Walter Grantham

Quick Summary:

If you’re in a car accident in Marietta, GA, the most important first steps are to call 911, get medical care, document the scene, avoid common insurer mistakes, and talk with a lawyer as soon as possible. Taking these five actions can protect your health, preserve evidence, and safeguard your legal rights. Grantham Law, LLC, a Marietta personal injury law firm serving Cobb County and the greater Atlanta metro, is here to help every step of the way.

 

1. Ensure Safety and Call 911

The first priority after any collision is safety. If you can, pull your vehicle out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. Immediately call 911 — Georgia law requires you to report serious injuries, deaths, or hazardous situations.

 

Even if the crash feels minor, it’s important to have law enforcement document the accident. A police report is often a critical piece of evidence in a personal injury claim. This is especially true on high-traffic routes such as Interstate 75 (I-75) or Cobb Parkway (US-41), where even low-speed collisions can result in serious injuries.

 

2. Seek Medical Care

Your health comes first. Some injuries — like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma — may not be immediately obvious. Seeking prompt medical evaluation not only protects your well-being but also creates a medical record directly tied to the crash.

 

Insurance companies often look for gaps in treatment as grounds to reduce or deny claims. When you see a doctor right away, you avoid that trap and make it harder for insurers to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.

 

3. Document the Accident Scene

After you’ve called 911 and sought medical attention, begin documenting the scene:

• Take clear photos of all vehicles involved, property damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs.
• Photograph your injuries.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s).
• Get contact information from any eyewitnesses.

These details will be crucial if you need to file a claim or lawsuit. At Grantham Law, LLC, we walk clients through what to document and how it strengthens your case.

 

4. Avoid Common Insurance Pitfalls

Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after the crash. Be cautious:

• Do not give a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first.
• Do not admit fault. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be misconstrued as an admission of liability.
• Do not accept the first settlement offer. Early offers are often far below fair value.

Let Grantham Law, LLC handle negotiations with insurers while you focus on recovery.

 

5. Understand Georgia’s Legal Rules

Georgia has specific laws that impact your injury claim:

 

• Statute of Limitations

Under Georgia Code, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. It’s critical to act promptly.

• Comparative Negligence

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover damages if you’re found less than 50% at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% responsible, your damages award is reduced by that amount.

 

These complex legal rules — especially when applied to crashes on busy corridors like I-75 or Cobb Parkway — underscore the value of experienced representation.

 

6. Contact an Experienced Marietta Personal Injury Lawyer

After a crash, you don’t have to go it alone. The right legal team can protect your rights, handle tricky insurance issues, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

 

At Grantham Law, LLC, we represent injured clients throughout Marietta, Cobb County, and the greater Atlanta metro. Our experience serving car accident victims gives you an edge when it matters most.

 

Next Steps After Your Accident

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Marietta, don’t wait. Time matters — both for your health and for protecting your legal rights.