Clarkston car accident injuries are serious. Even if you feel okay right after the accident, you’ll need to see a doctor and talk to a Clarkston car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Injuries can worsen with time—and even if your injuries are minor, you’re likely facing other steep expenses from the accident.
Car accidents can easily cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, but you shouldn’t have to pay for anything that wasn’t your fault. You have the right to defend yourself and seek financial recovery for ALL of your damages.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help. Our Clarkston car accident attorneys have been helping victims recover for the money they need and deserve for over 20 years, and we know how to win cases. We know that insurance companies will do everything in their power to reduce their payout in a car accident claim. But we are known for strong-arming them into giving victims the recovery they truly need to get better and move on from the accident.
For a FREE consultation with one of our attorneys, contact us today. Call 404-400-4000 or fill out the form on this page to get started with your free consultation.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Clarkston?
The moments after a car accident are tough. You’re likely stressed, in pain, and confused about what just happened. But if you can keep a clear head enough to perform a few specific actions, it can really help your case. Here’s what you should do, if you’re able, after a car accident.
Make Sure You Are Safe
Your well-being is the number one priority after a personal injury accident. If your injuries or someone else’s injuries need immediate medical attention, don’t hesitate to get help. Call 911.
Also, make sure you are in a safe place. If your car smells like gasoline, is smoking, or is on fire, move away from it. If you are stuck in the vehicle, call out for help. If you can do so safely, move your car to the side of the road. If this isn’t possible, be careful getting out of your car and watch for oncoming traffic.
If you are well enough to stay at the scene, we advise you to follow the steps below.
Call Police
Call local police and report the accident. When officers arrive, tell them exactly what happened and everything you can remember about the moments before, during, and after the accident. If they ask if you have any injuries and you don’t know yet, say you’re not sure. Even if you think the answer is “no,” it’s best to wait and see. Injuries can manifest later.
Officers will create a police report of the accident, which is important for your accident claim.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
You should both share your names, addresses, and phone numbers. If the other driver starts acting reckless or aggressive in any way, move away until the police get to the scene. If you suspect the driver was drinking or under the influence of something, definitely let responding officers know about it.
Take Pictures
Picture evidence can be very helpful in a personal injury case. Take pictures of:
- Your injuries and/or injuries of anyone else in your vehicle
- Damage to your vehicle
- The accident scene itself
- The other driver, if they’re acting strange (video is even better)
- The other driver’s license plate, in case they try to leave
Talk to Witnesses
If anyone saw what happened, ask them what exactly they witnessed and get their contact information. Let the police know there is a witness. Your car accident lawyer will likely reach out to this person too.
Don’t Apologize or Accept Blame
You might be tempted to put on a brave face and say you’re okay—but be careful. Apologizing, saying it was your fault, or even saying you feel fine can be used against you in the insurance claim. Stick with giving the required information and not saying much else.
Get a Lawyer
The other driver’s insurance company may reach out to you at some point. They might try to offer you some money upfront, hoping you will take it. But never accept the first offer. If you accept money, it will prevent you from negotiating a higher settlement. And don’t admit or sign anything until you’ve spoken with a car accident attorney. They will know how to handle the insurer and keep them from taking advantage of you.
If the moments after your accident have already come and gone, what’s most important now is seeing a doctor and consulting with an attorney.
Get the strong arm
What Damages Can I Recover from a Car Accident?
In the City of Clarkston and the whole state of Georgia, you are entitled to the full financial recovery of your costs if the car accident wasn’t your fault. Here are the most common accident costs that you may be able to include in your insurance claim:
- Medical costs, including hospital and doctor bills, tests, and prescription medications
- Loss of wages from time you had to take off work
- Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle
- Long-term treatment like physical therapy or other rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering damages
You may also be entitled to additional financial awards if you were left with a disability or debilitating physical pain because of the accident. The same goes for if you aren’t able to return to work due to your injuries. To find out for sure what your options are, set up a consultation with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
How Much does a Clarkston Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most of the time, car accident lawyers (like John Foy & Associates) cost nothing upfront.
With many personal injury lawyers, the initial consultation is free. From there, most also work on contingency fees. This means they don’t get paid unless they win you money. If they don’t win your case for you, they don’t get paid.
This structure allows you to consult and work with a lawyer and not stress about any upfront costs. It also means the cost to you depends on how much your lawyer is able to win for you, which ensures the attorney has your best interests in mind. Essentially, hiring a good car accident lawyer is risk-free and highly beneficial to you.
Talk to a Clarkston Car Accident Lawyer for Free
At John Foy & Associates, your consultation is always FREE—and we don’t get paid unless we win you money. We care about the car accident victims we represent, and our biggest goal is to get you the financial recovery needed to pay for your costs and try to move on from the accident. To get a free consultation with one of our attorneys, contact us today. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call 404-400-4000, or fill out the Free Case Evaluation form to get started.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
