According to the Georgia Department of Transportation an average of one million people per year are involved in car accidents in Georgia either as drivers, passengers, or pedestrians. Many of these Georgia car accidents result in serious injury or death.
What to Do at the Accident Scene
Regardless of how minor the accident may be, Georgia law requires that you stop. If possible, you should move your care off the road so as not to endanger other drives. Additionally, you should call the police. You should also:
- Get the name, address, phone number, and insurance information of the other driver, as well as the year, make, and model of his car;
- Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the accident;
- Take pictures of the accident scene;
- Take notes about how the accident occurred; and
- Draw a diagram of the accident scene showing the position of the cars before and after impact.
What to Do After the Accident
Even if you do not believe you are injured, you should see your doctor after an accident just to make sure. Because some injuries may not manifest in symptoms for a few days, you should be aware of any aches, pains, and discomfort that may arise and seek medical treatment immediately.
Regardless of how minor your injuries might be, it is imperative that you follow the course of treatment prescribed by your physician. If your injuries impact your daily life, be sure to keep a journal in which you document how your injuries have affected you.
You must also notify your insurance company. Most insurance policies give you a limited amount of time to report an accident. If you fail to report it within the timeframe set forth in your auto insurance policy, your claim will be denied.
Finally, you should contact a qualified personal injury attorney immediately. The statute of limitations for auto accidents is two years in Georgia. If you fail to file suit before expiration of the statute of limitations, you will forever be barred from seeking compensation for your injuries and property damage.
Getting Legal Help
If you are injured in an auto accident in Georgia, you should hire a qualified Georgia personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney will review your case to determine whether you have a valid claim and will represent you in negotiations with the insurance company. If negotiations fail, he will represent you at trial to help you get the compensation you deserve.
