Hawk Law Group | December 6, 2022 | Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of personal injury in Georgia. If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. However, it’s important to make sure you follow the law and take the proper steps to give yourself the best chance of success. A personal injury lawyer in Georgia can help.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Georgia
Did you know that in the State of Georgia, you are usually legally required to take certain steps after a car accident? This often includes fender benders that seem minor.
If you’re involved in a car accident in Georgia that results in injury or property damage, there are certain steps you must take according to state law.
First and foremost, you must stop at the scene of the accident. Once you’ve stopped, you need to exchange information with the other driver. You should give your name and address, your insurance and registration information, and the VIN of your vehicle. If the other driver asks, you are also required to show them your driver’s license.
Additionally, if there are any injured parties involved, you must render aid if possible and call 911 so they can receive medical attention as soon as possible.
How Contacting The Police After a Fender Bender in Georgia Can Help You
As a general rule, you should call the police any time you’re in a car accident, even if you don’t think there are any serious injuries or major property damage. In addition to following the requirements under the law so you don’t get into legal trouble, calling the police after an accident can benefit you in other ways.
First, even minor accidents can sometimes result in hidden damage that may not be immediately apparent, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact law enforcement just to be safe. This provides you with a record of what happened because the police officer will create an accident report.
Another factor to consider is whether there are any witnesses to the accident. If there are, their testimony could be crucial in determining who was at fault for the accident. The police will usually take statements from witnesses at the scene of the accident, which can be very helpful if you end up filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit later on.
Compensation You Can Recover After a Georgia Car Accident
In Georgia, there are several different types of damages that may be recoverable in a personal injury claim arising from a car accident. These include:
Medical Expenses
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be able to recover the cost of your medical treatment. This includes the cost of ambulance transportation, hospitalization, surgery, prescription drugs, rehabilitative therapy, and any other expenses you incur as a result of your injuries.
Lost Wages
If you miss time from work as a result of your injuries, you may be able to recover your lost wages. This includes any wages that you would have earned had you not been injured, as well as any bonuses or commissions that you would have earned.
If you are unable to work at all because of your injuries, you may be able to recover the value of your lost earning capacity. This is the difference between the wages that you are currently able to earn and the wages that you would have been able to earn had you not been injured.
Pain and Suffering
You could also be entitled to noneconomic damages for pain and suffering. This includes physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish. To maximize the value of your claim for pain and suffering, it is important to keep detailed records of how your injuries have affected your life.
Additional Compensation
In some cases, victims of car accidents may also be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault driver for particularly egregious behavior and are not available in every case.
A Skilled Augusta Car Accident Attorney Can Help
If you’re ever involved in a car accident—no matter how minor—be sure to call the police right away. It’s important to create an official record of what happened, determine who is at fault, and preserve any evidence that could be important for your insurance claim or personal injury case.
By following these simple steps, you can protect yourself both legally and financially after an accident. If you need help from an experienced personal injury attorney in Georgia, contact Hawk Law Group today.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers In the Central Savannah River Area at Hawk Law Group for Legal Assistance Today
For more information, please contact the car accident lawyers at Hawk Law Group at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve throughout the Central Savannah River Area and its surrounding areas:
Hawk Law Group – Augusta, GA
338 Telfair St, Augusta, GA 30901, United States
(706) 722 3500
Hawk Law Group – Evans, GA
4384 River Watch Pkwy, Evans, GA 30809, United States
(706) 863 6500
Hawk Law Group – Thomson, GA
146 Railroad St A, Thomson, GA 30824, United States
(706) 361 0350
Hawk Law Group – Waynesboro, GA
827 Liberty St, Waynesboro, GA 30830, United States
(706) 437 9122
Hawk Law Group – Aiken County, SC
156 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States
(803) 226 9089
We also serve in Edgefield County, SC.