Thousands of car accidents happen every day in Gwinnett County and throughout the nation. Though many are minor crashes, car accidents can have far-reaching effects. Many accident victims incur long-lasting injuries, financial consequences, and even emotional distress as a result of something that took only moments to happen. These circumstances can be difficult to recover from on many different levels. Motorists in Gwinnett County and surrounding areas are especially at risk to be involved in a car accident due to increased traffic and sometimes poor weather and road conditions. Common accidents involve a side impact, rear end or a sideswipe, or a front end collision. No matter they type of accident, all type scan cause debilitating and painful injuries. The effect on one’s ability to work, family life, and emotional state can also be severe. Our Gwinnett County Car Accident Lawyer is here for you.
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Being involved in an automobile accident is never anticipated, and is generally quite overwhelming. We’re taken completely off-guard, and understandably are not thinking clearly about what actions need to be taken next. Even minor collisions can have substantial effects. How you proceed in the initial moments, hours, and days following the accident can influence the outcomes of ensuing legal, medical, and financial issues. Retaining the representation of a Gwinnett County car accident lawyer well-versed in the legalities surrounding an auto accident is strongly urged, and will safeguard against allowing anything to erroneously fall through the cracks. The experienced Gwinnett County car accident attorney at Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines has been trusted to guide, advise and advocate for individuals involved in motor vehicle collisions for over 15 years. Don’t delay. Contact our Gwinnett County Law Firm today at (770) 941-0903.
First, place your car into the park and turn on your emergency flashers. This will make other drivers more aware of your presence and help to prevent further damage or other accidents. If you can, take a deep breath and remain calm. Assess whether you or anyone in your vehicle is injured. If anyone is, call for emergency medical help right away. Depending on the location of your vehicle and the conditions surrounding you, you may attempt to leave your vehicle. If you can get out of your vehicle and are uninjured, check to see if passengers in any other vehicles are injured. If they are, call for emergency medical assistance. If it is possible, move your vehicle out of the path of traffic.
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If you have not already called for help, you will want to call the police to have a police report filed on the accident. Even if no one is injured, insurance companies need this information to process your claim. You should exchange insurance and personal information with the other driver(s), such as:
Insurance company name, policy number, and contact info Car information (make, model, color, license plate number, Vehicle Identification Number) If possible, obtain the names and contact info for anyone who witnessed the accident. If your accident needs to be investigated further, this will be important information to have.
Get as much information and evidence regarding the accident as you can. If you are able, take pictures with your phone or a camera. As soon as possible, write down any important information about how the accident occurred, including road and weather conditions, any obstacles, what other traffic was doing, and the date and time of the accident. You should also try to get the name and badge number of the police officer who came to the scene or wrote the police report.
Knowing what not to do can be just as important, if not more important, than knowing what to do after a car accident in Gwinnett County. Keep these don’ts in mind if you are involved in a vehicle accident:
In many areas, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident. This is otherwise known as a hit and run accident. Unless you are receiving medical care and leaving the scene in an ambulance, wait until the police officer gives you permission to leave.
Unless you are asked by a police officer, never sign anything regarding the accident. You do not want to admit fault or waive any rights you may have.
Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident to either the other parties involved or the responding police or medical personnel. It can be very tempting, especially if you do believe you are at fault, to hop out of your car and immediately start apologizing to the other party. However, avoid the temptation to do this. Even if you truly are at fault, admitting it can make your situation worse. Often accident victims are not thinking clearly after an accident, and want to do whatever they can to immediately right the situation. Gwinnett County car accident lawyer can help you sort out who is actually at fault for your accident, it is not for you to determine or admit at this point.
It is not beneficial to discuss the accident with other driver’s or witnesses. You do not want to risk admitting fault, or even giving the impression that you are accepting blame. You also do not want to get into an argument or a debate about the accident. Other than exchanging important info and making sure emergency medical assistance has been called if needed, do not speak to the other parties.
After a car accident, seek the advice of a qualified Gwinnett County Personal Injury Law Firm. Doing so can make sure your rights are protected and help you recover any compensation that may be due to you. If you are unsure of whether or not you need to file a claim, speak to your insurance representative or a Gwinnett County car accident Lawyer. It is important not to delay taking this step, as there are time limits to retrieving compensation.
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