Posted on Thursday, June 6th, 2024 at 9:00 am
Colliding with a massive semi-truck is a terrifying experience that can leave victims seriously injured and unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps after a semi-truck accident can protect your health, well-being, finances, and legal rights.
Prioritize Your Safety and Seek Medical Care
Your health and safety come first after any accident. If you can do so safely, take these steps immediately after a truck crash:
- If possible, move to a safe area away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and set up warning triangles if you have them.
- Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical services. Check on others involved in the crash, but avoid moving anyone seriously injured unless necessary.
- Accept medical treatment at the scene and transport to the hospital if needed. Some truck accident injuries may not show symptoms right away, so always get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible after a crash.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. Keep copies of your medical bills and records.
Failing to seek prompt medical care after a semi-truck accident risks your health and can hurt your legal case. The trucking company’s insurer may argue that your injuries aren’t serious if you delay treatment.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
Gather as much evidence from the accident scene if your injuries allow. This evidence will prove valuable for your truck accident claim or lawsuit.
Take the following steps to secure the necessary evidence:
- Use your phone to take pictures and video of the accident scene from multiple angles. Capture vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and other relevant details.
- Write down the truck driver’s name, contact information, license number, and commercial vehicle’s details.
- Get the trucking company’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information.
- Record names and badge numbers of responding police officers.
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact information.
- Jot down details like the weather and road conditions and relevant vehicle information like the make, model, license plate number, and any company logos or DOT numbers on the truck.
Even if you cannot gather evidence yourself, the police accident report and your attorney’s investigation can help fill in the gaps.
Watch What You Say
Exercise caution when discussing the accident with others to protect your legal rights. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Do not apologize or admit fault for the crash, even if you think you may have contributed. Stick to the facts of what happened without editorializing.
- Limit your communication with the truck driver and trucking company representatives. Only agree to give a recorded statement after consulting your attorney first.
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media. The trucking company’s insurer and lawyers can use your posts to challenge your claim.
- Only accept a quick settlement offer from the insurance company by having your attorney review it first. Initial offers are often far lower than you deserve.
Anything you say or write can potentially harm your semi-truck accident case. When in doubt, politely decline to comment and direct questions to your lawyer.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Most auto insurance policies require you to promptly notify your carrier of any accidents. Contact your insurer immediately after a truck crash to report it. Provide just the basic facts about what happened. If your insurer asks you to give a recorded statement, decline until you have consulted with your attorney.
Understand that the truck driver’s and trucking company’s insurers do not consider your best interests. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible on your claim. Before communicating with them, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer to protect your rights.
Contact a Knowledgeable Truck Accident Attorney
Due to their massive size and weight, semi-truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries and property damage. Victims may require extensive medical treatment, miss work for a long time, and have permanent impairments.
However, getting fair compensation for your losses after a truck accident is challenging. Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of lawyers finding ways to minimize or deny victims’ claims. You may settle for far less than you need and deserve without strong legal representation.
At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., our compassionate attorneys are dedicated to helping victims recover and rebuild their lives. We have the knowledge, resources, and trial experience alongside a proven track record to challenge trucking companies and their insurers.
If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a semi-truck crash in Georgia, do not hesitate to seek legal guidance. Contact the caring Georgia truck accident lawyers at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. today at (770) 205-8827 or through the online form for a free consultation. We are here to provide the personalized service and strong advocacy you need during this difficult time. Ask us anything related to your case.