Steps to Follow After a Car Accident in Georgia
Car accidents in Georgia are never planned for, but unfortunately, they are experienced by almost every driver at some point in their life.
Whether due to intoxication, distracted driving, or a complete disregard for the rules of the road, there are many acts of negligence that can lead to car accidents and, sometimes, severe harm. In all the chaos and stress of a car accident, you can forget the critical steps to take at an accident scene, especially if injuries are involved.
Georgia has specific laws regarding what to do after getting involved in a car accident, knowing what information matters and what steps to take is essential. Plus, if you were not at fault, you may be able to recover damages, provided you gather all the necessary information.
Call 911 and Check for Injuries
If any injuries require immediate medical attention due to the accident, it is crucial to contact emergency services immediately. The health and well-being of all individuals involved in the accident should always be the top priority.
Once you have ensured that all immediate medical care has been taken care of, you need to contact the police. A law enforcement officer can collect unbiased evidence, create a police report, and document any observations that may be helpful in your insurance claim. It is important to gather as much information as possible following an accident to assist with the claims process.
Identify Any Eyewitnesses and Write Everything Down
If anyone has stopped at the accident or witnessed the accident, you will need to ask them about what they saw, document their answers, and get their contact information (name, address, phone number, and email address) if possible.
Many witnesses won’t stay at the scene until the police officer arrives, and the officer may not have time to talk to all the witnesses, so if you don’t gather their contact information, you may lose a valuable witness.
It is important not to make any statements to the other driver about the facts of the accident. If they speak to you, document what they said as soon as possible. You will need to exchange the following information with the other driver(s) involved:
- Full names and surname
- Physical addresses
- Phone numbers
- Insurance details such as the company names and policy numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers
If you do not gather this information, you risk losing your chance of compensation for the damages. All of this information is necessary for insurance claims and any legal matters.
Take Photographs
Take as many photographs as you can of the accident scene, your vehicle, and the other driver’s vehicle. In addition to documenting the damage to both vehicles, these photographs can help show any dangerous driving conditions, roadway obstacles, or other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
See a Doctor as Soon as Possible
It is crucial to schedule a doctor’s appointment after the accident, even if you believe you haven’t suffered any severe injuries. It is possible for latent injuries to take some time to manifest serious symptoms. However, a medical professional can help diagnose any potential injuries early on, which can save you time and money and possibly prevent long-term disabilities. Seeking medical attention promptly after an accident can be beneficial for your overall health and well-being.
.png?width=1080&name=Untitled%20design%20(47).png "Legal Nurse COnsultant, Attorney, Paralegals, and Community Engagement Specialist")
About our team
At Meeks Impact Law, our team shares one purpose: helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. We take pride in the small firm difference, where every client matters, every case receives personal attention, and our team works closely together to make sure no one feels lost in the process.
Notify Your Insurance Provider
It is important to remember that an insurance policy is a contract, and as such, you have a duty to report any claims to your insurer as soon as possible and cooperate with them in the investigation and handling of your claim. You should consult your policy to understand your specific obligations and follow them carefully. It is a good idea to notify your insurance agent as well. Make sure to document your efforts, including keeping copies of any letters you send to the insurance company and making notes of your conversations, including the date, time, and name of the adjuster you spoke with. Failing to comply with the terms of your policy could result in the denial of coverage.
While it is important to speak to your insurance provider as soon as reasonably possible, do not speak to the other driver’s insurance company until you’ve spoken to an injury lawyer at Meeks Impact Law. Our lawyers will be able to assist in the conversations with your own insurer as well.
Call a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
While you may take all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road, the negligence or recklessness of another driver can still put you at risk of suffering severe injuries or even death.
Before filing a claim for a car accident, hiring the attorneys at Meeks Impact Law is critical so that your rights and claim are protected. Our attorneys have years of experience, knowledge, and resources to provide you with reliable, trustworthy representation. If you try and file your car accident claim on your own, you could put your compensation and rights at risk. However, by working with Meeks Impact Law, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while we handle all of the legal aspects of your case to ensure you are fairly compensated.
The attorneys at Meeks Impact Law will put the time and effort into gathering all the necessary information for your personal injury case and can even assist in tracking down hard-to-find evidence like surveillance or dash-cam footage of the accident. We know exactly how to help you, who to speak to, and how to navigate the unique characteristics of each case.
If you have been involved in a car accident and would like to pursue legal action to claim damages, contact us today for a free case evaluation or to find out more about how we can help you.
FAQs
First, make sure everyone is safe and call 911 to report the crash. Get medical attention, even if you feel fine, since some injuries take time to appear. If possible, gather photos, witness names, and insurance details. Then, contact a Georgia personal injury lawyer before speaking with the insurance company. Early legal guidance can help protect your rights and preserve valuable evidence.
The time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia, known as the statute of limitations, can vary depending on the type of accident and injury. For example, car wrecks, wrongful death cases, and injuries on unsafe property may all have different filing deadlines.
Because important evidence can disappear quickly, it is always best to contact our office as soon as possible after an accident. From the start, we work to preserve key evidence, ensure you are receiving the comprehensive medical care you need, and handle communication with insurance companies so you can focus on recovery while we focus on protecting your case.
In many Georgia personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident, but certain circumstances can shorten or extend that timeline. Talk to our team to determine the statute of limitations related to your circumstances and how we can step in to help, today.
Every case is different. Some settle within a few months, while others take longer depending on the extent of your injuries, medical treatment, and negotiations with the insurance company. Our goal is always to move your case forward efficiently while protecting the full value of your claim.
The timeline can also be affected by external factors such as court scheduling, insurance companies delaying responses, or bad actors trying to avoid accountability. Even when the process takes time, our team stays proactive so you can focus on healing while we handle the rest.
Throughout the process, we make communication simple and consistent. You’ll receive regular updates on your case and have easy access to our team through a secure app right on your phone. It includes texting-style messaging and case updates at the touch of a button, so you’re never left wondering where things stand. Of course, we’re always happy to talk with you directly by phone whenever you prefer.
It’s common for insurance companies, or even the at-fault party, to offer quick compensation after an accident. These early offers are often made before the full extent of your injuries, medical costs, or long-term needs are known. Accepting too soon can prevent you from recovering the full amount you’re entitled to.
Even if someone offers you money at the scene of the accident, that does not necessarily mean you don’t have a case. In many situations, those offers are an attempt to limit future liability. Our team can review the facts, explain your options, and help you understand what your claim may truly be worth before you make any decisions.
All of our personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to get started. We only collect a fee if we secure an offer off recovery for you. This approach keeps our interests aligned with yours and ensures that we only succeed when you do. Every fee agreement is explained in writing before representation begins so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Getting started is simple. Reach out for a free consultation so our team can review your situation and help you understand your options. We will guide you through each step with clarity and care, answer your questions, and explain how we can begin building your case right away.
You can call (678)-341-5212, email Intake@meeksimpactlaw.com, or submit a message through our contact form to get started today.