You could be entitled to compensation if you’ve been involved in a car accident that occurred recently. To get the most from your settlement, contact a Buford car accident lawyer at 1Georgia Injury Lawyers. Contact us at 678-635-9939 to set up a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Buford.
Table of Contents
What Do You Need to Do After a Car Crash in Buford, Georgia?
While we all wish to not be involved in a car accident someday, it is likely that we will. It is important to be prepared for an accident. Print this checklist and put it in your vehicle. You can use this checklist in the event of a car crash.
Stay at the Scene of the Accident
You are not allowed to leave the scene of an accident without contacting the other party and exchanging details. This is in contravention of Georgia law. It’s an infraction that is a misdemeanor. More serious, a hit-and-run felony may apply to you if you cause injury to someone else in an accident and then leave the scene.
Check for Injuries
Your passengers and you should be screened for injuries. Do not move if you think that you or someone else might be injured. Contact 911 and remain in a seated position. The person who is in the vehicle must inform the operator you were injured in an accident. You should wait for medical personnel at the scene.
Get Out of the Roadway, If Possible
If your vehicle is capable of driving, you can move it to the other side of a road to ensure that you avoid another collision. If you’re disabled, switch on your emergency lights to alert other drivers.
Contact the Police
Whatever the incident may appear, it is always best for you to contact the police. Police can assist in the exchange of information. A report of a traffic collision can help with insurance claims.
Be Careful of What You Say
Discuss the incident just with one person. Following an accident, it’s normal to experience a surge of adrenaline rush through your body. It’s normal to feel nervous, scared, and confused over what has occurred. It is best to limit the information you provide to other people to be able to identify them. It is possible to apologize to the driver who caused the collision. It is not because you are at fault but rather because it was a tragic event. The words you’ve just said could be used as an admission of guilt.
Exchange Contact Details
Everyone should share information. You’ll need as much information as you can about the other drivers and their vehicles.
- Information on other drivers such as their address, name, telephone number, date of birth, and driver’s license number.
- Information on insurance: the name of the insured and the policy number.
- Information on any other vehicle’s model, make, year, color, license plate number and VIN number.
Photograph Evidence of the Scene
Take pictures of every car. The photos could later be used to prove property damages. It could also serve to establish the mechanism of injury. If your vehicle is severely damaged in the rear, but the engine compartment in the other vehicle is severely damaged due to intrusion and the insurance company is unable to prove that you were not injured, they cannot claim that you were not injured.
Photograph the location of the vehicle. These photographs could provide some insight into the causes of the accident.
Get Medical Care
Even if you are feeling fine, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible. The reason you do not feel pain is caused by adrenaline flowing through your veins. It is recommended to see a physician immediately if you experience any discomfort, but you think it will go away by itself. The evidence you need to make an injury claim is medical evidence.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Every insurance policy requires you to inform them immediately of any car accident. In the event that you fail to do so, it could result in being denied coverage. It is not advisable to discuss your fault or injuries with anyone before you’ve had the chance to consult with an attorney for car accidents within Buford.
Speak to a Buford Car Accident Lawyer
A Buford accident attorney can give you the most effective guidance on how to take your case forward. A lawyer is more likely to receive an award of settlement that you’re entitled to than a claim without one.
What Can I Do to Contest the Responsibility for a Car Accident in Buford?
You may dispute the cause of a car crash by contacting both the person who is responsible for the report on traffic collisions and the insurance company. You are entitled to submit an additional report if you are not satisfied with the report or discover mistakes in the traffic collision report. We suggest you submit a supplemental report immediately. It is possible that the officer was not aware of a basic aspect, like the color and make of the vehicle.
The officer might have misinterpreted your testimony as witness, which may alter the legal conclusions of the officer. Note down your own experience. Request the police station to include the report. It is referred to as a supplementary or additional report. It will not alter the legal decision of the officer, however it can at the very least record your position with respect to the actual events.
The report of a traffic collision cannot be used as evidence. It is persuasive since it affects the decision of an insurance adjuster on the liability of an individual, but it could also be challenged. It is recommended to speak with a Buford accident lawyer to help you through this difficult procedure. The adjuster for insurance cannot alter their decision on liability without your consent.
What Are You Not Supposed to Say to an Insurance Adjuster?
The insurance company to whom you’re speaking with will dictate what you can and cannot speak about.
Don’t answer any phone calls from the driver’s insurance company. If you do, there is likely nothing good to gain from a conversation like this. The insurance adjuster is not legally obliged to speak to you. The insurance adjuster is likely to behave like a friend, making it appear like an ordinary conversation. They’ll take all the things you say about them in the future.
If you are ever contacted by an adjuster and they ask for a written statement, say no. Do not give permission to the adjuster to request medical authorization. You must decline any settlement offer they make. If they try to become friends through social media (email or Facebook) choose to decline and alter the privacy settings.
Do not answer an email from the owner of the insurance provider.
“I Believe”
Don’t speculate about the events that occurred. Simply tell the facts. Don’t presume that you have the right answer. The adjuster from the insurance company may attempt to claim that you changed your claim later.
“Sorry”
An adjuster from your insurance company could be negatively affected by your apology. Sometimes, we apologize because of our habit or embarrassment. However, refrain from doing so as it can be misinterpreted.
“I’m Okay”
An adjuster from insurance might inquire about how you’re doing. You could respond, “I’m fine,” however, this can also be misinterpreted, and negatively impact the future claim for bodily injury.
“I Think I Could Visit a Doctor”
Don’t talk about your injuries to the insurance adjuster. It’s okay to inform them that you have been injured, but you should not share the details with them.
“Intentional”
Insurance only covers accidents, not deliberate actions. The issue of intent is not one that should be discussed since it relates solely to the thoughts of the person who is the defendant.
What Compensation Is Available for Car Accidents in Buford, GA?
This is the million-dollar issue. But, there are no two cases that are alike. These elements will impact the amount of money you receive in the event of a car crash. Our Buford car accident lawyers can evaluate the potential value of your claim. How much your case is worth depends on the following.
Medical Costs
It is usually called economic damage. It is evident that a person who has $2,000 worth of medical bills is likely to get a lower settlement than someone who has $200,000 worth.
Lost Wages
This is a loss of earnings from the past or in the near future. These losses constitute a part of your economic loss and must be included in the settlement.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering is subjective to how you feel. It is all dependent on you and your own personal story. It’s helpful to keep a diary to prove your claims of suffering and pain. It is also possible to use photos as well as statements from relatives and friends.
How Serious Your Injuries Are
The severity of your injuries will have a bigger impact on the amount of the claim you file for suffering and pain. Someone who suffers from an injured back is more likely to be paid less than those who have broken legs. A person who has a broken leg is likely to be paid less than someone who had surgery.
Location
Certain locations have higher settlement rates over others when you have to appear in the court. Settlement verdicts are, in general, greater in a major metro area than they are in a rural one.
Review Your Case With a Buford Car Accident Lawyer
We represent the victims of car collisions within Buford and the surrounding areas. 1Georgia Injury Lawyers will manage your claim from beginning to finish and will fight for the compensation you are entitled to. We can help you if you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident. Contact us at 678-635-9939 today for a free case review.
