If you are in an automobile accident in Atlanta, under the law in Georgia there are certain things you have to do, and on top of that, if you are thinking of making a personal injury claim there are more things to do to ensure a good outcome.
Under state law you have to report any accident where there is injury or death or damage to property of more than $500. You also have to stop and remain at the scene, show your driver’s license to the other party, give them your name, address and registration number and help them if they are injured. The law also states that you should exchange insurance information.
Georgia law goes on to say that if there is no injury to anyone then the drivers should move the vehicles to a safe place, but if there is injury or death then you should wait for law enforcement to arrive to assess the scene and start the investigation.
Those are the legal issues but you should also ensure that immediately after the accident you gather as much information as possible to assist you if you are thinking of making or defending a personal injury claim. These will include drawing a plan of the accident, taking photographs of the scene and the damage to vehicles or property as well as the injuries caused, and recording witness details and statements.
You should aim not to speak to anyone about the incident, apart from cooperating with the authorities, but leave discussions with insurance companies to your attorney.
Even if you do not think you have been injured, you should visit a doctor to be checked over as some injuries, such as whiplash and internal injuries may not be immediately apparent.
