What to Do After a Car Accident in Georgia

Motor vehicle safety is a serious problem in our region. The Georgia Governorโ€™s Office of Highway Safety reports that more than 1,600 people were killed in crashes in the state in 2023 alone. Tens of thousands more car accident victims suffered serious injuries.

Even if you are a safe, attentive, and defensive driver, the risk of being involved in a bad crash remains.

This raises an important question: What to do when you get in a car accident in Georgia? At The Larrison Law Firm, we want to make sure that you have the knowledge and resources that you need to protect yourself and your legal rights. Here, our Athens car accident attorney provides a guide to the steps to take after being involved in a crash in Georgia.

What to Do After a Car Accident: A Step-By-Step Guide for Georgia

Step #1: Pull Over and Get Yourself to Safetyย 

Immediately after a crash in Georgia, you should pull over and check yourself and others for injuries. Medical needs are the top priority. You should call 911 if anyone is hurt. Notably, Georgia law requires drivers to avoid obstructing traffic when possible. Do not leave the scene unless there is a medical emergency. You should wait for emergency personnel to arrive at the scene.

Step #2: Exchange Information With All Other Parties

You should exchange all relevant information with the other driver, including things like names, addresses, phone numbers, driverโ€™s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details.

In Georgia, you are legally obligated to provide this information at the scene of the crash. Be polite but also avoid discussing fault for the incident or apologizing. Sadly, anything you say might be misinterpreted later. You should ask to see their driverโ€™s license and insurance card to verify the details. Document everything carefully. In Georgia car accident cases, incomplete or inaccurate information can lead to problems for your legal case.

Note: Leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging information is a legal violation in Georgia. A motorist could even be charged with a crime.

Step #3: Call the Police and Report the Crashย 

The vast majority of motor vehicle collisions in Georgia should be reported to law enforcement. Indeed, under Georgia law, you are required to report any car accident that causes injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage. $500 is not very much property damage at all. You should call local police, such as the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, or the Georgia State Patrol right away after a crash. The responding officer will be responsible for making an official report of the crash. Beyond that, the responding officer may help gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and, in some cases, even assign fault on a preliminary basis.

Tip: You should request a copy of the police report as soon as possible after a crash. If you are not sure about how to do so, an experienced Georgia auto accident attorney can help.

Step #4: Seek Immediate Medical Attention (Even if You Feel Fine)

Your health, safety, and well-being always come first after a motor vehicle collision in Georgia. Certainly, severe injuries require immediate emergency medical attention. Beyond that, all injuries should be evaluated by a doctor. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, can appear hours or even days later. You may be more seriously hurt than you actually know at the scene of the wreck. Getting checked by a licensed doctor also creates a medical record. Medical documentation is vital for your claim. Insurance companies often question claims with delayed treatment. If you do not have medical records, you may not be able to recover financial compensation at all.

Step #5: Document the Accident Scene

All car crashes in Georgia should be thoroughly documented. You can never have too much evidence about how and why a crash happened. Among other things, you should use your phone to photograph damage, location, skid marks, traffic signs, and injuries.

These images can become crucial later if there is a dispute. A supporting statement from an independent witness can also be very compelling evidence. If anyone saw what happened, ask for their name and phone number. Finally, you should write a brief account of the events while they are still fresh in your mind. Your personal (contemporaneous) testimony is a form of evidence.

Step #6: Notify Your Insurance Company as Soon as Possible

Georgia is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state. If your crash was caused by the negligence of another party, you have the right to hold them legally liable. With that being said, you should always notify your insurance provider of a collision right away. Most Georgia auto policies require that you report a crash within a reasonable time to preserve your right to coverage. When you call, stick strictly to the facts. Do not admit fault or agree to give a recorded statement without advice from a top-rated Georgia car accident attorney.

Step #7: Seek Professional Legal Representation: Consult a Georgia Car Accident Lawyerย 

You do not have to take on the personal injury claims process alone. Insurance adjusters may pressure you to settle quickly after a car accident in Georgia. They are certainly not on your side. Insurers will always put their bottom line ahead of your financial interests. The best thing that you can do to protect yourself is to consult with an experienced Athens, GA, car accident attorney. A top-tier Georgia car accident attorney can investigate your crash, answer your questions, and develop the best strategy to get the maximum financial compensation.

Tip: Early settlement offers from the insurance company are often low. They may not cover long-term expenses like ongoing care or lost earning potential. They may also not cover your pain and suffering. Once you sign, you likely waive your right to pursue additional compensation, even if the settlement is inadequate or your injuries worsen over time. Be patient.

Car Accident Victims in Georgia Need Full and Fair Financial Compensation

Hurt in a crash? You have the right to seek compensation for the full value of your damages, including economic and non-economic losses. How much can you expect to recover through a claim? The answer depends on many case-specific factors, but, sadly, injured victims cannot rely on insurance companies to look out for them. Our Athens, GA car accident lawyer can help. Along with other types of damages, we are prepared to help you seek compensation for:

  • Vehicle repairs;
  • Hospital bills;
  • Other medical costs;
  • Rehabilitative support;
  • Loss of wages;
  • Loss of earning power;
  • Pain and suffering;
  • Long-term disability; and
  • Wrongful death.

Why Rely On Our Georgia Auto Accident Attorney

Car accident cases can be challenging. You need a top-tier advocate on your side. At The Larrison Law Firm, we are prepared to take your case as far as needed to get the best outcome. You need to know what to do after a major collision. Our firm provides truly personalized guidance and support.

With millions secured for victims, our case results tell the story best. Your initial case review with our Georgia car wreck lawyer is free and fully confidential.

Contact Our Athens, GA Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review

At The Larrison Law Firm, our Athens auto accident attorney fights aggressively for justice for victims and families. If you or your loved one was hurt in a bad crash, we are more than ready to help. Call us now or contact us online for a free, no-obligation initial consultation. With an office in Athens, we handle car accident injury claims throughout the region in Georgia.

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