Car accidents are unexpected, stressful events that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. When the accident is not your fault, it’s crucial to take specific steps to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Our Sandy Springs car accident lawyers are here to guide clients through this challenging time.
Here’s an in-depth guide on what to do after a car accident that’s not your fault.
What to Do After a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault
Being involved in a car accident that’s not your fault can be a traumatic experience, but taking the right steps immediately afterward can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
If you’re involved in a car accident in Sandy Springs, GA, here’s what you should do.
Ensure Safety First
Your immediate priority after an accident should be safety. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to get medical treatment. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to seek medical attention as some symptoms may not appear right away.
If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further accidents or injuries. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If the vehicle is immovable, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.
Call the Police
Contact the local police to report the accident. Having an official police report is critical for a car insurance claim and potential legal action. When the police arrive, provide them with accurate and honest information about the accident. Avoid speculating or admitting fault.
Exchange Information
Exchange contact information and insurance details with the other driver involved in the accident. This should include:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company and insurance policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate number
If there are witnesses, collect their contact information as well. Witnesses can provide unbiased accounts that may support your case.
Document the Accident Scene
Thoroughly document the accident scene. Take photographs of:
- Vehicle damage from multiple angles
- The accident scene, including road conditions and traffic signs
- Any visible car accident injuries
- License plates of all vehicles involved
These photographs can serve as valuable evidence when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
Seek Medical Treatment
Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to seek medical attention after an accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not manifest immediately. A medical professional can diagnose and document your injuries, which is crucial for a personal injury claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all the relevant information and documentation you have gathered. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault.
Don’t Give a Statement to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, don’t admit fault for the car crash or agree to give any statements. The other insurance company will try to use written or recorded statements to deny your claim or reduce your compensation.
You should have a skilled car accident lawyer handle all communications with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Keep Records
Maintain detailed records of everything related to the accident. This includes:
- Medical bills and records
- Repair estimates and bills for your vehicle
- Correspondence with insurance companies
- A journal documenting your injuries and their impact on your daily life
These records will be important for supporting your claim and ensuring you receive fair compensation.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies and legal matters. Consulting with an experienced Sandy Springs car accident lawyer can help protect your rights. Our attorneys will:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly
- Gather and preserve evidence
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- Advocate for fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
- Represent you in a lawsuit if necessary.
Why Is Establishing the At-Fault Driver Important?
Establishing fault for a car accident determines who is legally responsible for the damages resulting from the accident. Georgia is an at-fault state, which means the insurance company of the driver who caused the car crash covers the costs.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company is typically required to cover the costs associated with the accident, including medical expenses, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you are found to be not at fault, you may be entitled to compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. Conversely, if you are found to be at fault, your insurance premiums may increase, and you may be held financially responsible for the damages.
How Is Fault for a Car Accident Determined in Georgia?
When the police respond to an accident, they collect statements from the drivers, passengers, and witnesses, and observe the scene for evidence. The police report will include details of their findings.
Claim adjusters for the insurance company will review the police report and investigate the accident. The insurance adjuster may consider evidence such as:
- The accident report
- Witness testimonies
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
- Weather conditions
- Vehicle maintenance
The other driver is likely at fault if they broke traffic laws or behaved carelessly, such as by driving distracted or speeding.
Can Both Drivers Share Fault?
It’s possible for both drivers to share fault for a car wreck. Georgia is a modified comparative fault state. This means that you can still recover compensation if you’re partially to blame for a car accident, as long as you are less than 50 percent at fault.
In cases of shared blame, your compensation is reduced based on how much you contributed to the accident. For example, if the other driver is 80% at fault and you are 20% at fault, you could recover 80% of your costs and damages.
Seeking Compensation in a Car Accident Claim
Once fault is established, the next question is how to recover the compensation you deserve. Most car accident cases are resolved through a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurer. A skilled lawyer will negotiate for a favorable settlement that covers your:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
If negotiations with the insurance provider don’t lead to a fair settlement, your attorney will be prepared to represent you in a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact 1Georgia Personal Injury Lawyers Today for Help!
At 1Georgia Personal Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping people through every step of the post-accident process. Our experienced team understands the complexities of Georgia’s personal injury laws and is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients. We offer:
- Free consultations: We’ll review your case and provide legal advice at no cost.
- No upfront fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
- Personalized attention: Each case is unique, and we provide tailored legal strategies to meet your specific needs.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Sandy Springs, GA, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. Contact 1Georgia Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
