The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDoT) reports that there are approximately 330,000 traffic collisions reported statewide each year. Nearly one-third of all motor vehicle accidents in Georgia result in physical injuries that require professional medical care. Notably, car crashes impact every community. Sandy Springs is certainly no exception to the rule.
If you were involved in an accident in Sandy Springs, it is crucial that you know what to do to protect your rights and your interests. You cannot rely on any insurance adjuster to look out for what is best for your family after a crash. Here, our Sandy Springs car accident attorney highlights the most important things that you need to do immediately after a motor vehicle collision in Fulton County.
Step #1: Stop Your Vehicle, Move a Safe Location
First and foremost, you should stop your vehicle and—to the extent that you can do so—move it to a safe location. Under Georgia state law, stopping and staying at the scene of the crash (unless there is a medical emergency) is a legal requirement. Once parked, activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Before exiting your car, you should carefully check your surroundings to ensure it is safe to do so—especially if there is busy traffic. Safety must be a priority after a crash in Sandy Springs.
Caveat: Medical emergencies always come first. Any person who sustained a severe injury in a crash should be transported to the nearest hospital right away. Other issues are secondary.
Step #2: Report the Crash to Local or State Law Enforcement
In Georgia, most traffic collisions need to be reported to the police as a matter of law. All injury crashes need to be reported. You should dial 911 immediately to get law enforcement to the scene. When the officers arrive, you should be ready to provide a clear, factual account of the collision. You should report your crash to the Sandy Springs Police Department, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, or another state or local law enforcement agency. Notably, the police report is a key form of documentation for car accident claims in Sandy Springs. Be sure to request a copy. If you do not know how to do so, an attorney can help.
Note: If the police did not come to the scene of your crash, you can file report online with the Sandy Spring Police Department here: Report Incident
Step #3: Exchange Information With Other Drivers and Document Crash
All drivers involved in a motor vehicle collision in Sandy Springs have a legal responsibility to exchange information with all of the other parties, including passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. You should approach the other driver(s) involved with caution and courtesy. You need to be ready to exchange essential details, including:
- Full name;
- Addresses;
- Phone number;
- Driver’s license number;
- License plate number;
- Vehicle made and model; and
- Insurance policy details.
Beyond that, car accident victims in Sandy Springs should also gather contact information from any passengers and witnesses. It is a good idea to try to document the scene of the crash to the maximum extent possible. Among other things, this means taking pictures of key details, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and relevant traffic signs.
Step #4: Get Immediate Medical Attention (Top Priority for Severe Injuries)
All car accident injuries should be evaluated by a doctor. You need to get yourself checked out by an experienced medical professional right away after a serious motor vehicle crash in Sandy Springs. Here is a key point to keep in mind: Even if you feel fine, it is still imperative to seek a medical evaluation. Some of the most common types of car crash injuries reported in Sandy Springs—including ailments like whiplash and concussions—may not fully manifest symptoms right away. You could be more seriously hurt than you think at the scene of the accident itself.
Car Accident Injury Claims Tip: Medical records are key. If you do not have medical documentation, you will not be able to get full and fair compensation for your injuries.
Step #5: Notify Your Insurance Company of the Collision
Even if another party caused your crash in Sandy Springs, it is still the best practice to notify your own insurance provider. The vast majority of modern auto insurance policies issued in Georgia include provisions that require policyholders to notify the provider in a timely manner after a crash. The failure to do so could cause you problems in the insurance claims process. Be sure to contact your insurance provider promptly to report the accident. Provide them with the basic details about what happened—but do not agree to give a full recorded statement at this point in the process. Instead, your obligation is to provide them with notice that an accident happened in Sandy Springs.
Step #6: Speak to a Sandy Springs Car Crash Lawyer Before Giving a Recorded Statement
Car accident injury cases are complicated. Unfortunately, insurance companies are simply not on your side—especially another driver’s insurer. Before providing any recorded statements to insurance adjusters, you should consult with a local car accident attorney. Insurance adjusters will use anything that you say against you to reduce the value of your case if they can get away with it. You need a lawyer who knows how to handle cases in Sandy Springs. The right attorney will investigate your crash, answer your questions, and take action to protect your rights. Your Sandy Springs car accident attorney can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Top Sandy Springs Auto Accident Lawyer
At Ponton Law, our Sandy Springs auto accident attorney is a skilled, passionate, justice-focused advocate for victims and their families. If you or your loved one was hurt in a serious crash, please do not hesitate to contact us right away for a free, no obligation case review. We represent car accident victims in Sandy Springs, Fulton County, and throughout the Atlanta metro area.