Savannah Car Accident Lawyers – (912) 335-4977
Knowing what to do if you are ever in a car accident might be just as important as knowing how to prevent one. After all, a safe driver with a spotless driving record can still be struck unexpectedly by a drunk driver or blindsided by a teen driver who was texting behind the wheel. Since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that more than 2 million people are hurt in traffic collisions each year, it may be a sound assumption that being in a crash is not a matter of if, but when.
While you might not be able to avoid every single car accident due to the unpredictability of negligent drivers, you can take steps to make such a situation easier on you should it occur. Mainly, you will want to know what to do after a car accident.
Follow these smart six steps to eliminate some of the confusion that follows a crash:
- Pull over: You shouldnever flee the scene of a car accident, even if you know it was minor. Doing so constitutes a hit-and-run and you could be arrested and charged for a criminal act.
- Check for injury: “Is everyone okay?” This should be the first question in your mind after a car accident. If someone is hurt, or you have reason to believe they might be hurt but do not know it yet, call an ambulance. Remember to not move someone who says they have back, neck, or head pain.
- Summon the authorities: Bringing the police to the scene of a car accident is almost always necessary. The police report they make can be used as evidence for your claim later but they can also help direct traffic away from any debris your crash may have scattered into the street.
- Identify the driver: You will need to get their insurance information, driver’s license, license plates, and the make and model of their car. While you are exchanging information with the motorist that hit you, be sure not to apologize or do anything else that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
- Collect evidence: Perhaps the most important part of his procedure, you need to get evidence that supports your claim. Photographs are an easy way to show what actually happened; use your smartphone to take pictures from multiple angles of anything noteworthy. Testimonies from eyewitnesses should be recorded as well so you can back up your findings with what others saw.
- Call an attorney: Odds are pretty high that the other driver and their insurance company are not going to want to accept total liability for what they have done. You should talk to a personal injury lawyer about what happened to at least get an idea of whether or not litigation could be in your future. An attorney can also help you talk to your insurance company when you notify them of the accident, which should be done on the same day of the crash, to ensure you do not misspeak and accept blame.
If you live in Georgia and need a legal professional to help you with your claim, you can contact our Savannah car accident attorneys from Karsman, McKenzie & Hart. We have won millions of dollars for our clients through successful verdicts and settlements throughout the years and would be happy to put the same sort of dedication and focus into your case. If you want to begin today, request a free case evaluation with our team.
