Accidents can happen, no matter how much you exercise caution. When you’re involved in a road mishap that you believe was brought about by another party’s careless actions, hiring a personal injury attorney will help your chances of securing compensation. However, determining liability is not always as simple as it seems. Here’s what you should be aware of when it comes to your rights and responsibilities in a car accident.

What Should You Do After You Get Into an Accident?

Safety should always be your primary concern, so make sure you get immediate medical attention and that no one else is in harm’s way. Along with making accurate and clear statements to the police, take photos of the accident and your injuries. These can become crucial evidence in the filing of your claim. It’s also smart to talk to witnesses yourself and not assume that police officers will be able to acquire the contact information of all witnesses at the scene. They can prove to be invaluable sources of information when it’s time to determine who’s really at fault.

If the accident has already occurred, get a copy of the accident report and determine how much of the above was completed in addition to evidence you obtained yourself. Your attorney will help identify any missing gaps.

How Is Liability Determined?

Determining auto accident liability in Georgia usually involves citing traffic laws. For instance, a driver who runs a red light will most likely be the one at fault in a personal injury case. In cases that are not so clear-cut, a lawyer can help in determining liability. They’ll accomplish this by proving the other driver’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct.

Take note that you may share some of the blame in an auto accident. Georgia follows a proportional comparative fault rule wherein your damages will be reduced in proportion to your share of the liability. For example, if you were found to be 30% responsible for the accident, you can only recover 70% of your damages based on the percentage of fault of the other driver. It’s essential to gather as much evidence as possible for insurance companies and attorneys to accurately establish liability.

A skilled attorney will help you obtain the compensation you deserve if you were injured in an auto accident. The experts at Smith & Tabor Attorneys At Law in Toccoa, GA, provide clients with compassionate and competent legal assistance for cases involving personal injury, estate planning, wrongful death, adoption, and divorce. They serve those in need across Stephens County, Habersham County, Franklin County, Rabun County, and Hall County. Call them today at (706) 886-5141 to schedule your initial consultation with an attorney or visit their website to learn more about the firm.