Any accident is stressful, especially if you feel guilty because you may be at fault or partially at fault for the car accident. You may also feel anxious because you are unsure of what to do next and how much this may cost you. But, unfortunately, accidents happen, and holding yourself accountable for your wrongdoing is crucial as you would be hopeful that someone would do the same for you. Also, it’s important to remember that guilt is not the same as taking full responsibility for the accident. This is why even if you are in a minor car accident, you should contact an experienced car accident attorney that will help you navigate through your case. However, our Atlanta car accident attorneys are here to walk you through the following steps if you are possibly at fault for a car accident.
Steps to take following a car accident in Atlanta
Here are the necessary steps you should take if you are in a car accident in Georgia. The first step you should always take is to call 911 immediately. It is vital to have the authorities ensure all passengers are okay, check the scene of the accident, and file a police report. You will need a police report to file any claim. Next, you will want to do the following;
Check yourself and your passengers – everyone’s safety is most important. So do a check on everyone to make sure they are okay.
If you can, move your car off the road – leaving your vehicle in traffic may cause more accidents. If it is safe, slowly drive your vehicle to the side of the road and out of the traffic flow.
Write down all details while they are still fresh in your mind – write down exactly what happened to cause the accident. (Even if you think you might be at fault) Also, if possible, write down a description of the other vehicle, license plate information, weather conditions, and other details.
Take photos – you’ll want pictures of the damage to your vehicle, the other vehicle, and any debris the other damaged car may have left behind.
Exchange information – You must exchange names, insurance information, phone numbers, and license plate numbers.
Report to your insurance company – Inform your insurance company about the accident because you don’t want to miss out on self-coverage.
Seek medical treatment – You must make sure you are cleared of any injuries and have a report from a doctor to use in your claim. Sometimes injuries don’t appear for a few days after your car accident.
Georgia is an at-fault state.
Under the law, Georgia is an at-fault state. This means drivers have to pay for accidents because of their negligent actions. However, both drivers can also be at-fault in Georgia. In addition, Georgia has a law called comparative fault. This means that when an accident case has been evaluated and it finds that both drivers share in the cause of the accident.
As mentioned above, you mustn’t automatically take the blame for your car accident because the following could apply to your car accident.
- Even if you are partially responsible for a car accident, you are not legally barred from seeking compensation for the percentage of damages that the other driver is responsible for (as long as it is at least 50 percent).
- It is discovered that you are more than 50 percent responsible; determining the other driver’s percentage of fault can reduce the percentage attributable to you and the amount of the other driver’s settlement.
Who determines who is at-fault when in a car accident in Atlanta?
It is the adjuster who will determine who is at fault. The adjuster will review all the facts, evidence, photos, and examine the scene and police report. They will also review witnesses’ statements, review weather conditions for that day, and analyze the damage to both cars.
What should you do after a car accident in Atlanta?
If you are involved in a car accident that you think you could be at fault, it’s important to contact an experienced car accident attorney.
Contact us or call Georgia Trial Attorneys at 833-4TheWin. We are experienced car accident attorneys who are here to help you. It is essential to understand your options, and you need an expert on your side. At Georgia Trial Attorneys, we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we will tailor your case to your specific situation.