Things to remember in an auto accidentIf you have ever been in a car or truck accident you know that there are some things you can’t forget, the sound of metal tearing, the feel of impact and the long process of dealing with an insurance company. If you have never been in an accident then the sad truth is that you will be sooner or later. Statistics show that a person is injured or killed in an accident involving a heavy truck every 16 minutes. That is just trucks, not counting motorcycles, cars or any other type of vehicle. So, it is better to be prepared for the eventuality since it will happen to all of us at some point.The following is a checklist of things to do when you have been in an accident:1. Seek medical help as soon as possible for yourself and anyone else in your car
2. Use a cell phone or if you have not been injured, walk to the nearest house to call for the police
3. Do not try to move your car out of the road or in any way alter the scene. This can sometimes make the police think that you are trying to hide some detail
4. Start gathering the evidence you will need later to secure a settlement from the insurance company or other driver. This includes taking pictures of the scene, taking names of eye witnesses for later statements and anything else you can think of.
5. Do not make small talk with the other driver or any representative of their insurance. They are not there to help you. Do not make any statements that could be taken as you admitting responsibility. Do not enter into any contracts or deals.
6. Contact an Atlanta personal injury attorney. Ensure that they specialize as either an Atlanta car accident lawyer or an Atlanta truck wreck lawyer depending on your case.The last step is a must unless you are very well versed in the intricacies of insurance companies operating procedures. Many Atlanta personal injury attorneys have experience as judges, worked for years in the field or have represented insurance companies in the past. That kind of insider knowledge is essential if you want to be treated fairly and get what you deserve.When you select your lawyer do not be unnecessarily put off by money concerns. Most personal injury attorneys accept cases on a contingency fee basis. That means that their payment is a certain percentage of the award that they win for you. If they do not win your case then they do not get paid. Be careful though because some fees associated with your case are not counted as attorneys fees and you will still be liable for payment