I've Been in an Accident. What Do I Do Now?
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1. Hopefully, if you have been injured in an accident it is your first experience. Your first priority is to get treated for your injuries. If your injuries did not require you to be taken to a hospital in an ambulance or immediate care in an emergency room, start getting treatment as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more the insurance company may be able to argue some or all of your injuries were not the result of the accident you just had.
2. You should also alert your auto insurance company as soon as possible. You may have medical coverage through a health insurance provider. You probably also have medical pay coverage through your auto insurance carrier or available through the other party's auto insurance. You should take advantage of any and all coverage options to get the treatment you need for your injuries. Once you recover for your personal injury claim, these medical expenses will be repaid to your insurers through what is known as subrogation.
3. Your insurance company should help you with your property damage claim. You have a right to be compensated for the damage to your vehicle as well as its diminution in value. Often your insurance company will pay your claim less the deductible then go after the other party's insurer for reimbursment as well as recover your deductible for you.
4. Contact a lawyer. You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit to recover for your damages from a personal injury. These damages would include recovery for your time lost from work, medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and your attorney's fees and other related costs. Many cases are settled before a lawsuit is filed. Many others are settled after a lawsuit is filed but before a trial. There is work your lawyer can do from the first time you feel able to contact him or her after your accident. However, your lawyer will not and should not attempt to settle your case until your medical treatment is finished.
For further information, please call 404-401-7338 or email at info@AccidentAttorneyGa.com
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