What do I do if I'm in an accident?
Call the appropriate law enforcement agency to investigate and report the incident. Get the names and contact information of any of the parties involved as well as eyewitnesses. Obtain the at-fault party's insurance information, including the company name and policy number. Take pictures of the area where the incident occurred, any property damage and any injuries. Do not give any recorded statements to anyone or any insurance company without the advice of counsel. Do not sign any authorizations for the release of health information to the at-fault party's insurance carrier. Seek immediate medical treatment for any injuries. Call an experienced injury attorney.
What has to be proven in an injury case?
The plaintiff must prove that he or she sustained injuries due to the negligent act of another.
What do I do if I'm in a wreck and it is my fault?
Notify your insurance company. If a lawsuit is filed against you, your insurance company will provide you an attorney. However, you have the right to hire your own attorney. If the damages being sought exceed your liability insurance, you may want to seek legal counsel because your interests may not be protected by your insurance company. If your insurance company does not adequately protect your interests, you may have a claim for damages against your insurance company.
How should I select an attorney?
You should select an attorney you are comfortable with and trust. Ask your lawyer if he or she has ever tried a case in front of a jury. Be sure to meet with the actual attorney representing you and not a secretary or paralegal.
What should I bring to the first meeting with an attorney?
You should bring any and all documents that might be relevant to your case such as Police reports, medical reports, medical bills, photographs of the accident scene, photographs of your property damage, and photographs of your injuries. Whatever you do not have at the time of your appointment can usually still be obtained by your attorney.
Do I still have a valid claim if the investigating officer did not issue a citation to the at fault party?
As long as you can show the other party was negligent, it does not matter if anyone received a citation or not. In fact, the receipt of a citation or ticket in and of itself is not even admissible in a Georgia court to prove negligence. You must simply prove that the at-fault drive was negligent and that said negligence caused your injuries.