A Step-by-Step Guide for Victims Navigating the Aftermath
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, your world may feel like it’s been turned upside down. You may be in pain, your car could be totaled, and you may not know who to call or what to do next. These moments are overwhelming, to put it mildly — but you don’t have to go through them alone. At Buddoo & Associates, we’ve helped countless Georgia accident victims get their rightful care and compensation. If you’re searching for help after being injured in a car accident in College Park, GA, this guide will walk you through the key actions you need to take, and how our team can support you.
Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Get Medical Attention
Immediately after an accident, make sure to check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Move to a safe location if possible, especially if you’re on a busy road like I-285, Camp Creek Parkway, or Old National Highway.
Call 911 right away, even if your injuries seem superficial, because more serious conditions like concussions, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage don’t show immediate symptoms. Getting prompt medical care is important for your health, and it documents your injuries for any future personal injury claim.
Remember: if you’ve been injured in a car accident, medical documentation is key to validating your pain and suffering when filing an insurance claim.
Step 2: Report the Accident to the Police
In Georgia, you’re required to call law enforcement if there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $500 — which is nearly every crash. The responding officer will create an official accident report, which will include:
- A description of the scene.
- Statements from both drivers and witnesses.
- A diagram of how the accident occurred.
- Any citations issued.
If the other driver wants to “handle it privately,” don’t agree. Without a police report, proving fault becomes much harder. Always make sure that your side of the story is on record, especially when you’ve been injured in a car accident in College Park, GA.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re physically able, collect as much evidence as possible before leaving the accident area. If you have a smartphone with a camera, you can photograph:
- Vehicle damage (yours and the other driver’s).
- License plates.
- Road conditions, traffic signals, and skid marks.
- Any visible injuries.
- The surrounding area and any contributing hazards.
Also, gather the names and contact information of any witnesses. Write down your own account of the event while it’s still fresh in your mind.
All of this information can be instrumental in proving your case, particularly if the insurance company tries to downplay your injuries or assign blame to you.
Step 4: Don’t Talk to the Insurance Company Alone
Soon after being injured in a car accident, you’ll likely get a call from an insurance adjuster. They may sound friendly and sympathetic, but their goal is to limit what the company ultimately pays you. They may ask leading questions or try to get you to make statements that will minimize your injuries. Avoid giving a recorded statement or signing anything until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
Let Buddoo & Associates handle the insurance company for you. We know their tactics, and we know how to fight back.
Step 5: Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in College Park, GA
The sooner you contact an experienced local attorney, the better. At Buddoo & Associates, we provide free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why choose a local College Park car accident lawyer?
- We understand local traffic laws and crash trends.
- We’re familiar with area courts and insurance adjusters.
- We have access to local resources like medical providers and collision experts.
- We fight aggressively for maximum compensation.
You need someone who knows Georgia law and the local landscape inside and out — and that’s exactly what Buddoo & Associates delivers for anyone who’s been injured in a car accident.
Injured in a Car Accident? Check for These Ailments
Car crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, ranging from the obvious to the invisible. Even if you were traveling at a relatively low speed when the incident occurred, you’d be surprised by some of the long-term health complications that you may experience as a result. These include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage.
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Back and spinal cord injuries.
- Broken bones and fractures.
- Internal bleeding.
- Emotional trauma or PTSD.
The effects of these injuries can follow you for months, even years. Don’t assume it’s “just soreness.” Get a full medical evaluation and consult with an attorney to understand your legal options.
How Buddoo & Associates Can Help You
When you choose our team to represent you, you’re getting a dedicated advocate who will be there for you through every stage of recovery.
Here’s how we help clients who’ve been injured in a car accident.
- We investigate the accident thoroughly.
- We gather medical records, bills, and witness statements.
- We negotiate with the insurance company to secure full compensation.
- We help manage medical liens and treatment costs.
- We represent you in court, if necessary.
In short, we handle all of the paperwork, phone calls, and deadlines so that you can focus on healing. Our firm is deeply rooted in College Park, GA, and we’re proud to serve our neighbors with compassion, dedication, and results.
Call Buddoo & Associates Today
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident — but evidence disappears fast, and insurance companies act even faster. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in College Park, don’t wait to get the help you need. Call us today at 404-870-3557, or through an online submission.
We offer free consultations, and you never pay unless we recover compensation for you.
