Car Accident Procedures

1. Stop immediately. Stay calm and do what you can within reason to avoid blocking traffic. Never leave the scene of an accident in which you or your car were involved no matter how slight the collision. Failing to stop at an accident may subject a person in the Georgia to a criminal action for leaving the scene of an accident, even though the accident is not the person’s fault. Pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible without endangering any other person and without obstructing traffic.

2. Check to see if anyone is injured. Take care of any person that is injured, including rendering medical attention as soon as possible. Contact 911 or any other ambulance service in order to receive medical treatment. Do not assume that a lack of an injury means that a person it not hurt.

3. Call the police. An accident should be reported to the proper authorities. The report may not only be helpful later if you determine that you are injured or there is damage to your car but it may be helpful later if the other person tries to avoid responsibility for the accident.

4. If an insurance adjuster shows up at the scene, don't give any statements and don't sign anything.

5. If possible get the names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses. Make a mental note of what witnesses say, like, "That black car was flying."

6. Visit your doctor as soon as you can. Even if you are not sure whether or not you are injured or anyone else in your vehicle is injured in the accident it is best to be examined by a doctor at the earliest possible time or to go to the nearest emergency room. If you are examined by a doctor, make sure that you are specific in explaining to the physician how the accident happened and any and all injuries and problems you sustained as a result.

7. Inform your insurance company of the collision. Make sure that you call your insurance company immediately to report the accident. Failing to report the accident immediately could in some instances result in the insurance company not covering you for the accident. You should contact the company immediately and if you are injured make sure that you ask the company to start paying your medical bills and open up a file to not only pay the property damage but all of your medicals.

8. Do not immediately pay citations and tickets. If you receive a traffic citation or ticket it does not mean that you are necessarily at fault, however, if you are anticipating bring a claim against the other driver and receive a ticket, it is best to get advice from an attorney prior to paying the ticket.

9. Cooperate with your insurance company’s investigation completely: Make sure you copy all documentation you receive regarding the accident for your records. Also, if you provide a statement under oath to any insurance company, even yours, make sure that you obtain a copy of it.