Were you involved in a traffic collision in Marietta? You are certainly not alone. Motor vehicle crashes are consistently a leading cause of accidental injuries in our region. In the aftermath of a car crash can be confusing, even chaotic. Knowing what to do can make a big difference. At The Persons Firm, LLC, we put victims and families first. In this article, our Marietta car accident attorney explains what to do immediately after a crash in Georgia.
What to Do After a Car Accident (Steps to Take in Georgia)
Step #1: Stop Your Vehicle, Secure the Scene
Georgia law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop immediately. Move your vehicle out of traffic if it can be done safely. Activate hazard lights. If anyone appears seriously injured, do not attempt to move them unless there is immediate danger. Preserving the scene matters. Leaving too early or failing to remain can create legal exposure and complicate insurance claims.
Note: If you or your loved one suffered a serious injury in a crash, emergency medical care is always the top priority. Nothing should come before your health and safety. Call an ambulance and get yourself (or your loved one) to the nearest emergency room.
Step #2: Contact Law Enforcement and Report the Crash
Most traffic collisions in Georgia need to be reported to law enforcement as a matter of state law. All injury crashes need to be reported. Most property damage from crashes still needs to be reported. Following an accident, you need to contact the state or local police right away, such as the Marietta Police Department. The responding officers can help to control the scene and create an official crash report that documents parties, vehicles, statements, and preliminary fault observations. In Georgia, insurers rely heavily on this report.
Step #3: Get Yourself to a Doctor for a Comprehensive Medical Evaluation
All car accident injuries should be evaluated by a doctor. Your health comes first. Some injuries do not cause immediate pain due to adrenaline. Head injuries, spinal trauma, and internal injuries often worsen hours later. Seek medical care the same day, preferably within hours. Without medical records, you will not be able to bring a car accident injury claim for compensation. For both health reasons and legal reasons, you should see a doctor right away after a serious crash.
Step #4: Never Admit or Accept Fault at the Scene or in the Immediate Aftermath
Georgia is a fault-based motor vehicle accident jurisdiction. You need to carefully document your crash. Use your phone to document everything before vehicles are moved, if possible. Photograph vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and road conditions. Capture visible injuries. You should also get names and contact information for witnesses. The more evidence you have, the better positioned you will be to bring a claim.
Notably, you should never apologize, admit fault, or accept any blame in the immediate aftermath of a collision. Under Georgia law (GA Code § 51-11-7), a modified comparative negligence standard is used to apportion liability for a motor vehicle crash. Any statement suggesting responsibility can later be used to reduce or bar recovery. Do not take it upon yourself to determine blame. Let your Marietta, GA car accident lawyer investigate the crash and handle fault.
Step #5: Notify Your Insurance Company (But Do So With Caution)
As a general rule, your insurance policy will require you to notify the company promptly if a crash has occurred. It is imperative that you carefully comply with the terms of your policy. A violation of a notice requirement could potentially invalidate no-fault benefits or other compensation that you may be entitled to under Georgia law. With that being said, when you do notify your own insurance provider, you should do so with caution. Insurance companies are not on your side. That includes your own insurance provider. When notifying them of your accident, you should provide basic facts only. Date, time, location, and vehicles involved are sufficient. Do not speculate about fault. Do not minimize your injuries. You should also decline a recorded statement. You only have to give notice at this time. Wait until you have a Marietta, GA car accident lawyer on your side for a full statement.
Step #6: Seek Professional Legal Representation
Auto accident injury claims are complicated. You may have a lot of questions about your rights, your options, and what comes next in the claims process. The good news is that you do not have to take on a big insurance company alone. You should set up a free, no-obligation initial consultation with a top-rated Marietta car accident lawyer. Your attorney can review your case, answer your questions, initiate a comprehensive investigation, and develop a strategy to help you get the maximum available financial compensation.
How Our Marietta, GA Auto Accident Attorney Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a serious car wreck can be stressful, even overwhelming. Knowing what to do is the thing that can make a very big difference when it matters most. At The Persons Firm, LLC, we help victims and families fight for justice immediately after a car accident. Our case results show what we can do for victims and families in complex claims. Your initial consultation with our Marietta, GA auto accident attorney is free of charge and without any additional obligations. We are ready to help you with your car accident injury claim immediately after a collision.
Contact Our Marietta Car Crash Lawyer for a Free Case Review
At The Persons Firm, LLC, our Marietta auto accident attorney is standing by, ready to help. If you have any questions about what you should do after a crash, we are here as a resource. Contact us now to arrange your no-cost, no-obligation initial case review. From our legal office in the 30060 zip code of Marietta, we are well-positioned to handle car accident cases throughout the broader region, including in 30008, 30062, 30064, 30066, 30067, and 30068.