2024 What to Do After a Car Accident in Marietta?

Finding yourself unexpectedly amidst the aftermath of a serious car accident can be incredibly overwhelming. Assessing the damages, both to your vehicle and your own bodily injuries, can be difficult to take in at once.

Thankfully, you do not have to go through this alone. Consulting with a trustworthy Marietta car accident lawyer can help lift some of the stress off of your shoulders and guide you through the legal intricacies that follow so that you can shift your focus back on your own recovery.

Any auto collision can be traumatic to deal with and it’s understandably difficult to think clearly in the wake of an event of that magnitude, especially if you have sustained injuries yourself. Car accidents are rarely something that you anticipate, but understanding the specific steps that need to be taken following a serious car accident can help set you up for success when it comes to recovering the compensation necessary for you to adequately recover from the sustained damages.

What Steps Should I Take Immediately Following a Car Accident?

After a car accident, consider taking the following steps if you’re able to do so:

• Call 911: Regardless of the severity of the initial collision, calling 911 immediately to report the accident and receive the medical attention you need in a timely manner is vital. This also allows for law enforcement officers to come to your aid at the scene of the accident to begin conducting an official police report
• Check for Injuries: Right after you have called 911 and know that assistance is on the way, check yourself and any other passengers for injuries. You should also check with the other vehicle involved to see if they have sustained any injuries and are in need of any immediate assistance until emergency medical professionals arrive on the scene. However, it’s important not to make any statements to the other driver.
• Identify Eyewitnesses: Once you have checked everyone involved for injuries, it’s crucial that you identify any witnesses of the accident. If anyone stops to help you or see if you’re alright, ask them immediately what they saw and get their name and contact information. In many cases, witnesses will not stick around the scene once police have arrived, and their account of what happened could be lost forever.
• Take Pictures: As soon as you can, start taking pictures of both vehicles involved from multiple angles to accurately record the damages right there on the scene. It’s also just as important to take pictures of any sustained injuries from the crash, no matter how minor they may seem at the time.
• Exchange Information: Now is the time to make sure that you exchange all relevant information with the other driver involved, including drivers licenses, insurance cards, and their contact information. It is also recommended to gather the contact information of any of the passengers involved in the other vehicle.
• Speak With Police: It is essential that you speak directly with the police as soon as they have arrived at the scene of the accident. Providing a detailed account of what happened, the sequence of events, and any injuries sustained will help ensure that no relevant details are missed. It’s important to be respectful to the police officer at all times, and if you believe that there was any foul play involved, then say so.
• See a Doctor: If you have sustained any injuries, even if they seem minor at the time, being checked out by a doctor can only help you. This not only helps you receive any immediate treatment that you need, but it will also start building a medical report of the injuries, which can help your case.
• Contact a Lawyer: Consulting with a reputable personal injury law firm that has direct experience handling car accident cases in your area substantially increases your chances of achieving a successful outcome. They can review your claim in detail and walk you through the legal process to ensure that your rights are protected.

Of course, this is a considerable amount to remember, especially during the immediate fallout of an accident, but following these guidelines can help you or your loved ones receive the timely medical attention and legal guidance they need to proceed forward. This allows your personal injury lawyer to begin gathering evidence and formulating a winning strategy for you as soon as possible.

FAQs

Q: What to Do After a Car Accident in Georgia?

A: In the event of a serious car accident, the first thing that you should always do is call 911 to ensure that you receive the medical assistance you need as soon as possible. Calling 911 will also ensure that law enforcement arrives at the scene of the accident right away to conduct a timely police report.

Q: How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Georgia?

A: If you are involved in a car accident, you must file a report immediately following the incident in order to avoid potential hit-and-run charges or any false charges if the other driver files a report themselves claiming that you are at fault. Filing a report at the scene of the accident allows law enforcement to report their observations and include any immediate damages that occurred.

Q: Which of the Following Must You Do if You are Involved in an Accident?

A: If you are involved in a car accident, you must immediately call 911 to alert the police of the accident and ensure that emergency medical professionals arrive on the scene as soon as possible. Once you have done that, taking pictures of the accident and any resulting injuries, documenting eyewitness accounts, and contacting a trusted personal injury attorney are essential for obtaining a positive outcome.

Finding the Right Marietta Law Firm

Nobody expects to be involved in a car accident, let alone obtain injuries to themselves or others, but it’s important to be prepared so that if the time ever comes when you find yourself in that situation, you can hopefully follow the appropriate steps to ensure that your physical well-being and legal responsibility are protected.

Barnes Law Group has been representing car accident victims across Georgia for decades. Our team believes in a personalized approach to each unique case to ensure that we deliver on our goal of making it right for the victim. We would be honored to represent you or your loved one in their personal injury claim and take pride in providing our clients with compassion every step of the way as our team relentlessly seeks justice on their behalf.
Please feel free to give us a call or request a consultation for a case evaluation.