed, and an action is filed promptly to protect your rates.
Contact Arrowhead Clinic in Duluth, Georgia
If you were hurt in a Duluth car accident, the best thing you can do is seek medical care as soon as you can.
Arrowhead Clinic of Duluth, Georgia will provide you with the necessary treatment to ensure a quick recovery after your car accident injuries.
They will also make sure your medical bills are covered by referring you to a respected personal injury attorney who will help you manage your bills if a negligent driver caused your accident.
To speak with our Duluth, Georgia Accident Injury Doctors for free, click the button below to schedule a free consultation.
