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 make contact with a Georgia car accident lawyer a 1Georgia Injury Lawyers. Contact us at 678-635-9939 to set up a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Georgia.
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What Do You Need to Do After a Crash in Georgia?
While we all wish we will not be involved in a car crash, 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 that you get hit by a car.
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 against the law in Georgia. It’s an infraction that is a misdemeanor. More serious, you can be charged with a felony hit and run 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 be able to 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.
Move Your Car Off the Road If Possible
If your vehicle is capable of driving, you can move it to the other side of a road to ensure that you don’t be hit again. If you’re disabled, switch on your emergency lights to alert other drivers.
Contact the Police
Whatever the incident may appear, it’s never a bad idea 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. It is important to note that not every city will attend the scene of an accident in the event of an injury.
Be Careful 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’s 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’s not because you’re at fault but rather because it was a tragic event. The words you’ve just said could be used as an admission of guilt.
Find 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 addresses, names, telephone numbers, dates of birth, driver’s license number, and telephone numbers.
- Information on insurance: the name of the insured and the policy number.
- Information on other vehicles: the model, make, year, color license plate number, and VIN number.
Photograph the Crash 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 an expert doctor immediately. The reason you 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 a Georgia car accident lawyer.
Speak to an Attorney
It isn’t always clear the things you don’t know. A Georgia 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 Should I Never Say to an Insurance Adjuster?
Be careful when speaking to an adjuster from the insurance company.
Don’t answer any phone calls from the driver’s insurance company. If you do, there’s nothing good that you will 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 ever get called by an adjuster, and they ask for a written statement, say no. Don’t give them 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, don’t. 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 Should Visit a Doctor”
Don’t talk about your injuries to the insurance adjuster. It’s okay to inform them that you’ve been injured, but you shouldn’t 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.
Is It Worth Hiring a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer?
You are able to handle the insurance company on your own If you feel comfortable. We’ve found that the majority of our clients don’t wish to go through the anxiety and uncertainty associated with bodily injury or property damages claims. It is logical to employ an attorney following a car collision within Georgia.
If the fault is not clear, an additional reason to engage an attorney following an accident. An action involving a dispute over responsibility can be challenging to prove. Getting over these hurdles requires the expertise and determination of a determined lawyer.
Even if there isn’t an issue following an accident, it’s a great idea to hire a Georgia car accident lawyer. A lawyer will negotiate for a settlement with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters offer a higher settlement amount for an insured who’s represented than one who doesn’t. This is due to the fact that they are aware that their insured could be accused of a lawsuit if the claim is not resolved. If you don’t have an attorney by your side there is no advantage.
What Compensation Is Available for Car Accidents in Georgia?
This is a 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.
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
It 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
It’s 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 you can 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’s had surgery.
Insurance for Defendants
It is sometimes an ideal idea to wait until your medical treatment is completed before submitting a claim. This is due to the value of the claim being higher than the limits of insurance coverage for the party at fault. Georgia law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance for injuries up to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident and property damage liability coverage for up to $25,000 per incident.
If a driver only has the minimum amount of coverage, the insurance company won’t pay over the policy limit.
Review Your Case With a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
We represent the victims of car collisions within Georgia. 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 for a free case review.
