Marietta Car Accident Lawyer

Everyone involved in an accident must first stop. It is the law. Next, when safely pulled over, check yourself for injuries. You may feel pain in your neck, shoulders, back, legs and other areas. If you are experiencing any pain, you should not move and wait for help to arrive. Call 911, or have someone else do it.

The 911 operator will need to know the location of the accident, description of the scene (including any details of glass or hazards), and a description of the injuries. You must report the accident per O.C.G.A. 40-6-273 if the accident resulted in an injury, death or damage exceeding $500.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you do not file a report at the time of accident, you may not be able to claim any damages or seek further compensation if something else goes wrong.

You will need to exchange your contact information and the name of your insurance company with the other party. The other driver should provide you with their full name, home address, email address, telephone number, date of birth, driver’s license number, vehicle information (including license plate and registration), VIN, and insurance company and policy number.

Before you leave the accident scene, take photos and videos if you are able to do so safely and without placing yourself in harm’s way. It is important to take pictures of all vehicles involved, including damage hot spots, license plates, witnesses, other drivers, photos of the scene (such as a dangerous intersection or construction signs), and any other evidence you feel is relevant to your claim. This evidence will support your version of events. Too much evidence is almost always better than not enough.

If you plan on collecting any compensation, you will need to file a police report and give your statement to the police. However, if you are hurt badly, you should seek medical attention immediately and worry about the police report later.

Typically, law enforcement will arrive faster if there was an injury because they will need to arrange for an ambulance to come treat the injured party. They also must secure the accident scene, investigate the cause and issue traffic citations. If anyone is intoxicated or has an outstanding warrant, the Georgia police may place them under arrest.

You should talk to the police about what happened before and during the accident, as well as any injuries you are experiencing. This will go into the official police report, so it is important to be honest but highlight any pain and suffering that you have experienced. At the same time, avoid admitting fault or apologizing, even if you think you might have caused the accident.

You can obtain a copy of the police report after the accident by contacting Georgia’s Open Records department and completing the Accident Report Release Form. You can go to the Georgia Department of Safety website for more information on these records.

After speaking with police, you will also want to notify your insurance company. They will want all the details as well for determining who was at-fault, how your rates will be affected, and what claim you can file for vehicle damage. Be aware of the statute of limitations in Georgia for filing a claim with your insurance. If you wait too long, you may not be eligible for compensation.

Some people are not sure if they want to hire an attorney to handle their car accident claim. However, if you suffered an injury or significant damage to your vehicle where your life was threatened, you should consult an attorney about your legal options. In case of a fatality, an attorney may be able to collect significant compensation for the family that goes beyond just damages.