Do's & Don'ts Following a Car Accident

If you're involved in a serious car accident, you might be eager to get home where you can recover from the shock of the collision. However, the actions you take immediately following the incident will be crucial to obtaining compensation for a potential personal injury with the help of an attorney. Here's a look at what to do—and what to avoid—to improve your situation.

Do:

Call 911.

Immediately after the collision, get out your cell phone to call 911. This will ensure the police come to the scene and file a report about your accident, writing down key details about the scene. If you decide to file a personal injury suit, you’ll need the police report to present to the court. 

Gather information yourself.
In addition to the police report, take your own notes at the scene. Write down the other driver’s contact information as well as that of any witnesses. Record the badge numbers of the police officers who arrive at the scene and the license plate numbers of all involved vehicles.
You should also take pictures of any damage to your car and debris that's left in the roadway. This data may come in handy when arguing that you deserve compensation for the resulting damages.

Don’t:

Apologize.
When you speak to the other driver involved in the accident, your first urge might be to apologize for what has happened. However, even if you are just doing so to be nice, it’s crucial to avoid saying “I’m sorry” at all during your conversation. If you decide to sue the driver for compensation, these words could be taken as an admission of your own fault, which would make you less likely to receive a payout.

Accept an initial settlement.
If you are contacted by the other driver’s insurance company, they may try to get you to agree to less compensation than you deserve—or to drop the claim altogether. Instead, reach out to a personal injury attorney who can speak with the insurance adjuster on your behalf. If they’re still not offering a fair settlement, your attorney can help you pursue a personal injury lawsuit instead.

 
To speak with a skilled attorney about your car accident case, turn to Starks Byron of Kennesaw, GA. Our experienced firm works with clients throughout the state who were injured in motorcycle, truck, and car accidents. Whether you're dealing with serious spinal injuries or want to get to the bottom of a hit-and-run, you can rely on our attorneys to use their skills and resources for your best interests. Learn more about our personal injury work online or call (404) 905-3261 to schedule a consultation.