What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

Perspective from a Car Accident Attorney

The aftermath of a car accident can be a confusing and even a scary experience. The Crash Carson team offers the following advice for how to handle such a situation as well as possible. If you have already been in an accident or have any questions on the legal aspects of an auto accident, please feel free to reach out to us!

Auto Accident Checklist:

• Ensure Safety First
  • Check yourself and passengers for any injuries. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. This may depend on the condition of your car and traffic conditions.
• Call 911
  • Follow any instructions they give you and stay on the line with 911 if possible, until help arrives. Report the accident to law enforcement immediately, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. A police report can help to accurately document the accident and in some cases, help to preserve any evidence.It is advised that you request medical assistance if needed. Even if you feel fine, some injuries might not be symptomatic at first.
• Exchange Information
  • As much as possible, share names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details with all drivers and parties involved.
• Document the Scene
  • If safe to do so, take photos of all vehicles, damages, license plates, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Take note of the time, location, weather, and road conditions. Gather contact details from any witnesses that may be available.
• Avoid Admitting Fault
  • Limit conversation to exchanging required information and do not apologize or admit responsibility. The aftermath of a car accident can be an emotionally charged situation, remaining calm as much as possible is essential.
• Seek Medical Attention
  • Accept any medical care from the police or EMS at the scene if offered. Visit a doctor promptly after the accident, even if you feel fine. In some cases, injuries may not be immediately apparent or symptomatic. An appointment with a medical professional could reveal injuries that are not felt at the time but could be problematic further down the line. Make sure to keep all medical records.
• Notify Your Insurance Company
  • Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide basic facts, but avoid giving recorded statements. Do not accept any settlements without understanding your injuries.
• Obtain and Keep Records
  • Obtain a copy of the police report. Police reports are often considered reliable documentation of the car accident in any ongoing negotiations or proceedings. Keep all accident-related documents including medical bills, repair estimates, road service, rental cars, and correspondences.
• Be Cautious on Social Media
  • It is recommended that you avoid posting about the accident or your injuries online. In some cases, the information can be used against you even if you believe that you are not at fault. If you do post any information regarding the accident you may want to consider adjusting your privacy settings, if possible, to restrict your audience and keep it from being publicly accessible.

Consult an Attorney
If there are injuries, significant damages, disputes about fault, or you are cautious about whether to accept any settlement offers, consult a car accident attorney promptly. Be aware that Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims and Tennessee has a one-year statute of limitations. However, acting fast and consulting an attorney promptly may preserve your best chances of a successful outcome.