When you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Atlanta, knowing what to do after a truck accident can help you protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. If you are unsure of what to do next, contact a truck accident lawyer immediately. Your attorney can guide you through the legal process and take the burdens off your shoulders. This allows you to focus on what matters most after a catastrophic truck accident – rebuilding your life.
Where Do Truck Accidents Occur in Atlanta?
Truck accidents can happen anywhere in Atlanta, but some areas are more prone to accidents than others. These areas include:
- Interstates and Highways. Due to high speeds and heavy traffic, truck accidents are more likely to occur on interstates and highways. Some of the most dangerous highways in Atlanta include I-285, I-75, and I-85.
- Construction Zones. Atlanta is always under construction, and these construction zones can pose a high risk of getting into a truck accident. The combination of heavy machinery and vehicles, narrow lanes, and reduced visibility can make it difficult for truck drivers to navigate these areas.
- Busy Intersections. Busy intersections on Peachtree or in Buckhead are another common location for truck accidents. Drivers may run red lights or fail to yield to other vehicles, leading to collisions.
- Residential Areas. Truck accidents can also occur in residential areas, especially those with narrow streets or tight turns. Delivery trucks and other commercial vehicles, such as Amazon, FedEx, and UPS trucks, increase the risk of truck accidents in residential neighborhoods.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Atlanta
The steps you take after a truck accident in Atlanta will affect your ability to receive the money you need to recover. If you are able, take the following steps after a truck accident.
Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention
The first thing you should do after a truck accident in Atlanta is to call 911. Even if you think that the accident is minor, you must report it to the police. In addition, calling 911 will ensure that both the police and ambulance services are notified.
Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it is important to seek medical attention after a truck accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not manifest symptoms until hours or days after the accident. Seeking medical attention immediately after the accident will ensure your injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly. It is essential to follow the medical team’s instructions and receive the necessary treatment to ensure a full recovery.
Exchange Information and Document the Accident Scene
Exchange information with the other driver and document the accident scene as best you can. If you are severely injured, the police will do this as part of their police report.
If you aren’t injured too badly, you should exchange the following information with the other driver:
- Contact information: name, phone number, and email address.
- Insurance information: insurance company name, policy number, and contact information.
- Driver’s license information: name, address, and license number.
- License plate number: note the license plate number of the other vehicle.
It’s also a good idea to get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. Eyewitness testimony is crucial when trying to prove fault.
Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, including the vehicle damage, any injuries, and the surrounding area. Write down the location of the accident, including the street name and any nearby landmarks and jot down important details about the accident. Were the stoplights not working? Is there debris on the road? What did the truck driver say after the crash? This will help you if you need to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
Contact an Truck Accident Attorney
After a truck accident, it is essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible. A personal injury attorney with experience handling truck accidents can help you navigate the legal process and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Truck accidents can result in serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. An Atlanta truck accident lawyer can help you recover damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. They can also help you negotiate a fair settlement with insurance companies and the at-fault driver.
When choosing the right attorney for your case, find someone with significant experience handling truck accident cases. Look for a local lawyer who thoroughly understands the rules and regulations governing commercial trucks in Georgia.
Your attorney will investigate your accident to determine who is liable for the accident and whether you have a case for a personal injury claim. They can also help you negotiate with insurance adjusters and ensure you receive a fair settlement.
With the right legal representation, you can recover the compensation you need – and deserve.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After a truck accident in Atlanta, one of the first things you should do is contact your insurance company. Before they can begin processing your claim, your insurance company must be notified. In fact, it is often a requirement of your policy.
Provide your insurer with as much information as possible about the accident. However, avoid admitting fault or drawing conclusions about the accident when speaking with your insurance company. Stick to the facts and provide only the necessary information to process your claim.
Once you have reported the accident to your insurance company, they will assign an insurance adjuster to your case. The insurance adjuster will be responsible for evaluating the damages to your vehicle and determining the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
Contact Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you love suffered an injury in a truck accident in Atlanta, we can help. Our truck accident attorneys know Atlanta inside and out. We know the streets, intersections, and trucking companies that may be a part of your case. We use this local knowledge to build solid cases for our clients.
When you come to Kim Law, our experienced Atlanta truck accident attorney will meet you in a free consultation and begin fighting for your rights today! Contact us today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case! Just call and JUST WIN.