Important Steps to Take After an Accident
Life takes an unexpected turn when you're involved in an accident. The physical, emotional, and financial aftermath can be overwhelming, leaving you grappling with many questions about your future. Amid the chaos, there are certain steps that should be taken to protect your health and help your claim or lawsuit.
After an accident, the support and guidance of a seasoned attorney can be invaluable. Brian Arnold, of Arnold & Arnold LLC, provides such assistance. He and his team work relentlessly to safeguard the rights of their clients, striving for the best possible outcomes.
It's critical to know the essential steps to take after an accident to protect your rights and ensure you receive adequate compensation. Review the steps below and reach out to Brian Arnold as soon as possible. His firm is proud to serve clients across Macon, Covington, Dublin, Savannah, Cochran, Augusta, and Columbus, Georgia.
1) Prioritize Safety/Medical Care
For Your Own Sake
Your health should always be your first priority. Even if you feel fine, it's crucial that you seek medical attention immediately after an accident. The symptoms of some injuries may not appear until several days or even weeks later. By then, it might be too late to reverse the damage. Getting checked out by a medical professional ensures that any injuries are detected and treated promptly.
For Documentation Purposes
In addition to safeguarding your health, seeking immediate medical care is also essential for legal reasons. When filing an insurance claim, you'll need official documentation of a medical diagnosis. This evidence can strengthen your case and increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation.
For Peace of Mind
If you delay getting medical treatment, the insurance company could argue that your injuries aren't as severe as you claim or that they were not caused by the accident. This could potentially weaken or dismiss your claim and reduce the amount of compensation you receive.
2) Call the Police
Calling the police is an important step at the scene of the accident. Regardless of the severity of the incident, having law enforcement present ensures an official report is made. This report contains crucial details about the accident that can support your insurance claim and any legal actions you might need to take later.
3) Gather Documentation
The Other Driver’s Information
Collect all necessary information from the other driver or drivers involved in the accident. This includes their contact details, insurance information, and license plate number. Having this data is helpful for filing your insurance claim.
Witnesses
If there are witnesses at the scene, try to obtain their contact information too. Their account of the incident can provide additional evidence to support your claim.
Police Report
The police report is a critical piece of documentation that contains vital details about the accident. Keep this document safe as it will be essential when filing your insurance claim.
Medical Records
Keep track of all medical records related to your injuries from the accident. These documents further substantiate your claim and can demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the treatment you received.
Your Account of What Occurred
It's a good idea to write down or voice record your own account of what happened as soon as possible after the accident while the memories are still fresh. This personal record can serve as valuable evidence in your claim.
4) Notify Insurance
Different insurance policies have varying deadlines for reporting accidents. Some might require notification within just two days. Be sure to notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible to avoid any potential complications with your claim.
5) Hire an Attorney
Hiring an attorney like Brian Arnold of Arnold & Arnold LLC, located in Macon, Georgia, can greatly assist you in working through the legal process following an accident. An experienced attorney can protect your rights, handle communication with insurance companies, negotiate settlements on your behalf, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Potential Pitfalls to Avoid
Uninsured Driver
If the other driver involved in the accident doesn't have insurance, it can complicate the process of seeking compensation. An attorney can guide you through this complex situation and explore alternative avenues for obtaining financial recovery.
Consider All Costs
When calculating damages, consider all costs associated with the accident. This includes medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages. An attorney can help you accurately assess these costs to ensure you seek adequate compensation.
Making Sure Medical Costs Are Final
Before accepting any settlement offers, ensure that all medical costs are finalized. You don't want to agree to a settlement only to discover later that your medical expenses are higher than anticipated.
Low First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often make low initial settlement offers. Be cautious of accepting these offers without consulting with an attorney first. An experienced attorney can evaluate the offer and negotiate for a fairer amount if necessary.
Statute of Limitations
Every state has a specific time limit, known as the statute of limitations, within which you must file a personal injury claim. For personal injury cases in Georgia, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file suit. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you might lose your right to seek compensation. An attorney can ensure you meet all relevant deadlines.
Reach Out for Help Today
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident is a stressful process. However, by taking these important steps of prioritizing your health, gathering the necessary documentation, promptly notifying your insurance company, and hiring a competent attorney, you can protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. It's a challenging journey, but remember, you don't have to go it alone.
With Arnold & Arnold LLC on your side, you're not just getting legal representation; you're gaining a steadfast advocate who will help you regain control of your life and secure the benefits or compensation you rightfully deserve.