Even a seemingly minor motor vehicle accident can have long-lasting effects. You might not think that your injury was serious, but you might suffer lingering effects such as a ringing in your ears, blurred vision or muscle spasms. It is wise to treat even a fender-bender as a serious event.
Each and every collision on Georgia roads is different. Factors such as the types of vehicles, the force of the collision and even weather conditions can dramatically impact the amount of property damage and the severity of the injuries suffered. In fact, where the accident occurred – highways, city streets, county roads, for example – can also affect the resulting injuries. But what should you do after an accident?
First and foremost, you should remain calm. While it might be a challenge to do so in the aftermath of a serious motor vehicle collision, staying level-headed in the moment can help you in the future. Having said that, there are three things to keep in mind following an accident.
- Call the police. Whether you have suffered an injury that requires medical attention or you will ultimately need a tow-truck, contacting the police is a crucial first step. The insurance company will typically need to reference a police report. Additionally, filling out a police report can help you with item number two.
- Document everything. If possible, take photos of all of the damage to every vehicle involved, and make note of the other driver’s insurance and contact information. It might even be helpful to take pictures of the surroundings and road conditions.
- Take notes: This might be the most challenging of the three factors. Whether you are filling out the police report or simply listing out items on your own notepad, it is crucial that you note facts surrounding the accident. Simply state facts – no editorializing – regarding the accident. These facts can be time of day, weather conditions, traffic patterns, or anything you might have noted immediately prior to the accident itself – a swerving vehicle or debris in the roadway.
By staying calm and recording the event in a clear, concise manner you will be able to answer questions in the future. Through the process of recovering insurance benefits or if you choose to seek monetary compensation through the legal process your notes and documentation can be helpful as your memory of the event fades.