A car accident can happen in an instant—but the consequences can last a lifetime. Whether it’s a fender bender on I-75 or a serious crash on Peachtree Street, what you do in the hours and days after matters more than you think.

At Lamar Law Office, we’ve helped Georgia families navigate the aftermath of car accidents for years. And one thing is clear: staying calm, acting fast, and getting care—not just medical, but legal care—makes all the difference.

That’s why we created the C.A.R.E. Plan: a simple, step-by-step guide to protect your health, your rights, and your future.

C – Call for Help, Even If You Feel Fine

Your first priority is safety—but don’t stop there.

After a crash, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone shows signs of serious harm—like confusion, severe pain, or loss of consciousness—call 911 immediately. Georgia law requires reporting any accident involving injury or more than $500 in damage.

Even if you feel okay, seek medical attention right away. “Soft tissue” injuries like whiplash or internal bruising can take hours—or even days—to show symptoms. And without a medical record, insurance companies may claim your injuries weren’t serious.

 

A – Act Now to Document Everything

Memory fades fast. Evidence disappears. That’s why you need to act fast and document everything.

At the scene:

Exchange names, contact info, driver’s licenses, insurance cards, and vehicle details with all drivers.

Take photos of:

  • Vehicle damage
  • Skid marks
  • Road conditions
  • Traffic signs
  • Your injuries

Get contact info from witnesses.

Note the time, weather, and location.

Then, get the police report. When officers respond, ask for a copy or the report number. In Georgia’s at-fault system, this report is critical—it helps prove who was responsible.

And don’t forget: Georgia allows insurers to use black box data (EDR) from vehicles. Preserve it before repairs.

 

R – Resist Giving a Recorded Statement to Insurance

Here’s the hard truth: insurance adjusters are not on your side.

They’re trained to minimize payouts. And one careless comment—like “I’m sorry” or “I think I was going too fast”—can be used to reduce or deny your claim.

Georgia uses modified comparative negligence, meaning if you’re found even 1% at fault, your compensation drops by that percentage. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you get nothing.

So what should you say?

“I’ll have my attorney review this and get back to you.”

That’s it. No more. No recorded statements. No speculation. Let your lawyer handle it.

 

E – Engage a Lawyer – Contact Lamar Law Office – 678-819-5200

You wouldn’t represent yourself in court. Don’t represent yourself against an insurance company.

The clock is ticking: Georgia gives you two years to file a personal injury claim—but the sooner you act, the stronger your case.

At Lamar Law Office, we treat every client like family. We investigate the crash, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and fight for full compensation—for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

We know Atlanta’s busy roads. We know how insurance companies operate. And we know how to win.

📞 Call us today at 678-819-5200, or visit www.atlantalegalcare.com for a free, no-obligation consultation.

 

You’ve been through enough. Let us handle the rest.

Stay Safe. Stay Smart. Stay Protected.

A car accident doesn’t have to derail your life. With the C-A.R.E. Plan, you can protect your health, your rights, and your future—one smart step at a time.

Because when life hits hard, you deserve more than just legal help.

You deserve care. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Contact Lamar Law Office to discuss your specific situation.