- Car Accidents
At Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, we have been serving clients in Douglasville and the surrounding areas for decades, providing trusted legal guidance in personal injury, car accident claims, and more. Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve after an accident. We know how insurance companies operate, and we won’t let them pressure you into settling for less. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, we’re here to fight for you.
After a car accident, the insurance company may pressure you to accept a fast settlement. While this might seem like the easiest option, it can leave you with unpaid medical bills, repair costs, and lost wages. Many injuries take time to appear, and the full financial impact of the accident may not be clear right away. Rushing into a settlement could mean accepting far less than you need to recover. Understanding the claims process, knowing your rights, and seeking legal advice can help you secure the full compensation you deserve.
In this blog, we explain why settling car accident claims too soon can cost you, how to protect your claim, and why working with an experienced Douglasville car accident attorney can help you secure full compensation.
Immediate Steps After a Car Accident
Your actions after a car accident can impact your claim and safety. Follow these steps to protect your rights and gather key insurance information.
Move to a Safe Location
If possible, move the vehicles involved out of traffic and turn on hazard lights. If the car is undrivable, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
Call Emergency Services
Dial 911 to report the accident and request medical help if needed. A police report is crucial for the car accident claims process and proving fault. In Georgia, you must report accidents with injuries, fatalities, or major property damage.
Exchange Information
Get the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance company name, and policy number. Note the vehicle’s make, model, and license plate. Collect passenger and witness contact details in case of disputes.
Document the Scene
Take photos of property damage, road conditions, injuries, and traffic signs. Record the location and any factors like weather or poor roads that may have contributed to the accident.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Do not apologize or admit blame to the other driver, witnesses, or police. Let the police report and insurance company determine fault based on the evidence.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries appear later. Keep all medical records to support car accident claims. Delaying treatment can hurt your case.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company, but avoid recorded statements without legal advice. If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, do not discuss injuries or accept any settlement offers.
Request the Police Report
Obtain a copy of the police report from law enforcement. This document is key evidence when filing car accident claims or seeking compensation.
The Insurance Company’s Strategy: Why Quick Settlements Are Risky
After a car accident, the insurance company may push for a fast settlement. While this might seem convenient, it often results in unpaid medical bills, unexpected repair costs, and lost wages. Once you accept, you cannot seek more compensation later.
Insurance Adjusters Aim to Pay Less
The other driver’s insurance company wants to settle quickly for the lowest amount possible. Adjusters may claim your claim is worth less than it is, that delays will slow the car accident claims process, or that this is the best offer you will get. Their goal is to close the case before you understand the full extent of your injuries and damages.
The Hidden Costs of Settling Too Soon
A fast settlement may not cover all expenses. Medical treatment can become more expensive if injuries worsen. Repair costs may exceed initial estimates, and if your vehicle is undrivable, you may need a rental car for longer than expected. Future lost wages can also add up, especially if you cannot return to work right away.
Delayed Injuries and Georgia’s Time Limits
Some injuries take days or weeks to appear. If you settle too soon, the insurance company will not cover additional treatment. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33) allows two years to file a personal injury claim and four years for property damage. You have time to assess your losses before agreeing to a settlement.
Comparative Fault Could Reduce Your Claim
Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), if you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages. The insurance company may try to shift blame to reduce their payout. Accepting a settlement without reviewing liability could leave you with less than you deserve.
Why You Should Consult a Lawyer First
A car accident attorney can review car accident claims, negotiate with the insurance company, and ensure the settlement covers your losses. They can also gather evidence, including the police report and medical records, to strengthen your case. The insurance company wants a quick settlement because it benefits them, not you. Before accepting any offer, speak with an attorney to protect your rights.
Understanding the Full Scope of Your Claim
Car accident claims include more than just vehicle repairs. To seek full compensation, you must account for all injuries, lost wages, and other damages caused by the accident.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills can be one of the largest costs after an accident. Emergency care, hospital stays, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment can add up. Even minor injuries can require expensive care. Keep all medical records to support your claim.
Property Damage and Vehicle Repairs
The insurance company may offer a quick payment for repair costs, but this may not cover the full damage. Get an independent inspection to verify the estimate. If your car is totaled, ensure the insurance policy covers the actual value. A rental car may also be necessary while your vehicle is in the repair shop.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost wages. If your ability to work is permanently affected, you may also be entitled to future income loss. Keep documentation from your employer and medical providers.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond financial losses, pain and suffering compensation may be available for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. This is harder to quantify but is a key part of full car accident claims.
Comparative Fault and Your Claim
Georgia follows modified comparative negligence (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33). If you are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. The insurance company may try to place more blame on you to lower their payout. Reviewing the police report and gathering witness statements can help protect your case.
Maximizing Your Compensation
A car accident attorney can review car accident claims, handle negotiations, and ensure you get a fair settlement. The insurance company may try to settle for less than you deserve, so knowing the full value of your claim helps you avoid financial loss.
How to Strengthen Car Accident Claims
Strong car accident claims require solid evidence and proper documentation. Taking the right steps early can help you secure full compensation for injuries, vehicle repairs, and other losses.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries take time to appear. Delaying treatment can hurt car accident claims because the insurance company may argue your injuries were not caused by the accident. Keep all medical records and receipts.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Take clear photos of property damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Collect the other driver’s insurance information, policy number, and contact details. Get statements and phone numbers from witnesses to help establish fault.
Obtain the Police Report
A police report is key evidence in proving liability. Request a copy from the responding law enforcement agency. This document provides an objective account of the accident and can support car accident claims.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Do not say anything that could be used against you. Even an apology may be taken as an admission of fault. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police, other driver, or insurance company.
Keep Track of Expenses and Lost Wages
Save all bills related to medical treatment, car repairs, and rental cars. If you miss work due to your injuries, document your lost wages with pay stubs or employer statements. These records help prove your financial losses.
Be Cautious with Insurance Companies
The other driver’s insurance company may try to settle quickly for less than you deserve. Do not provide recorded statements or accept a settlement without legal advice. Car accident claims should cover all current and future expenses.
Consult a Car Accident Attorney
An experienced car accident lawyer can handle negotiations, gather evidence, and ensure you get a fair settlement. The insurance company may try to minimize your compensation, but a lawyer can help protect your rights and maximize car accident claims.
Thinking of Filing a Car Accident Claim? Contact Hartley, Rowe & Fowler Today!
If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t let the insurance company rush you into a low settlement that doesn’t cover your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. At Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, our experienced team understands how to handle tough negotiations and fight for the compensation you deserve. We will review your case, protect your rights, and make sure you don’t settle for less.
Contact us at 678-825-6004 for a free claim review today!
