Auto accident victims in Macon, GA, suffer physically, emotionally, and financially. The Georgia Department of Public Health affirms that auto crashes rank second in causing injuries, deaths, and ER visits in Georgia. Amidst the scare and confusion, victims don’t know what to do or how to protect their interests. Working with an experienced Macon personal injury lawyers is invaluable, ensuring you receive compensation for damages, including medical costs and loss of income. Read on to three critical things car accident victims should know.
1. Collect Data
Documenting the accident is paramount and helps with the claims process and determining liability. First, obtain the other driver’s personal information like name, phone number, address, license plate, and insurance details. When dealing with uncooperative motorists, get their license plate, vehicle description, and photos. Second, collect witness contact information, if any.
Third, take pictures of the accident scene and damaged vehicles and property. These photos can be helpful in accident scene reconstruction and in clarifying inconsistencies in witness accounts. Note any helpful information, such as driving conditions, damaged roads, or missing traffic signs. If you can’t document the scene due to your injuries, ask a trusted friend to do so.
Remarkably, during this phase, refrain from discussing faults or how an accident happened with other parties. In addition, don’t share personal data like bank details, social security numbers, and insurance coverage limits. Above all, apart from notifying your insurance provider about the accident, do not negotiate compensation, especially with the other party’s insurance.
2. Get a Medical Checkup
A common mistake victims make is assuming they are uninjured, thus failing to seek medical care. Whether or not you have physical injuries or symptoms, let a doctor examine you. Some injuries, such as whiplash, do not show immediately, and symptoms take hours or even days to surface. In some cases, the adrenaline released in an accident conceals the pain. Common car crash injuries include fractures, cuts, head trauma, internal bleeding, back injuries, and concussions.
Apart from treating injuries and avoiding complications, getting medical care documents is helpful in the claims process because it ties your injuries to the accident. Failing to get prompt medical care can be used against you to prove you didn’t sustain significant injuries.
3. Work With a Car Accident Lawyer
With your medical costs rising, it can be tempting to forgo hiring a lawyer and take the first offer an insurance adjuster offers. However, this approach will not be in your best interest. A car accident lawyer offers legal advice, helping you determine whether there’s a claim.
Under Georgia law, if someone else’s negligence caused an accident and injury, they bear the legal liability and should compensate the victim. A lawyer investigates the accident, identifies how it happened, and who was responsible.
If another party acted negligently, the lawyer develops a solid case to show they were liable for the accident and, thus, the victim’s injuries. A personal injury lawyer focuses on the claim and getting you fair compensation, so you concentrate on recovery and getting back on your feet.
Communication with insurance providers is among the most essential roles of a car accident lawyer. Insurers are notorious for manipulating victims into accepting low to no payments to maximize profits. A reputable lawyer has experience dealing with insurance providers, increasing the odds of a fair payout without dirty antics.
The aftermath of an auto crash can be traumatic, from injuries to emotional turmoil and huge hospital bills. Knowing what to do is vital and avoids costly mistakes while safeguarding your interests. A lawyer helps you navigate the legal process of an accident to get compensation for damages and recover quickly.
