What Are the Common Mistakes that Affect Car Accident Settlements in Georgia?

The mistakes that affect car accident settlements in Georgia are things like not calling the police, admitting fault at the scene, waiting too long to see a doctor, or even posting about the crash on social media. These mistakes might not seem big in the moment, but they can ruin your chances of getting a fair settlement.

When you’re hurt in a car accident, the money you receive is supposed to cover medical bills, fixing your car, missing work, and sometimes the pain you go through. If you don’t handle things the right way, the insurance company can use those mistakes against you.

And when that happens, you could end up with way less than the average settlement for a car accident.

Common Mistakes that Affect Car Accident Settlements in Georgia

Here are the common mistakes that can jeopardize a car accident settlement in Georgia and beyond:

Not Calling the Police After the Accident

In Georgia, the law even says you must report accidents if someone is hurt or if there’s big damage to property. Skipping this step isn’t just risky; it can even get you in trouble.

This report shows the date, the time, the cars, and who was there. It can also include notes about broken traffic rules or careless driving. Without that report, it becomes your word against the other driver’s, and the insurance company will use that to pay you less.

Forgetting to Collect Proof

Another big mistake is not collecting proof while you’re at the scene. The details you grab right away are what keep your claim strong. Without evidence, your case looks weak, and the settlement you get will shrink.

Waiting to See a Doctor 

Right after an accident, you might feel fine. But that doesn’t mean you are fine. Going to a doctor quickly creates a record that ties your injuries to the accident. That record is proof.

Without it, it’s easy for the other side to say you got hurt somewhere else or that you’re making it up.

Not Informing Your Insurance Company

Another mistake is not telling your own insurance company about the crash soon enough. Most insurance companies have deadlines, and if you miss them, your claim could be denied completely.

When you call, don’t start guessing about fault or how bad your injuries are. Just share the basic facts, such as where the crash happened, what cars were involved, and if anyone was hurt. Too much guessing or apologizing gives them excuses to lower your payout.

Accepting Quick Settlements 

Insurance adjusters often want to close cases fast. They may offer you money right away. It feels tempting, especially if bills are already piling up. But those first offers are almost always too small.

The problem is, once you sign, you can’t go back for more later. If you find out you need more medical treatment or you can’t work as soon as you thought, you’ll be stuck with the small amount they gave you.

A fair settlement takes time because you need to know the full cost of the accident. Quick offers are just traps to save the insurance company money.

Summary of Main Points

• Not calling the police leaves you without an official report.
• Admitting fault at the scene can be used against you later.
• Forgetting to collect proof makes your case weak.
• Waiting to see a doctor hurts your health and your claim.
• Not telling your insurance company quickly can lead to denial.
• Accepting fast settlements locks you into less money.
• Taking the first settlement offer is almost always a mistake.