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It is important that accident victims understand what to do if injured in a accident in Georgia. Accidents take place in Georgia everyday and some of them result in physical injury and extensive property damage. It is important that should an accident take place that you follow some key steps. These steps are going to make after accident settlements and lawsuits go smoother. They also help to protect victims from liability charges of their own. It is always important to know what to do if injured in a accident in Georgia.
The first step in knowing what to do if injured in a accident in Georgia is to make sure that others aren’t injured. That is if you are able. If you find yourself severely injured don’t move. If an injury has occurred call an ambulance right away. Dialing 9-1-1 is going to ensure not only police arrive but also any medical professionals needed. Do not accept fault to anyone at the scene including a 9-1-1 representative. Sometimes when an awful situation occurs, sensitive people will begin to try and piece it back together. Do not vocalize this to anyone except those parties in your own vehicle who can help you get the best assessment over what happened and whom you can fully trust.
An example of this would be an accident at a four way stop. It is never a good idea to jump out of the car and yell, I didn’t see you there. It has yet to be determined that it was you who should have been looking. This does not mean staying mum when an officer arrives on scene. Answer any questions an officer asks you and answer them honestly unless they make you feel uncomfortable or you feel you need an attorney. Do not volunteer information. This is an important factor in knowing what to do if injured in a accident in Georgia.
The next step after assessing if any injuries were sustained is to take photographs if possible. Pictures are so important after a car or motorcycle accident. They show damages which will help support insurance claims and these damages can also tell a story. They can tell attorneys and police departments who was at fault. It is important to also take photographs of any injuries. Injuries should be photographed before and after accidents if possible.
Photographs are an important step in what to do if injured in a accident in Georgia because they help all parties involved. Copies of photographs should be turned over to police and attorneys. They will show the extent of your injuries and provide evidence. If you do not have a camera or are unable to take pictures at the scene of an accident, ask someone around you if they have a cell phone and camera and wouldn’t mind taking some pictures.
After pictures have been taken police will have undoubtedly arrived on scene. Never let another driver talk you out of calling police to the scene. Even small accidents sometimes need a police officer on scene. This is because a police officers records and documentation are going to hold up very well in court. It is also going to insure that you are getting correct information from the other party involved.
It would be quite unfortunate to have someone hit you, causing damage to the rear end of your vehicle. If that person gave you false information such as fake insurance information, name and phone number you would have no recourse. They could skip town and a week later you could find the accident actually gave you whiplash. Now you are responsible to pay for your own vehicle’s repairs and also the medical bills they caused you.
A police officer is going to collect and run all parties documentation, this includes license, registration and insurance information. If someone is driving without the proper clearance or insurance then the police officer would handle that person according to policy. A police officer knows better than anyone what to do if injured in a accident in Georgia. Everything would be documented and supported in a court of law. Having a police presence backs you up if you need it. It is better to have a police officer and not need one, than not have one and really need one.
The only remaining step in knowing what to do if injured in a accident in Georgia is to end the accident. If you have remained calm, spoken only to answer questions and phoned the police than you have done the right thing. If you had the opportunity to take photographs then that is even better. Pictures will back up your testimony and serve to prove injury. You may find that someone else caused the accident you are involved in. It is okay in certain scenarios to talk to other parties but if it seems like the other parties may be agitated or even drunk then stand down and just allow police officers to ask all the questions.
Accidents are never easy and oftentimes it is hard to know what to do if injured in a accident in Georgia. Follow the same steps at almost every accident scene but take the time after an accident to speak with an attorney. Attorneys are there to help injured parties receive compensation after an accident. It is important to seek out representation as soon as possible after an accident.
If you have been injured in an accident, call The Strong Arm Attorney John Foy today for a free consultation.
