What to Do After a Car Accident
Do You Know What to Do after a Car Accident?
No one expects to be in a car crash. If you find yourself in this situation, however, do you know what to do? From the moment of impact, the actions you take — or fail to take — after a car accident can affect the outcome of your injury claim.
Attorneys at Gary Martin Hays & Associates, are committed to seeing that those who suffer injuries in motor vehicle accidents are treated fairly by insurance companies and recover the compensation they need and deserve. We suggest you print out the following instructions and keep them in your auto along with your insurance card and registration.
At the Scene of the Car Crash:
- Determine whether anyone is injured. Administer first aid and call 911 to report the accident and any injuries.
- Exchange insurance information, driver's license numbers, phone numbers and addresses with every driver involved in the accident.
- Get names, phone numbers and addresses of witnesses.
- Take pictures, or ask if someone has a camera or cell phone camera to take pictures of all sides of any damaged vehicle, any skid marks or debris, damaged guardrails or signs, and any injuries.
- Ask the police or highway department officer where you can get a copy of the accident report.
- If the accident involved a commercial vehicle, photograph the registration numbers on the trailer as well as the cab and ask for the name of the van or truck's owner.
At the First Opportunity After the Accident:
- If you lost consciousness after the crash, even for a moment, be sure to see a doctor right away. Have a doctor evaluate any injury, even whiplash.
- Report the accident to your insurance company.
- Other than reporting the accident and giving your insurance company the contact information for other drivers, do not make any statement to an insurance company representative until you have talked to your lawyer.
- Get a copy of the accident report.
- Continue any medical treatment recommended by your doctor.
- If you were seriously injured, contact an attorney to see that you protect your right to full compensation.
Call Gary Martin Hays & Associates Toll Free: 866.710.4116
Call us before making a statement or signing any settlement form. Contact us to arrange a free confidential consultation and claim review with an attorney regarding your car wreck. From offices in Atlanta and Athens, our lawyers serve clients throughout Georgia.
