The moments after a car accident in Rex are intense. You might not know what to do or where to turn first. This is understandable, since (thankfully) none of us are getting into accidents every day. But what you do after the accident can actually largely impact your chance at full financial compensation for injuries and other costs. If you were not fully at fault for the collision, a Rex car accident lawyer can help you seek the recovery you deserve.
John Foy & Associates can help. With more than two decades of experience working car accident cases, we fight for victims’ rights to financial recovery—for all expenses. We’ll also guide you through the claims process and answer any questions you have about what to do next. And you can get a FREE consultation to talk about your case with one of our attorneys. Call us any time today at 404-400-4000 or complete the form on this page to get started.
9 Things to Do After a Car Accident in Rex?
Once you contact a Rex car accident lawyer, they will get to work investigating and gathering evidence for your case. But a lot of accident victims don’t know that they can also help strengthen their case—starting as soon as the moments after the accident.
To help protect your rights and support your insurance claim, here are some things we recommend doing after a car accident.
1. Stop and Pull Over
Even if the accident is minor, make sure you stay safe and prevent further accidents:
- Never drive away from the scene.
- If your car is in a hazardous location, move it just until it’s in a space away from moving traffic.
- Put on your flashers so other drivers know to give you a safe distance.
- And be extremely careful exiting the vehicle. Look for oncoming traffic first.
2. Call Police
In Georgia, you must report an accident if anyone is injured or killed, property damage exceeds $500, the accident happened in a city that requires reporting, or if a report is required by your insurance company.
Basically, it’s best to always call police after an accident—even a minor one. In Rex, this would be the Clayton County police. Tell officers you were in an accident and detail exactly what happened. If officers ask whether you were injured and you either aren’t sure or don’t notice any injuries yet, just say you’re “not sure.”
When you report the accident, a police report will be created. This is important because you will likely need the report to file a claim with the insurance company.
3. Exchange Information
While you’re waiting for police, or if they don’t respond to the accident, exchange basic information with the other driver. This includes first and last name, phone number, address, and insurance information.
4. Talk to Witnesses
If anyone saw the car accident happen, ask for their information as well. You’ll want to have a way to contact them in the future. Your car accident attorney will likely reach out to them for a statement.
5. Take Pictures
Use your phone to take pictures of:
- The accident scene
- Any visible injuries
- All vehicle damage
- Anything else you might think is relevant to your case
6. Get Medical Attention
If you have injuries that are life-threatening, this is step number one. Never compromise your health. If you need to see a doctor right away, don’t hesitate to get medical help.
Most of the time, car accident injuries don’t become apparent until hours or even days after the accident. Whiplash is a good example. So, even if you don’t notice any injuries or they are minor, you should still see a doctor as soon as you can after the accident.
7. Keep Track of All Documents and Receipts
When you make an insurance claim after an accident, you are seeking to make up for all costs you wouldn’t have otherwise experienced. But to prove those costs, the insurance company will require evidence. Keep a detailed record of all accident-related bills, payments, and other documents related to expenses.
8. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
The most vital action you can take to protect your rights after the accident is calling an attorney experienced in personal injury law. They will help ensure valuable evidence is preserved for your claim and your rights are not compromised.
9. Don’t Talk to the Insurance Company on Your Own
If the other driver’s insurance company tries to get a statement from you after the accident, you’ll want to already have a legal professional on your side. They can make sure everything you do or say is advantageous to you and your insurance claim. They can also communicate and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf—so you don’t have to stress about what to do.
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What Costs Can I Recover in a Car Accident Claim?
If you were not at fault for the car accident, you are legally entitled to seek compensation for all damages related to the accident. Damages refer to anything you lost because of the accident. Those can include:
Medical Expenses
Medical costs include all bills, doctor visits, tests, and prescription medications for the treatment of your car accident injuries.
Lost Wages
If you had to miss work because of the accident—whether you used vacation time, sick time, or didn’t get paid at all—you are entitled to recover for the wages you lost.
Property Damage
This includes repair or replacement costs for your vehicle.
General Damages
The damages above are known as “special damages” because they are easily calculable. You can provide proof of their costs through bills and documentation. But general damages are different. They often refer to human suffering or losses that can’t be fully repaired.
General damages include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Lifelong disabilities
- Loss of companionship if a loved one died in an accident
General damages are much harder to put a dollar amount on, since they can’t ever fully make up for what an accident victim suffered. However, the law tries to make things “right” through financial compensation.
To make sure you get what you truly deserve for all damages, we recommend contacting a car accident lawyer as soon as you can after your accident.
Talk to a Rex Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we don’t get paid unless we win you money—so there’s no risk to call and talk to us about your case. Our primary goal is getting you the fullest financial recovery possible. Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. For a FREE consultation, contact us today. Call 404-400-4000 or complete the short form on this page for your free consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
