Car Accident Claim in Georgia? Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case

Avoiding some common mistakes made by many after a car accident will help secure a fair and just settlement for the personal injuries and damages you suffered.

If you have been in a car accident, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIGHT WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY BY YOURSELF!  Find a personal injury law firm in Georgia that is established and trustworthy.   A good attorney will reduce your stress level, help you get the medical treatment you need to recover, fight for you against the insurance company, and secure a much higher settlement than you will get on your own.  A reputable Georgia personal injury law firm will have one of their attorneys speak to you about your case free of charge and, if they accept your case, will do so on a contingent fee basis—meaning they will charge you nothing up-front and will only get paid if/when the case settles or a favorable verdict is obtained.

Things You Should Do After a Car Accident:

-If possible, take pictures and videos of the scene immediately after the car accident; as is the saying “a picture/video is worth a thousand words”.  If your injuries prevent you from doing so, ask someone else on scene to do this for you.  Videos with audio are especially helpful; you can record potentially incriminating statements made by the at-fault party at the accident scene as well as secure witness statements along with their names and contact information.

Things You Should Not Do After a Car Accident:

-Never agree with the at-fault party to NOT call the police.  Always call from the scene and report the car accident to 911; make sure that an officer arrives on-scene and an accident report is generated for the incident.

-If you have injuries, even minor ones, seek immediate medical attention.  Failure to do so will delay the time required for your recovery and will also affect the settlement value of your case.  A reputable Georgia personal injury/car accident law firm will have working relationships with many medical providers (orthopedists, neurologists, chiropractors, physical therapists, etc.,); they will be able to set up your medical treatment with no out-of-pocket costs to you.

-Never make any statement at the scene apologizing or taking responsibility for the car accident.  Such statements can be twisted by others to try to show that you admitted fault for the accident.

-Never speak to the at-fault driver’s insurance company.  Often, they will call soon after the car accident requesting that you make a statement.  DO NOT SPEAK WITH THEM!  The law does not require you to speak with them!  If you do speak with them they will be recording your statement; anything you say that could possibly be misconstrued and used against you will be done so.

-Never believe anything the at-fault party’s insurance adjuster promises you; it is sad to admit but THEY LIE—A LOT!  Their goal is to get you to accept a quick settlement—one that is greatly undervalued.  A reputable Georgia personal injury/car accident attorney can explain to you the different types of recovery you are entitled pursuant to Georgia law.

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION WITH ONE OF OUR GEORGIA CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

An attorney at Weaver Law Firm will speak with you today about your car accident case—at absolutely no charge.  We cover all of Georgia with three convenient offices located in Gainesville, Murrayville, and on GA Hwy 400 in Forsyth County.  Our phone number is 770-415-5555.  We are here to help if you are injured in a car accident in Georgia.