After a minor car accident, you’ll likely be just as shaken up as after a major crash. Your nerves will be on edge, you may not know what to do, and the situation is scary. Don’t worry. After a minor car accident, the very first thing you need to do is to take a big breath. It’s likely that both cars still function and any injuries should be minor.
Take Pictures and Exchange Information
Taking pictures on a smartphone is pretty standard now. However, if your phone was damaged in the crash, then you should take careful notes. It’s always handy to have a pad of paper and pen in your glove compartment for moments like this.
Take pictures of:
- All vehicles involved
- The vehicle’s license plates and rear of the vehicle which displays the make and model of the car.
- Any damage to both cars
- Any injuries present at the time of the crash
This information will come together during your claim, and possibly during a case. If the insurance company cannot reach a reasonable or fair settlement, then you will need to push forward. Even though the crash itself was minor, the injuries involved could come with a substantial amount of medical debt.
Contact the Atlanta Police Department
What will contact the Atlanta PD do for you? Quite a bit actually. Although the police department, especially Atlanta PD, which is already running thin, won’t respond to minor crashes, they will make a report. That formal police report can do wonders for you when it comes time to file your claim.
A police report contains very basic but vital information about the crash. You’ll explain over the phone, or in person, which way both cars were traveling and more. They may ask questions like how fast were you going, and what you were doing at the time.
Basically, a police report will have everything that your insurance company needs to conclude their investigation and make their assessment. However, your insurance company will often try to get you to provide info that breaks down the value of your claim.
You’ve probably heard the infamous, “Oh I’m sorry to hear that, is everyone okay?” question. The second you answer that everyone is fine, the insurance company will fight to say that there were no injuries.
Inform Your Insurance Company of the Minor Car Accident
After you’ve made your police report, contact your insurance company. You only need to give them the simplest version of events. You can even just answer the questions of where it happened, what happened, and when the crash took place. Then the insurance information for the other driver.
Other than those questions you don’t need to provide any more information. You don’t have to tell them that everyone is fine, or that someone went to urgent care. You don’t have to tell them what you suspect happened. Just be careful to not many any statements that could impact your case.
Do You Need an Auto Accident Attorney in Atlanta, GA?
After one very careful call to your insurance carrier, you’re ready to hire an Atlanta car accident attorney. In theory, you could hire an attorney first, but there are a few concerns when that happens. First, it could look like you had this idea of getting into a wreck and suing someone. Then second, it could seem like you were hiding something from your insurance company.
However, you can hire an attorney before calling your insurance company. You do, however, need someone to defend you. Don’t rely on any insurance company to try to protect you. It is in their best interest to do whatever it takes to provide the smallest payout possible. Simply put, your insurance company won’t put up a fight for you. That is why you need an attorney.
Your attorney can also help you manage other aspects of your claim. Working with an attorney can make the process easier.
Finding the Right Car Accident Lawyer in Atlanta for Your Minor Car Accident
If you decide that hiring an auto accident lawyer in Atlanta is right for you, then contact The Weinstein Firm. Our team has helped many victims of minor crashes, and we’re sure that we can help you with your case too.
When you reach out to The Weinstein Firm, we’ll have one of our experienced and skilled attorneys review your case with you. Scheduling a consultation with us allows you to ask your questions and find out if you really need an attorney for your claim.
