Car accidents are unfortunate events that can happen to anyone on the road. They can cause property damage, injury, or even death. There were 6.7 million vehicle accidents recorded in the US in 2019, the NHTSA reports, with 36,096 fatalities and 2.74 million injuries.
If you are a driver in South Atlanta, you need to find out more about handling car accidents properly. Whether you are involved in a minor fender-bender or a major collision, you have certain rights and responsibilities that you should be aware of. Here are some tips on what to do after an accident:
Remain at the Scene and Call for Assistance
After a car crash, your first priority should be to make sure no one was hurt. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately and request medical assistance. Do not move anyone who is injured unless it is necessary to prevent further harm.
You should also call the police and report the accident. The police will arrive at the scene and investigate what happened. They will also write an official report that can be used as evidence later.
While waiting for help, you should turn on your hazard lights and use flares or cones to warn other drivers of the accident. Make sure you have the other driver’s full identification details, including their name, residence, contact number, license plate information, their license number, insurer, and policy number.
Take Photos and Gather Evidence
Another important step after a car accident is to take photos of the scene and gather evidence. You should take pictures of your vehicle, the other vehicle, any skid marks or debris on the road, any injuries or damage caused by the accident.
You should also look for any witnesses who saw what happened and get their contact information. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony that can support your claim later.
You should also write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible. Include details such as date, time, location, weather conditions, speed limit signs etc.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible after a car accident to report it. Your insurance company will assign an adjuster who will evaluate your claim and determine how much they will pay for your damages.
You should cooperate with your insurance company but be careful not to admit fault or sign anything without reading it carefully. You should also keep all receipts and documents related to your expenses such as medical bills, car repairs etc.
Seek Legal Support
Sometimes, you may not be satisfied with how your insurance company handles your claim. You may feel that they are offering you less than what you deserve or that they are denying your claim unfairly. In such cases, you may need legal support from an experienced attorney at law who can help you fight for your rights.
An attorney can help you negotiate with your insurance company or file a lawsuit against them if necessary. An attorney can also help you pursue compensation from the other driver if they were at fault for causing the accident.
Several legal approaches may be required for distinct kinds of auto accidents. For example, if you were involved in a trucking accident, you may have to deal with multiple parties such as truck drivers, truck owners, trucking companies etc. If you were injured by a drunk-driver accident, you may be entitled to punitive damages that can punish them for their reckless behavior.
An attorney can help you determine which type of case applies to your situation and how best to proceed.
Conclusion
Car accidents are stressful events that can have serious consequences. If you are a driver in South Atlanta, you need to know how to deal with them properly. By following these tips, you can protect yourself from further harm and seek just compensation for your losses.
