After a car accident in Georgia, there are many steps you will need to take if you hope to recover maximum compensation. One of the most tedious elements of the claims process is dealing with the insurance company.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident
In the immediate aftermath of your car accident in Georgia, the steps you take will be critical. Here are the steps you should take following your Georgia car accident:- Step 1 – Immediately following the accident move your vehicle out of traffic and into a safe location if possible. Do not leave the accident scene.
- Step 2 – Call 911 and request emergency responders and police.
- Step 3 – If you are able, document the scene. Take pictures of your injuries, the scene of the accident, and property damage.
- Step 4 – Write down your version of how the accident happened. Include important details like road conditions, your name and age, vehicle details of all cars involved, the date and time of the accident, and other information.
- Step 5 – Obtain the contact information of any witnesses and other involved parties. Georgia Motor Vehicle Code states instructions regarding the information that drivers must provide to each other after an accident. Also, make notes of any nearby homes or businesses that may have video footage of the accident.
- Step 6 – Do not wait to get checked out by healthcare providers. You might have suffered severe invisible injuries that could cause catastrophic damage if left untreated. Furthermore, medical documentation is important when dealing with the insurance company.
- Step 7 – Report your accident to the insurance company, but not before retaining an attorney. Insurance companies are known to take advantage of car accident victims.
How Insurance Claims Work After Car Accidents in Georgia
Georgia is a fault state for car accidents and insurance purposes. This means that after your car accident, you need to file a claim with the liable party. When you initially file your claim, the insurance adjuster will be responsible for investigating and handling your claim. Some of their responsibilities could include:- Analyzing police reports
- Visiting the accident scene
- Obtaining statements from accident witnesses and other involved parties
- Having your car inspected for damage
- Reviewing your medical records
- Speaking with your healthcare providers
- Scrutinizing your social media accounts
- Requesting a statement from you
Key Car Insurance Claim Terms You Need to Know
The type and amount of insurance coverage the liable party has directly impacted the amount of compensation you can be awarded from their insurance provider. You must understand the different types of insurance coverage to better prepare yourself for what will be covered and what won’t. These key car insurance claim terms are as follows:- Bodily injury liability coverage – This coverage is designed to protect the driver if they are found guilty of hitting someone or causing physical bodily harm. Bodily injury liability insurance coverage often provides compensation for medical expenses and, in some cases, lost wages.
- Property damage liability coverage – This coverage is designed to protect drivers guilty of causing property damage in a collision. Property damage liability coverage often compensates for any personal property damage and vehicle repair costs.
- Collision – Collision is generally an optional provision unless you lease or finance your vehicle. Collision protects the victim’s car damage that is caused by a physical crash into an object or another car.
- Comprehensive – Comprehensive is also optional unless you lease or finance your vehicle. Comprehensive provides compensation for car damage caused by poor weather conditions, vandalism, theft, fire, and other miscellaneous dangers.
- Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay) – Med pay coverage is optional protection that you may be able to purchase as part of your own auto insurance policy. It allows you to file a claim with your own auto insurance company without regard to fault for the accident and the med pay will pay your medical bills up to the amount of coverage you purchased. Med pay is basically like health insurance for you and others in your car.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) – UM coverage pays damages caused by an “uninsured motorist.” In Georgia, an uninsured motorist includes situations where the at-fault driver has no insurance, or not enough insurance. It also covers collisions involving hit and run drivers. Even if the at-fault driver has liability insurance, it may not be enough to pay all your damages. This is why UM coverage is so important.