When car accidents happen, victims might be unsure of their next steps. Our lawyers can guide you through the recovery process so that you ultimately claim the damages you are entitled to.
Immediately after an auto accident in Acworth, call 911. Exchange insurance information with the negligent driver and talk to eyewitnesses. Then, go to the hospital for medical assessment. In the days that follow the crash, our attorneys can investigate the incident further and focus on gathering evidence, such as surveillance footage and witness statements. As the weeks go on, you should continue to get the proper treatment for your injuries, and you can start tracking your damages. Be careful not to accept fault for the accident immediately afterward or have any gaps in your medical treatment in the days, weeks, and months following the crash.
You can call the Acworth, GA car accident lawyers of Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 to get a free case review now.
Steps to Take Immediately After Car Accidents in Acworth, GA
When motor vehicle accidents happen, victims must take certain steps in the immediate aftermath. These vital steps include calling the police, getting medical care, and preserving evidence.
Call for help in the moments after an auto accident. Do not wait for the negligent driver or eyewitnesses to do this. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273 mandates that parties involved in accidents that cause injury, death, or $500 in property damage report such accidents to law enforcement in Acworth immediately.
Even though victims only need to report certain car accidents to the police, it is a good idea to call 911, no matter how serious an accident initially appears. That way, you have documentation of the crash.
When police officers get there, you should answer their questions honestly and accurately. Tell them what happened and if you are injured.
After you have called 911, you can exchange insurance information with involved parties. This is mandatory. Beyond exchanging information, do not discuss the accident in detail with the other driver.
If you see eyewitnesses at the scene, talk to them. Ask for their phone numbers and names, and then give this information to our car accident lawyers.
Go directly from the accident scene to the nearest hospital. Do not delay getting medical treatment, as doing so could harm your case and make it harder to prove certain elements, like causation.
Steps to Take in the Days Following Car Accidents in Acworth, GA
In the days that follow your car crash in Acworth, continue to get medical treatment and contact our attorneys. We can help get the police report for your accident and start preparing your claim.
The police report should be ready within several days of the accident. You can access this report from the Acworth Police Department, either in person or online. Once in our possession, our lawyers can review the police report for additional information that might help your case.
We can also start investigating the accident further during this time. For example, if we locate security cameras near the accident site, we can contact the owners to request access to the footage. Doing this soon after an accident is important to ensure security camera footage is not deleted or lost.
Keep paying attention to your injuries during this time, as they might worsen if left untreated. You can also start tracking your damages from the accident, such as your medical expenses.
Steps to Take in the Weeks Following Car Accidents in Acworth, GA
As we continue to prepare your claim, our lawyers will gather additional evidence of negligence, may enlist experts to give statements, and can file your claim quickly to secure a higher chance of recovery.
Depending on the case, accident reconstruction experts may review the available evidence to determine the root cause of a crash. If necessary, we can get such individuals to apply their expertise to your compensation claim.
In the weeks following the accident, continue to monitor your physical recovery and financial damages. If you need to see additional specialists or get further treatment, do so.
Once we are confident in your claim, we can file your complaint with the court. This complaint must contain certain information about the accident, the defendant, your injuries, and your damages. Georgia’s two-year personal injury statute of limitations also applies to car accident lawsuits in Acworth. If you miss this deadline, you may not recover damages.
What Not to Do After Car Accidents in Acworth, GA
While there are many things victims should do after an accident in Acworth, there are also things victims should be careful not to do. Missteps at any point during your claim could jeopardize it.
First, do not apologize for the accident while you are at the scene. If you do, the defendant might use that as a reason to use a comparative negligence defense, arguing that you contributed to the accident and thus deserve lesser damages.
You should not allow for any gaps in your medical treatment, either. If you do, the defendant might question your commitment to your physical recovery and the seriousness of your injuries.
Furthermore, you should not be too hasty in bringing your claim. While filing soon after an accident is important, if you do not fully understand your injuries and damages, your claim might not be as strong.
After you bring your claim, the opposing side might want to negotiate a settlement. Even if you need compensation fast, you should only accept the first offer if it is fair. Generally, initial settlement offers are low and do not appropriately compensate victims. Our lawyers can review offers, negotiate settlements, and help victims proceed with trials if necessary in Acworth.
Call Our Injury Lawyers in Acworth, GA Today
Our Marietta, GA car accident lawyers can assess your case for free when you call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
