1. Prioritize Safety and Seek Emergency Medical Care
Your health and well-being must always come first. Immediately call 911 to report the crash and request emergency medical services if anyone is hurt.
Even if you feel your injuries are minor or just experiencing mild soreness, seek prompt medical evaluation at a local emergency or trauma facility such as Memorial Health University Medical Center or St. Joseph’s/Candler. Many serious injuries—including whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage—do not show severe symptoms until hours or days later. Having an official medical record immediately following the accident establishes a direct link between the collision and your injuries.
2. Ensure an Official Police Report Is Filed
Always wait for an officer from the Savannah Police Department, Chatham County Police, or Georgia Highway Patrol to arrive and file an official Georgia Crash Report. This document records vital information, including:
- Driver identity and insurance details
- Officer observations and preliminary fault determinations
- Witness contact information
- Weather, road, and traffic conditions at the time of the collision
3. Document the Crash Scene Thoroughly
If you are physically able to do so safely before the vehicles are cleared, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene:
- Take High-Resolution Photos & Videos: Capture vehicle damage from multiple angles, skid marks, road hazards, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
- Gather Witness Info: Obtain names, phone numbers, and statements from bystanders before they leave.
- Note Surrounding Area Details: Look for nearby business security cameras or traffic cameras that may have recorded the incident.
4. Be Cautious with Insurance Adjusters
Shortly after the wreck, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely contact you asking for a recorded statement or offering a quick, lowball settlement. Do not give a recorded statement or sign any release forms without legal counsel.
Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators whose goal is to reduce company liability. Statements made while in shock or before the full extent of your medical treatment is known can be used to undervalue or deny your claim.
5. Understand Georgia’s Statute of Limitations and Comparative Negligence Rules
Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Georgia is generally two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long to take action can result in losing your right to pursue compensation entirely.
Additionally, Georgia operates under a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident, you can recover damages—though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced trial attorney ensures fault is accurately assigned to the responsible parties.
Why Speak Directly with Attorney Scot Kraeuter?
Navigating a complex personal injury claim requires more than just filling out paperwork. It requires aggressive investigation, expert accident reconstruction, and proven courtroom experience.
With over 30 years of personal injury trial experience in Southeastern Georgia and membership in the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), attorney Scot Kraeuter provides hands-on, personal representation to every client. When you hire our firm, you speak directly with Scot—not a case manager or junior assistant.