Imagine driving down the congested I-285, running errands or commuting to or from work. As you’re stuck in traffic, an impatient driver behind you wants to merge lanes, and they overestimate how much room they have, colliding with your car. As you pull over, scared and angry that you have been the victim of another driver’s negligence, a million questions race through your head at once, but one seems to drown out the others: Should I call the police after being rear-ended in Atlanta?
The short answer is yes. Many people assume that, especially if the accident seems minor, they don’t need to call the police. In other situations, the responsible party may try to take advantage of your good nature and try convincing you that there’s no need to get the police involved.
The fact is even minor accidents can result in major repairs and hospital bills, so calling the police after a rear-end accident is absolutely crucial. Here’s what you should know.
What Should I Do After a Rear-End Collision in Georgia?
Let’s discuss the entire process leading up to contacting the authorities if you are reeling from a rear-end accident and asking yourself, Should I call the police after being rear-ended in Atlanta? You must tread carefully at every step of this process.
If you’re rear-ended on a highway, pull over to the side of the highway. If it’s not safe to do so, you may have to exit the highway. The other river will hopefully follow you. If you’re rear-ended on a road, pull over to the side of the road.
First, check on the other driver and make sure they are OK. No matter how emotional they are, keep conversation to a minimum. The driver may try to get sympathy from you, they may try to get you to admit fault, or you may be brimming with frustration that makes you want to confront them.
Stay calm, cool, and collected. Letting your emotions lead the dance could have huge repercussions on your compensation. Never admit fault, and do not speak with your insurance provider or the other party’s insurance provider until you have contacted a rear-end accident lawyer. When insurance companies contact you, you should always refer them to your lawyer. Always.
At this stage, you should call the police.
Related Article: Do You Pull Over When You’re Rear-Ended in Georgia?
Should I Call the Police After Being Rear-Ended in Atlanta?
Yes, you should call the police after a rear-end collision after making sure you are safe from other traffic. Georgia law requires any accident with over $500 in damage or where someone is injured be reported. Simply put, if you do not call the police, you and your lawyer are in for an uphill battle.
After calling the police, it can be tempting to leave the scene before the police arrive, especially if you are not feeling well or simply tired of waiting. . But waiting is crucial. The police will do a thorough investigation and determine who was at fault. Your insurance company will also expect a copy of the police report.
While you wait for the police, use this time to collect important information from the other driver, such as their insurance policy number, contact information, and driver’s license information. You should gather witness information, too.
You should also take photos and videos of the accident scene and damage to vehicles. Filing an accident report is a huge asset for your attorney and, ultimately, getting the compensation you deserve. This is because you are creating a legal record of the accident.
The first thing the responding officer will do is assign a case number. Hold onto this number. You can use this number to find a copy of your report online. Police reports contain critical information:
- A description of the accident scene
- Pictures of the cars and roadway
- Contact information for both of the drivers
- License and insurance information for the drivers involved
- Witness statements
- Contact information for witness
With this report, you can cross-check the information you took at the scene of the accident and fill any gaps that may have been caused by the chaos following the rear-end collision. Your lawyer will depend on this information to prove your case.
Even if you did your due diligence collecting this information at the scene, imagine situations where the sole witness refuses to talk to you or the other driver gives you false information. You can ensure your attorney has the information they need in this report.
Related Article: Rear-Ended in Georgia? Take These Safety Steps
Should I See a Doctor After Being Rear-Ended?
Whether or not you should see a doctor is probably the next question after: Should I call the police after being rear-ended?
After calling the police, it is crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible. You may not feel like you were injured, but even minor fender benders can result in major injuries that linger for a lifetime.
In fact, rear-end accidents can be some of the most dangerous car accidents because you are unaware a collision is about to occur and can do nothing to brace yourself for impact. It is not uncommon for victims of rear-end collisions to have adrenaline pumping through their bodies after a collision.
This adrenaline will mask the pain from injuries like whiplash. Also, you may not feel injury symptoms for days, weeks, or even months. So waiting until you feel the injury is inadvisable.
Even if you wait just a few days to see a doctor, the other party will have grounds to claim that you didn’t take the injuries seriously and that you could have sustained them in a separate incident. Make sure you tell the doctor that your injuries were caused by the accident.
Related Article: What to Do After a Car Accident in Georgia?
What if the Rear-End Accident Report is Inaccurate?
Police officers are human and can, unfortunately, make mistakes when creating an accident report. We advise reviewing the accident report as soon as possible to ensure that the information is accurate. A rear-end collision lawyer can help dispute and correct any inaccuracies it may include.
Errors that could appear in the report include:
- Factual errors
- Transcription errors
- Errors of omission
- Disputed subjective information
Whether you need help getting your accident report, interpreting it, or disputing it, working with a car crash attorney is absolutely essential during this process.
“Any time you are involved in a car crash, even if it does not feel significant, you should always call the police. This police report could be a vital tool for your attorney to build a case and get you the compensation you deserve. But this is just the beginning. Your next call should always be your attorney. They will help you navigate this complicated process and ensure you receive the best possible outcome.”
– Jason Schneider, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Schneider Williamson
Related Article: What Evidence Should You Collect After an Atlanta Car Crash?
Get the Compensation You Deserve with Atlanta’s Premier Rear-End Accident Lawyers
So, now you know the answer if you were asking, Should I call the police after being rear-ended? Yes, you should always call the police immediately after a car accident, even if it’s a rear-end collision that seems minor. Minor accidents can carry a huge cost for your physical health, your mental health, and your wallet. After calling the police, you should immediately contact an attorney. Rear-end accident victims like you could be entitled to substantial compensation for lost income, medical and mental health treatment, pain and suffering, vehicle repairs, and more.
At Schneider Williamson, we are a leading personal injury firm with an exceptional track record of helping clients obtain the compensation they deserve. We will compile evidence and handle your case so you can focus on what matters most – healing and reaching a place of closure.
Schedule a consultation for premier representation at every stage of your rear-end collision case.
