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Even the best drivers can be involved in automobile accidents. Therefore, it is essential for everyone to know the steps to take immediately following an accident to protect lives, ensure safety, safeguard property, and uphold the legal rights of all parties involved. Taking the right actions at the right time can save lives and help avoid legal complications. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer to help you obtain the financial compensation you deserve. Our Atlanta car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.
Here are the steps to take if you are involved in an accident with another vehicle or pedestrian:
- Stop Your Car
Never leave the scene of an accident involving you or your vehicle. Regardless of how minor the collision may seem, failing to stop can lead to criminal prosecution, even if the accident was not your fault. Stop your car as soon as it is safe to do so, without further endangering any person or property and without obstructing traffic. Take necessary precautions to warn oncoming traffic to prevent additional accidents. If possible, have someone positioned to alert approaching vehicles. At night, use flares, reflectors, or a flashlight for visibility. - Assist the Injured
If possible, have someone call an ambulance or a doctor immediately. A telephone operator can help you locate assistance. When seeking help, it is crucial to accurately communicate your location so that aid can reach you without delay. Make sure the person calling knows the name and number of the road where the accident occurred, the location of the vehicles along the road, and the direction in which they were traveling. Render first aid only if you are qualified to do so. Generally, it is best not to move an injured person. Keep them warm by covering them with blankets or coats. If there is any bleeding, apply pressure or use a tourniquet to stop it. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. - Call the Police
Police officers are trained to handle situations that may arise after an accident. Even if you are not physically injured, you may still experience shock and excitement, which can make it difficult to think clearly. If the accident occurs within a city or town, call the city police. If it occurs on an open highway, contact the nearest office of the Georgia State Patrol or the sheriff’s office. When the police officer arrives, briefly explain the basic facts of the incident. The report may be helpful if a liability claim is made in the future. - Identify the Driver
Obtain the other driver’s name, address, and registration number of their vehicle. Also, ask to see their driver’s license. If possible, obtain the name of their insurance company and the policy numbers covering their vehicle. - Witnesses
Collect the names and addresses of all passengers in all cars involved in the accident. Additionally, gather names and addresses of all eyewitnesses. If feasible, request a statement from witnesses about what happened and, if they agree, have them write it down on the scene. Always keep a pencil and notepad, as well as this pamphlet, in the glove compartment of your car. - Take Notes — Fill Out Accident Form and Diagram
Make written notes regarding all significant details related to the accident. Document the position of the cars after the accident and measure the exact distances of skid marks and other relevant distances. It’s vital for you to be able to indicate where the vehicles collided and where they came to a stop. If you or someone else has a camera at the scene, take pictures to preserve evidence such as skid marks, car positions, and other physical details that may disappear after the accident. Fill out the Accident Information Form and Diagram included in this folder as it applies to the specifics of your accident. - Comments
Avoid making comments about the accident. Keep your notes and information confidential. Do not admit fault or sign anything, even if you think you were wrong. You might later find out that you were not at fault, or that the other driver shares responsibility. Emotions during the accident can be misleading. If later evidence clearly indicates that you alone were at fault, that will be the appropriate time to accept responsibility. - Arrest
An arrest at the scene does not necessarily imply civil liability. An arrest related to an automobile accident typically cannot be used in a subsequent lawsuit for damages. Remember that any statements you make may be considered admissions of guilt, so it’s crucial to contact your lawyer before making any statements. - When to Leave the Scene
Unless your injuries require otherwise, do not leave the scene of the accident until you have:
- Assisted the injured individuals
- Protected the accident scene
- Called the police and assisted them
- Identified the other driver(s)
- Obtained the names, addresses, and statements of all witnesses
- Taken notes and completed the Accident Information Form and Diagram provided below
- See a Doctor
Visit your doctor immediately and encourage your passengers to do the same. - Reports
Georgia law no longer requires individuals involved in an accident to file a written report with the Georgia Department of Public Safety. However, you should immediately contact your insurance representative and send a written notice as soon as possible. This notice should include pertinent information about the time, location, and circumstances of the accident, as well as the names of any injured individuals or witnesses. If you fail to notify your insurance company in writing within a reasonable timeframe, it may provide grounds for the insurance company to deny coverage for your accident. Therefore, it is crucial to report the accident without delay. - Claims Made Against You
Refer any claims directed at you to your insurance company. Do not make any payments or promises to pay any claimants, as doing so is at your own risk. Immediately forward all documents served to you to your insurer. If your insurance coverage is inadequate to address the claims made against you, consult your personal attorney right away. Additionally, your liability insurance policy may include provisions for paying medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. If you decide to file a claim for property damage or personal injury resulting from the accident, ensure that any settlement offer you receive is fair and reasonable before accepting. Your attorney is well-equipped to advise you on your rights and the fairness of any settlement offers.
Personal Injury
If another driver is at fault in an accident, a car accident lawyer in Atlanta can assist you in filing legal claims for personal injuries. These claims are generally based on your medical expenses and lost wages due to the accident. Additionally, under specific circumstances, a jury may award damages for pain and suffering. Other types of damages may also be recoverable.
Property Damage
If another driver is at fault in an accident, a car accident lawyer in Atlanta can assist you in filing legal claims for personal injuries. These claims are generally based on your medical expenses and lost wages due to the accident. Additionally, under specific circumstances, a jury may award damages for pain and suffering. Other types of damages may also be recoverable.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most common causes of injuries and fatalities in the U.S. These accidents can lead to serious injuries that may result in life-changing consequences. Individuals who suffer severe injuries may require care from others for the rest of their lives. Car accidents can occur for various reasons, including:
- Driver inattention
- Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Speeding
- Running a stop sign/red light
- Reckless driving
Driver inattention has long been a leading cause of car accidents. Traditionally, this was associated with activities like falling asleep at the wheel, eating, or failing to keep one’s eyes on the road. More recently, mobile technology has contributed to driver distraction, including the use of cell phones, GPS devices, and tablets. Many states have enacted laws to restrict cell phone usage while driving; however, enforcing these laws can be challenging. Often, by the time it is determined that a driver was texting at the time of an accident, the damage has already been done.
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in all states; unfortunately, many people still get behind the wheel after drinking excessively, resulting in devastating accidents.
Speeding
Despite road signs indicating safe driving speeds, some drivers choose to speed, either because they are in a hurry or because they enjoy reckless driving. This behavior can have severe consequences. A speeding driver who loses control poses a significant risk to everyone sharing the road, potentially causing serious damage to vehicles and life-threatening injuries or fatalities to drivers and passengers involved.
Running a Stop Sign/Red Light
Stopping at a red light or stop sign at an intersection is mandatory. Anyone caught violating this rule will receive a citation; however, by then, it may be too late, as accidents can lead to severe injuries or fatalities caused by someone else’s actions.
Reckless Driving
Reckless drivers pose significant dangers on the road because they often disregard traffic laws and take unnecessary risks. They ignore traffic signs without considering the potential harm they could cause. If stopped by a police officer, these drivers can face serious consequences, such as license suspension, hefty fines, and even imprisonment; however, this often does not deter them, and they continue to cause accidents that result in injuries and fatalities.
Injuries in Car Accidents
One of the most common injuries resulting from car accidents is whiplash. This often occurs when an inattentive driver fails to stop in time, leading to a sudden impact that catches the occupants off guard. Other common injuries include damage to the back, spine, neck, and torso, as well as broken bones and traumatic brain injuries. Severe burns may occur if a car catches fire upon impact. These injuries can have lasting personal and financial effects on victims, potentially remaining with them for the rest of their lives.
Personal Injury Claims are Possible
Fortunately, nearly all states in the U.S. offer protection for victims of car accidents that were not their fault. If you can prove negligence on the part of the other driver, you may be able to file a compensation claim against them for your injuries. If you have been injured in a car accident, it’s crucial to consult with a car accident attorney in Atlanta. They can help pursue a claim to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay upfront fees; instead, legal fees are deducted from the settlement. Be aware that most states have a statute of limitations, typically two to three years from the date of the injury, within which claims must be filed to remain valid.
Insurance Companies Lonnie Law LLC has worked with in the past include:
- AIG
- Allstate
- American Automobile Association
- American Family Insurance
- American National Insurance Company
- Amica
- Arbella
- Assurant Employee Benefits
- Auto-Owners Insurance
- CapitalOne
- CNA Financial
- Colonial Life
- Commerce Insurance Group
- COUNTRY Financial
- Chubb Corporation
- Encompass
- Erie Insurance Group
- Esurance
- Evergreen USA RRG
- Farmers Insurance
- GEICO
- Genworth
- GMAC Insurance
- Hanover Insurance
- The Hartford
- Infinity Auto Insurance Company
- John Hancock Insurance
- Liberty Mutual
- Merchants Insurance Group
- Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
- Mutual of America Life Insurance Company
- Mutual of Enumclaw
- Mutual of Omaha
- Nationwide Insurance
- OneBeacon Insurance Group
- Pemco
- Principal Financial Group
- Progressive
- Prudential Financial
- Regence Group
- Safe Auto Insurance Company
- Safeco
- Safeway Insurance Group
- Selective
- Shelter Insurance Companies
- Standard Insurance Company
- State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
- The Travelers Companies, Inc.
- Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance
- USAA
- Westfield Insurance
