The overarching tactic the insurance companies use is called “The Three Ds”: deny, delay, defend. They will deny that the accident is their insured’s fault, or that you were injured. They will delay giving you any money for as long as possible (assuming you don’t take the “quickie settlement”). Lastly, they will defend any claim you make aggressively, even forcing you to go to trial. If a personal injury case cannot be settled through negotiations, generally a lawsuit needs to be started. The first step in starting the lawsuit is to file a summons and complaint with the court and then to have the defendant(s) served with the documents. The insurance company will then assign a defense attorney to represent the person whom it insures. Once this is accomplished, the case enters the “discovery” phase where the parties send written questions to each other. Also in discovery, witnesses can be compelled to testify in a deposition. That is where the witness is sworn in and gives testimony under oath. It is very similar to testifying in court. In some cases an independent medical examination may be requested. Discovery is the time when both parties have a chance to get an idea of what the other person’s case looks like—the strengths, weaknesses, and legal strategies. This phase can take months to years to complete.
Get enough information at the accident scene. Failing to get all important information at the accident scene can virtually ruin your case. If you don’t get names and addresses of the people involved, it puts you at a significant disadvantage in trying to determine fault and figure out what insurance might be available. If you fail to get the correct information about one of the cars involved while you are standing at the scene of the accident, you may never be able to get it again! Also, sometimes a surveillance camera will record the incident, or a 911 tape will be made. These tapes are often recorded over and the evidence forever lost within days. Therefore, the sooner someone investigates the accident, the better. The more time that goes by, the more evidence disappears, never to be found.
Do not wait to see a doctor. If you are hurt, you need to see a doctor. No exceptions. As discussed earlier, all injuries caused by the accident must be proved with evidence. This requires a medical provider documenting your symptoms and recommended treatment. If you delay seeking treatment or help from a medical professional, it suggests that you weren’t hurt and raises a question to the insurance company of whether you were injured at all.
Contact us if you have been injured in Macon GA (Georgia), or in Roberta, Warner Robins, Forsyth, Byron-Centerville, Culloden, Fort Valley, Haddock, Jeffersonville, Lizella, Perry, Gray, Irwinton, Milledgeville and Vienna including Bibb County, Monroe County, Jones County, Crawford County, Peach County, Twiggs County, Baldwin County, Dooly County Houston County, Wesleyan College, Macon State College and Mercer University. Our wrongful death and personal injury attorneys are based in Macon GA (Georgia) and can get you the compensation you deserve.
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We are Macon GA personal injury lawyers – Georgia car accident attorneys – wrongful death law firm. We represent injury victims in dog bite, car and truck wreck cases, medical malpractice, scarring injury, and spinal cord injury cases.
We offer a free initial consultation to all prospective injury clients.
Macon Car Wreck Lawyer, Truck Accident Attorney, Personal Injury Lawyer Macon
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