Various factors can work against your legal rights after a car accident. You should protect them if you are not responsible for the accident. If you don’t protect your legal rights, you may not get your deserved compensation for your injuries.
Many people are not sure what they should do to protect their rights in Augusta after a car accident. Here’s what you can do:
A lot of things can happen right after the accident. First, you need to call 911 and inform the authorities about the car accident right away. They will arrange for an ambulance if you have severe injuries. If the accident doesn’t inflict any injury, here are a few things you should do:
It is compulsory to call the police if you are involved in a car accident. According to the car accident laws in Georgia, you need to report the accident if the approximate cost of treatment and property damage is more than or equal to $500 (Georgia Code section 40-6-273).
The police will come and create an accident report. This report will contain the first pieces of evidence of the scene of the accident. The victim will need this report while filing personal injury claims for damages and injury treatments.
Trusting the driver at fault is like shaking hands with the enemy. He/she will persuade you not to take the matter into court or even talk to the police. The driver may also want to settle the issue at the crime scene. Don’t accept any plea deals.
Drivers who know they are guilty want to avoid police inquiries at any cost. These are drivers without a driver’s license, or they may not have insurance. Some may also have existing records with the police that they don’t want your lawyer to know about.
Instead of thinking about the driver at fault, you should protect your rights to get a significant amount of compensation.
Do not forget to take pictures of the scene of the accident. Use your mobile camera to capture the following:
Switch the date and time feature on your camera app before taking the pictures. This will help to identify the precise timing of the accident. You can also take photos of witnesses after taking their permission.
If you find any witness who saw the entire accident, make sure you talk and take down their contact details. This will help you later while claiming for compensation. Your Augusta car accident lawyer may want to speak to the witnesses about the case.
Talk to the doctor in detail about what happened. Even if you don’t require urgent medical attention after the accident, a doctor’s opinion is crucial for the case. Don’t hesitate to tell the doctor if you feel any pain or discomfort. Early treatment can help to deteriorate the condition of the injuries.
You should also keep the doctor’s notes, records, and medical bills as pieces of evidence for your injury claim. It will help your lawyer explain the physical damages you went through because of the accident.
Make sure you follow whatever the doctor says regarding your treatment. Neglecting your treatment can risk your chances of getting a substantial compensation. Insurance companies will try to deny your claim or provide as little compensation as possible if they realize you exaggerated your injuries. It may turn your case upside down.
Apart from pictures, you should also make a note of everything you remember about the accident, such as:
Once you get an idea about the approximate cost of your treatment, you should get estimates of repairing or replacing your car. Try to get quotations from at least two to three mechanics for better support on your case.
In most cases, the insurance company of the driver at fault will want the victim to hire a third-party company to inspect the damage for your claim. Don’t do that. Talk to the inspectors first before negotiating a deal or evaluate the damages.
You should have detailed documentation of all your damages, including:
You should always contact an experienced car accident lawyer after the calamity. They will help you get the maximum compensation for your claim and protect your rights from the insurance companies.
Insurance companies always try to settle the claim for the least possible amount. They may also try to block your payments. That is why hiring a car accident attorney is essential if you want a significant amount of money from the insurance company.
Always be polite, professional, and patient
You shouldn’t get agitated or angry while cross-questioning. A polite attitude can help you win the case without playing it aggressively. This is not the time to get angry. Yes, the pain you suffer is unwanted, and you may want immediate justice, but the law doesn’t work that way. You need to be patient with auto accident claims. Let your car accident lawyer handle the case while you recover from your injuries.
Staying polite, calm, and professional while speaking with the agents of the insurance company will help you get your desired claim. Insurance companies will want to take advantage of you. Don’t fall for their trap because it will only put a dent in your compensation claim process. Listen to your lawyer to make sure you win the case.
Kenneth S. Nugent, P.C.
1 10th St #550, Augusta, GA 30901
(706) 724-1756
