Truck Accident: What Should Be Your First Steps After?

Truck crashes are more complicated than accidents involving passenger vehicles in Douglasville, GA. Accident victims usually suffer fatal injuries and, in some cases, death. If a negligent driver has caused your collision, you need the help of the best truck accident attorneys in Douglasville.

The immediate aftermath of a truck collision can leave you confused and vulnerable. What you do after can make or mar your case. Getting legal help makes a difference in whether you receive compensation for your injuries.

If you are hurt, it is critical to protect your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. However, you may be unsure of what to do. This article covers steps to take immediately after a truck crash.

Steps to Take to Protect Your Rights After a Truck Accident in Douglasville, GA

Collisions with commercial trucks can be scary. They can cause catastrophic damages and losses due to their size and weight. Such situations can leave you at a loss for what to do next.

The following critical steps can help you protect your rights after a truck accident.

  • Report the Crash to the Police

The first step following a truck collision is to call the police. When officers arrive at the scene, explain the event that led to the crash. The police will document the scene and collect evidence.

The evidence collected will help determine who was at fault for the accident. In addition, the report contains information that can help during the claims process. A police report usually includes the following information:

  • Witness statement
  • Driver’s statement
  • Diagram of the crash scene
  • Details of the crash which include the date, time, and place of the crash
  • Contact information of the truck driver, trucking company, and insurance company
  • Citations of any traffic tickets issued or if the driver was arrested for DUI, etc.

In addition, ensure you get a copy of the police report. It will help convince the at-fault driver’s insurance company of their liability and your right to settlement.

  • Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

You should seek prompt medical treatment following a truck crash. This step is crucial to protect your health and your insurance claim. After a collision, you can be seriously injured and not know it.

The shock, adrenaline, and other endorphins can mask your pain, giving you an energy boost. By getting medical care, you obtain an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment to prevent your injuries from getting worse.

If you were fortunate to walk away with little or no injuries, it would be a mistake not to seek medical care. Note that minor injuries can develop into significant health issues if not diagnosed and treated immediately. A medical report plays a huge role in your injury claims or lawsuit.

Also, insurance companies are out to protect their interest. They are only after increasing their profits and limiting their liabilities. Delaying or refusing to seek medical care will threaten your ability to receive financial compensation.

The insurer may claim your injuries are fake or were not caused by the crash. So don’t give them the ammunition to deny your claim or pay you less than you deserve.

  • Identify Other Parties Involved

Pursuing compensation for a truck accident involves more than just filing a claim. The damages are more extensive. There can also be multiple potential avenues of financial responsibility.

It is crucial to identify all parties involved in a commercial truck crash. While the truck driver may be at fault, other parties can also be liable for your injuries and damages. Depending on the circumstances of the collision, you can pursue compensation against:

  • The truck driver
  • Truck manufacturer of a defective part
  • The trucking company
  • The cargo loading company, etc.

This step is very crucial. It ensures that all potentially liable parties are held responsible for their role in the crash.

  • Exchange Information With the Other Party

While at the accident scene, exchange contact and insurance information with the other party involved. It may be challenging to do so once they leave the scene. The information collected speeds up the process of seeking compensatory damages.

Ask for the following details:

  • Truck driver’s name, address, phone number
  • Their insurance company and policy information
  • The number of the truck
  • Driver’s license number
  • Name and contact information of the driver’s trucking company, etc.

Truck accident in Douglasville Georgia

  • Collect Witness Information

The testimony of third-party witnesses can help your injury claim. Their testimonies are usually unbiased and can provide descriptions of what happened. Ask witnesses to stay and give a statement to the police. In addition, you can collect their contact information in case more details are needed.

  • Document the Accident

After a traffic collision, you might be in a traumatic state. First, however, you need to take the initiative of gathering evidence. Take photos and videos of the crash scene.

By documenting the crash, you preserve details of the incident. It prevents the information from being altered or falsified. So write down everything you remember from the moment leading up to the crash. Details may include:

  • How the collision occurred
  • Driver’s license plate
  • Tire skid marks
  • Injuries sustained
  • Physicians who treated you
  • Accident related expenses
  • How the injury has affected you
  • Any other information/relevant details of the accident, etc.
  • Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

A truck accident can be complicated. In addition, they are governed by federal regulations. Hence, your claim is best handled by experienced truck accident attorneys familiar with the rules.

Having a lawyer by your side makes a difference in the outcome of your case. Your lawyer can begin investigations and pursue maximum compensation. They will also evaluate the damages you can get.

You can get compensation for the following:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages/earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Short or long-term disability
  • Loss of consortium
  • Funeral and burial expenses, etc.
  • Report to the Insurance Company

You must notify the insurance company of the truck crash. An insurance adjuster may approach you to give a recorded statement. However, don’t comment or sign any documents without talking to an attorney.

The insurance company will deploy defensive tactics to blame you for the accident and not the negligent driver. Therefore your lawyer should handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf.

Get Help From the Best Douglasville Truck Accident Attorneys Today!

A collision with commercial trucks has devastating outcomes. You can suffer severe injuries and fatalities that can impact you and your family. If you have been hurt or suffered property damage, you deserve to be compensated.

At Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, we will help you get fair compensation for your injuries. We will aggressively pursue your claim while you focus on your recovery. So reach out to our Douglasville injury attorneys for a free consultation today.

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