Truck accidents can be some of the most devastating and complex motor vehicle collisions on the road. Due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, these accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, extensive property damage, and loss of life.
Knowing what to do after a truck accident can feel overwhelming. Truck crash victims often face a long road to recovery, both physically and financially. Because truck accident cases involve multiple parties, including trucking companies, insurance providers, and legal teams, securing fair compensation is rarely straightforward.
It’s crucial to contact an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer at GMV Law Group as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can protect your rights, help you navigate the complexities of the legal process, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Atlanta
Taking the right actions after a truck accident in Atlanta, GA is crucial to protect your health and strengthen your legal claim.
Call 911 and Report the Accident to the Police
The first and most crucial step after a truck accident is to call 911. Reporting the accident ensures that law enforcement officers arrive at the scene to assess the situation, document their findings, and create a police report. The police accident report is a critical piece of evidence in a personal injury claim, as it provides an unbiased account of what happened, identifies the drivers involved, and may include the officer’s initial assessment of fault.
Exchange Information with the Truck Driver
Once you are safe and have contacted the authorities, exchange information with the truck driver and any other involved parties. Be sure to obtain the following details:
- The truck driver’s name, address, and contact information
- The trucking company’s name and contact details
- The truck’s license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN)
- The driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) information
- The trucking company’s insurance provider and policy details
- The names and contact information of any passengers or other drivers involved
- This information is crucial for filing a claim and determining liability.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are physically able, take steps to gather evidence before leaving the accident scene. Use your phone to take photographs and videos of the following:
- The damage to all vehicles involved
- Skid marks, debris, and road conditions
- Traffic signals, stop signs, and any relevant road signs
- Any visible injuries you or others sustained
- The surrounding area, including weather conditions and lighting
Documenting the scene can provide valuable evidence in your case. Trucking companies and their insurers may attempt to dispute liability, and having clear evidence from the accident site can support your claim.
Talk to Witnesses
If any bystanders or other motorists witnessed the accident, ask for their names and contact information. Witness statements can provide independent accounts of what happened, which can be invaluable when determining fault. An attorney can later follow up with these witnesses to obtain detailed testimonies.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine after the accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, may not present symptoms immediately. A medical evaluation can identify any hidden injuries and provide documentation that links them to the accident.
Delaying medical treatment can not only jeopardize your health but also weaken your personal injury claim, as insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
Dealing with the Insurance Company After a Trucking Accident
After a truck accident in Atlanta, you may receive a call from the truck driver’s insurance company. It is important to handle these interactions carefully to protect your claim.
What Not to Say to the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts by using statements from accident victims against them. When speaking to an insurance representative:
- Do not admit fault or speculate about the accident’s cause.
- Do not provide a recorded statement without consulting a lawyer.
- Do not downplay your injuries or agree to a quick settlement.
Insurance companies may offer a low settlement early in the process to close the case quickly and limit their financial liability. Accepting an initial offer without legal guidance can result in receiving far less than you deserve.
The Importance of a Lawyer in Settlement Negotiations
Having an experienced truck accident lawyer handle communications with the insurance company can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. An attorney can:
- Review settlement offers and ensure they cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Handle negotiations with the insurance company to push for the maximum settlement.
- Protect you from unfair tactics used by insurers to reduce their payout.
Compensation After a Truck Accident in Atlanta, GA
Truck accidents can cause serious injuries, leading to expensive medical bills, lost income, and significant pain and suffering. Our Atlanta truck accident attorneys will fight to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Medical Bills
Truck accident injuries can be severe, including broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and internal injuries. Medical treatment may include emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy.
Lost Wages
A truck wreck might leave you unable to perform your duties for weeks or months. You can claim damages for lost wages during your recovery. If you can no longer work or earn less money due to your injuries, you can seek compensation for lost future income.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to financial losses, truck accident victims can recover compensation for pain and suffering. This type of compensation is meant to address the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident. Truck accidents can lead to chronic pain, mental health issues like anxiety or depression, and an overall loss of enjoyment in daily activities.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, victims of truck accidents may be awarded punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for extreme negligence or reckless behavior. For example, the court may award punitive damages if the truck driver was drunk or showed a reckless disregard for others’ safety.
Georgia law caps punitive damages at $250,000 with a few exceptions. For instance, there is no limit on punitive damages in drunk driving accident cases.
How an Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Hiring a skilled truck accident lawyer is essential to building a strong case and maximizing your compensation. At GMV Law Group, our attorneys provide comprehensive legal support.
Gathering Evidence and Establishing Liability
Truck accident cases are often complex because multiple parties may be liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and the vehicle manufacturer. A lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, such as:
- The truck’s black box data, which records speed, braking, and other crucial details before the crash
- The driver’s hours-of-service logs to determine if fatigue played a role
- Maintenance and inspection records to check if the truck was properly maintained
- Employment records to verify whether the trucking company conducted proper hiring and training
- Surveillance footage or dashcam recordings of the accident
This evidence can be critical in proving negligence and holding the responsible parties accountable.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Truck accident claims often involve negotiations with multiple insurance companies, including those representing the truck driver, trucking company, and other third parties. A truck accident lawyer knows how to counter lowball settlement offers and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Representing You in a Lawsuit if Necessary
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and take your case to court. In litigation, your attorney will present evidence, call expert witnesses, and argue on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
What Is the Deadline for a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?
Georgia law imposes a statute of limitations on truck accident lawsuits. Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, victims generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file within this period, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. Contacting a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible ensures that your claim is filed within the legal deadline.
If a person dies after a truck accident, the family must file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the victim’s passing.
How Much Does a Truck Accident Attorney Cost?
We operate on a contingency fee basis at GMV Law Group, meaning there are no upfront fees when hiring an Atlanta truck accident attorney. You only pay us if we win your case. The contingency fee is a percentage of the settlement or lawsuit payout.
Contact GMV Law Group for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Atlanta, do not hesitate to seek legal help. The experienced personal injury attorneys at GMV Law Group are dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims. We will guide you through the legal process, handle insurance negotiations, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Our law firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling 404-975-4878 or filling out our contact form. We are available 24/7 and our bilingual staff speaks English and Spanish.
