Suppose you’ve had a car accident, and perhaps you’ve sustained injury or suffered significant damage to your vehicle. Under the law, you are entitled to proper compensation for any damage or injury inflicted in an accident where the other party is at fault. However, receiving those funds is not automatic; many variables come into play, not the least of which is any attempt by the insurance companies and/or the other party to say they weren’t at fault. Receiving compensation for a car accident in Georgia begins by being proactive – and the process actually begins from the moment the accident occurs. Here are the important steps to take.

Watch what you say

Perhaps the most important advice we can give at the scene of the accident is what NOT to do. It’s normal to talk things through and try to and piece together what happened, but do not admit fault at the scene, even if you believe you are at fault. There will be plenty of time later to figure out who is at fault (believe us, that’s what the insurance companies are all about). Anything you say, even in the moment of crisis, can be construed by the other party as admitting fault, weakening your case for compensation. Save those conversations for attorney-client privilege. Also, avoid having direct conversations with the other party’s insurance company, if possible. Refer them to your attorney.

Gather evidence

Thanks to the digital age, we now have the ability to gather important evidence immediately with the help of our camera phones. Try to get as much photographic evidence at the scene of the accident before anything is moved; if you’re injured and can’t move, see if you can have someone take photos for you. After leaving the scene, continue to gather evidence: Medical records, medical bills, adjuster quotes, receipts for expenses – any documentation that might have a connection to your case may be used as evidence to help tell the story of what happened to you. If you miss work due to your injuries, or if you can no longer work, don’t forget to keep a tab of lost wages.

Hire a skilled personal injury lawyer

When attempting to receive compensation for a car accident in Georgia, one of the most important steps you can take is to hire a personal injury attorney – one who is well versed in the nuances of Georgia law, one who understands the local court protocols and one who is skilled in negotiating with insurance companies who don’t want to pay. Your chances for success are much better with a good attorney than by trying to fight for compensation on your own. For a free case evaluation, call Sutton Slover today at 404.768.0292.