Finding yourself in the aftermath of a car accident is terrifying. You might be suffering from severe injuries or incomprehensible property damage. The actions you take immediately following the accident, however, can affect the outcome of any future claim you may wish to file. Whether you’ve been hit by a drunk driver on East Wesley Road NE or were rear-ended near Wyngate, it’s important to know what to do after a car accident in Buckhead, GA.
What to Do in the Aftermath of a Car Accident in Buckhead, GA
Georgia sees a mortality rate of 56.6% per 100,000 residents when it comes to deaths occurring due to accidents. If you are a resident of Buckhead or are just passing through, becoming injured in a car accident is a horrific experience. While your gut reaction might be to panic, there are certain steps that can help you remain calm and collected and allow you to move forward in a prepared manner. These steps include:
- Move to safety. Your safety needs to be your number one priority following a car accident. If you can, move your vehicle to the shoulder and check yourself over for injuries. Turn your hazard lights on to prevent further traffic issues.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you do not feel physically injured, it is wise to get yourself checked out by professionals. You should dial 911 so that both the police and medical services can arrive at the scene. Doing so can also offer your case an extra layer of credibility.
- Gather evidence. If you are physically capable, collect evidence. This can include taking photos or videos of your injuries, the accident scene, and any other factors you think relevant. You can also make note of any surveillance cameras in the vicinity.
- Exchange information. It is important that you collect the contact and insurance information of the at-fault party, but do not discuss fault when doing so. Even the simple statement, “I’m sorry,” can be construed as an admission of guilt. You may also want to collect the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
- Contact an attorney. Finally, you need to consult an attorney. They can handle all of the complicated communications with the at-fault party and their insurance provider, protect you from an undervalued claim, and advocate for your rights to obtain compensation.
Damage You May Be Able to Recover in a Personal Injury Claim
On average, a non-lethal car accident can cost around $162,000 in damages. For accident victims forced to deal with medical debt and the inability to return to work and earn a wage, all while suffering from injuries, compensation is crucial. Following a car accident, your attorney is here to help you recover damages such as:
- All related medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages
- Punitive damages
Following your accident, the team at Hall & Lampros, LLP is here to review your case, determine liability, and calculate the full amount of compensation you are owed. That way, you can stand up against any lowball settlement the insurance companies may offer.
About Hall & Lampros, LLP
With over 60 years of shared experience, the team at Hall & Lampros, LLP is here to serve you to the greatest extent of our ability. Over our many years of legal service, we have secured more than $500 million in compensation for our clients, and now we are here to do the same for them. With fluent Spanish speakers on our team, we are here to seek justice for all, no matter your color, race, creed, or national origin.
FAQs
What If I Was Partially At-Fault for a Car Accident in GA?
If you were partially at-fault for a car accident in Georgia, it is important to understand how Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law works. If you were at fault for 0% of the accident, meaning the fault rests entirely on another party’s shoulders, then you can recover 100% compensation. If you were at fault for less than 50%, then you may be able to recover partial compensation. However, if you are at fault for more than 50%, you are due no compensation.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Car Accident?
An individual can suffer several common injuries in a car accident. The most common include whiplash, broken bones and fractures, skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage that could result in partial or complete paralysis, back injuries, soft tissue damage, severe bones, road rash, cuts, bruises, and lacerations, amputations, internal bleeding, and internal organ or nerve damage.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Car accidents have several common causes in Georgia. For example, speeding resulted in 11,700 fatalities in 2023 alone. Other common causes include drunk or drugged driving, actions that can cause distraction while driving, such as texting or eating and drinking, tailgating, poor roadway maintenance, and bad weather. It is important to identify the cause of your accident so that liability may be determined.
Should I Accept a Settlement from the Insurance Company?
No, under no circumstances should you accept the first settlement offer from the at-fault party’s insurance company in a car accident claim. They are likely to do whatever they can to lowball you and undervalue your claim, and you do not deserve to experience this kind of predatory behavior. That’s why at Hall & Lampros, LLP, we are here to advocate for the full amount of compensation available in your case.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer You Can Trust in Buckhead
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Buckhead, Georgia, you want to obtain legal counsel and representation. You need to hire a car accident lawyer as soon as possible so that your rights to compensation are protected. At Hall & Lampros, LLP, we are here to take the prompt action required in your injury claim. Contact our offices to learn more and to schedule your free case consultation. You can trust us to advocate for the outcome you deserve.
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