What to Do If You’re in a Georgia Car Accident During the COVID Pandemic

Car accidents are never fun, but they’re even more difficult to navigate during this historic novel coronavirus pandemic. The experienced Atlanta car accident attorneys at Powell & Associates have your best interests in mind, so if you find yourself in a serious car accident, use the following tips to keep yourself as safe as possible.

Calling 911 About Your Car Accident in Atlanta, GA

First, evaluate the accident. The Atlanta Police Department has stopped responding to minor traffic accidents due to the coronavirus, so if it’s only a minor fender bender, you do not need to call the police or call 911. Instead, you will be required to fill out an online form about the accident.

Please note that officers will still report to hit and run accidents, accidents where someone is injured or where safety is a concern.

COVID Safety Tips for Car Accident Victims in Atlanta, GA

Whether you’re making a quick trip to the grocery store or running to the office, there are times when you just need to get out. If one of these trips ends in an accident, make sure you’re keeping yourself as safe as you can by:

• Keeping a safe social distance from the other party. It’s human nature to want to check on the other party involved, but make sure you’re keeping a safe distance. Instead of approaching their car, stay near your vehicle, promptly call the police, and wait until help arrives.
• Maintaining a six-foot distance from the emergency responders. Keep a safe distance from the police and responders, as well. While they take your statement and look over your license and registration, remain six feet apart.
• Using your own pen. It’s fairly common to fill out paperwork at an accident scene, so to prevent virus spread, use your own pen. And if you need to exchange information with the other driver, do it verbally.
• Wearing a face covering. If you’ve been injured and need treatment from first responders, put a covering over your mouth and nose. Keep the covering on throughout your treatment, as they will likely have to be in close contact to take care of your injuries.
• Riding home with somebody you live with. If your vehicle is not operable, avoid the urge to call an Uber. Get a ride home from somebody you live with who you know has been taking the same safety precautions. If you absolutely must get a ride from somebody outside your household, sit in the backseat on the passenger side and wear a face covering the entire trip.

In light of the pandemic, there are new precautions we must all take. By following these tips, you can help protect yourself while on the scene of the accident and later into your recovery.

How to Safely Navigate Your Accident Recovery

Post-accident, you may face some new challenges because of the coronavirus. For example, because the healthcare system is much more overwhelmed than usual, you may face delays getting the medical attention you need. It might also take longer to get in touch with your insurance company.

Try to demonstrate as much patience as you can throughout the recovery process and turn to advocates who can work hard on your behalf. Powell & Associates is a leading Atlanta law firm with experienced auto accident lawyers on staff. With nearly 100 years of experience standing up for people injured in automobile accidents, we have exactly what it takes to get you the just compensation you deserve.

Call Powell and Associates in Atlanta, GA About Serious Car Accident Injuries

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please give Powell & Associates a call or contact us online. We provide free case consultations, so reach out today and let us help you with your Atlanta car accident case: (404) 365-7077.