There’s a lot on your mind right after an auto collision: Stupid drivers! Will my insurance cover this? What is that pain in the back of my neck?

To best deal with insurance and to prepare yourself for the future — especially if you’ll need to file a personal injury claim — it’s vital to be as coherent as possible and take the necessary steps for success. Read here to learn what five things to do, and contact our personal injury firm in Atlanta if you sustain an injury from the auto collision.

This is the very first thing you should do after checking if the other driver is OK and getting out of your vehicle. If the other driver protests, you need to call anyway. No matter what the other driver says about insurance or whatever else, no matter how much damage there is on either vehicle, it is imperative that you call the police. A police officer can document the accident and damage so you have an official report. If the accident occurs on private property, the police officer can still create an incident report.

Now it’s time to get friendly with the other driver. Find out their insurance information, driver’s license number, tag number, and the make, tag, and model of the vehicle. Assuming they have their insurance card on them, it’s wiser to take a photo of it rather than write down the information. All of this information will be put to use when you seek repairs on your vehicle and if you need to hire a personal injury firm.

If there were any witnesses to the auto collision, be sure to get their information as well! If there are any discrepancies on the report, then it could end up being your word against the other driver’s. A witness will be crucial in this situation. Get their name and phone number and even their address if they’re willing. They could be the determining factor in liability of your case.

Filing a personal injury claim or accident claim can be full of nuanced details and information. The process will go much more smoothly if you hire a personal injury lawyer who can walk you through the work and help you make sure everything is filled out correctly. Looking for the best personal injury lawyers in Atlanta? Our team at The Fairell Firm is ready to help you. Contact our personal injury firm today to get started.