Car Accident in Athens? Do This in the First 24 Hours to Protect Your Claim

The automobile accident may shake you, hurt you, and leave you not knowing what to do next. The initial 24 hours matter the most, and whatever decisions you make during this period may directly influence your capacity to secure compensation. In case of a car crash accident, it’s best to talk to an Athens car accident lawyer to assist you in preventing mistakes and defending your rights at the earliest.

9 Things To Do Right Away

Call 911 and Get Medical Help

Your health comes first. Even in case the accident may seem minor, call 911. The crash will be documented by police officers, and emergency workers will be able to examine the potential injuries that cannot be noticed immediately. Putting off medical treatment will be harmful to both your health and claim.

Follow Up With a Doctor

If you didn’t visit the hospital after the incident; you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Several injuries, such as concussions and soft tissue injuries, can be visible hours or days after. The medical records made on the first day can be used to trace your injuries to the accident.

Document the Scene If You Can

Take photos or videos of the cars, roads, traffic signs, and injuries. Obtain information from witnesses. Such information may work as good evidence in case of a dispute of fault in the future.

Be Careful What You Say

Do not confess or apologize on the spot. Emotional statements that are said under stress may be misconstrued and could be used against you in later instances. Tell the police the truth, and never speculate on the facts.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Immediately inform your insurer about the accident, but keep the dialogue minimal. Offer bare minimum information. It’s not advisable to make a recorded statement in the first 24 hours or accept any settlement offer.

Avoid Talking to the Other Driver’s Insurer

You can expect the insurance company of the guilty driver to come forward soon. They seek to minimize costs. It’s best that you not engage in questions or requests for statements until you learn about your rights.

Keep All Records and Receipts 

Save all medical expenses, repair estimates, or prescriptions that are connected with the accident. Maintain all details with regard to the pain suffered, the time taken off from work, and other ways that the accident has impacted the lives of the affected persons.

Avoid Social Media Sites Like Facebook

Insurance firms monitor social media sites. Pictures, as well as posts that can be taken out of context, can be used as proof that you didn’t suffer a serious injury. Keeping all posts off social media sites would be your best bet.

Georgia’s Rules on Fault

Georgia practices the at-fault system as well as the modified comparative negligence rule. This means you may have your compensation reduced if it’s found that you were liable for the accident. This is just the beginning of the process to help your case.

Final Note

An automobile accident can have ramifications in the first 24 hours that are even more critical to your situation than you realize. The sooner you seek the advice that can help you find your way forward, the better, as you follow a course towards healing.