You’ve been in a car accident on Atlanta’s busy roads, and you’re wondering: Who do I call first after an accident? Should I call 911? Should I call a non-emergency number? Or should I call my insurance provider?
In most cases, the first phone call you should make after a car accident is the police. Call 911 if the accident is severe or if there are significant hazards at the accident scene that put you at immediate risk.
You can follow these guidelines on the series of calls you should make at the accident scene and also in the days and weeks following the accident.
Who To Call First: The Police
It’s best to call the police after a car accident. Make sure that you’re out of harm’s way before making the phone call. For example, you shouldn’t make a phone call while you’re in a burning vehicle, or if there’s traffic zipping by at high speeds. Get to a safe location first and then call law enforcement.
Should you call 911 or the police department’s non-emergency number?
It depends on the situation.
When to Call 911
In Georgia, the law mandates that you call 911 if there are injuries at the accident scene, or if there’s property damage that exceeds $500. Calling 911 will ensure that people who have suffered significant injuries will receive prompt medical attention.
You should also call 911 if there are hazards at the accident scene, including:
- Burning or smoking vehicles
- Fallen electrical poles
- Broken water pipes / fire hydrants
- Fast, oncoming traffic
- If the accident has occurred in a blind spot for passing vehicles (i.e., where there’s a bend in the road)
Law enforcement will be able to secure the accident scene and prevent further injuries.
Related Blog: Rear-Ended in Georgia? Take These Safety Steps
When to Call the Non-Emergency Number
If nobody has been injured in the accident and there aren’t obvious hazards at the accident scene, you might consider calling the non-emergency number of your local police department (you can find this number via a quick Google Search on your smartphone).
When you call the non-emergency number, the dispatcher will be able to answer your questions and provide guidance on what to do next. They might even send first responders to the accident scene, especially if you’re feeling nervous or are uncertain about the severity of the crash. In any case, their guidance can help you get past the brain fog and anxiety you may be feeling immediately after the accident.
Related Blog: Should I Call the Police After Being Rear-Ended?
Why It’s Important to Call Law Enforcement After an Accident
Calling law enforcement after a car accident is usually the best course of action, even if the accident was minor. The police can help you by:
- Diffusing tension with an angry or hostile driver and preventing the situation from escalating
- Securing the accident scene and keeping you safe from hazards
- Helping you and the other driver determine who’s at fault for the accident
- Creating a legal record that proves the accident caused damages or injuries can help you secure a fair settlement from the insurance company
What about minor accidents, like a fender-bender?
You might have mixed feelings about getting law enforcement involved, but it’s often the best way to protect yourself from unscrupulous insurance carriers.
Related Blog: What Evidence Should You Collect After a Car Crash?
Who To Call Next: A Towing Company
If your vehicle has been damaged so much that you’re no longer able to drive it, then you’ll have to call a towing company to have them transport your vehicle to a repair facility.
If the accident happened during business hours, you can have your vehicle towed to a local auto shop or collision center.
But if the accident happened after business hours, then you may have to pay extra money to have your vehicle towed to an overnight storage facility — usually a police impound, salvage yard, or the towing company’s yard. In the morning, you’ll have to get it towed to the auto repair center.
Obviously, this may cost you a ton of money.
If you were NOT at fault for the accident, then you will be able to have all this money reimbursed by your insurance provider, so be sure to keep receipts and records of your:
- Towing costs
- Overnight storage fees
- Replacement vehicle / public transportation expenses while your vehicle is repaired
You can save money if you’re able to maneuver the car someplace where you can park it overnight and have it towed in the morning. Make sure the area is safe so your car will not get broken into; do not leave any belongings in your car and remember to take your insurance information out of the glove compartment.
You should never leave your vehicle on the side of a highway or busy road. It could be hazardous for other drivers, and you could be held liable if it causes an accident.
Who To Call Next: Your Insurance Provider
Once you’ve gotten your vehicle taken care of, you need to call your insurance carrier and inform them that you’ve been in a car accident. In the state of Georgia, most insurance providers require that you inform them of the accident soon or immediately following the accident.
The insurance provider will ask you for details about the car accident, but remember that you’re not yet filing an insurance claim at this stage so you don’t need to provide them with proof or evidence just yet. Don’t take any blame for the accident.
After the accident, make sure to review the terms of your insurance policy to make sure that you comply with whatever stipulations it has on reporting the accident.
Related Blog: What To Do After a Car Accident in Georgia
Who To Call Next: The Police (Again)
Before you file an insurance claim with your provider, you will need to gather evidence that proves the car accident happened the way it did and that it really caused the injuries, damages, and expenses that you want covered.
The police report from the accident scene can be a crucial piece of evidence; call your local law enforcement agency or whichever agency responded to the accident scene and request a copy of the police report. Don’t be shy about requesting a copy for your records; in Georgia, you are within your rights to do so.
Once you receive a copy of the police report, make sure that the report is accurate. Sometimes, law enforcement does not investigate the accident thoroughly, and there’s a possibility they did not include certain evidence. If the police report is not accurate or missing information, then you might need to speak to a personal injury attorney.
There’s other evidence that you need to collect at the accident scene as well, including photos of injuries and damages, contact information of witnesses, and video footage that might have been captured by bystanders or surveillance cameras on local buildings.
When to Call a Personal Injury Firm
In the state of Georgia, you can have all your expenses that were caused by the accident covered by the insurance carrier if you’re less than 50% responsible for the accident.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for trying to avoid paying you full compensation for the accident. They might try to cast doubt over whether or not you were at fault or argue that your injuries or expenses weren’t as severe as you claim. They could also claim that your injuries or expenses were not directly caused by the accident.
“In Georgia, you typically need to file an insurance claim within 90 days of the accident. If you suffered significant injuries that forced you to undergo months of medical treatment, then you’re really at a disadvantage. You’re basically forced to file an insurance claim before you understand all of your medical costs.”
– Campbell Williamson, Founding Partner, Schneider Williamson
If you find yourself in this type of situation, your best option may be to fight the insurance company by filing a lawsuit.
Is It Worth Suing the Insurance Company?
Car accidents can cause thousands of dollars worth of medical bills, lost wages, and auto repair costs. If you did not cause the car accident, then you’re entitled to have all of these expenses and lost wages covered by the insurance provider.
You can schedule a free consultation with Schneider Williamson and speak to one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. During the consultation, we can go over your case and help you figure out what your possible outcomes are if you decide to file a lawsuit, and we can also help you decide next steps.
If you decide to file a lawsuit and pursue litigation, our legal team will have your back every step of the way. We will guide you through every part of the legal process and do the heavy lifting for you. By advocating fiercely on your behalf and helping you get the compensation that you deserve, we can help you get on the path of recovery and healing.
