I Was in a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault – What Should I Do Next?
April 9, 2025 | J.L. King, II
You should not have to pay for damages in a Georgia car accident that is not your fault. However, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may diminish your damages or place some—or all—of the blame for the crash on you. These actions can cost you financially and emotionally. This article will explore what you should do after an accident that wasn’t your fault, how to look out for shady insurance company practices, and when you may want to consider hiring a lawyer.
Understand How Georgia Car Accident Laws Impact Your Claim
Georgia is an at-fault state regarding car accidents, requiring a negligent driver to pay for your damages. Georgia car accident laws also allow multiple drivers to share responsibility in an accident. As the injured driver, it is up to you to prove who is at fault in the accident and support your claim. Here are some actions to take when you are in a car accident to help prove that it was not your fault:
Report the Accident
Calling 911 alerts law enforcement and emergency providers about the crash. Their immediate response can help mitigate further incidents at the accident site. Law enforcement then documents the accident scene and takes your statement. Medical responders can treat critical injuries and begin to identify injuries that require additional treatment.
Get Immediate Medical Care
Getting medical treatment after a car accident establishes the cause of your injuries and a timeline of events surrounding your car accident. Failing to get care or follow a doctor’s orders creates an avenue for the insurance company to blame your injuries on another event or argue your injuries are pre-existing.
Not getting medical care also allows the insurance company to minimize the impact of an accident on your health and reduce your potential settlement in a personal injury claim. Follow your doctor’s orders until they release you from their care. Completing your care plan demonstrates your commitment to fully recovering from an accident.
Collect Evidence to Document the Car Accident
When it is safe, collect evidence at the accident scene. Take pictures or videos of vehicle positions following an accident, damage to your car, and other evidence that may support your claim. Ask for the contact information of eyewitnesses to the accident. Begin collecting medical documentation, invoices, and other costs to you.
Document your time off work for medical treatment. Going back to work before you are fully ready can exacerbate your injuries. Lost wages are part of the compensation you may receive for your economic damages in a car accident in Georgia.
Seek a Comprehensive Assessment of Your Injuries
You may be unaware of all the damages available to you. In addition to economic damages, recovering damages for pain and suffering may be possible. Additionally, receiving punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence may be possible.
Speak With a Georgia Car Accident Attorney
Your injuries may prevent you from taking essential steps to document a car accident and your damages. The role of a Georgia car accident lawyer is to allow an advocate to do the legal heavy lifting while you recover. Losing vital evidence often occurs in the days following an accident, leaving your claim vulnerable.
Speaking with the at-fault driver’s insurance company may also compromise your claim. An adjuster may misunderstand your account of the accident or accept your statement as an admission of fault. A legal advocate can mediate and negotiate with the insurance company for you. Contact one today for a free consultation.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm at The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, please contact The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.
We have three convenient locations throughout Georgia:
The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Tifton Office
1603 US Hwy 41, Tifton, GA 31794
(229) 386-1376
The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Griffin Office
3317 Fayetteville Rd, Griffin, GA 30223
(404) 567-4546
The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Macon Office
886 Mulberry St, Macon, GA 31201
(478) 292-7272
Or if you would prefer to reach out to us online, please visit our contact us page.
