If you or a loved one gets injured in a car wreck in Georgia, there are several important things to remember. First and foremost, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if the injuries do not seem serious. Some injuries, such as concussions and internal bleeding, can be difficult to diagnose and may require immediate medical treatment. Call 911 from the scene if you or anyone else seems to be injured. Your health and well-being are most important. Tell your doctors and medical providers exactly what hurts and how the wreck occurred and any medical conditions you may already have. The more information they have the better they can treat you.
Once you or any other injured person has received medical attention, it is important to document the accident. This may include taking photos of the accident scene, obtaining contact information for any witnesses, and obtaining the other driver’s insurance information. If you have a dash camera, make sure you save the data or footage. Take photos of the vehicles involved. The more photos the better.
Make sure you do not admit fault at the scene. The responding officer will conduct an investigation, including talking to the involved parties, passengers, and witnesses. The officer will likely record the entire investigation through his or her body cam or dash cam. The recording can usually be obtained several weeks after the wreck and once the citations are issues and resolved.
If you receive medical treatment, it is important to keep track of any medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident. Medical bills, especially those incurred at the Emergency Department or hospital, can rise rapidly. Also make sure you explain in detail the full extent of your injuries. We recommend that you use your own health insurance to pay any bills you incur as a result of the car wreck. (Later, when negotiating a settlement, you should receive as part of the settlement the full amount of medical bills even if the bills were already paid by your health insurance.)
If the accident was caused by the other driver’s negligence or wrongdoing, it may be necessary to hire an experienced personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney can help you or your loved one recover compensation for their injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Your personal injury attorney will want copies of your photos, medical records, medical bills, and the police report.
When hiring a personal injury attorney, it is important to choose someone who is experienced and knowledgeable about the laws in Georgia. The attorney should also be someone who is willing to take the time to listen to your story and provide personalized advice. The attorney you choose should be someone you trust, someone who is local who can visit the scene of the wreck, and is willing to go to trial, if necessary. Your attorney should have competent staff and paralegals to assist.
Once the injured person has hired a personal injury attorney, the attorney and his or her team will begin the process of investigating the wreck and then negotiating a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company. The investigation often includes collecting photographs, witness statements, and your medical records and bills. Your attorney can also hire an expert, if necessary, to examine the vehicles or reconstruct the scene of the wreck.
Once your attorney has fully investigated the claim and you have recovered from your injuries, your attorney should prepare a settlement demand to the other driver’s insurance company. Most insurance companies understand that a good personal injury attorney will force the insurance company to pay a much larger settlement than if the injured party attempts to negotiate without the assistance of an attorney.
The settlement will typically include compensation for the injured person’s medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, your personal injury attorney may recommend taking the case to court. Each case is different, so make sure you have an opportunity to thoroughly discuss your case with your attorney.
In court, the personal injury attorney will present evidence and testimony to support the injured person’s claim. This may include medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other evidence. The goal of the personal injury attorney is to prove that the other driver was at fault and to help the injured person recover the maximum amount of compensation possible.
It is important to remember that every car accident and injury is different, and the steps to take after a car wreck will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident. However, by seeking medical attention, documenting the accident, and hiring a personal injury attorney, the injured person can protect their rights and ensure that they are able to recover the compensation they deserve.
Contact one of the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Jewkes Firm. They will provide a consultation free of charge and will advise you of your options and rights. Consider The Jewkes Firm as “the number one personal injury attorney near me.” Call them at 770-771-5130.