The moments following a car accident are crucial for both your health and your legal case. What you do—or don’t do—in the minutes and hours following an accident can significantly affect the outcome of your health and potential compensation.
As an experienced personal injury law firm based in Savannah, Georgia, Franklin Law helps victims navigate the aftermath of car accidents across the state. What follows is a step-by-step guide to help you understand exactly what to do after a car accident for a full recovery.
Step 1 — Check for Injuries and Call 911
The very first thing you should do after a car accident is to check for injuries—both for yourself and for others involved in the accident. Georgia Law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270) requires drivers to stop and assist if anyone is injured. Failing to remain at the scene could have legal consequences.
If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. A police report will be crucial for your car accident claim, and getting medical help prioritizes your physical health.
Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage, may not show immediate symptoms but can cause serious issues later. Delayed injuries, such as neck stiffness, dizziness, or abdominal pain, may require urgent medical attention.
Key Symptoms to Watch For:
- Neck stiffness
- Headache or dizziness
- Numbness or tingling
- Abdominal pain
Step 2 — Call the Police and File an Official Report
In Georgia, car accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage over $500 must be reported to the police.
Why is a police report so important?
A police report serves as unbiased third-party documentation of the accident, strengthening insurance claims when there’s a dispute about who is at fault. Always ask for the officer’s name, badge number, and the crash report number when reporting a traffic accident.
For those in Savannah: contact the Savannah Police Department, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, or the Georgia State Patrol.
Step 3 — Document the Scene Thoroughly
If you are able, take photographs and videos of the accident scene. The more thorough you are, the stronger your claim will be.
Here’s what to do:
What to Photograph:
- All vehicles and visible damage (from multiple angles)
- License plates of all involved vehicles
- Roadway conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and signs
- Weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Visible injuries on yourself and others involved
What Information to Exchange:
- Name, address, and phone number of other drivers and witnesses
- Driver’s license number, vehicle details (make, model, year)
- Insurance company and policy number
Car Accident Evidence Checklist
- Photos of vehicle damage (from all angles)
- Photo of the other driver’s license and insurance card (front and back)
- Photos of road conditions and any visible injuries
- Names and contact information of all witnesses
- Your written account of the accident (write this down as soon as possible while the details are still fresh)
Step 4 — Seek Medical Attention — Even If You Feel Fine
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you suspect your auto accident injury is mild. Delaying medical care can hurt both your health and your legal claim. Prompt medical attention, on the other hand, creates a documented chain of causation that proves to your insurer that the injuries were a direct result of the accident.
Keep all records related to your treatment, including medical bills, follow-up documentation, and any prescriptions. These documents form the backbone of your auto accident injury claim.
What to Know About Symptoms:
- Emergency Room (ER) Visit: If you experience serious symptoms such as severe neck pain, dizziness, or abdominal pain, seek immediate care at the ER.
- Urgent Care: If your injuries are less severe but still require attention, urgent care centers offer prompt treatment.
- Don’t Ignore Pain: Even if you feel “fine” or the pain seems manageable, it’s important not to “walk off” the pain. Ignoring symptoms can lead to more severe issues down the line and weaken your legal claim.
Step 5 — Notify Your Insurance Company
Most insurance policies have strict notification windows, and failing to notify them within the required time can affect your claim.
Stick to the basic facts when reporting: the time of the accident, location, and the types of vehicles involved. Don’t give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to minimize the amount they pay out, and they may use any inconsistencies in your statement against you.
If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, Georgia law allows drivers to carry UM/UIM coverage (uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage) to cover medical expenses or property damage.
Step 6 — Contact a Savannah Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured or if the accident involves significant property damage, disputed liability, or pressure from insurance companies, it’s time to contact an experienced car accident attorney. A skilled attorney can help protect your rights, guide you through the claims process, and ensure that your interests are properly represented.
Why hire a car accident attorney?
- They can investigate the crash, track down critical evidence (like surveillance or dash cam footage), and interview witnesses.
- They handle all communications with the insurance companies, taking the burden off you.
- They understand Georgia’s ante litem requirements for complex claims against municipalities (e.g., if your accident involved a government vehicle or road maintenance).
- Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident (under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). If you wait too long to seek car accident help or file a claim, you risk losing your right to compensation.
At Franklin Law, we advocate for accident victims on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win. Our Savannah-based team has helped clients recover millions of dollars in settlements.
Contact Franklin Law today for a free consultation.
FAQs About Average Car Accident Settlements in Georgia
Q: Do I have to report a car accident in Georgia?
A: Yes, Georgia law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $500 to law enforcement.
Q: What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
A: If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim under your own UM/UIM policy. A Georgia car accident attorney can help you understand your options.
Q: How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Georgia?
A: Generally, you have two years from the date of the injury under Georgia’s statute of limitations. Claims involving government entities may have shorter notice windows.
Q: Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
A: No — not before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters work for the insurer, not for you. They may use your statements against you.
Get the Car Accident Help You Need in Savannah, Georgia
Knowing what to do after a car accident in Georgia can greatly impact your health and your legal case. By following these steps, you can be better prepared to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Whether it’s seeking medical care, filing a police report, or consulting a Savannah car accident lawyer, the sooner you take action, the better your chances of a successful outcome.
At Franklin Law, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation and get the help you need recovering from the aftermath of a car accident.
