What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

When you first got your learner’s permit, you were given a briefing on what to do if you ever got into a car accident. While this information is crucial and important, for the vast majority, their first accident may not happen for years or even decades after they start driving.

Car crashes are sudden, and because of that fact, they can be scary. High-impact crashes can spin or flip your vehicle over. When another vehicle hits yours, it can sound like a train has come rumbling off its tracks towards you.

For these reasons, you may struggle to remember what you’re supposed to do immediately after a car accident. Read on to refresh your memory of the right steps to take that will keep you safe and protect your legal rights. 

Check for Injuries and Call 911

One minute you’re driving along your usual route, and the next, you’re in an accident. As shocking as these types of situations are, your top priority is your health and safety. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries, and if you’re in harm’s way and capable, get to a safe spot. 

Simultaneously, you should also call 911 and report the crash to the police. The operator will ask you key questions and try to keep you calm. If you are aware of any injuries, make sure to let them know to send the paramedics.

Get Immediate Medical Care

It only makes sense that if you are injured, you should go to the hospital. However, many car accident victims are surging with adrenaline after the crash. In the absence of visible injuries, they often assume they’re not hurt, and that can be a deadly mistake to make.

Some of the most serious injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents have no visual signs, and symptoms may not arise for hours or days. Always err on the side of caution and visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately following the accident if you do not have any visible life-threatening injuries.

Capture Evidence for Your Injury Claim

If you’re not transported to the hospital, you should do your best to get as much evidence as possible. The police will give you a copy of the police report that details their accident scene findings. However, some officers are more thorough than others, and it’s better to have an abundance of evidence. Take your own photos and videos of the vehicles involved from multiple angles to be as comprehensive as possible. 

Don’t forget to take pictures of your injuries and record a digital memo of what you remember right before, during, and after the crash. Memories fade quickly and getting these details while they’re fresh is critical. You’ll want to keep all evidence – including the police report and medical records from treatment – together if you need to take legal action.

Exchange Information

Another thing you may or may not recall from learning to drive is that you are required to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Exceptions are made for those who are rendered unconscious from their injuries, but everyone else is expected to abide by this rule. 

Learn About Your Legal Options from a Lawyer

In a smaller accident with no injuries, you should be able to handle your claim on your own. However, if your injuries are significant, it is a good idea to protect your legal rights. A car accident lawyer in Atlanta can help determine your legal options and the right course of action.

Georgia is an at-fault state for car accidents, and that means the driver who caused the accident is held liable for injuries. Along with the modified comparative negligence rule that allows for shared blame, this often means that victims can be blamed for their injuries.

The other driver may try to claim it was all your fault. Their insurance company will be using its bag of tricks to try to minimize your settlement payout or assign you more than your share of blame. In Georgia, victims can still recover compensation if they are 49% or less at fault, and while that will reduce your settlement, if you’re over the threshold, you will be barred from seeking compensation.

Unfortunately, this happens quite often for car accident victims who don’t get an attorney to stand up for them. Most offer free consultations and work for you without any upfront fees, so it’s worth finding out more information to increase your chances of getting the full and fair amount you deserve.