Being in a car accident is overwhelming. The actions you take in those first critical moments can significantly impact your safety, legal rights, and ability to recover compensation. At The Wilson PC, we've helped hundreds of Georgia car accident victims in Atlanta, Macon, Savannah, Decatur, and Columbus. This guide walks you through exactly what to do after a car accident – from the scene to recovery. If you need immediate help, call us now at (470) 280-0994 for a free consultation.
The first minutes after a car accident are critical. Here's what you must do:
1. Stop and Check for Injuries
Georgia law requires you to stop – leaving is a crime. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
2. Move to Safety (If Safe)
Georgia law requires moving vehicles if:
No serious injuries
Vehicles are operable
It's safe to move
Won't interfere with investigation
Move to shoulder or parking lot if possible. Turn on hazard lights. On busy highways like I-285 or I-75, stay in your vehicle with seatbelt on if you can't safely exit.
CRITICAL: Take photos BEFORE moving vehicles.
3. Call 911
You must call police if:
Anyone is injured
Property damage is $500+ (virtually all accidents)
Anyone is killed
Tell the dispatcher:
Exact location
Number of vehicles
Whether anyone is injured
If traffic is blocked
4. Exchange Information
Get from other driver:
Full name and contact information
Driver's license number
Insurance company and policy number
License plate number
Vehicle make/model
Give only:
Your name and insurance information
Don't discuss fault or how accident happened
5. Document Everything
Take extensive photos of:
All vehicle damage (every angle)
License plates and VIN numbers
Accident scene and vehicle positions
Skid marks and debris
Street signs and traffic signals
Your visible injuries
Road conditions and weather
Also document:
Witness names and contact information
Officer's name and badge number
Time, date, and location
Weather and lighting conditions
Your words can make or break your case.
NEVER Say:
"I'm sorry" or "It was my fault"
"I didn't see you"
"I'm fine" or "I'm not hurt"
"Don't call the police"
Why this matters: Georgia uses comparative negligence. Any admission of fault reduces your compensation. If you're 50% or more at fault, you get nothing.
DO Say:
"Are you okay?"
"Let me call the police"
"Here's my insurance information"
To police: State facts only. Don't speculate about causes.
To insurance adjusters: "I need to speak with my attorney before giving a statement."
This is critical for your health AND your legal case.
Go to ER Immediately If You Have:
Severe pain anywhere
Head injury or loss of consciousness
Chest or abdominal pain
Broken bones
Severe bleeding
Neck or back pain
Numbness or tingling
Atlanta hospitals: Grady Memorial, Emory University Hospital, Piedmont Atlanta
Macon hospitals: Atrium Health Navicent, Medical Center of Peach County
Savannah hospitals: Memorial Health, St. Joseph's/Candler
Decatur hospitals: Emory Decatur Hospital, DeKalb Medical
Columbus hospitals: Piedmont Columbus Regional, St. Francis Hospital
See a Doctor Within 24-48 Hours
Even if you feel fine, get checked. Many injuries don't show symptoms immediately:
Whiplash (24-48 hours to develop)
Concussions
Soft tissue injuries
Internal injuries
Insurance companies will claim you're not hurt if you delay treatment.
Follow All Treatment
Attend every appointment
Complete physical therapy
Take prescribed medications
Keep all bills and records
Missed appointments = insurance claims you're not really hurt.
Understanding the law is one thing – applying it to win your case is another. The Wilson PC has extensive experience with Georgia car accident laws and how they affect your compensation.
Why Choose The Wilson PC
Deep Georgia Law Knowledge – We know how to use these laws to maximize your recovery
Free Consultation – Discuss how Georgia law applies to your specific case
No Fees Unless We Win – Contingency basis, you pay nothing upfront
Great Place to Work Certified – Award-winning firm with personalized attention
Proven Results – Successfully applied Georgia laws to recover millions for clients
Statewide Experience – Offices in Atlanta, Macon, Savannah, Decatur, and Columbus
Call Now: (470) 280-0994
Free Case Evaluation | No Obligation