Car accidents can be a shocking experience, both physically and mentally. Many people involved in car accidents are left stunned after the initial impact and uncertain of what to do next. If you are involved in a car accident, there are certain people you should call to preserve any evidence that may be needed to prove liability and damages in the future.
If you live in Georgia and were recently involved in a car accident, you should consult a seasoned Georgia car accident attorney to examine the circumstances surrounding your accident and whether you may be able to recover damages for any harm you sustained.
The First Call You Should Make
The first phone call you should make following a car accident is to 911. Even if it does not seem like an accident caused any injuries or significant damage, it is important to document evidence of how the accident occurred and the extent of any harm caused by the accident. Further, calling the police following an accident is not only prudent, it is also required under Georgia law for any car accident that results in an injury, death, or property damage that exceeds $500.00.
Typically, any first responder that responds to the 911 call will speak with the parties involved in the accident. Emergency medical services will assess the initial injuries caused by the accident and assist the injured parties in obtaining any treatment they need. The police will evaluate the damage to the cars involved in the accident and obtain eyewitness accounts of how the accident occurred. Any statement taken by the police and the observations of the police should be included in the police report. If the police determine that one of the drivers violated a provision of the Georgia motor vehicle laws, the driver will probably be issued a citation.
Calling Your Insurance Company
The most important consideration following a car accident is making sure everyone is safe and that any injured party receives any necessary medical care. After any medical needs have been tended to and the police have investigated the accident, you should call your insurance company to report the accident. Georgia drivers are required to have a certain amount of insurance, and you may be able to recover benefits for any injuries you suffered or the cost to repair your vehicle through your insurance policy.
In addition to filing an insurance claim, you can pursue litigation against the other driver. To recover compensation from the other driver involved in the accident, you will have to prove he or she caused the accident and, therefore, should be liable for any harm it caused. The police report is an important piece of evidence that can be used to show the other driver caused the accident, especially if he or she was issued a citation.
Speak with an Experienced Georgia Car Accident Attorney Regarding Your Accident
If you suffered damages due to a car accident in Georgia you should speak with an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your options for pursuing compensation. The knowledgeable car accident attorneys of Scholle Law will provide you with effective representation and will work diligently to help you seek the full extent of damages you may be owed. We can be reached at 770-717-5100 to set up a free and confidential consultation.