Summer Construction Zones: Preventing Car Accidents

Construction Zone Car Accidents Wrongful Death Personal Injury Attorney Georgia

Summer is a popular time of year for road construction as companies can take advantage of good weather and longer working days. For those of us who are commuting, however, road construction work zones can be a nightmare. Not only do they slow traffic, they also present additional car accident hazards.

Road Construction Accident Hazards

Even under normal conditions, driving comes with many hazards. When road construction zones enter into the mix, there are plenty of additional reasons drivers should take extra precautions. Not only are there inherent dangers from work zones, if companies fail to follow federal and state safety regulations, it can be even worse. Drivers should be aware of the following hazards while going through construction zones:

● Excess dirt and debris – Work zones will almost inevitably leave roads uneven and full of dirt. Drivers should be particularly cautious in the event work crews don’t put up proper signage.

● Improper signage – One of the most important tools for navigating work zones is signage. Although there are regulations in place, construction workers often fail to utilize the correct signage in a construction zone.

● Construction machines and equipment – Drivers should remain alert for any machinery or equipment left by careless road crews.

● Hazardous turns – Construction crews may fail to properly measure the necessary time and space motorists need to negotiate a turn properly.

Major Reasons For Work Zone Accidents

A majority of accidents in road construction zones take place during daytime hours. Out of these, most are in zones where the speed limit is over 55 mph. Accidents may be caused either by motorists or construction crews. Some of the most common reasons accidents happen in construction zones include:

● Poor lighting;
● Failure to pass properly;
● Speeding motorists;
● Distracted driving; and
● Failure to obey signs posted by workers.

Most accidents in work zones are caused by drivers. Georgia, like many other states, enforces heavy penalties for speeding in work zones.

Preventing Work Zone Accidents

Drivers can take responsibility for their own actions in work zones. Follow these tips to avoid getting in a car accident in road construction areas:

● Stay alert – Work zones are subject to frequent changes. Avoid becoming distracted by cell phones and other activities that take focus off the road.

● Obey signage – Road crews post signs to help drivers and workers stay safe. Follow any signs posted.

● Slow down – It’s important to reduce your speed in construction zones, regardless of whether or not you see work going on.

● Change lanes and merge safely – Remember to give yourself plenty of space to merge into the correct lane and only make lane changes in designated areas.

● No tailgating – Construction zones often call for sudden braking. Approximately 30 percent of work zone accidents are rear-end collisions. Avoid making the mistake of tailgating.

● Be patient and plan ahead – No one likes waiting in a road work zone, but remember to stay patient and do what is directed. If you know work is happening, plan ahead and take an alternate route.

Contact A Georgia Car Accident Attorney

Do you have questions regarding your rights and ability to collect compensation for your car accident? For car accidents in Atlanta, Cobb County, and Georgia, contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter.  Attorney Joel Williams has years of experience in car accident law.  He offers free consultations and will help you understand your rights.

Could Driving Too Slowly Cause A Car Accident?

Driving Too Slow Car Accident Personal Injury Attorney Georgia

Speed is a major factor in most car wrecks.   Although driving at recklessly high speeds is dangerous, research shows that driving 5 mph below the speed limit is more likely to cause accidents than driving 5 mph above the speed limit.

Georgia “Slowpoke Law”

Most drivers don’t know it, but a couple of years ago, Georgia enacted a law against driving too slowly. The law forbids drivers from driving at speeds that impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic. In addition, it also sets minimum speeds for driving in the left lane. Slow drivers are not allowed to linger in the left lane.  If other cars are traveling faster trying to pass them, the slower driver must move into the right lane.

When Driving Slowly Is Dangerous

This Georgia law is meant to address situations when driving slowly is considered dangerous. A primary instance when driving slowly can be a hazard is driving slowly in the left lane.  The left lane is appropriately nicknamed the “fast” lane because the specific purpose of the lane is to overtake other vehicles. When a car is moving too slowly in the fast lane, vehicles moving faster are forced to risk the dangers of passing to the right.

Types Of Slow Drivers

Everyone may be guilty of driving too slowly at some point, but there are drivers who are more prone to driving slowly who should be approached carefully. These groups of drivers include:

  • Distracted Drivers – Roughly 20 percent of accidents are caused by distracted drivers. Because they divert their focus from driving to another task, such as using their cell phone or eating, they tend to make mistakes. This includes everything from taking their eyes off the road to driving slowly.
  • Newly Licensed Drivers – While we typically think of speeding as an issue for younger drivers, we shouldn’t forget there are also many uncertain drivers in this category. They often overcompensate and lack the confidence to keep their foot on the gas pedal.
  • Elderly Drivers – These highly experienced drivers often drive to slowly for biological reasons, such as arthritis or worsening vision.
  • Tourists – People often drive slower when they’re in unfamiliar places, especially if they are sight-seeing at the same time.

Been In A Car Accident?

If you’ve been in a car accident caused by a slow driver, you could collect compensation for injuries or property damage. Find out what your options are by contacting Williams Elleby Howard & Easter and speaking with our qualified car accident attorneys. We are proud to serve Marietta, Cobb County, and greater Georgia.

Trucker Indicted For Death Of Georgia Students

Tractor-Trailer Involved in Wrongful Death Case in Georgia

Tractor-trailer accidents are among the most deadly motor vehicle wrecks. In April 2015, a massive crash involving seven vehicles, including two tractor-trailers, left five people dead. Over a year later, a court has finally indicted the driver of the tractor-trailer accused of causing the fatal pileup.

Five Nursing Students Killed In Accident

The nursing students, all young women in their junior year at Georgia Southern University, were driving in two vehicles, a Toyota Corolla and a Ford Escape. They were on their way to their final clinical of the year at St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital. At the same time, John Wayne Johnson, 56, was on the end of his shift driving a tractor-trailer.  According to various news reports, Johnson was using his cellphone moments before he rear-ended the Toyota Corolla .  The tractor-trailer went on to hit the Ford Escape. Four of the students died on the scene while a fifth died after being taken to Memorial Medical Center.

Johnson Indicted

More than a year after the incident, Johnson has been now been formally charged by the Bryan County Grand Jury. He was indicted on five counts of vehicular homicide of the first-degree, serious injury by vehicle, reckless driving, following too closely, and failure to exercise due care.

Causes Of Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Tractor-trailer accidents, like all other motor vehicle accidents, can happen for a number of reasons, including negligence on the part of the driver as well as their employers. Truckers often work long shifts and many have inadequate training. Trucking companies are often complicit, many choosing to break federal or state regulations. In the last two decades, trucking accidents have been on the rise and despite only making up 3 percent of injury-causing motor vehicle accidents, they often do far more harm than accidents involving only passenger vehicles.

Liability In Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Taking legal action after being a victim in a tractor-trailer accident can be overwhelming. It is a complicated affair that necessitates the help of an attorney. Many trucking companies are worth millions and their insurance companies will do their best to mitigate the burden of the company. In most cases, the liability for the accident will not be clear-cut and many people could be held responsible, including:

  • The driver of the truck;
  • The truck/tractor-trailer’s owner;
  • The company that leased the truck from the owner;
  • A manufacturer of the truck, or any other parts that contributed to the accident; and/or
  • The truck’s shipper or loader (if the cargo was improperly loaded).

Which party or parties are held liable depends on the circumstances of the accident.

Get Help With Your Case

If you or a loved one has been in an accident with a tractor-trailer, contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter. With the help of an experienced tractor trailer  attorney like Joel, you can get the compensation you deserve. We are proud to serve Atlanta, Cobb County, and all of Georgia.

High Speed Wreck Kills Man In Cobb County

High Speed Wreck Wrongful Death Case Attorney Cobb Georgia
Every year there are thousands of car wreck fatalities in the U.S., with more than a thousand taking place in Georgia alone. Many fatalities are caused by the reckless actions of motorists. While occasional speeding may seem minor, the consequences of high speed crashes can be dire. This was the case in a recent accident, early this month, when a car traveling 100 mph crashed into another vehicle. A driver in Cobb County, Georgia is now facing charges after a high-speed crash, which led to the death of a young father.

The Accident

Guadalupe Osornio, 26, was driving home, after completing a 12-hour shift, in Smyrna early on a Friday morning when his vehicle was broadsided by an orange Dodge Challenger. Investigators concluded the Challenger had been traveling around 100 mph when it impacted and sliced Osornio’s vehicle in half, killing Osornio instantly. The driver of the Challenger, David James Fuller, was being chased by police moments before the crash occurred. Osornio leaves behind his wife and a five-year old son.

Fuller To Be Charged

While Osornio lost his life, Fuller sustained relatively minor injuries and was arrested on June 3. According to police, Fuller was already wanted in three other Georgia counties for other crimes. He is now being charged with homicide by vehicle in the first degree, felony serious injury by vehicle, reckless driving, fleeing, and attempting to elude the authorities. In addition, after the wreck a firearm was found in Fuller’s vehicle.  Some believe the firearm maybe linked to shots that were fired earlier, miles away from the accident.

Seeking Legal Recourse For Reckless Driving

Reckless driving, particularly speeding, often leads to severe injury and even fatalities. A victim of such a wreck has the ability to seek legal action.  The victim may be able to recover monetary compensation for medical expenses, damage to their vehicle or other property, and pain and suffering.  In the case of car accidents involving fatalities, eligible survivors of the victims, such as the spouse and children, may seek redress through a wrongful death claim.

Help From An Attorney

When you or a loved one is hurt by a reckless driver, it can be overwhelming. Getting back to your normal life means you need to focus on recovery. If the injuries are severe and the medical expenses are mounting, you need the help of an experienced attorney. Contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter for a free consultation about your case in Marietta, Cobb County, and Georgia. Joel has years of experience handling car accident and wrongful death cases here in Georgia. His goal is to help victims of these traumatic events find the closure they deserve. Call today to speak about the specifics of your case and find out how we can help you. 833-LEGALGA

Whiplash From A Car Accident

Whiplash Personal Injury Car Accident Attorney Georgia

Imagine you are sitting at a stoplight, waiting for the switch from red to green, when suddenly someone rams into your car from behind. The rear-end hit causes you to jolt forward rapidly; this could give you whiplash. While you may feel as though you’ve recovered your senses and go about exchanging insurance information with the other driver, a whiplash injury could be more serious than you suspect.

What Is Whiplash

Whiplash is type of injury affecting the neck. Although car accidents aren’t the only way to sustain whiplash, they are among the most common reasons for the injury. Whiplash is caused by sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck, much like the cracking of a whip. It can be difficult to diagnose whiplash injuries because they deal with a largely unpredictable combination of trauma to the nervous system, muscle joints, and connective tissue.

While neck pain might ensue immediately, it is quite common for signs and symptoms to develop within 24 hours of the injury. Symptoms primarily involve neck pain and stiffness, a loss of range of motion in the neck, as well as pain in the shoulder, upper back or arms. In addition, whiplash injuries can also lead to headache, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, sleep problems, tinnitus, memory issues, and other problems.

Car Accidents And Whiplash

A whiplash injury during a car accident occurs in four phases that take place in about half a second. Whiplash injuries are most commonly associated with rear-end car accidents, though any accident causing sudden jarring of the neck could end with whiplash. If you start to have any symptoms of whiplash after a car accident, it is best to seek medical attention so the injury can be properly diagnosed and treated. Early medical documentation will also help if you need to seek compensation for medical expenses from an insurance company.

Treatment For Whiplash

Typically a person can recover from a whiplash injury after a few months. However, in some severe cases, a person may suffer from a whiplash injury for several months or even years. Anyone with a whiplash injury should seek medical attention so a qualified healthcare professional can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Recovery for minor whiplash may only require rest and over-the-counter painkillers whereas more serious cases could call for specialized pain treatment or physical therapy.

Getting Compensation For Whiplash

If you are a Georgia resident dealing with whiplash after a car accident, you could receive compensation for your injuries. Contact the legal team at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter to find out what your options are. With years of experience in Georgia car accident law, we know how to get you the maximum settlement possible for your injuries.

Teen Safety To Prevent Car Accidents

Teens and Cellphone Safety Prevention Car Wrecks Personal Injury Attorney Georgia

Finally being handed a set of keys and jumping behind the wheel of the car is one of the biggest milestones we all look forward to as teenagers. When you look at this milestone from the perspective of the parent, however, the excitement is more likely to be dread and anxiety. Novice drivers, especially teenagers, are some of the most likely drivers to be involved in accidents. Here’s what parents can do to help their teen drivers be safe on the road and prevent car accidents.

Teen Car Accident Statistics

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while young people ages 15-24 only make up 14 percent of the U.S. population, they account for 30 percent of the costs in car accident injuries for males and 28 percent for females. In 2013, alone, there were 2,163 teen deaths (age 16-19) and 243,243 emergency injuries from motor vehicle crashes. On average, six teens lost their lives every day in car accidents.

Georgia Cell Phone Ban

Distracted driving is one of the major contributing factors in many motor vehicle accidents. In the past decade, the biggest distraction has arguably become cell phones. Texting while driving is already one of the major causes of death for teenagers nationwide and many states, including Georgia, have taken action to prevent these types of accidents. All Georgia drivers are banned from texting while driving. In addition to being banned from texting while driving, novice drivers (those under the age of 18) are also banned from using mobile phones while driving.

Driving Safety Tips For Teenagers

Teenagers are particularly susceptible to being in car accidents for a number of reasons. Not only do they lack the knowledge and experience of older drivers, they are far more likely to underestimate dangerous situations, to speed, leave less headway, and have an accident involving alcohol. In addition, teenagers also have the lowest rate of seatbelt usage.

Reducing the risk of your teenager being in a car accident comes down to encouraging them to be safe while driving. Parents can give the following advice to make their teen’s driving experience safer:

● Practice defensive driving – Make sure you are aware of all the traffic around you, give proper distance when following, and know escape routes.
● Always wear a seatbelt.
● Drive solo – Statistics show a second teenager in the car doubles the chance of an accident being caused. With each additional teen passenger, the risk goes up.
● Turn your phone on mute- You won’t be encouraged to break the law if you can’t hear your phone ringing or text messages coming in.
● Minimize distractions – Not only should you not be using a mobile phone, minimize other distractions such as eating, drinking, or putting on makeup while driving.

Been In A Car Accident?

If you have been in a car accident caused by a teen or your teen has been in an accident, you may wish to consult with an attorney. The legal team at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter can help you with any questions you have regarding your Cobb County, Georgia accident. With years of experience with Georgia car accidents, we can help you get the compensation you need for your injuries. Contact us today for your case in Marietta, Cobb County, and greater Georgia.  833-LEGALGA

What Happens If An Uninsured Driver Hits Me?

Personal Injury Car Wreck Uninsured Driver Georgia Attorney

You are waiting at the stop light when suddenly someone hits you violently from behind. Next thing you know you’re having pain in your neck and back. The accident was definitely the fault of the other driver, but when you exchange insurance information you learn that the at-fault driver does not have insurance. Or worse, you have severe injuries and the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover your damages.  Under normal circumstances, you could file a claim with the at fault driver’s insurance company, but what are your options when you’ve been hit by a negligent Georgia driver who has little or no coverage?

Auto Insurance Requirements In Georgia

Although Georgia law requires all motorists in the state to carry auto insurance, there are an estimated 11 percent of drivers who are uninsured. All drivers must have the following minimum amounts for liability coverage:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury/per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury/per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage/per accident

When you pay for the minimum coverage in Georgia, the policy will automatically increase if you have an accident in a state where the insurance requirements are higher. However, Georgia drivers are not required to have personal injury protection or uninsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Although it is not required in Georgia, getting uninsured motorist coverage is the best way to protect yourself and your family against uninsured drivers. This type of insurance allows you to file a claim with your insurance company if you need to seek damages after an accident that involved:

  • An uninsured driver;
  • A driver who does not have adequate coverage to compensate everyone who was injured;
  • A hit-and-run driver who was at-fault, but is not identifiable; and
  • A driver who hit you walking or biking.

Uninsured motorist insurance usually covers anyone else listed on your policy.  This includes your spouse, children, any relatives in your household, passengers in your vehicle, and anyone who has consent to use your vehicle. It’s important to check the specifics of your policy to know exactly who will be covered.

How Fault Affects Your Case

In Georgia, you can only collect compensation from another driver if you were less than 50 percent responsible for the accident. If you and the uninsured driver were equally at fault, neither can recover. However, if the uninsured driver was 51 percent or more at fault for the accident, you can seek damages from them.

Your Options For Compensation

If the uninsured driver is the at-fault driver, you basically have two options: sue them or file a claim with your own insurance. Chances of collecting any funds if you sue the driver are probably limited since a driver who can’t afford to pay auto insurance probably won’t have enough money to pay you. Filing a claim with your insurance is the best option for recovering any damages. This is why uninsured motorist coverage is so important; it is supposed to protect you from the financial disaster of being injured by an uninsured driver.

Filing A Lawsuit

If your insurance company will not pay your claim, you will need a lawyer to file a lawsuit.  Georgia law requires you to obtain a judgement against the at-fault driver before you can force your insurance company to pay.

Working With An Attorney

If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter. We can help Marietta, Kennesaw, Cobb County, and Georgia residents decide the appropriate action to take after your car accident. Let our legal team work to get you fair compensation so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

Can A Pedestrian Be At Fault For A Car Accident?

Personal Injury Case Involving Pedestrian and Car Accident Attorney Georgia

You may have heard the common saying, “Pedestrians always have the right-of-way.” It’s probably because of this saying that many Georgia drivers believe pedestrians can never be at fault in a car accident, but that’s not always true. Although most pedestrian-related car accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the motorist, there are circumstances where pedestrians can be at fault for accidents.

Fault In Georgia

The most crucial element for knowing if you can recover any damages for your car accident is fault. Georgia is an at-fault state, meaning you can collect compensation for the percentage of damages for which you were not responsible. However, if you are 50 percent or more responsible for the accident, you cannot claim any damages. As an example, if a driver was in an accident with a pedestrian and the pedestrian was 60 percent at-fault, the driver could collect 60 percent of the damages. If the accident was caused 50 percent by the pedestrian and 50 percent by the driver, neither party could sue for damages.

When A Pedestrian Could Be At Fault

Usually pedestrian accidents are caused by driver inattentiveness and negligent behaviors, such as using a cell phone, eating, speeding, or aggressive driving. While they won’t be able to cause as much damage as a car, a pedestrian could be considered negligent and at fault for an accident if they can be proven to have acted without reasonable care for their own safety. The following could be considered negligent behavior on the part of a pedestrian:

● Walking or running into traffic
● Not using designated crosswalks/jaywalking
● Failing to pay attention while using cell phone, playing music, etc.
● Crossing during a “don’t walk” signal

Pedestrians are also more likely to be involved in accidents if they are intoxicated. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, 34 percent of pedestrian crash victims had blood alcohol levels of 0.08 g/dL or more.

What To Do If You Are In A Pedestrian Crash

If you are driving and are in an accident with a pedestrian it is very important that you take the proper steps in the aftermath. Regardless of whether you believe the accident was the fault of the pedestrian or your own, stop the car and check for injuries. Make sure to provide aid to the pedestrian if necessary. Gather any evidence, through photographs, and exchange information with all parties involved in the accident. Report the accident and cooperate with appropriate law enforcement. You should report the accident to your insurance company. Because hitting a pedestrian can be punishable both civilly and criminally, it is important to speak to an attorney about your options.

Contact An Attorney For Help With Your Car Accident

Vehicle-pedestrian accidents can lead to devastating injuries, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian crash in Cobb County, either as a driver or as a pedestrian, it’s important to speak to an attorney regarding your rights. Contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter to speak to an experienced car accident attorney who can help you with your case in Marietta, Cobb County, Atlanta, and anywhere in Georgia. 833-LEGALGA

Motorcyclist Killed In Cobb County

motorcyclist killed cobb county

Motorcyclist Killed In Cobb County

Motorcycles are a popular transportation option, both for the daily commute and pleasure rides. This is especially true during the summer when higher temperatures and sunny skies make the prospect of a motorcycle ride more appealing. Riding a motorcycle, however, comes with great risk and thousands of motorcyclists die every year in accidents. Recently, a Cobb County motorcyclist suffered the same fate during a high-speed wreck.

High Speed Motorcycle Wreck

The accident, which happened at night on Powder Springs Road, involved a motorcycle and a Saturn SL2 vehicle. Investigators say the crash occurred when the Saturn, driven by Lazaro Fernandez, of Marietta, turned left and pulled into the path of the motorcycle causing the motorcyclist, Loyal Thompson III, to be thrown from the motorcycle next to the Hollydale United Methodist Church. Thompson was pronounced dead on the scene.

Common Injuries In Motorcycle Accidents

Their small size and greater exposure means motorcycle accidents and injuries are often very serious or fatal. In collisions with vehicles, motorcyclists can sustain everything from bruises and burns to traumatic brain and spinal injuries. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:

  • Head injuries – Concussion, brain damage, and neck injuries are very frequent in motorcycle crashes and range from mild to fatal.
  • Road rash – Riders sliding across pavement can lead to cuts, skin irritations, infections or even nerve damage.
  • Muscle damage – Any muscle can potentially be damaged during an accident and the best prevention is wearing protective clothing.
  • Arm and leg injuries – Although often less severe than head trauma, arms, legs, knees, and feet can be bruised, broken, or permanently damaged during an accident.

Many of these injuries require extensive medical care and may lead to permanent disabilities. A driver who was at fault in a motorcycle accident in Georgia could be held liable for not only medical expenses, but also lost income and pain and suffering.

Preventing Motorcycle Accidents

It is the responsibility of all motorists to prevent motorcycle accidents. A majority of accidents are caused for the same reasons. Over half of motorcycle accident deaths involve other vehicles and it is usually the vehicle that strikes the motorcyclists head on. Other common reasons for accidents include cars turning left or changing lanes without checking their blind spots, speeding and other reckless behavior, and the motorcycle splitting lanes.
Accidents can be prevented and injuries lessened by taking the following measures:

  • Always checking blind spots before turning or changing lanes;
  • Follow all speed limits;
  • Share the lane;
  • Always wear protective gear when riding a motorcycle;
  • Stay out of blind spots as much as possible when riding; and
  • Avoid riding or driving after alcohol intake.

Hazards such as potholes, slick roads, or unexpected objects pose a much greater threat to motorcyclists’ safety than to cars.  The Motorcycle Safety Foundation shares quick tips that all car and truck drivers should know about motorcycles.

Contact Georgia Trial Attorney

Vehicle crashes involving motorcyclists almost always lead to significant injuries. If you’ve been in an accident and are facing expensive medical bills and disability, it’s time to speak to a car accident attorney about your options. Williams Elleby Howard & Easter is here to answer any questions you have and proudly serves clients in Marietta, Cobb County, and all of Georgia.

Just Crashed The Car? What To Do Next

total loss vehicle accident

Just Crashed The Car? What To Do Next

Whether you’re on your way to work, running a quick errand, or going on a long road trip, getting in a car accident is probably not what you’re thinking about when you hop in your car. No matter how safely you drive, however, chances are at some point it will be you in a car accident. More than 116,000 people were reported injured in Georgia car accidents in 2013, according to the Office of Highway Safety.

In the immediate aftermath of an accident when the shock is at its greatest, people can make decisions that compromise their safety or legal rights. This is particularly true for accidents with injuries or fatalities. It is crucial that Georgia drivers know exactly what steps to take after an accident, regardless of the severity.

Prevent Further Accidents

It is against the law to leave the scene of the accident and your first step should always be to stop and pull over in a safe place, if possible. Many drivers have the misconception that they must leave the vehicles so they don’t disturb any evidence. Doing so, however, could further endanger any accident victims and increases the risk for secondary accidents. Once you’ve pulled over to safety, you can attend to any medical needs.

Get Medical Help For Any Injuries

In any accident you should always check if anyone involved was injured. If anyone requires immediate medical attention, provide assistance if possible. For serious injuries, alert an ambulance to the scene.

Report The Accident To The Authorities

Georgia law requires you to report a car accident to law enforcement if there were any injuries or fatalities, or if property damages were more than $500. Motorists are sometimes reluctant to report accidents they consider minor or because the other party offers a direct financial deal. While the idea might sound appealing, it can leave you without recourse if injuries are more serious than you thought of if the other driver is dishonest. You should also promptly inform your insurance provider of the accident to ensure you ability to claim damages later.

Swap Information and Gather Evidence

Before leaving the accident make sure you exchange information with any other motorists involved in the accident if you are physically able to do so. Do not discuss fault at the scene. Crucial information you should gather includes:

  • Driver’s license and vehicle identification numbers;
  • Address, phone number, and other pertinent contact information;
  • Their insurance information;

Not getting this information can severely limit your ability to either make an insurance claim or seek legal action. In addition to swapping information, you should also gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos of any damage, the entirety of the scene, debris in the roadway, and any signs of the accident. If there are witnesses around, ask for their information as well as a statement of what happened.

Get Legal Advice For Your Accident

Once you’ve taken all the appropriate steps after your accident, it’s a good idea to discuss your legal options with an attorney. If you’ve had a car accident in Marietta, Cobb County, or greater Georgia, enlist the help of Williams Elleby Howard & Easter. With years of experience helping victims of car accidents receive compensation for damages, we are ready to help you fight for the best settlement possible.