Posted on Monday, May 20th, 2024 at 9:51 am
Knowing what to do after an accident with a truck can make a significant difference in protecting your health, safety, and legal rights. Truck accidents often result in severe injuries and substantial property damage due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. If you are involved in a collision with a truck in Georgia, follow these essential steps to ensure fair compensation for your loss.
Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention
What should be done after the accident has occurred? Immediately after the car accident, assess the situation and determine whether anyone needs emergency medical care. Call 911 to report the accident and request an ambulance if necessary. Even if your injuries are minor, seek a thorough medical evaluation immediately.
Move to a Safe Location and Wait for Law Enforcement
If your vehicle is still operational and safe, relocate it to the roadside or a nearby parking lot. This way, you can prevent additional collisions. Activate your hazard lights and deploy warning triangles or flares if accessible. Call the police, wait for their arrival, and give them a transparent, truthful recount of the incident. It’s advisable to procure a copy of the police report. It will serve as invaluable evidence for your truck accident claim.
Gather Essential Information and Evidence
Exchange information with the truck driver and any other parties involved in the accident. These include contact and insurance information. Record the truck driver’s name, phone number, driver’s license number, and employer’s name and contact information. Take note of the truck’s license plate number, DOT number, and other identifying information on the vehicle involved.
Utilize your smartphone to capture photos and videos of the accident scene, encompassing vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and road conditions. Document your injuries as well, as these visuals can aid in establishing the severity of your damages. Additionally, gather any witnesses’ names and contact details, as their statements could be pivotal in bolstering your insurance claim.
Contact a Skilled Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident cases are intricate, frequently implicating numerous responsible parties. This includes the truck driver, trucking company, and manufacturers of the vehicle or its components. Seek counsel from a seasoned Georgia truck accident attorney who can navigate you through the legal proceedings and safeguard your rights.
Your attorney will comprehensively investigate the accident, collecting evidence and identifying all potentially responsible parties. Additionally, they will liaise with insurance companies and negotiate on your behalf to obtain rightful compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other incurred damages.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your car insurance provider soon after the crash to comply with most policies’ notification requirements. However, when talking to insurance agents, watch what you say. Focus on factual information and never acknowledge blame or guess what caused the wreck. Let your truck accident lawyer handle all detailed conversations with insurance companies to fully protect your interests.
Keep Detailed Records and Avoid Social Media
Maintain a folder containing all documents about the accident, including police reports, medical records, bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies. Keep a journal documenting your injuries, treatment progress, and how the accident has impacted your daily life.
Do not discuss or post about the accident on social media platforms, as insurance adjusters and defense attorneys may use your posts to undermine your claim. Set your profiles to private and decline any friend requests from individuals you do not know personally.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders and Attend All Appointments
Prioritize your recovery by adhering to your doctor’s treatment plan and attending all scheduled appointments. Failure to follow medical advice or skipping treatments can jeopardize your health and provide insurance companies with the chance to argue that your injuries are less severe than claimed.
Your truck accident attorney will use your medical records and treatment history to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and justify the compensation you seek. By consistently attending appointments and following your doctor’s recommendations, you strengthen your case and protect your right to fair compensation.
Stay Patient and Trust Your Attorney
Truck accident claims often take time to resolve, as investigations can be complex and negotiations with insurance companies may be lengthy. Remain patient and trust your attorney to guide you through each step. Only accept an initial settlement offer after consulting your lawyer. These offers are often far lower than the total value of your claim.
Your truck accident attorney will work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. They will inform you of any developments and provide the support and guidance you need when filing a claim.
Seek Support and Take Care of Your Well-Being
Recovering from a truck accident can prove challenging and emotionally draining. It’s important to lean on the support of family, friends, and mental health professionals to navigate the aftermath. Engage in activities that foster relaxation and alleviate stress, such as gentle exercise, meditation, or pursuing hobbies you find enjoyable.
Remember, your physical and emotional well-being needs to be your top priority as you navigate the legal process. With the proper legal representation and a focus on your recovery, you can move forward from this traumatic experience and secure the resources you need to rebuild your life.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact the skilled Georgia truck accident attorneys at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. today at (770) 205-8827 or through the online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our knowledgeable legal team will work tirelessly to help you investigate your claim, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Our law firm has won similar cases before; ask us anything about your case.