7 Common Mistakes Made After a Georgia Car Accident

Car accidents are common and can happen anytime, anywhere. Even the most careful and cautious drivers can fall victim to a car collision. If you have ever been in a car accident, you probably know how overwhelming the experience can be.

The aftermath of a car accident can be just as overwhelming, especially if you make common mistakes. In this blog, we’ll share seven of the most common mistakes made after a Georgia car accident and why you need to avoid them.

Have you or a loved one suffered an injury due to another driver’s negligence? At Greathouse Trial Law, we’re here for you. Contact us at (678) 310-2827 to schedule your free consultation. Let us be your trusted partner.

Mistake #1: Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

One of the biggest mistakes people make after a car accident is failing to seek immediate medical care. Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to get a thorough medical examination.

Adrenaline can mask the symptoms of injury, and some injuries may not manifest immediately. A medical report will also serve as essential evidence should you decide to pursue a legal claim.

What to Do: Visit the ER or your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Why It Matters: Medical records substantiate your claim, and immediate treatment can prevent complications.

Mistake #2: Admitting Fault at the Scene

In the aftermath of an accident, emotions run high. There may be a tendency to say things like “I’m sorry,” which could be misconstrued as an admission of guilt.

Georgia is a “modified comparative fault” state, meaning any admission can significantly impact your ability to claim compensation.

What to Do: Stick to the facts when talking to authorities or the other parties involved.
Why It Matters: Any admission of fault can be used against you in legal proceedings and insurance claims.

Mistake #3: Neglecting to Document the Accident and Reporting it to Authorities

Failing to document the accident scene and report it to the police is another common mistake. A police report can provide an unbiased view of the events and is often critical when settling disputes. In fact, under certain conditions, it is mandatory to file a police report after a car accident in Georgia.

Even if none of the conditions are met, it is still a good idea to file a police report. A police report can provide a record of the accident and can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim.

What to Do: Take photos of the accident scene, gather witness accounts, and call the police.
Why It Matters: A police report is an official document that lends credibility to your case.

Mistake #4: Delaying or Undermining the Insurance Claim

Time is of the essence after an accident. Delays in filing your insurance claim can be grounds for denial. Also, providing incomplete or inaccurate information can jeopardize your claim.

What to Do: Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible, and be meticulous in providing accurate information.
Why It Matters: Timeliness and accuracy are crucial for the processing of your insurance claim.

Mistake #5: Accepting the First Settlement Offer

Insurers often extend initial offers that are significantly lower than what you may be entitled to. Accepting the first offer undermines your ability to secure adequate compensation.

What to Do: Consult an experienced car accident attorney to evaluate any settlement offers.
Why It Matters: An attorney can provide an informed estimate of what your claim is worth.

Mistake #6: Handling the Case Without Legal Representation

Personal injury law can be complex, and navigating it on your own is fraught with risks. An attorney can help you understand your rights, evaluate your claim, and negotiate on your behalf.

What to Do: Consult an attorney experienced in car accidents in Atlanta.
Why It Matters: Legal skill and experience can be invaluable in securing a favorable outcome in your case.

Mistake #7: Using Social Media Carelessly

In the digital age, the impact of social media cannot be overstated. Insurers may and often do scrutinize your social media activities to find inconsistencies in your claim.

What to Do: Limit your social media activity and do not discuss the accident online.
Why It Matters: Social media posts can be used as evidence against you.

While avoiding these common mistakes can substantially improve your chances of a successful claim, understanding the broader context of Georgia’s legal landscape and the emotional complexities that often follow a car accident is equally crucial.

Georgia’s Comparative Fault System

The state of Georgia operates under a “modified comparative fault” system, which can have implications for your claim.

What It Means: In Georgia, you can still recover damages in a personal injury claim even if you’re partially at fault for the accident. However, your percentage of fault will reduce your overall recovery.
Why It Matters: Understanding this system is crucial because if you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you will not be eligible to recover any damages under Georgia law.

Considerations for Minors and Guardians

Accidents involving minors have a unique set of legal and medical considerations. Parents or guardians need to be aware of how Georgia law applies to minors in the context of auto accidents.

What to Know: Minors cannot file a lawsuit or settle a claim without the involvement of a guardian.
Why It Matters: The rights and responsibilities of minors and their guardians are governed by specific laws that can impact the settlement or litigation outcomes.

Importance of Post-Accident Emotional and Psychological Care

Surviving a car accident can have lasting emotional and psychological impacts, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Such conditions can affect your quality of life and may be compensable under Georgia law.

What to Do: Consult mental health professionals for a thorough evaluation if you’re experiencing emotional distress post-accident.
Why It Matters: Addressing your emotional and psychological needs is crucial for your overall recovery and can be factored into your claim.

A car accident can be a stressful experience, but it’s essential to avoid these common mistakes to ensure you receive fair compensation if you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence.

Need an Advocate After Your Car Accident in Atlanta? Call Greathouse Trial Law

When you’re grappling with the aftermath of a car accident, you don’t just need a lawyer—you need a dedicated team that understands Atlanta’s complex car accident laws. A team that can navigate the legal maze to ensure that you don’t fall prey to common mistakes that can jeopardize your claim.

At Greathouse Trial Law, we’re not merely transactional; we’re transformational. We appreciate the multi-faceted impact of car accidents on your life—emotional, physical, and financial. Our Atlanta injury attorneys are committed to meticulously representing your interests and advocating for the full compensation you are entitled to.

Ready to begin your road to recovery? Call us today at (678) 310-2827 to schedule your free consultation with an Atlanta car accident lawyer. Alternatively, you can also complete our online form. Your fight is our fight. Let us be your trusted partner!

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

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