After you're involved in a car accident, the first thing you should do is notify emergency services by calling 911. Attempting to render medical car for people injured in a motor vehicle crash can be risky unless you are trained. However, use your commonsense in determining if there is someone injured in the accident that needs immediate care. For example, if a vehicle involved in the crash is at risk of catching on fire or submerged in water, work to assist the driver or passengers from the vehicle to the extent that you can do so safely. Generally, you do not want to attempt to move or render aid to any driver or passenger injured in a car accident unless an immediate emergency is occurring.

Generally, it is best if the police are able to see and document the scene of car accident before the vehicles are moved. However, Georgia law requires motorists to clear the roadway if it is possible for the vehicles to be safely removed from the lanes of travel. If you have been involved in a relatively minor car accident that does not involve significant personal injuries or property damage, we recommend that you document the position of the vehicles and damage to the vehicles with your cellphone and remove your vehicle from the roadway. In documenting the scene of the crash, take photographs and videos of the condition of the cars, tire marks, traffic control devices (signs, signals, lane markings, etc.).

After a car acciddnt, the primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of all drivers and passengers. Whether you are at-fault for causing the accident or the victim injured in a car accident, be caring and compassionate for others injured in the accident. It is difficult to remain calm and to think of others after an accident, but it is important.

Document the name, phone number, address, and email address of each driver, passenger, and witness in the accident. Too often, we review accident reports that do not accurately document the parties involved car accidents. Do not rely solely upon the police to document this information.

Similar to uninsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage is an absolutely essential part of making sure that you receive the medical treatment that you need after a car accident. Like uninsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage is an optional insurance policy. You are not required to purchase it, but there is not any reason why you would not purchase medical payments (or “med pay”) coverage in connection with your auto insurance policy.

Underinsured/Uninsured motorist coverage is the way that we protect ourselves from motorists that do not carry sufficient insurance coverage. If you are legally entitled to recover from another person that causes an accident and that person does not have sufficient insurance to pay for the injuries you suffer, an Underinsured/Uninsured motorist policy can help you. You cannot control the amount of insurance that anyone else has, but you can control the amount of Underinsured/Uninsured motorist coverage available to you.

Avoid any gap in medical care after your car accident or personal injury. When a doctor or other care provider tells you to do something, do it in the time period that they direct you to (within reason). The reason why this is so important is that the insurance company on the other side of the car wreck or incident that caused you personal injury is going to examine your medical records for instances in which you did not follow your doctor’s directions regarding the care that you should receive.

Be very cautious about referrals to medical care providers from personal injury attorneys. It is critical that you receive the medical care that you need following an accident. However, the validity of any claim for compensation that you make following an accident can be compromised, in whole or part, based upon the type of medical care that you receive and how you arrived at that provider.