What Should I Do After A Multi-Car Accident In Atlanta?
The last thing that anybody expects is that they will be involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, these incidents do occur, and they often involve multiple vehicles. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 45% of all fatal crashes in Georgia during the latest reporting year were the result of multi-vehicle crashes. Thousands of people were injured and left dealing with the consequences of these multi-car crashes. In the aftermath of a multi-car crash in Atlanta, there are several steps you can take in order to ensure your well-being and help you secure maximum compensation.
Seek medical assistance
In the aftermath of any crash, the most important thing you can do is seek medical assistance for any injuries. Dial 911 and make sure police and EMS are on the way to the scene. Even if you do not feel any pain immediately following a crash, there is always a risk of delayed injuries that could cause severe harm. Let a doctor make a determination as to whether or not you need continued medical care.
Gather evidence
If you can safely do so at the car accident scene, use your smartphone to take photographs of any vehicle damage, debris lying around the incident, traffic and weather conditions, any injuries you sustained, and more. Get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses to the crash as well as the names, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information of other drivers involved in the crash. Be sure to ask the responding law enforcement officer had to obtain an official copy of the accident report. In the days following the crash, keep copies of all medical bills as well as other out-of-pocket expenses you incur due to the incident.
Determining fault is important
In the aftermath of any car accident, securing compensation is vital. However, proving fault in a multi-car accident in Atlanta can be difficult. In Georgia, we have what are called modified contributory negligence laws. Under these laws, a person can recover compensation for an accident even if they are partially at fault, so long as they were less than 50% responsible for the incident. However, the total amount of compensation a person receives will be reduced based on their percentage of fault. For example, if someone is awarded $100,000 in compensation for their car accident damages, but they are found to be 20% at fault for the incident, then they would only receive $80,000 in total compensation.
Whether you think you were at fault in any way for an accident or not, you need to be focused on proving the liability of others involved in the crash.
Speak to an attorney
Due to Georgia’s modified comparative negligence laws, you may need to secure assistance from a skilled attorney who can help ensure you receive maximum compensation for your claim. If you did not contribute to the accident, you do not want another party involved saying that you did. If you did contribute to the incident in some way, you still need to be sure that you receive any compensation you are entitled to. An attorney will have the resources necessary to conduct a full investigation into the incident, properly calculate your total expenses, and vigorously negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement.