The things you do in the moments after your car accident are important not just for your health, but also for your ability to get financial compensation.
Your Suwanee car wreck attorney cannot guarantee you’ll receive damages. However, if you follow the steps outlined here and retain an experienced lawyer, you’ll have the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
First, Assess the Condition of Everyone in Your Car or SUV
In the moments after your car accident, you need to quickly assess the situation. Check to see if you’re okay. If you have passengers in the car with you, look to see if any of them are seriously hurt.
Once you’ve done this, you should try to see how the other driver is doing. As long as it won’t put you in further danger, go over and see if anyone in the other car is in dire need of medical care.
This way, when the ambulance arrives on the scene, you can let them know if anyone needs immediate attention.
You Need to Call 911 Immediately After the Car Accident
Once you’ve checked to see how everyone is doing, you need to call 911. Ideally, you’ll be able to do this while you’re checking on the condition of the other people involved in the crash.
When you call the police, let them know that there’s been an accident. Let them know where the crash took place and how many vehicles were involved. This way, they’ll know how many officers to alert and how many ambulances to send.
The Police Will Do a Thorough Investigation of the Crash
Once the police arrive, they will do a thorough investigation of the car accident. They’ll make notes of the positioning of the vehicles. They will also include a description of the road conditions.
If the officers notice any special marks like skid marks or oil spots, they will document this in their report as well. They will also make notes of the damage sustained by the vehicles involved in the crash.
The Police Officers Will Include Their Findings in Their Final Report
The investigation findings will be included in an official police report. This report will be available to you and your Suwanee car accident lawyer within a day or so of the collision.
Some of the information contained in the police report includes:
- The names and contact information for the drivers involved
- The name and contact details of any passengers
- Statements made by the two drivers
- Witness statements as well as contact details for the witnesses
- The registration and insurance information for the two parties
- A notation of whether either driver appeared impaired
You Need to Go to the Emergency Room No Matter How Minor Your Injuries
A good number of our clients refuse to go to the emergency room after their car accident. They insist that they are fine and just want to get on with their day. Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest mistakes you could make.
If you don’t seek immediate medical treatment, the defendant’s attorney will argue that you weren’t hurt. After all, who would refuse medical care if they were seriously injured?
They may also claim that something other than the car accident caused your injuries. The more time that goes by between the crash and your visit to the hospital, the easier it will be for them to support this claim.
You Need to Make Sure That You’re Okay
The obvious reason for you to go to the emergency room is to make sure you’re okay. You may feel alright, but you may have suffered internal injuries that only begin to show hours later.
Your Accident Attorney Must Provide Documentation of Your Injuries
The other reason you need to seek immediate medical care is that your car accident lawyer will have to prove you were hurt. That’s the only way you’ll be entitled to damages.
Plus, it isn’t enough for you to say you were hurt. Your lawyer will have to submit specific evidence to demonstrate that you were injured. The best way to do this is to submit a copy of your medical records.
It’s in Your Best Interest to Meet With a Suwanee Car Wreck Attorney Right Away
Once you’ve received treatment for your immediate injuries, you should call a car wreck attorney. Even if the crash was minor, you may have a claim against the other driver.
If you attempt to handle things on your own, there’s always the chance that the insurance company will try to take advantage of you. Rather than risk this, let an experienced injury attorney in Suwanee handle things from the start.
Your Accident Lawyer Will Determine if You Have a Valid Claim
When you first meet with your lawyer, they’ll let you know if your claim is valid. If they don’t believe you will be entitled to damages, they’ll let you know.
They don’t want to get your hopes up unfairly. Plus, they aren’t going to want to waste your time or theirs on a case that has no value.
If your case is strong, they’ll tell you. It will then be up to you as to whether you choose to retain counsel or risk handling things on your own.
You Need to Do What it Takes to Protect Your Right to Compensation
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, make sure you follow the advice here, so you have the best chance to recover the maximum amount of compensation. You’ll also put your Suwanee injury lawyer in the best position to secure your damages.
If you’re looking for an attorney who will step in after your car accident and pursue the compensation you deserve, call our office. Take advantage of your free, initial consultation and find out if your case has merit.
Simply contact our office at 770-HELP-NOW today and arrange to meet with one of our seasoned car wreck attorneys right away.
