If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident in Snellville, you’re probably facing hefty medical bills and costs. That includes lost wages from having to time off work, which further increases the financial burden. On top of everything, the clock is ticking on how long you have to file a personal injury claim. To get the support you need and increase your chances of full compensation, call a car accident lawyer in Snellville, GA, today.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been assisting car accident victims and their families for more than 20 years. We’re here to answer all your questions and represent you through the entirety of your car accident case. For a FREE consultation to discuss the details, call us today (24 hours a day, seven days a week!) at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form on this page to get started.
What Should I Do If I’m in a Car Accident in Snellville?
Actions you can take to help your case begin as soon as the accident occurs. Here are some things you can do right after the accident.
Call Police
After the accident happens, call the police to report the accident. Officers will create a police report, which is vital for your car accident claim. Tell the police exactly what happened, but never apologize or admit guilt. If they ask you if you’re injured and you don’t feel hurt or aren’t sure, just say you “aren’t sure” instead of no.
Exchange Information
Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance information from all other driver’s involved—and share your information with them. Police will get these details too.
Take Pictures
Use your phone camera or any other camera to take pictures of the accident scene, any injuries, and vehicle damage. This can be powerful evidence in your claim.
Talk to Witnesses
If anyone saw the accident happen, talk to them and ask for their contact information. Your Snellville car accident lawyer will reach out to them later.
See a Doctor
Do this as soon as possible after the accident—even if your injuries seem minor. Some car accident injuries can worsen with time, and it’s important to get any degree of harm checked out. If you have current or future medical costs from the accident, you’ll want evidence that a doctor saw and treated them.
Consult with a Snellville Car Accident Lawyer
Your next call should be to an experienced attorney. Most personal injury lawyers (like John Foy & Associates) offer a free consultation. Call and tell them the details of your case. They can advise you on the best course of action for your injury claim, including how to deal with the insurance companies.
Call Your Insurance Company
If you plan to hire a car accident lawyer, it’s best to avoid contact with the other driver’s insurance company until you’ve consulted with your attorney. But you do need to call your own auto insurance company to report the accident. There are certain forms of coverage you may be able to get from your insurer, but they must know about the accident first.
That being said, you should still be careful about what you say when you call your insurer. Give them the basic, barebones details: the date, time, and location of the car accident and the names and addresses of all drivers. Do not discuss who was at fault or give a recorded statement until after you have spoken to a car accident lawyer.
Do Not Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
At least, not until you’ve spoken to a car accident lawyer. In fact, if you hire an attorney, they can represent you and deal with the other driver’s insurer directly. In the meantime, don’t accept any money, apologize, or give any recorded statements to the insurer.
Get the strong arm
How Long do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?
In Georgia, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit and four years to file a claim for property damage. This might seem like a lot of time, but it really isn’t when you add up time in the legal process. It’s best to talk to a lawyer early so they can analyze your claim, help you make a plan, and get the ball rolling.
What Types of Injuries Result from a Car Accident?
All sorts of injuries can happen during car accidents, but some of the most common we see include:
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Head or brain injuries
- Burns
- Spinal injuries
- And more
Car accidents can also result in mental or emotional suffering like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or mental anguish from disfigurement or disabilities resulting from the accident.
This is why it’s so important to see a doctor soon after your accident—to make sure all injuries are accounted for in your claim and for your own well-being. Also, be sure to keep track of all medical bills and other documentation related to your accident costs. These serve as evidence of what you’ve suffered and why you deserve compensation.
What If I Was at Fault for the Car Accident?
If you were partially at fault for the accident, it is still possible to recover damages. In Georgia, you can still make a claim if you are less than 50% at fault. The more you’re at fault, the less you can claim. If you are more than 50% at fault, you won’t be able to claim any damages.
Consult with a car accident lawyer before determining your degree of fault or admitting any blame. Some injury victims are quick to blame themselves when in fact they did not cause the accident or they were only partially to blame.
You are also not necessarily legally at fault if you got a traffic ticket from the accident. If this is your situation, consult with an attorney who can advise you on the best course of action.
Get a Free Consultation with a Snellville Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of you or miss out on getting the financial recovery you deserve. At John Foy & Associates, we are always on the side of accident victims, and we know how to stand up to insurance companies.
With 20+ years of experience working personal injury cases, we’ve grown to one of the largest and most well-respected law firms in Georgia. Let us help you for FREE by giving you a no-cost consultation to discuss the details of your case.
And if you decide to work with us, our process is risk-free: we don’t get paid unless we win you money. To get started with your free consultation today, call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form on this page.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form