5 Things You Should not Do After a Car Accident
1. Do not Leave the Scene
Leaving the scene of an accident, even if it seems minor, is not just a bad idea—it’s illegal in Georgia. Drivers involved in a crash are required to remain at the scene until they exchange information and report the incident to the police.
Failing to do so could result in fines, jail time, or a loss of your driver’s license. Staying at the scene also helps you secure your right to a personal injury settlement by ensuring that all facts are properly documented.
Example: A distracted driver caused a rear-end collision in Buckhead, but instead of stopping, the driver fled the scene. This action led to the driver facing both legal and civil repercussions, ultimately losing any opportunity to negotiate with an auto insurance attorney.
2. Do not Admit Fault
After an accident, you might feel compelled to apologize, especially if you think you are partly to blame. However, admitting fault at the scene can harm your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries.
Georgia operates under comparative fault rules, which could reduce your personal injury settlement based on the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Example: A driver in Midtown Atlanta admitted to being at fault in a car accident before knowing the full details of what happened.
This statement was later used against them by the insurance company to minimize their compensation. Injury law firms advise against making any admissions before consulting a lawyer.
3. Do not Delay Seeking Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s critical to see a doctor as soon as possible. Injuries like whiplash, internal bleeding, and head trauma may not manifest right away but can have long-term consequences.
Delaying medical care not only puts your health at risk but could also affect your personal injury settlement. An auto insurance attorney may argue that your injuries were not severe if you delayed seeking treatment.
Example: A Sandy Springs resident delayed seeking medical attention after a car accident, only to discover later that they had suffered internal injuries. The delay complicated their claim, making it harder to secure fair compensation from the insurance company.
4. Do not Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Without a Lawyer
After a car accident, the other driver’s insurance company may contact you to ask for a statement or offer a quick settlement. Avoid speaking with them before consulting with a lawyer.
Insurance companies are often more interested in minimizing payouts than helping you. Injury law firms recommend that you wait for a lawyer consultation before providing any statements or signing any documents.
Example: A driver from Decatur received a lowball settlement offer from the other driver’s insurance company shortly after their accident. By consulting with an auto insurance attorney first, they were able to negotiate a much higher settlement.
5. Do not Forget to Document the Scene
Properly documenting the accident is essential for building a strong case. Failing to take photos of the scene, gather witness information, and write down details could weaken your case. Documentation provides your lawyer with the evidence needed to secure a fair personal injury settlement.
Example: A car accident victim in East Atlanta quickly took photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and surrounding conditions. These photos were crucial in helping their lawyer establish fault and secure a favorable settlement.
Conclusion
Car accidents can be stressful, but by avoiding these common mistakes, you can protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s staying at the scene, avoiding admissions of fault, seeking medical care, or consulting with injury law firms, taking the right steps after an accident can make all the difference in your personal injury settlement.
Before You Go…
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Atlanta, the experts at Accident Professionals are here to help. Schedule a free lawyer consultation today and learn how our network of personal injury experts can guide you through the claims process.
