Even a minor car accident can be a traumatizing event physically, emotionally, and not the least of which, financially.
While every car accident is different, as longtime personal injury attorneys, we at Debranski & Associates can assure you that there are at least four phone calls you need to make after any accident to ensure that you can safely get back behind the wheel and on with your life.
Call 911
This isn’t just a good idea, it’s the law in Georgia. Georgia statute. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273 requires:
“The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or property damage to an apparent extent of $500.00 or more shall immediately, by the quickest means of communication, give notice of such accident to the local police department if such accident occurs within a municipality. If such accident occurs outside a municipality, such notice shall be given to the office of the county sheriff or to the nearest office of the state patrol.”
Legal obligation aside, you’ll need a record of what happened taken down by an impartial observer. The police report filed after the accident will contain details gathered by the officer on the scene and, most of the time will include the officer’s evaluation of which driver is at fault. They don’t always assign 100% of the blame to one driver, but even if they find that most of the blame rests with the other driver in an accident, this report will prove invaluable later on when you’re trying to recover damages or a settlement. The police play a crucial role in determining fault, and their report can significantly impact your case.
Call A Doctor
If you’ve suffered injuries as a result of the car accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. This not only takes care of and documents severe injuries like broken bones or cuts requiring stitches but also ensures that any soft tissue injuries, which may take time to surface, are not overlooked. Remember, your health is the top priority, and seeking medical help immediately after an accident is the best way to ensure your well-being.
Call Your Insurance Company
As with Georgia state law, insurance providers usually require this. It’s good to get your insurance company as soon as possible, though, so they can send their own people out to assess and document the damage to your vehicle while starting the process of negotiating with the insurance of the other driver. They’ll also likely take a statement from you and compare that to the police report and whatever documentation you have from medical evaluations. From there, depending on your policy, they’ll be able to assist you with getting your vehicle repaired or issue a check if it’s totaled (that is, if the total damage to the vehicle exceeds the total worth of the vehicle.) It’s important to understand that the insurance company will be looking out for their best interests, so it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your policy and rights.
Call a Personal Injury Attorney
While your insurance company can assist you in some ways, it’s important to remember that you may be entitled to a larger settlement than an insurance company can pursue. This is especially true if you’re seeking compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, or reimbursement for medical costs associated with the accident. To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, it’s crucial to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney who can handle insurance companies’ tactics and fight for your rights.
If you’re ready to work with a team that has been fighting for drivers in the North Atlanta Metro area for years, we’re here for you. At Debranski & Associates, we have a proven track record of fighting for our clients, and we’re committed to working tirelessly to get you the settlement you deserve. You can trust us to be by your side every step of the way, advocating for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.