When you are in any car accident, remain at the scene of the accident, call 911, and wait for help. If you are in a fatal car accident, meaning someone in the car you were in or another vehicle lost their life, it is critical to cooperate with the police and get care for yourself. In these situations, the most important thing you can do after getting medical care is to hire an attorney to guide you. As always, a consultation with a Newnan car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights.
What to Do at the Scene of the Accident
Under Georgia Code Section 9-3-33, if you are involved in a car accident in which there are serious injuries or a death, you must remain at the scene of the accident to wait for police to arrive. For this reason, you should move out of the way of additional harm, provide aid if you can do so, and follow all directions provided by the dispatcher.
When it is safe to do so, document the scene by taking photos of the damage to your car and any debris on the roadway. Avoid taking photos of the other person involved; instead, take images of the vehicle damage. Make sure to capture the area’s layout. This can later help determine fault.
Get medical care for yourself at that point. In these situations, adrenaline may be running high, and you may not have any idea that you have serious injuries. Get to the hospital to document your injuries and receive any necessary care.
Complete a Police Report
Most of the time, the police will take a statement from you at the scene of the accident. This means they will ask you questions and ask you to tell them what happened. Be honest and thorough, but do not speculate. Do not admit fault in any way. Instead, tell the police officer only what you know and experienced.
If you did not provide a police report at the time of the accident for any reason, do so as soon as possible. Visit the local police department in person to do so.
Hire an Attorney to Represent You
The next important step in this process is to seek legal guidance. This is critical, no matter whether you are at fault or a victim. Seeking the help of an attorney right away can protect your rights and ensure you receive fair treatment. Your attorney will help you in several ways:
- Gather all evidence in the case and preserve it. If the other party was at fault, this evidence will help document your losses.
- Determine what all of those losses are, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You want to be sure there is a thorough outline of your losses present.
- Seek compensation against those responsible. This could include the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
This process can be time-consuming, but even when there is a death involved, you have rights if the other person caused your injuries.
Hire an Attorney for Immediate Help
Set up a free consultation with a lawyer right away to go over your case. Even if you are unsure if you can file a claim or take legal action, your Newnan personal injury attorney can offer insight into what your rights are.