What to Do After a Rear-End Accident
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that one-in-three car crashes in the United States are rear-end collisions. This national trend is reflected in densely populated areas in North Georgia and Tennessee, where busy streets and interstates are the sites of rear-end collisions, catastrophic injuries and car wrecks daily.
Pritchard Injury Firm has represented countless victims of rear-end collisions in North Georgia and Chattanooga to favorable resolutions. This includes a recent $1.3 million settlement for the victim of a rear-end collision on Interstate 75 in Georgia.
Let’s discuss the steps to take to ensure your safety, protect your legal rights, and comply with local laws after a rear-end motor vehicle accident in Georgia or Chattanooga, TN.
Tips For Protection After a Car Wreck in North Georgia and Chattanooga, TN
The sudden jolt, the sound of crunching metal, and the ensuing chaos of a rear-end collision can leave anyone feeling disoriented and overwhelmed. Knowing exactly what to do after getting rear-ended can significantly ease the stress and potential financial strain that follows.
1. Check for Injuries
Immediately check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Safety comes first; if anyone is hurt, try to stay calm and call 911 for medical assistance. More on that momentarily.
2. Move to a Safe Location to Minimize Further Risk
If the vehicles are operational and it's safe to do so, move them to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic and reduce the risk of additional accidents. If moving your vehicle isn't a safe option, turn on your hazard lights and wait for help.
3. Contact Law Enforcement
Even if there are no visible injuries or significant damages, filing an official police report can strengthen your case when dealing with insurance companies later, or in the event of a personal injury lawsuit. The police will document the accident and file a report, which is crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes.
You might ask: “Why must I involve the police for a minor fender-bender?”
If you are injured in Georgia, § 40-6-270 details the accident reporting and procedures you must take; Similarly in Tennessee, § 55-10-106 addresses the immediate notice of an accident.
While the laws do not explicitly state a hard deadline like “within 24 hours,” the urgency is stressed by phrases such as, “by the quickest means of communication.”
Demonstrate prompt action by calling, emailing or texting authorities to ensure you have followed the law. Failing to do so may hamper your claim later and could put you in further legal jeopardy.
4. Exchange Information
Exchange contact information like name(s), addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and vehicle registration details with the other driver.
5. Document the Scene
Use any smart device to take photos of any vehicle damage, license plates, traffic signs, and relevant street marks or debris. As previously discussed, this documentation can be vital for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. It's also helpful to take note of the accident location, time, and weather conditions.
6. Seek Medical Help
Car wreck injuries aren't always immediate – nerve damage may only show symptoms days later. Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident in North Georgia or Chattanooga, some injuries like a whiplash injury, the most common physical damage in rear-end collisions, might not show up immediately. A medical professional can identify injuries and recommend treatment before your condition worsens.
7. Notify Your Insurance Company
Filing claims with your insurer promptly can speed up getting compensation for vehicle damage or medical expenses, however, insurance adjusters are in the business of saving their company money and may not always have your best interests in mind.
Provide them with the information gathered, including the police report number, if available. When reporting the collision, stick strictly to facts, avoiding speculation on fault or injury severity at this early stage.
8. Consult With a Car Accident Lawyer in North Georgia and Chattanooga, TN
If you've been rear-ended in North Georgia or Chattanooga, TN, speak with a with a personal injury attorney to protect your rights and improve your chances of fair compensation.
Car wreck lawyers know how to use the laws present your case; rear-end collisions often place fault on the following driver under Georgia’s Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1129(a) and Tennessee Code Title 55, Motor and Other Vehicles, § 55-8-124. Both require drivers to maintain a safe distance or face misdemeanor penalties and even, possibly, jail time.
An experienced attorney understands the legal process and can handle insurance companies that may attempt to minimize your claim. They’re skilled in gathering evidence, calculating fair compensation for both financial and emotional damages, and negotiating or litigating when necessary.
Your GA/TN Car Wreck Lawyer
Contact a lawyer if your loved one was injured or died from a rear-end collision caused by the actions of another driver. Pritchard Injury Firm’s North Georgia/TN accident lawyers can evaluate the claim and take steps to build and strengthen your case. Contact Pritchard Injury Firm for a free consultation.