What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident to Protect Your Claim?
A car accident can be overwhelming, but staying calm and taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you need to do:
- Call 911 immediately: Calling 911 is crucial. Emergency responders will provide medical care and document the accident. Even if injuries are not immediately apparent, seeking medical attention is essential, as some injuries may take time to manifest.
- Contact the police: Regardless of injury severity, Georgia law requires that accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 be reported to the authorities. A police report serves as an objective record, which is vital for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. Be sure to obtain the police report number from the responding officer.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional. Certain injuries, such as concussions or internal trauma, may not show immediate symptoms. Clearly describe any pain or discomfort to your doctor, as medical records play a crucial role in supporting an injury claim.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Most insurance policies require prompt reporting of an accident—often within 24 hours. However, be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters. Provide only necessary details and avoid admitting fault. Before giving a detailed statement, consult with an attorney at Meeks Impact Law to ensure your rights are protected.
What Damages Can Be Recovered Following a Car Accident?
The amount of compensation available depends on the circumstances of your case. Here’s a breakdown of potential damages:
Economic damages are monetary expenses that typically have receipts or bills attached to them, such as:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Lost or reduced earning capacity due to disability or disfigurement
Non-economic damages do not have a set monetary figure and may be more difficult to value, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Anxiety, PTSD, or other psychological effects
- Disability or disfigurement
Punitive damages serve as a punishment for reckless or malicious behavior, rather than compensation for the injured party. They are typically awarded in cases involving:
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Intentional or egregiously negligent actions
- Reckless disregard for safety
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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.
How is Liability Determined in a Car Accident?
To establish a successful claim, it must be proven that the other party’s negligence caused the accident. Liability is determined based on these four key elements:
- Duty of Care – All drivers have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles safely.
- Breach of Duty – The at-fault driver acted negligently or recklessly.
- Causation – The breach of duty directly resulted in the accident and injuries.
- Damages – The injured party suffered losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
What if You Were Partially Responsible for the Accident?
Negligence laws vary by state. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, as outlined in Georgia Code § 51-12-33, meaning:
- If you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- If you are 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages.
For example, if you were found 25% responsible and awarded $100,000 in damages, your compensation would be reduced to $75,000.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, exceptions exist—cases involving minors or claims against government entities may have different deadlines, sometimes as short as 6 to 12 months. If you miss this deadline, your claim may be dismissed. However, certain circumstances, such as claims against government entities, may have shorter deadlines (as little as 6 to 12 months).
To avoid costly mistakes, contact Meeks Impact Law as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights.
Do You Need an Attorney?
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be complex. An experienced attorney ensures you receive the compensation you deserve while handling the legal complexities for you.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait call Meeks Impact Law at 678-341-5212 or fill out our injury case review form and we’ll follow up with you ASAP. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
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.