The first thing you should do after a Savannah car accident is ensure your safety. You should check yourself for injuries and determine whether other parties are injured. Once you have done so, try to remain calm and get yourself out of the roadway, if possible. (If another party is injured, do not move them.)
Even if you believe you are uninjured, you should seek medical care.
What to Do After a Savannah Car Crash: At the Scene
Once you have ensured your safety, our Savannah car accident lawyers suggest you do the following to protect yourself and your right to compensation.
Call 911
Calling 911 after an accident is crucial, even if injuries seem minor. This ensures the arrival of both law enforcement and paramedics. Law enforcement will draft an accident report, documenting the accident scene, witness statements, and driver information. The auto accident report serves as a vital record for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.
While law enforcement takes their report, paramedics can assess injuries, provide immediate medical care, and transport individuals requiring further treatment. By calling 911, you prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone involved while also securing crucial documentation for the future.
Allow Paramedics to Examine You
You should let the EMTs examine you even if you aren’t sure you’re injured. Adrenaline can mask the symptoms of many serious injuries. Tell them about any discomfort you’re experiencing. By having an EMT look you over, they can identify any hidden injuries and link them to the accident.
Exchange Information With the Other Party
Exchange information with the other involved drivers. This is crucial, whether the accident seems minor or major. Collect their full name, contact details, driver’s license number, and insurance information, including the company and policy number.
Take pictures of their license plate and insurance card for your records. This information is essential for filing insurance claims and ensuring a smooth resolution, even if fault is not immediately clear. Remember, staying calm and cooperative during this process can benefit everyone involved.
Note: If the driver is behaving aggressively or erratically, get back into your car and wait for the police to arrive.
Do Not Apologize or Admit Fault
In the adrenaline-filled moments after a collision, it’s natural to want to apologize or take responsibility. However, resist the urge to admit fault or apologize, even if the situation seems clear. These statements, even if unintentional, can be misconstrued and used against you later.
Remember, the cause of the accident will be determined by the authorities, so simply exchange information and stick to the facts of what happened. We always recommend you speak with us before making any further statements.
Document the Scene
Documenting the scene of the accident is crucial for protecting yourself and ensuring an accurate record of events. Here’s what you should do:
- Take photos and videos: Capture the damage to all vehicles, the surrounding area, traffic signs, and road conditions.
- Take notes: Jot down the date, time, weather details, and a brief description of the accident, including the direction each vehicle was traveling and any visible injuries.
- If possible, gather witness information: If there are witnesses, politely ask for their contact details and a brief account of what they saw.
Remember, thorough documentation can be invaluable for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and refreshing your memory later.
For a free legal consultation, call (404) 888-8888
What to Do After a Savannah Car Accident: After You Leave the Scene
Once you’ve left the scene, there are more tasks that will continue to protect your rights.
Continue With Your Medical Care
If you did not receive medical care at the scene, you should go to the emergency room or call your doctor. This is especially important if you feel any pain or soreness.
A complete medical record documenting your visit and potential injuries strengthens your case for insurance claims and protects your rights down the line. Continuing medical care protects you from the insurance company claiming you are contributing to your injuries.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement
While an insurance company representative might request one after your car accident, we advise that you don’t give a recorded statement. Here’s why:
- Preserves your rights: You are not legally obligated to provide a recorded statement. This protects you from unknowingly saying something that could be used against you later, potentially jeopardizing your claim or legal rights.
- Avoids potential misinterpretations: Still recovering from the accident, you might be unable to recall details accurately or misspeak under pressure. A recorded statement can be taken out of context or misinterpreted, impacting your claim negatively.
- Allows for legal guidance: Before discussing the accident, speaking with an attorney can ensure you understand your rights and allow you to navigate the situation strategically. We can advise you on whether or not to give a statement and, if so, how to approach it effectively.
By waiting and consulting with a legal professional, you can make informed decisions that protect your best interests throughout the car accident claim process.
Do Not Accept a Settlement Offer Without Discussing With Us
You might receive a settlement offer from the insurance adjuster soon after the crash. Do not accept this offer before our attorneys have reviewed it. The insurance company doesn’t want to give you the compensation you deserve. The offer you receive will likely be thousands less than you deserve.
If you accept a settlement offer, you cannot later ask for more. This is true even if you later find out you will have to pay tens of thousands or more out of pocket.
Keep Records
You want to keep copies of your medical bills, wage statements, invoices, and receipts. This will help us establish your damages.
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Get Help from a Savannah Car Accident Lawyer ASAP
You shouldn’t try to handle this process alone. Our car accident attorneys can help you build a case, protect you from insurers, and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Call Bader Law Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Our personal injury lawyers in Savannah handle car accident cases on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay nothing until we win your case.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
