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Auto Accident Injuries - A Car Accident Attorney Can Help You
Slappey & Sadd, LLC is an Atlanta based personal injury law firm that successfully handles Auto & Truck Accidental Personal Injury Cases and other Personal Injury Cases resulting in wrongful death or severe injuries that may permanently impact your quality of life, income, or long-term health. Slappey & Sadd, LLC is an experienced, high quality law firm. We are careful in deciding which cases to pursue, so we can focus on helping the people who have suffered the most serious harm as a result of clear cases of negligence. To the cases we pursue, we commit the full financial, legal, and emotional resources of our firm. Fill out Do You Have a Case from the menu above or call 404-255-6677 for an evaluation of your car accident case at no charge.
My perspective is that Scott and Jay and their staff are very caring. They are superb. My husband did not survive a car accident. I was treated with respect and compassion when I needed it the most.....those were very horrible years for me. Thanks for all who were patient with me and my grief. NP
Verdicts, Judgments & Settlements for Our Clients
If you've been in a car crash, the consequences can be life-altering. An experienced, high quality car accident injury lawyer can make a difference in your recovery.
If you have suffered a severe personal injury in a wreck with an auto or truck, let Slappey & Sadd, LLC review your case before filing a claim or settling with an insurance company. The insurance company settlement process is established to represent the insurance company's best interest for any car or truck accident, not yours. Slappey & Sadd, LLC will evaluate your case and answer all of your questions before pursuing a lawsuit on your behalf.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you need an experienced car accident lawyer to help you get the financial compensation you deserve. We handle our clients' cases on a contingency fee basis. We will only get paid when we recover for you.
Even the best drivers are subject to
automobile accidents. Therefore, everyone should know what steps to
take immediately following an accident to protect the life, limb,
property and legal rights of those involved. Doing the right thing,
in the right way, at the right time may save a life, and it will
often avoid legal problems. Here are the steps to take if you are
involved in an accident with another vehicle or pedestrian.
1. Stop Your Car
Never leave the scene of an accident in which you or your car are involved. No matter how slight the collision, if you fail to stop you may subject yourself to criminal prosecution even though the accident was not your fault. Stop your car as soon as possible without further endangering any person or property and without obstructing traffic. Do whatever is necessary to warn oncoming traffic, in order to prevent further accidents. If possible, station someone in a position to warn approaching vehicles. At night, use flares or reflectors or your flashlight.
2. Assist the Injured
If possible, have someone call an ambulance or doctor at once. A telephone operator can locate help for you. Remember that in getting aid it is necessary to fix your location accurately so that help will reach you without delay. Therefore, it is necessary that the person seeking help know the name and number of the road on which the accident happened, the location of the cars along the road and the direction in which they were traveling. Render first aid only if you are qualified. You normally should not move in the injured person. Keep him or her warm by covering him or her with blankets or coats. If there is any bleeding, stop it by applying pressure or a tourniquet. Do not give an unconscious person anything by mouth.
3. Call the Police
Police officers are trained to handle any situation that may arise after an accident. If you are involved in an accident, even though not physically injured, you may suffer from shock and excitement which makes it difficult for you to think clearly at the time.
If the accident occurs within a city or town, call the city police. If it occurs on an open highway, call the nearest office of the Georgia State Patrol or the sheriff's office. When the police officer arrives, tell him or her briefly the basic facts (see Number 7). The report may help you if a liability claim is made.
4. Identify the Driver
Obtain the other driver's name, address and registration number of the vehicle that he or she is driving. Also ask to see his or her driver's license. If possible, obtain the name of the insurance companies and the policy numbers covering the other car(s) in the accident.
5. Witnesses
Obtain names and addresses of all passengers in all cars involved in the accident. Obtain names and addresses of all eyewitnesses. Attempt to obtain from these witnesses a statement as to what happened and have them, if they will, write it down at the scene. Always have a pencil and pad of paper, as well as this pamphlet, in the glove compartment of your car.
6. Take Notes -- Fill Out Accident Form and Diagram
Make your own written notes on all significant circumstances concerning the accident. Show the position of the cars after the accident. Step off exact distances of skid marks and other important distances. Later, it is important for you to be able to point out where on the road the vehicles collided and where they came to a stop. If you or someone else has a camera at the scene, take pictures to preserve skid marks, the position of cars and other physical evidence that will disappear after the accident. Fill out the Accident Information Form and Diagram in this folder so far as it is appropriate to the type of accident in which you are involved an the particular circumstances.
7. Comments
Do not comment on the accident. Keep your notes and information strictly to yourself. Admit nothing and sign nothing even if you think you are wrong. You may learn later that you were not in the wrong or that the other driver was equally responsible. Your emotions at the time of the accident may deceive you. If at a later date facts clearly show that you alone were wrong, that is the time to admit the blame.
8. Arrest
An arrest at the scene does not necessarily indicate civil liability. An arrest in connection with an automobile accident cannot ordinarily be used later in a suit for damages. Any statement may be used as an admission, so it is important that you contact your lawyer before making a statement.
9. When to Leave the Scene
Unless your injuries require otherwise, do not leave the scene of the accident until you have assisted the injured, protected the scene, called the police and assisted them, identified the other driver(s), obtained the names, addresses and statements of all witnesses, made notes and filled out the Accident Information Form and Diagram at the bottom of this page.
10. See a Doctor
See your doctor immediately and ask your passengers to do likewise.
11. Reports
Georgia law no longer requires a person involved in an accident to make a written report to the Georgia Department of Public Safety. You should immediately call your insurance representative and send written notice as soon as possible. The notice should contain sufficient information concerning the time, place and circumstances of the accident, as well as the names of any persons who were injured or witnessed the accident. Failure to notify your insurance company in writing within a reasonable time may constitute grounds for the insurance company to avoid all coverage for your accident. It is therefore essential that you report the accident immediately.
12. Claims Made Against You
Refer all persons making claims against you to your insurance company. Make no payments or promises to pay any claimant. Any such payments are made at your own risk. Forward all papers served on you to your insurer immediately. If the coverage you have purchased is inadequate to cover the claims made against you, consult your personal attorney at once. 404-255-6677
Your liability insurance policy may also include provisions for payments to you and your passengers for medical expenses, which will apply regardless of fault. If you make a claim for property damage or personal injuries arising out of the accident, be sure before you settle that any offer made to you is fair and reasonable. Your attorney is best equipped to advise you as to your rights and the fairness of the settlement offer.
Personal Injury
If another motorist is at fault in an accident, you may make legal claims against him or her for personal injuries, which are generally measured by your medical expenses and lost wages caused by the accident and an amount which may be determined by the jury for pain and suffering under specialized circumstances other types of damages may be recoverable.
Property Damage
Claims for vehicle damage are covered by your own collision or comprehensive policy, if you have one. If another motorist is at fault in an accident, you may sue him or her for property damage to your car regardless of whether you can sue him or her for your bodily injury.
Accident Information Form
Fill out this form at the scene of the accident.
The Other Driver and His or Her Car
Name of other driver ______________________________________________
Street address __________________________________________________
City________________________________________ State______________
Vehicle registration (car license) number _____________________________
Make and type of car________________________________ Year ________
Driver's license number ___________________________________________
Has he or she apparently been drinking? _____________________________
Any verbal statement made by other driver as to cause of accident ________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Names and Addresses of Passengers in Other Car
Name _________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Name _________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Names and Addresses of All Possible Witnesses to Any Fact
Name _________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Name _________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Name _________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Special Conditions to Note Immediately Following Accident
Position of your car after accident __________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Position of other car after accident _________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Location of any tire marks, blood, broken glass, dirt, etc., on road or
side of road ____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Location of point of impact in relation to center of road or some
physical object _________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Did your car skid? If so, how many feet? _____________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Did the other car skid? If so, how many feet? _________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Road conditions _________________________________________________
Traffic conditions ________________________________________________
Weather conditions ______________________________________________
Traffic controls (traffic lights, stop signs, etc.) _________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Place of impact on other car _______________________________________
Name and address of any wrecker that removes other cars ______________
_______________________________________________________________
Other conditions that might have bearing on accident ___________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
The following may be filled out either at the scene or shortly after
leaving the scene
Date of accident _________________________________________________
Time __________________________________________________________
Location of accident _____________________________________________
Type of road (grade, curve, etc.) ____________________________________
Speed of your car just before accident ________________________________
Speed of other car just before accident ________________________________
Direction of your car ______________________________________________
Direction of other car _____________________________________________
Were you or other driver turning? ____________________________________
Did other driver signal properly (with arm, horn, lights, etc.)? ______________
If at night, were his or her lights on? __________________________________
How far were you from the other car when you first saw it? ________________
Investigating police officer: _________________________________________
Other pertinent facts: ______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
This pamphlet was prepared as a public service of the State Bar of Georgia. Its purpose is to inform, not to advise on any specific legal problem. If you have questions regarding any matter contained in this pamphlet, you are encouraged to consult an attorney.
1. Stop Your Car
Never leave the scene of an accident in which you or your car are involved. No matter how slight the collision, if you fail to stop you may subject yourself to criminal prosecution even though the accident was not your fault. Stop your car as soon as possible without further endangering any person or property and without obstructing traffic. Do whatever is necessary to warn oncoming traffic, in order to prevent further accidents. If possible, station someone in a position to warn approaching vehicles. At night, use flares or reflectors or your flashlight.
2. Assist the Injured
If possible, have someone call an ambulance or doctor at once. A telephone operator can locate help for you. Remember that in getting aid it is necessary to fix your location accurately so that help will reach you without delay. Therefore, it is necessary that the person seeking help know the name and number of the road on which the accident happened, the location of the cars along the road and the direction in which they were traveling. Render first aid only if you are qualified. You normally should not move in the injured person. Keep him or her warm by covering him or her with blankets or coats. If there is any bleeding, stop it by applying pressure or a tourniquet. Do not give an unconscious person anything by mouth.
3. Call the Police
Police officers are trained to handle any situation that may arise after an accident. If you are involved in an accident, even though not physically injured, you may suffer from shock and excitement which makes it difficult for you to think clearly at the time.
If the accident occurs within a city or town, call the city police. If it occurs on an open highway, call the nearest office of the Georgia State Patrol or the sheriff's office. When the police officer arrives, tell him or her briefly the basic facts (see Number 7). The report may help you if a liability claim is made.
4. Identify the Driver
Obtain the other driver's name, address and registration number of the vehicle that he or she is driving. Also ask to see his or her driver's license. If possible, obtain the name of the insurance companies and the policy numbers covering the other car(s) in the accident.
5. Witnesses
Obtain names and addresses of all passengers in all cars involved in the accident. Obtain names and addresses of all eyewitnesses. Attempt to obtain from these witnesses a statement as to what happened and have them, if they will, write it down at the scene. Always have a pencil and pad of paper, as well as this pamphlet, in the glove compartment of your car.
6. Take Notes -- Fill Out Accident Form and Diagram
Make your own written notes on all significant circumstances concerning the accident. Show the position of the cars after the accident. Step off exact distances of skid marks and other important distances. Later, it is important for you to be able to point out where on the road the vehicles collided and where they came to a stop. If you or someone else has a camera at the scene, take pictures to preserve skid marks, the position of cars and other physical evidence that will disappear after the accident. Fill out the Accident Information Form and Diagram in this folder so far as it is appropriate to the type of accident in which you are involved an the particular circumstances.
7. Comments
Do not comment on the accident. Keep your notes and information strictly to yourself. Admit nothing and sign nothing even if you think you are wrong. You may learn later that you were not in the wrong or that the other driver was equally responsible. Your emotions at the time of the accident may deceive you. If at a later date facts clearly show that you alone were wrong, that is the time to admit the blame.
8. Arrest
An arrest at the scene does not necessarily indicate civil liability. An arrest in connection with an automobile accident cannot ordinarily be used later in a suit for damages. Any statement may be used as an admission, so it is important that you contact your lawyer before making a statement.
9. When to Leave the Scene
Unless your injuries require otherwise, do not leave the scene of the accident until you have assisted the injured, protected the scene, called the police and assisted them, identified the other driver(s), obtained the names, addresses and statements of all witnesses, made notes and filled out the Accident Information Form and Diagram at the bottom of this page.
10. See a Doctor
See your doctor immediately and ask your passengers to do likewise.
11. Reports
Georgia law no longer requires a person involved in an accident to make a written report to the Georgia Department of Public Safety. You should immediately call your insurance representative and send written notice as soon as possible. The notice should contain sufficient information concerning the time, place and circumstances of the accident, as well as the names of any persons who were injured or witnessed the accident. Failure to notify your insurance company in writing within a reasonable time may constitute grounds for the insurance company to avoid all coverage for your accident. It is therefore essential that you report the accident immediately.
12. Claims Made Against You
Refer all persons making claims against you to your insurance company. Make no payments or promises to pay any claimant. Any such payments are made at your own risk. Forward all papers served on you to your insurer immediately. If the coverage you have purchased is inadequate to cover the claims made against you, consult your personal attorney at once. 404-255-6677
Your liability insurance policy may also include provisions for payments to you and your passengers for medical expenses, which will apply regardless of fault. If you make a claim for property damage or personal injuries arising out of the accident, be sure before you settle that any offer made to you is fair and reasonable. Your attorney is best equipped to advise you as to your rights and the fairness of the settlement offer.
Personal Injury
If another motorist is at fault in an accident, you may make legal claims against him or her for personal injuries, which are generally measured by your medical expenses and lost wages caused by the accident and an amount which may be determined by the jury for pain and suffering under specialized circumstances other types of damages may be recoverable.
Property Damage
Claims for vehicle damage are covered by your own collision or comprehensive policy, if you have one. If another motorist is at fault in an accident, you may sue him or her for property damage to your car regardless of whether you can sue him or her for your bodily injury.
Accident Information Form
Fill out this form at the scene of the accident.
The Other Driver and His or Her Car
Name of other driver ______________________________________________
Street address __________________________________________________
City________________________________________ State______________
Vehicle registration (car license) number _____________________________
Make and type of car________________________________ Year ________
Driver's license number ___________________________________________
Has he or she apparently been drinking? _____________________________
Any verbal statement made by other driver as to cause of accident ________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Names and Addresses of Passengers in Other Car
Name _________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Name _________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Names and Addresses of All Possible Witnesses to Any Fact
Name _________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Name _________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Name _________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Special Conditions to Note Immediately Following Accident
Position of your car after accident __________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Position of other car after accident _________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Location of any tire marks, blood, broken glass, dirt, etc., on road or
side of road ____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Location of point of impact in relation to center of road or some
physical object _________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Did your car skid? If so, how many feet? _____________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Did the other car skid? If so, how many feet? _________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Road conditions _________________________________________________
Traffic conditions ________________________________________________
Weather conditions ______________________________________________
Traffic controls (traffic lights, stop signs, etc.) _________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Place of impact on other car _______________________________________
Name and address of any wrecker that removes other cars ______________
_______________________________________________________________
Other conditions that might have bearing on accident ___________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
The following may be filled out either at the scene or shortly after
leaving the scene
Date of accident _________________________________________________
Time __________________________________________________________
Location of accident _____________________________________________
Type of road (grade, curve, etc.) ____________________________________
Speed of your car just before accident ________________________________
Speed of other car just before accident ________________________________
Direction of your car ______________________________________________
Direction of other car _____________________________________________
Were you or other driver turning? ____________________________________
Did other driver signal properly (with arm, horn, lights, etc.)? ______________
If at night, were his or her lights on? __________________________________
How far were you from the other car when you first saw it? ________________
Investigating police officer: _________________________________________
Other pertinent facts: ______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
This pamphlet was prepared as a public service of the State Bar of Georgia. Its purpose is to inform, not to advise on any specific legal problem. If you have questions regarding any matter contained in this pamphlet, you are encouraged to consult an attorney.