After being in a car accident, you may find yourself in a state of shock; you may even be at a loss for words and may be confused about what has just happened. But understanding what you should not do immediately after a car accident in Atlanta will provide you with some good insight into what you should do after an accident. Our Atlanta car accident attorneys will give you the proper steps in this article so that you can take control of the situation.
If you have been injured, understanding what you should not do after a car accident in Atlanta can also give you a better chance of filing a successful claim.
7 things you should not do after being in a car accident in Atlanta
Understanding what not to do following a car accident can give you a chance to stay calmer, so you can process your thoughts and know the next steps to take. Additionally, it can help you to avoid mistakes leading to a more difficult calm.
1. Do not leave the scene of a car accident in Atlanta.
It is a felony to leave the scene of a car accident in Atlanta. If you can, the first thing you should do is call 911. Then you should;
- Assist the passenger(s) in your car
- Assist the passenger(s) in the other car
- If possible, pull your vehicle over to the side of the road.
- Take as many photos as possible.
- Exchange insurance information.
- Wait for the police
- File a police report
2. Try to stay calm
Understandably, you might feel sad or angry that you are in this situation; however, it is crucial that you stay calm and do not get into an altercation or a fight with the other driver. If you do, you could face severe legal consequences, which could significantly affect your case.
3. Do not admit to any fault.
You can empathize with the other driver and passengers; however, do not admit to any fault to both the driver and the police, especially your insurance company. Admitting any fault could be written in your statement and, again, could greatly affect your accident claim.
4. Do not discuss or post photos of your accident or injuries on social media.
Anything photos you post to your social media accounts may be used against you in court. For example, if you claim a serve back injury but are also posting photos of yourself doing active activities, these photos that are posted on social media could be used against you in court.
5. If you are hurt, don’t assume the pain will eventually disappear.
The first thing you should do after a car accident is to seek medical treatment. Even if you don’t think you are hurt, you could start feeling worst a few hours or even a few days after. A back or neck injury is the most common car accident, so professional medical needs to rule out any underlying conditions.
6. Don’t assume the other party will help pay your compensation.
Even if the other driver says, they will take care of everything and file a claim with their insurance company. Don’t assume that they will do so. Make sure you do your diligence at the car accident scene, file an accident report, follow up with your doctor to seek medical treatment, and contact an experienced attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve.
7. If you have been injured in a car accident, don’t try to seek a claim alone.
If you have been injured in a car accident, you deserve compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and property damage. Your chances of getting that compensation will likely increase if you hire an experienced car accident attorney in Atlanta who understands insurance company negotiations.
Our Atlanta car accident attorneys can help you.
If you have been injured in an accident in Atlanta, contact our attorneys for help. We can not only provide you with a free consultation, but we can also recommend a doctor who understands the types of injuries you have received from your car accidents. Our car accident attorneys work with our clients to create a strong case and get you the compensation you deserve.
If you are ready to meet with an attorney, contact us at 833-4TheWin for a complimentary consultation.