Marietta Car Accident Lawyer
If you live in Cobb County or ever drive through the area, you know just how congested the roads can be. Rush hour traffic means crawling along at a few miles an hour, and events at venues like Truist Park and Cobb Energy Centre only makes the gridlock worse. Even at low speeds, car wrecks can happen. When they do, victims could be left with debilitating injuries and other losses.
Low-speed accidents are one of the most common types of wrecks in Marietta. It is commonly believed that these types of collisions are always minor. But it is important that you do not treat the incident as nothing more than an inconvenience. Back injuries, whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and other bodily harm can result from wrecks at any speed.
If you have been injured in a car wreck, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. The skilled attorneys at Scholle Law have represented car crash victims in Cobb County for over 25 years. While the insurance company may try to minimize or deny your claim, our team will fight for every penny you are owed.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Marietta car accident lawyer, call us at (866) 592-1296 or contact us online today.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Cobb County
Imagine you are in your car driving past The Big Chicken. You see the red light at Gresham Road up ahead, and you slowly start to hit your brakes. Before you know it, the driver of the car behind you has just bumped into you because they did not see you braking.
This is just one of the many ways crashes happen in Marietta. Whether you were T-boned at high speeds or rear-ended in a traffic jam, auto accidents can always result in injuries. Even if you do not immediately feel any pain, it is important to follow these steps to protect your physical, mental, and financial well-being:
Step #1: Stop and check for injuries
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.
Step #2: Report the accident to police
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.
Step #3: Exchange information with the other driver
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.
Step #4: Gather evidence
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.
Step #5: Talk to the police
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.
Step #6: Notify your insurance company
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.
Step #7: Contact a Georgia car accident lawyer
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.
Speak to a Marietta Car Accident Attorney Today
Chances are, you will be involved in a car wreck at some point in your life. If you are lucky, the collision will result in little more than minor property damage and some cuts and bruises. Unfortunately, every car accident, no matter how inconsequential it may seem, can result in severe injuries.
If you have been injured in a car wreck, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. The skilled attorneys at Scholle Law have represented car crash victims in Cobb County for over 25 years. While the insurance company may try to minimize or deny your claim, our team will fight for every penny you are owed.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Marietta car accident lawyer, call us at (866) 592-1296 or contact us online today.