What to Do After a Car Accident That Was Not Your Fault in Georgia
Getting into a car accident is stressful, especially when it was not your fault. You may be hurt, your vehicle may be damaged, and insurance companies will start asking questions fast. Knowing what to do next can help protect your health, your rights, and your chance to recover the full cost of your losses.
In this blog, we cover the critical steps to take after a car accident that was not your fault, and explain how working with an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer from The Weinstein Firm can help protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Step 1: Protect Yourself and Report the Crash
After a car accident that was not your fault, your first priority is safety and legal reporting. This step helps protect your health and your ability to file an insurance claim.
Check for Injuries and Call 911
Look for injuries to yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, emergency medical attention is important. Injuries can get worse over time.
Move to a Safe Area
If your vehicle is still working and it is safe to do so, move it to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. If the car cannot be moved, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
Contact the Police to Report the Accident
Call the police to report the collision. Georgia law requires you to report any crash that causes injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage. This is outlined in O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273. When the police arrive, give them the facts. Do not argue with the other driver or guess who was at fault.
Ask for the Police Report
Once the officers complete their report, ask how to get a copy. The police report is a key part of your car insurance claim. It helps show what happened and may include who the officer believes caused the crash. Keep a copy for your records and share it with your car accident lawyer.
Step 2: Exchange Information and Document the Scene
Once everyone is safe and the police have been called, gather the details you will need for your insurance claim and legal protection.
Exchange Contact and Insurance Information
Speak with the other driver calmly. Ask for their name, phone number, driver’s license number, insurance provider, policy number, and vehicle registration. Write down the license plate number and the make and model of their vehicle. Give the same information in return. Avoid discussing who was at fault.
Take Photos and Video of the Scene
Use your phone to capture images of every vehicle involved. Photograph the damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks. Take wide shots of the scene and close-ups of specific damage. Include photos of any visible injuries. This visual evidence helps support your car insurance claim and shows what happened before the vehicles are moved or repaired.
Speak to Witnesses
If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and contact information. A witness who is not connected to either driver can help confirm what happened. Their statement may be useful to the police, your insurance company, or your car accident lawyer.
Keep All Records Organized
Save everything you collect in one place. Store digital files, written notes, and police contact details together. This documentation helps during the claims process and gives your attorney what they need to prove you were not at fault.
Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company and Start the Claim
Even if the accident was not your fault, you need to contact your insurance provider to begin the claims process and protect your coverage.
Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
Call your insurer as soon as possible after the accident. Give them the basic facts about what happened, including the time, location, and the other driver’s information. Share the police report once you receive it. Reporting the crash early helps avoid delays in processing your claim.
Stick to the Facts
Do not guess or admit fault during your conversation with the insurance adjuster. Keep your answers simple and accurate. Let them know the other driver caused the accident, but do not offer opinions or assume blame. Your car accident lawyer can speak on your behalf if needed.
File the Insurance Claim
Once you report the crash, your insurance company will open a claim file. They may ask for photos of the vehicle damage, the police report number, and contact details for any witnesses. The adjuster will review the information to confirm fault and coverage.
Understand Who Pays in Georgia
Georgia uses an at-fault insurance system. This means the insurance company for the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages. If the other driver is found liable, their insurer should cover your repair costs, medical bills, and related expenses. Your own insurance may cover certain costs up front and seek reimbursement later.
Step 4: Call a Car Accident Lawyer to Protect Your Rights
When the crash was not your fault, having a skilled attorney on your side matters. We at The Weinstein Firm stand ready to defend your rights and secure fair results.
Let Us Handle Insurance and Legal Complexities
We know how insurance providers work. An adjuster may try to limit your claim. We talk with the insurance company for you. We review their offer and push for full payment. Our goal is to secure compensation for repair costs, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We Investigate, Document, and Prove Liability
We investigate the crash using evidence like the police report, vehicle damage, photos, witness statements, and accident-scene data. We prove the other driver was at fault under Georgia law. Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible.
We Work on a Contingency Basis
Our team offers a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay us nothing unless we win your case. This means we invest our time and resources that support your recovery.
We Keep You Informed and Supportive
We treat you as a person, not a case file. We explain every step in plain language. We answer your questions day or night. We fight to restore your financial stability and peace of mind.
Contact an Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Today!
If you were involved in a car accident that was not your fault, it’s important to act quickly to protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights. Our team at The Weinstein Firm is here to help you every step of the way. We know how to deal with insurance companies, prove fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us at 770-HELP-NOW for a free claim review today!
