FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (CALL 404-687-8383 OR E-MAIL ATTORNEY McCORMACK AT sybesq@mccormacklaw.net FOR MORE INFO):
1) What should I do if I've been in a car accident?
First, call the police! Then, whether you were the driver of a vehicle that belonged to you or a passenger in someone else's vehicle, be sure to get the name, address and telephone number of the individual who caused the accident as well as the name of his or her insurance company and policy number.
If the insurance information is not available at the scene of the wreck, or if you have been too badly injured to get the information at that time, be certain to secure a copy of the police report prepared about the incident as soon as possible thereafter.
2) Should I report the accident to my insurance company even if I was not the at-fault party?
Yes. You may have purchased medical payments benefits on your insurance policy which would cover some of your medical bills during the treatment period. You may also have purchased uninsured motorist coverage which might become important in resolving your property damage and/or personal injury claim in the event that the at-fault party was not insured at the time of the wreck.
The failure to report the accident to your insurance company and to set up a claim promptly after it has occurred could result in the inability to take advantage of the benefits mentioned at a later date.
3) Should I take pictures of the vehicle in which I was injured even if the insurance company's property damage adjuster or appraiser has already done so?
Yes. Such photos can be very helpful to the attorney handling your personal injury case as it allows him or her to get a better feel for what you might have experienced at the scene of the wreck. It also doesn't hurt to get photos of the scene of the accident soon after the collision as well as photos of the at-fault party's vehicle as long as it can be done both safely and legally.
4) I didn't have any pain at the scene of the accident yesterday, but now I'm aching all over. What should I do?
Seek medical attention right away! A delay in securing appropriate medical treatment could result in a serious injury going undiagnosed and in the possible inability to resolve your personal injury claim with the insurance company fairly and satisfactorily.
5) When should I call an attorney about my injuries?
If you decide to retain an attorney to assist you with your personal injury claim, you should do so as early as possible after the collision, medical malpractice, defective product or slip-and-fall incident occurs. Your attorney might be able to assist you in the satisfactory resolution of your property damage claim as well as get to work early on securing copies of the appropriate medical documentation in order to resolve your personal injury claim promptly.
6) Don't I have 2 years in which to file a claim from the date of the accident in Georgia?
No!!! The TWO-YEAR STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS RULE APPLIES TO THE FILING OF LAWSUITS, NOT CLAIMS. AND, THE 2-YEAR STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS DOES NOT APPLY TO ALL PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS!!! Consequently, it is very important that you consult an attorney about the statute of limitations applicable to your particular claim as quickly as possible.
7) What should I do if I want to secure the services of The McCormack Law Firm?
You can either call us at 404/687-8383 or e-mail us at the e-mail address at the top of the page for your free initial consultation!!! We will be more than happy to schedule an appointment to discuss your claim.