A truck accident can leave you with an injury, vehicle damage, or both. Following your crash, protect your legal rights. With help from a truck accident lawyer in Duluth, GA, you can hold the at-fault trucker and their employer accountable.
Barrios Virguez is one of the fastest-growing personal injury law firms in Georgia. Our Augusta truck accident lawyer will explain exactly what you need to do after your crash. To get started, please reach out to us.
10 Things to Do After a Truck Accident
In the United States, large trucks account for 5% of all registered vehicles, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). You cannot stop a trucking crash from happening but can plan ahead for the worst-case scenario. Here are 10 things you can do to respond to a crash and avoid mistakes that will otherwise compromise your ability to get compensation.
1. Notify the Police
Anyone involved in an accident in which a person was injured or killed or suffers at least $500 in property damage must report the incident to the police, per Georgia Code §40-9-2. Call the police, tell them about your crash, and give them as much information about the collision as you can. This will bring police officers to the crash scene to help you and anyone else involved in the incident.
2. Get Medical Care
You may not feel the effects of a truck crash injury in the initial moments after your accident. On top of this, if you wait too long to get treatment for an injury, the trucker’s insurer may try to say your injury is not as bad as you are claiming. To avoid these issues, get medical care and track any associated bills and treatments.
3. Collect Evidence
Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of your injury, damage to your car, and other parts of the accident scene. You only get one chance to capture evidence at the scene of your crash. The photos and videos are compelling, and they will help you show that the accident was not your fault.
4. Get the Trucker’s Contact Information
Collect the truck driver’s first and last name, driver’s license number, license plate number, auto insurer information, and employer information. You will need this information if you want to get compensation for your crash. This information will also help you submit a claim against both the trucker and their employer.
5. Speak to Witnesses
If someone saw your accident, get their contact information. Police officers will talk to bystanders who saw your crash and get information from them. An Augusta truck accident will work with you to find witnesses who can testify on your behalf, too.
6. Do Not Take Responsibility for the Crash
Be careful about what you say, since any statements you make can be used against you. Under no circumstances should you accept responsibility for the collision. Do not make a statement about your accident until you hire an Augusta truck accident attorney.
7. Get a Vehicle Appraisal
Bring your car to an authorized mechanic to assess the damage. The mechanic can determine how much it will cost to repair your vehicle or if your car is totaled. Get documents from the mechanic to verify that they have inspected your vehicle — these will come in handy if you file a personal injury lawsuit.
8. Continue to Treat Your Injury
Follow your doctor’s instructions for treating your injury. If your doctor says you should get physical therapy or other long-term treatments, follow through on them. Track your medical costs and keep doing everything you can to fully recover from your injury.
9. Reach Out to a Truck Accident Attorney in Augusta
Contact a trucking crash lawyer, so you can find out if you are eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. Your attorney will review your case, ask you questions about your crash, and learn about your losses. If you have a strong argument due to a crash that results in a brain injury or any other type of injury, you have up to two years to submit your claim.
10. File Your Lawsuit
Your lawyer will build evidence, get witness statements, and help you prepare for your trial. They will also keep you up to date on any settlement offers from the at-fault trucker or their insurer. If the trucker or their insurer reaches out to you in the hopes of getting you to accept a settlement, notify your attorney.
Barrios Virguez has recovered over $1 million in damages for our clients. Our team has a wealth of experience and uses what we know to help clients win or secure their personal injury cases. For more information, please get in touch with us.
For a free legal consultation, call 678-888-2222
What to Expect After You File Your Trucking Crash Claim
Generally, you will have to file a claim with an at-fault trucker’s insurance company after your accident. The insurance process for trucking crash claims with insurance can be complicated. This is due to the fact that insurers will do everything within their power to avoid paying accident victims the compensation they deserve.
The best thing you can do is hire a trucking crash lawyer who will deal with an insurance company on your behalf. Your attorney serves as the main point of contact between you and the insurer. They offer assistance in several areas, including:
- Investigating who is responsible for the accident
- Determining who is at fault
- Negotiating with an insurer
- Helping you get the most compensation possible
In addition to working with an insurance company, your lawyer will encourage you not to post photos and videos on social media that could put your case in danger. They will provide legal tools and resources to help you make informed decisions throughout your litigation. Along with these things, your lawyer is ready to answer any legal questions you have.
Get the Legal Help You Need After Your Trucking Accident
If you have been involved in a trucking crash, do not wait to get legal help. Barrios Virguez is available to assist you with your case. Please contact us today to schedule a case consultation.
Call or text 678-888-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
