A car wreck is a frightening and stressful experience. Thankfully, car wrecks in Macon, Georgia, usually only involve vehicle damage and no injury to the passengers. Still, one out of three accidents in the United States does involve a personal injury. Worse yet, while it’s rarer, some car accidents result in fatal injuries.
A car accident leaves you a bit shaken, no matter the amount of damage. At Reynolds, Horne & Survant, we understand that and want you to know we are here to advise and help you receive compensatory damages if necessary. So, try to remain calm.
To help, we’ve put together a list of things you should do after a car wreck to protect your interests.
Five Things to Do Right Away When You’re in a Car Accident
When you’re in a car wreck that involves injuries, the first step is of course to call 911 and seek medical attention. The following list explains the top five things to do in an accident with no apparent injuries:
#1 Contact the Police
Even if there are no injuries, the first thing you should do after a car wreck is to contact the police. Usually, the officer called to the scene will make sure the appropriate information is exchanged between the parties. However, if there is no officer on the scene, you still should make sure this happens. You need to obtain the name, address, and phone number of anyone involved in the accident. Also, exchange insurance information with the other driver. If a police officer is present, ask for the police report number.
#2 Take Photos if Possible
If it’s safe to do so and won’t interfere with the police investigation, take a few photos of the accident with your phone. Photos of damage to all vehicles involved may be helpful later. Also, photograph any visible injuries you sustained from the accident.
#3 Contact Your Insurance Company
You should notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Your insurance company may actually require immediate reporting, or that it be done within no more than 72 hours. If you are unsure about your coverage, ask them or follow up later for that information. Be sure to provide them with accurate and complete information. Your insurance company is supposed to look out for your best interests. However, that may not be the case for the other driver’s insurance company. If you receive a call from an agent with the other driver’s insurance, refer them to your insurance company or attorney.
#4 Seek Medical Attention
Sometimes, injuries from car accidents aren’t always obvious. Unless you are absolutely sure you aren’t injured, you should still seek medical attention, either from your physician or the emergency room.
Even though you may feel fine right after the accident, you might wake up the next day in pain. Any impact of a car accident can cause whiplash or injury to your spine. It’s also important to seek medical attention if you feel dazed or light-headed after the accident. If you suffered a concussion, it might be serious and it needs attention right away. Also, be sure to keep all records from medical visits.
#5 Contact Reynolds, Horne & Survant if Your Car Wreck Was in Macon, GA
One of the most important things to do after a car wreck is to consult an attorney. If you are in a car wreck, Macon, GA, Reynolds, Horne & Survant is a law firm that’s well experienced with personal injury claims from car accidents.
While it’s also important to contact your insurance company, it’s a good idea to check with an attorney before giving them a full statement. Our attorneys want to make sure your rights are protected after a car accident. As a result, we do everything possible to make sure that is the case.
Reynolds, Horne & Survant Protects Your Rights after a Car Wreck in Macon, Georgia
Our attorneys look out for your best interests after your car wreck in Macon, GA. We provide advice on how to ensure you are fully compensated for the accident. The compensation is due for both damages to your vehicle and for any injuries you sustained. Also, you might be able to recover damages for any lost wages due to the accident.
If the accident was the result of the other driver’s negligence, you are entitled to recover damages. We have successfully handled thousands of car wreck cases, recovering millions of dollars in damages for our clients.
Some of the cases we’ve handled include:
- single vehicle collisions
- multiple vehicle collisions
- roadway defects
- tire blowouts
- defective automobile components
- truck/auto collisions
- passengers injured by careless drivers
- materials falling from trucks
We want your recovery to go well and be as stress-free as possible. Our attorneys also know how to work with insurance companies. We help make the claims process less of a hassle and want you to receive what is owed without worries.
Reynolds, Horne & Survant have over 40 years of experience serving clients. When it comes to dealing with personal injury cases and dealing with insurance companies, experience matters. If you are in a car wreck in Macon, Georgia, contact our office right away.