The aftermath of a Georgia car accident can feel overwhelming. You may suffer from severe injuries, be unable to use your vehicle, and wonder how you will be able to financially recover from the impact of the crash. Since Georgia is a fault car accident state, however, you may have options to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver in your collision. To prove your claim, you will need to gather key pieces of evidence after the accident occurs.
Medical Records
When filing a car accident claim, you will need to present evidence that proves that you suffered injuries in the car accident. You will also need to prove that you sustained certain damages related to your injuries, such as medical bills, chronic pain, and disability. In these situations, your medical records can provide the evidence you need to establish the nature and extent of the harm you suffered.
As soon as possible after the accident, seek emergency medical treatment and save all records related to your visit. You should always seek medical care, even if you do not feel injured; you may have underlying or internal injuries that you are not aware of immediately after the crash. Additionally, the insurance company could use failure to seek medical care as evidence against you in your future claim.
Police Reports
Another key factor in a car accident claim is establishing the other driver’s negligence. You will need to prove that his or her actions caused the accident and your resulting injuries, therefore making you eligible for compensation. The police report created by the responding officer will serve as a key piece of evidence in your claim.
The police report is a detailed account of the accident based on the evidence that the responding officer witnessed at the scene. It will contain important information such as the names of involved parties, witness details, and how the officer believed the accident happened. This report can help you corroborate your version of events and establish your right to compensation, so make sure to call 911 as soon as possible after the collision.
Photographs
If you are able to move around the accident scene without putting yourself in danger or at risk of further injury, collecting evidence from the scene can support your future claim. Take as many photographs from as many angles as possible of any visible injuries, property damage, and harm to your vehicle. Make sure to photograph any debris, skid marks, and traffic signs and signals in the area as well.
Witness Testimony
If other people saw the accident occur, their testimonies could serve as valuable evidence in your claim. These witnesses can help establish your version of events and provide additional details that you may not have seen during the collision. Immediately after the accident, ask any witnesses in the area for their names and contact information. Your Augusta personal injury attorney can follow up with these witnesses to further develop your claim
Contact an Augusta, Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
If you are injured in a Georgia car accident, it is important to remember that your goals and the priorities of the insurance company may differ. While the company may claim to have your best interests in mind, these entities often want to protect their bottom lines. As a result, you may receive an insufficient settlement offer.
In these situations, you need an attorney on your side. An Augusta, Georgia car accident lawyer can handle negotiations with the insurance representative and advocate for your right to maximum compensation during each stage of your case. After you receive medical treatment, contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
