What To Do After a Truck Wreck: Advice From a Truck Accident Lawyer in Georgia
You’re on your way to work or running errands when a truck hits your vehicle. What next? Should you wait for the police or go straight to the nearest hospital? Do you need to call a truck accident lawyer in Georgia?
No one plans for a truck collision. Nevertheless, when ending up in this situation, you should know what to do. The following tips from a Georgia truck crash attorney will help you stay safe and protect your rights.
1. Move to Safety and Call the Police
Before anything else, move to a safe area and help others do the same if possible. Make sure you’re not in the way of oncoming traffic.
Next, call the police. In Georgia, reporting a crash is non-negotiable for any accidents leading to injury or property damage above $500, but you’ll want to call law enforcement regardless. You’ll need that police report to share with your semi-truck accident attorney in Georgia later.
2. Collect Evidence
While waiting for the police, take as many photos and videos as you can. Try to leave the accident scene intact and capture everything: your vehicle, the truck, signs of damage to both vehicles, any other cars on the scene, road hazards, debris, skid marks, traffic signs, etc. You never know what might be important later on.
You’ll also want to exchange information with the truck driver. Take their license plate number, USDOT number, and insurance information. If anyone else saw the accident, ask for their contact details.
3. See a Doctor
Obviously, in a medical emergency, you should take an ambulance to the nearest hospital. However, you should still see a doctor even if you think you suffered nothing but a few bruises.
You might feel fine, but you can’t rule out serious injuries until you’ve undergone a full medical evaluation. TBIs, internal organ damage, and other potentially life-threatening conditions could be hard to detect in the initial hours after an accident. Take no risks and go for a check-up ASAP, ideally on the same day.
Keep all your medical records and bills. Your truck accident lawyer in Georgia will need them to calculate your losses and defend you against insurers who might downplay your condition.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
You’ll need to let your insurer know you suffered a truck accident. Depending on your policy’s rules, you should report any accidents within 24-72 hours to keep your coverage.
However, stick to the basic facts and avoid saying anything that may sound like you’re admitting blame. If the other side’s insurer calls you, it’s better not to talk to them. Never accept a settlement offer before a truck wreck attorney in Georgia reviews your case.
5. Call a Truck Injury Attorney in Georgia
Bring a truck accident lawyer into the picture as soon as possible. With truck collision claims, there’s often a lot of money on the table, and insurers will usually try to underpay you or deny your claim outright.
After accepting your case, your lawyer will handle all communication with insurers and let you know how to proceed with a claim.
Call The Foster Firm To Talk to a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Georgia
At The Foster Firm, we proudly stand up for truck accident victims and their families. As your truck collision lawyers in Georgia, we’re here to protect your rights and take the stress and hassle out of your claim process. Call 678-246-5879 or contact us online for a consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Georgia.