Were you injured in a Georgia car accident? Even though the law gives you the right to compensation for all your losses, it is up to you to protect and make sure you will benefit from your right.
Whether you do everything yourself or hire a Georgia auto accident lawyer to do it for you is your decision. However, keep in mind that actions have repercussions. To avoid negative repercussions, consider following the tips below. Think of them as the 10 commandments all accident victims should follow.
10 Tips for Victims to Follow after Any Georgia Car Accident
Always Stop at the Accident Scene
Not only is leaving the accident scene punished by law but it could also be interpreted as a sign of guilt. By doing it, you also miss out on the opportunity to tell your side of the story to the police when they come to investigate. Finally, you will not be able to collect evidence, and you will need it for your case.
Provide and Collect Contact and Insurance Information
On one hand, the law requires drivers involved in accidents to share contact and insurance information. On the other hand, if you want to recover your losses, you will need to know with whom to file your complaint and who could testify in your favor.
Get Help
If you were injured, even if it seems something minor, you should be checked by a doctor. It is also important to get help for anyone else who may need it. Sometimes, a few seconds or minutes can make the difference between life and death. Besides, an immediate medical evaluation can be the easiest way to prove the connection between the accident and your injuries.
Gather Evidence
Unfortunately, how your accident occurred matters less than what you can prove. If you want to recover your losses, you will need evidence. The accident scene provides the most, so look for nearby cameras that may have recorded the crash, brake marks, oil leaks, etc. Take photos, write down details, and talk to witnesses.
Avoid Apologizing and Expressing Regrets
Sure, accidents are unfortunate and you regret being involved in one or seeing the damage and/or injuries other incurred. However, expressing your thoughts and feeling is not a good idea. It could be interpreted as an admission of guilt, and the parties at fault will not receive compensation for their losses.
Keep Records of All Your Expenses and Losses
Car repairs, medical bills, medicine, therapy, and everything necessary for your recovery can be reimbursed. So can your lost wages, pain and suffering, and other emotional losses. However, they have to be supported by evidence, so take notes and hold on to all bills, receipts, and invoices.
Act Early
As time goes by, you may forget things, lose papers, or lose contact with witnesses. Moreover, preparing and filing a car accident claim takes time. It is better to start early and not rush things than to do everything in a hurry or have your claim dismissed because the statute of limitations expired.
Follow Formalities to the Letter
Filing a car accident claim involves several formalities, like sending a formal notification of claim, substantiating the claim, etc. Find out exactly what formalities you to follow and do it, within the allocated timeframes. Otherwise, you could lose your right to compensation.
Don’t Sell Yourself Cheap
Insurers will try to get you to settle for less than you deserve. They may claim that you were partly at fault, lack sufficient evidence, exaggerated your losses, etc. Don’t fall for their tricks. Do your math, find out what they owe you, and make sure you get it.
Ask for Help
Yes, you can learn and figure things out on your own. However, it will take you time, effort, and money, and you will never obtain the results a Georgia car accident attorney would. You do not have to hire legal help if you do not want it but get at least one consultation. It will give you a chance to find out how much your claim is worth and how to force the defendant to accept and pay it.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Now!
No matter the stage your case is in, the opinion and advice of an auto accident lawyer can be invaluable. You can get ours for free, as we provide preliminary consultations. Call our office and schedule a free case review with a Georgia car accident lawyer at Joe Durham Jr., P.C.! We will help you figure things out and recover your losses.
