Car accidents, even minor ones, can leave drivers with a lot of stress and pain. Medical bills can add up quickly, and vehicle damage almost always costs more to repair than you expect. If you were in a car accident in Rome, you need to know your options—especially if the accident wasn’t your fault. Legally, you may be entitled to full recovery of your damages. To find out for sure and get a legal expert on your side, contact a car accident lawyer in Rome, GA.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help. For 20+ years, our car accident lawyers have been helping accident victims get the money they need and deserve to recover and move on from the accident. We know life doesn’t stop after the crash. Let us give you a FREE consultation to discuss how we can help and what you should do from a legal standpoint. You shouldn’t have to pay for any costs that weren’t your fault. Call us today at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form on this page to get your free consultation.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Rome?
The moments after a car accident are extremely overwhelming. You’re likely in pain—or at least in shock about what happened. If there were passengers in your vehicle, you’ll be making sure they’re okay while trying to stay calm. And there’s the issue of what to do next. What if the other driver tries to blame you or doesn’t want to give you their insurance information. And should you always call the police?
These are all thoughts and questions we hear accident victims mention often. It’s normal to feel at a loss for what to do. But there are some crucial steps to take after a car accident. If you can gather the right information and take responsible actions, you’ll increase your chances of full compensation.
Here are some things you should do after the accident.
Get the strong arm
Call Police
In Rome and the rest of Georgia, you must report an accident if there are injuries (or deaths) or if property damage totals $500 or more. This will include most crashes unless they are extremely minor. We believe you should always call the police because injuries can pop up or worsen with time and vehicle repairs are usually more expensive than you think.
Call 911 to reach local police and let them know what happened. Most of the time, an officer will arrive at the scene and collect information from you and the other driver. They’ll also create an accident report of the crash. This is very important, as it creates a record that the accident happened.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Although responding officers will ask for this information, it’s best to ask the other driver for their full name, phone number, and insurance information yourself too. Also, note their license plate and any identifying details about them and their vehicle.
Even if the other driver is very nice, they still caused your accident and should be held responsible. You never know if they might try to hit and run or if they’re an uninsured motorist. Getting their information right away protects you and your rights.
Never Admit Fault
Be polite, but never admit fault or apologize for the accident until you have all the facts. Even if you think you might hold some fault in the accident, you should talk to a car accident lawyer before admitting to anything.
Many nice drivers are prone to blaming themselves even if they did nothing wrong. And admitting to something you didn’t do may reduce how much you can recover from the insurance company.
Take Pictures
Photographic evidence can be powerful in a Rome personal injury case like this. Use your phone or a camera to take pictures of:
- Your injuries
- Any passenger injuries
- Vehicle damage
- The accident scene
- The other driver’s vehicle and license plate
Also, if the other driver is exhibiting any suspicious behavior, such as intoxication, you can try taking a picture or video of how they’re acting.
See a Doctor
If you have very serious or life-threatening injuries, don’t delay getting medical attention right away. Even if your injuries are minor, you should still get checked out by a doctor. You might not realize how bad something is until hours or days later, and if you wait too long, the insurance company might claim you weren’t actually hurt from the accident.
So, see a doctor as soon as you can. And tell them anything and everything that hurts or feels bad.
Save All Payment Records
This includes medical bills, repair shop payments or quotes, and anything else that involves an expense resulting from the accident. You will need evidence of this for your insurance claim.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer
To seek recovery for your damages, you will need to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Most accident victims don’t know how to do this in the most effective way, so it’s almost always a good idea to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer. They can help you build a strong case to support your claim. An attorney can also help you deal with the insurance company because they will be looking for ways to pay out less than your claim is actually worth.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer in Rome, GA for Free
If you’re worried about what to do after a car accident, John Foy & Associates can help. Our attorneys have been representing car accident victims in the Rome area for more than two decades. We know what you’re going through is hard, and we’ll be on your side to guide you through the insurance claim process.
We work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay until your case is closed—and only if we win you money. Plus, the initial consultation is always FREE. To discuss your options and how we can help, call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form on this page to get started with a free consultation.
762-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form