Many people don’t consider what to do after a car accident. Until they are on the side of the road, saying, “What am I supposed to do now? ”
It could have happened while driving to or from work or shopping for food. In any case, it can be a hectic, stressful two hours.
Injury assessment and involvement with police and insurance companies could leave you with some factors unaccounted for.
Be Safe First
Check yourselves and others in the vehicles for injury before you worry about vehicle damage or what you will do if one of you has to file an insurance claim. If injured, call 911.
Even a minor hit can need some care and attention; most people don’t know that. Stop (away from traffic) and turn on your flashing red lights.
Collisions can cause distractions for all parties involved. Staying alert to passing traffic while waiting for assistance is equally important as tending to the crash scene immediately.
File A Police Report
Some people believe a police report is only required after a major accident. But, in most cases, an official record of the incident will help.
Officers will arrive and give a detailed description of the accident. Provide a factual summary of the incident, without judging or blaming the parties involved in the incident.
Other drivers, witnesses, weather, and road conditions may be relevant to your claim and will be included in the officer’s report.
Get Medical Attention
The biggest error in a car accident claim is to delay treatment.
Having a sense of normalcy after an accident is not uncommon. Neck pain, headaches, a stiff neck, or dizziness can occur late at night or the next day.
This is partly because the adrenaline can dull symptoms for up to hours after the accident. Injuries don’t always show right away. In reality, whiplash symptoms can be delayed.
Early treatment will help with early diagnosis and timely recording of the injury and the accident.
Document What You Can
Accident scenes change quickly.
Vehicles are moved. Debris gets cleared away. Witnesses leave. It might be well apparent on the spot, but not days later.
Take pictures of all vehicles, traffic signs, road surfaces, skid marks, and any injuries if possible. Provide the other driver with information and the insurance policy, and if possible, get information from the other driver’s witnesses.
A few minutes spent saving these details is also part of responsible post-car-crash care. Very small details can be crucial when an insurance company reviews a claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Most policies have a time limit for reporting an accident.
When speaking to your insurance company, be factual and clear. Don’t guess at something if you aren’t sure. Speculating about speed, distance, or fault can create confusion later.
Injury claims can complicate the claims process, especially when there is a dispute between drivers. When you’re not sure what to do after a car accident in Smyrna, GA, it’s important to keep accurate records and report the accident immediately to prevent further delays.
Early reporting also allows the claims process to begin while the details are still fresh.
Understand How Fault Can Affect a Claim
Not every accident involves a clear-cut version of events.
One driver may believe the other was entirely responsible. The other driver might have other perspectives. Georgia has a modified comparative negligence statute that takes these into consideration.
If a party is less than 50% at fault, he or she’s generally entitled to compensation. The amount recovered, however, may be diminished in proportion to their role in the fault.
This is in part why documentation is important. Photographs, deponent statements, and medical and police reports add to the picture.
When Legal Questions Start to Arise
Some claims move forward without much disagreement. Others become more complex when medical treatment is ongoing, liability is in question, or settlement negotiations have commenced.
An attorney may be able to help you in several situations: if your injuries are serious, multiple vehicles are involved, or the insurance company is contesting some part of your claim.
In some cases, an auto accident lawsuit may be necessary if a reasonable settlement can be achieved with the insurance companies.
Final Thoughts
Hours after a collision are already hectic enough without having to worry about insurance documents and related legal matters.
Begin at the beginning. Make sure everyone is safe. Get medical care when needed. Document the scene before important details disappear.
