Milton, GA Car Accident Lawyer
Auto collisions happen all the time. Most people have either been involved in an accident or know someone who has. While these kinds of things might be common, they can also be dangerous, catastrophic, and traumatic. Many accident survivors live with long-term disabilities or complications, and they deserve fair compensation. If you were hurt in a crash, call a lawyer right away.
The steps you take immediately after a crash can make a world of difference for your subsequent lawsuit. First, you need to call for help, speak to the police, and get emergency medical attention. Document the scene if possible and call a lawyer when you are ready. Your lawyer can help gather the evidence you need to prove the other driver caused the accident. If the other driver fled the scene, your lawyer can still help you prepare while the police investigate. Remember, accidents are often severe, and damages may be quite high.
Receive a free initial case review by calling (470) 287-3070 and speaking to our Alpharetta, GA car accident attorneys at Rice, Murtha & Psoras.
What to Do Immediately After Being in a Car Accident in Milton, GA
Car accidents can be pretty hectic. Even minor accidents have a way of making people panic and lose their cool. While being scared in this situation is understandable, you must remain focused and call for help immediately. If you cannot call for help because you are too badly hurt, someone else at the accident scene (e.g., the other driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian) should make the call for you.
While you wait for help to arrive, your next step should be to talk to others at the accident scene and exchange contact information. Most drivers know to exchange information with the other driver for insurance purposes, but do not stop there. If others are at the scene, such as other drivers or people walking by who stopped to help, get their names and contact information, too. You never know who might be able to provide eyewitness testimony later.
If the ambulance arrives first, go to the hospital, get treatment, and speak to the authorities when you can. If the police arrive first, they may be able to provide some emergency care if necessary and take statements from those involved in the accident. Be sure to speak to the police, as we will likely need a copy of their crash report.
Finally, after you have been treated for injuries and talked to law enforcement, you should call a lawyer to discuss your legal options. For some, an insurance claim might be the best way to get compensation. More might be on the line for others, and a lawsuit might be the better option.
Gathering Proof and Evidence to Back Up Your Car Accident Claims in Milton, GA
Talk about the accident with our car accident lawyers as soon as possible. Knowing when, where, and how the crash happened may help us determine who should be held responsible, where we can find evidence, and what legal strategies or arguments will best help your case. Negligent drivers who cause these accidents often blame the victims, and we need as much evidence as we can get to prove otherwise.
First, think back to the moments after the accident. Did you take any photos? Taking pictures of the accident is common, as drivers usually need these photos as proof in an insurance claim. If the pictures preserve important details about the crash, they may also be used in a lawsuit to help support your case.
We should also consider the possibility of video evidence. In today’s increasingly tech-dependent world, cameras have become a part of our everyday lives. There might have been a security or traffic camera near the accident recording everything. There might even be dashcam footage from other drivers near the crash. Video evidence can be extremely powerful, but we need to track it down quickly, as it might be easily deleted.
If your injuries are called into question by the defendant, our team can help you gather your medical records to prove the extent, severity, and cost of your injuries. These records are both easy and difficult to obtain. On the one hand, they are your records, and you have a right to request them. On the other hand, medical records are not always readily available and must be compiled and collected by medical personnel. As such, we should talk to your doctors about your records soon, as it might take time to get official copies.
What Happens if the Other Driver Fled the Car Accident Scene in Milton, GA?
After an accident, drivers are generally required to remain at the scene until the police arrive. Only after accidents with no injuries and only minor damages can drivers leave without contacting the police. However, some drivers panic about the accident or do not care that another driver might be hurt, and they leave the scene before they can be identified. This can hinder an injured driver’s ability to file insurance claims or injury lawsuits. It is also highly illegal.
If the other driver fled the scene, they may be charged with a hit-and-run under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270. If this happens to you, call the police immediately and explain what happened. The police will likely investigate, try to find the other driver, and bring them to justice. When they do, our legal team can help you file claims for damages.
Finding the other driver might take time, and in the meantime, we cannot file a lawsuit or an insurance claim without their personal information. However, hit-and-run offenses are serious crimes, and the police will likely conduct a thorough investigation to find the other driver, especially if the accident involves serious injuries or death.
As we wait for the police to find the other driver, we can begin working on your case. While we might not know the other driver’s identity, we can start gathering evidence, assessing your damages, and preparing the legal paperwork necessary to get your case off the ground.
Speak to Our Milton, GA Car Accident Lawyers About Your Case Today
Receive a free initial case evaluation by calling (470) 287-3070 and talking to our car accident attorneys at Rice, Murtha & Psoras.