| Common
Questions for the Atlanta Auto Accident Lawyer
Ask the
Atlanta Auto Accident Lawyer
Question:
Do I need to call the police if I am in a car accident that
is not my fault?
Answer:
Yes. Be sure the officer records the facts as you and the
witnesses saw them. Do not assume the police officer has the
same understanding of what happened in the wreck as you think
he has. You or someone on your behalf should ask him what
he will include in his report --who will be cited, who are
the listed witnesses, are relevant telephone numbers and addresses
included, etc. The report will be ready for you to pick up
from the police department in 2-5 days. Ask the police officer
where and when you can get it. When you pick it up, read it.
If it differs at all in how you understand the auto accident
to have occurred, immediately contact the police officer and
arrange to talk with him. He can supplement the report. Get
all possible information about the at-fault driver and any
eye witnesses. Do not rely on the police officer for this
task. Ask bystanders for their names and numbers.
Ask
the Atlanta Auto Accident Lawyer
Question:
Will the fault driver contact his insurance company and
will they contact me?
Answer:
Who knows? Your attorney should immediately contact the
fault driver's insurance company to confirm that coverage
is in effect and to open a claim. You should also contact
your own insurance carrier should you wish to use your collision
coverage, med pay or if you think your uninsured motorist
coverage may apply. DO NOT GIVE A STATEMENT TO, NOR DISCUSS
THE AUTO ACCIDENT WITH, THE FAULT DRIVER'S INSURANCE COMPANY.
As a general rule, you should give no statements to anyone
until instructed to do so by your lawyer. If they contact
you, tell them that your lawyer will be contacting them shortly.
Ask the Atlanta Auto Accident Lawyer
Question:
We have had a serious auto accident and my loved one remembers
nothing that happened or is unable to talk. What should I
do?
Answer:
Record everything you can on film and video. Document the
scene of the accident and all surrounding conditions (traffic
lights, lines-of-sight, shrubbery, skid marks, etc) as soon
as possible following the automobile accident. Shoot numerous
rolls of film of the inside and outside of all vehicles. Do
not let the car be purchased for salvage by the insurance
company. Retain the car. Have it moved to a location the will
preserve it in the same condition as following the accident.
An investigation will show whether there was something defective
in the car that may have caused the accident. Without the
car, any products liability claim against the car manufacturer
is all but gone. Document your loved ones’ injuries
with photos, videos, tape recordings, and written notes.
Ask the Atlanta Auto Accident Lawyer
Question: Can I negotiate with the fault driver's insurance
company myself?
Answer:
Legally yes. But the insurance company will probably not offer
you the full value that your claim is worth. An experienced
lawyer’s expertise can make a world of difference in
the dollar value of your case.
(Click here to return to the main Atlanta
auto accident attorney page. Click for Atlanta
auto accident attorney tips relative to Georgia).
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