Car accidents can be very scary, especially when they involve large trucks. Because of the disparity in the size and weight of the vehicles, a collision with a truck can cause more severe injuries than a crash involving only cars.

The purpose of this blog post is to outline the steps to take immediately after a truck accident in Georgia. When you finish reading this post, we hope you have a better sense of what to do if you are in a truck accident and why it is important to follow these steps.

Ensure Your Safety and the Safety of Others

Immediately after an accident in Georgia, it is important to make sure you and the passengers are safe. Steps to take in this regard include:

  • Check for injuries – See if you or any passengers have any injuries. If so, try to avoid moving anyone who is severely injured unless they are in immediate danger.
  • Move to a safe location – If at all possible, move the cars out of the highway to avoid any further accidents. You should turn on your hazard lights and use flares if you have them.
  • Call 911 Immediately – Get help immediately from the police or EMS. You should tell the 911 operator that the accident involved a commercial truck.

Gather Essential Information at the Scene

It is important to gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. This will ensure you have everything documented for the insurance companies and your lawyer.

Steps to take in the gathering of information include:

  • Exchange information – You should speak with the other driver and get important information from them including their full name and contact information, driver’s license information, name of their employer, their Department of Transportation (DOT) number, and insurance company information.
  • Document the Scene – Take as many pictures and videos as possible of the accident scene. Get shots of every angle of both vehicles as well as anything on the road that may have contributed to the accident. Also, take notes on the date, time, and location of the accident and your take on what happened to cause the accident.
  • Identify and Collect Witness Information – Collect full names and contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident. Get as much detailed information as possible. Your attorney may need to contact them to get a written statement or affidavit about the accident.

Take Important Steps After Leaving the Scene

After speaking to the police, there are more steps to take to ensure your claim moves along smoothly. These steps include:

  • Seek Medical Attention Promptly – If you are not transported by EMS, you should go to the doctor after leaving the accident scene, even if you think your injuries are not serious. Some injuries do not manifest right away. Obtain copies of all medical reports and keep a daily journal of your pain and any other important information about your physical and emotional health.
  • Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company – You should notify your insurance company about the truck accident, even if you think the other driver was at fault. Tell them generally about what happened, but do not give them specifics about the accident and definitely do not tell them you were at fault, even partially. Refer any follow-up questions to your Georgia truck accident attorney.
  • Speak to a Georgia Truck Accident Attorney – Truck accidents are very complex, considering the immense size and weight of trucks. An attorney will be able to navigate the complexities of truck accidents, including understanding the laws and regulations applying to the trucking industry, and the involvement of multiple parties. Talking to an attorney as soon as possible will increase the chances of obtaining compensation because all of the details of the accident are fresh in your mind.
  • Keep Detailed Records – It is important to stay organized while your claim is being pursued by your attorney. Always have on hand copies of your police report, medical records and bills, insurance correspondence, photos and videos from the accident scene, and your detailed notes about the accident and the extent of your injuries

How A Georgia Trucking Attorney Can Help

As we have mentioned, truck accidents can be complex, so you should hire a knowledgeable truck accident attorney with experience in handling these cases. A Georgia truck accident attorney can help you in many ways including:

  • Estimating the possible compensation for your injuries
  • Interviewing witnesses to the accident
  • Filing documents on time with the courts
  • Negotiating with the insurance companies to get a fair settlement for your injuries
  • Filing a personal injury lawsuit in a court of law if a fair settlement cannot be reached
  • Trying your case in front of a jury.

Call The Trucking Accident Attorneys at the Mann Law Firm Today For a Free Consultation

The Mann Law Firm has been fighting for our clients for over 30 years. We understand the frustration and anxiety you feel after a severe truck accident. We also know that dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be extremely frustrating. David Mann of the Mann Law Firm previously worked as in-house defense counsel for a large insurance company, so he knows the tactics insurance companies use to settle claims for less than they are worth. Give us a call at (478) 742-3381 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless you are compensated for your injuries. At the Mann Law Firm, you always come first.

Attorney David Mann

Attorney David MannBefore leading his own firm, Mann served for several years as in-house defense counsel for a large insurance company, which gives him unique insight into how insurance companies work. He uses this critical knowledge as an advantage for his clients. He is a tough negotiator and litigator, and he is exceptionally strategic in building cases on behalf of personal injury victims.[ Attorney Bio ]

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