In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s common to feel shocked, disoriented, and overwhelmed – especially if someone else caused the crash. However, what you do in the next moments can impact your ability to recover the compensation you may be owed. Contact a Georgia car accident lawyer today.
Here’s what you can do to protect your rights after a car accident in Georgia:
- Remain at the accident scene – Under Georgia law, you must stop at the scene of an accident that results in vehicle damage, injury, or death. You must remain there to give aid and exchange information. You could be charged with a hit-and-run if you don’t, even if you were not at fault for the accident.
- Contact the police – Call 911 immediately to request emergency assistance and document the accident with a police report.
- Document everything – Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. Try to do this before the vehicles are moved, which can help crash reconstruction experts.
- Put your experience down in writing – Hold on to accident-related documentation and write down everything you can recall about the crash while it’s fresh in your memory.
- Watch what you say to the other driver – Even an innocent apology could be taken out of context and used against you as an admission of guilt.
- Talk to eyewitnesses – If any witnesses saw the crash occur, politely request their statements about the accident and contact details in case you or your attorney need to follow up with them later.
- Get medical care for your injuries – Even if you don’t receive emergency care at the scene, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible. You need to make sure your injuries are diagnosed, treated, and added to your medical records.
- Have your car inspected for damages – Take your vehicle to a trusted auto body shop and get an estimate of the cost of repairs.
- Contact a trusted car accident lawyer – A knowledgeable attorney can address your concerns and help you understand your options after a wreck.
At Kevin A. Adamson, P.C., our dependable Duluth car accident lawyer is dedicated to standing up for the rights of Georgia car accident victims. Contact us today to learn how we can help you seek the money you need during a free initial consultation.
The Hospital Asked for a Police Report — Should I Give It to Them?
The hospital does not need a police report after a car accident. They may tell you they need the report to bill your auto insurance provider or health insurance company, but this is false.
Hospitals sometimes ask for police reports because they want to send a Notice of Medical Lien to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Once this notice is delivered, the hospital has the right to demand full payment for your care, even if your hospital bill contains outrageous markups. This could significantly reduce the compensation you take home from your claim.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Most states have a statute of limitations that limits the amount of time you have to take certain types of legal action. Georgia’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, with limited exceptions.
The court may dismiss your lawsuit if you don’t file your lawsuit before the two-year deadline, and you can lose your right to demand compensation. An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand how the statute of limitations could impact you and make sure your case remains on track.
Should I Report the Accident to the Police? How Long Do I Have?
If the accident resulted in injury, death, or at least $500 in property damage, you are required by Georgia law to report the crash to the police. The law does not provide a specific deadline for reporting the accident. It only states that you must report the accident “immediately.” The Georgia Department of Driver’s Services also encourages drivers to fill out a Personal Report of Accident form after an accident. It doesn’t have to be filed with anyone. But it can help record important information about the accident and the other drivers. Some insurance companies require you to fill it out.
What Information Should I Share With the Other Driver?
When you exchange information with the other driver, you should be sure to get the following details from them:
- Their full legal name
- Their physical mailing address
- Their phone number and email address
- The name of their auto insurance company
- Their auto insurance policy number
- Their driver’s license number
- Their vehicle license plate number
- The year, make, model, and color of their car
Take note of the other driver’s appearance, too. If you don’t have a pen and paper, you can take photos of the necessary details with your phone.
Is There an Issue If I Do Not Exchange Information?
You are required to exchange information by law, but you also run the risk of never seeing or hearing from the other driver again if you don’t exchange information. You need the other driver’s contact and insurance information to file an insurance claim after the accident. It will become very difficult to get the compensation you’re entitled to without these details.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Georgia Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, don’t hesitate to contact Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. for a free initial case review with an experienced Duluth personal injury lawyer. We can address all of your concerns and help you determine the best next steps for your case.
