If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Georgia, there are certain things you need to if you want to protect your rights. Whether you plan on filing an insurance claim or suing the other driver, you need to follow specific steps. The reason for this is simple. The things you do in the moments and days following a truck accident can make the difference between winning your case or walking away with nothing. Our Riverdale personal injury lawyers know just how important these steps can be. We’ve had clients come to us weeks or months after their tractor trailer accident only to learn that there was no way to prove their case.
Here, we will explain what things you should do immediately following your truck accident in Georgia. We will also discuss why it is so important that you do these things. Finally, we’ll highlight the different types of damages you can demand if there’s enough evidence to prove your claim.
If you still have questions or concerns about your own truck accident, feel free to contact our office. One of our truck accident attorneys in Riverdale can review your case and explain what your options are.
The First Thing You Need to Do is Call 911 After Your Truck Accident in Georgia
In regular car accidents, a lot of victims decide to forego calling the police. They simply exchange insurance information with the other driver and go about their business. This doesn’t happen all that often with truck accidents. Most drivers understand that the person driving the truck or tractor trailer works for a company. They realize that their case could end up being a lot more complicated. Therefore, they usually have no problem calling the cops.
When you call 911, the dispatcher is going to send an officer to the crash scene. They’ll also make sure an ambulance is dispatched to transport injured victims to the hospital. When the officers arrive, they’ll do a thorough investigation of the accident scene. They’ll; speak with both drivers and get their license, registration, and insurance information. They’ll also take a verbal statement from everyone involved.
One other thing the cops will do is talk to any witnesses. They’ll take down their statement along with their contact information. This will be very important later when your Riverdale personal injury lawyer is looking to speak to eyewitnesses.
Finally, the officer will check to see if either driver was violating any of the local traffic laws at the time of the truck accident in Georgia. For example, if the trucker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the scene, they’ll arrest them and charge them with DUI. They’ll also put a notation in their police report. Your truck accident attorney in Riverdale will need this so they can present it as proof in court.
You Cannot Refuse Medical Treatment in the Moments Following Your Truck Accident
One of the biggest mistakes you can make after your tractor trailer accident is refuse medical treatment. There will be an ambulance at the scene to take you and any other injured parties to the emergency room. Once there, a doctor will examine you to see if you were hurt.
Some of the tests the doctor will run include:
- X-Rays
- MRI
- CT Scan
- Physical Examination
- Neurological Examination
The results of theses tests will be entered into your medical records. So will the doctor’s initial assessment of you. If they believe you were injured, they’ll make a note of this in your record. Your attorney is going to need these records to prove that you were injured as a result of the trucker’s negligence.
Make Sure You Contact an Experienced Riverdale Personal Injury Lawyer Immediately
One thing people forget to do after their truck accident in Georgia is call an experienced attorney. They assume that the insurance company will pay their claim without any issues. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out this way.
If you meet with a Riverdale personal injury lawyer early on, they can help you file your claim. They’ll make sure it’s handled properly from the start. They’ll also make sure the insurance adjuster doesn’t try to take advantage of you.
While there’s no law that says you need to hire a lawyer to handle your case, it’s a good idea. If you’re afraid that it’s too expensive to retain a truck accident attorney in Riverdale, don’t worry. Your initial consultation doesn’t cost a thing. Furthermore, you don’t pay anything upfront. You won’t pay a dime until your lawyer settles your case.
You May Be Entitled to Legal Damages
One of the great things about hiring a truck accident attorney in Riverdale is that they can file suit on your behalf. If the insurance company refuses to pay your claim for your truck accident in Georgia, this will be your only chance of recovering damages.
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to any or all of the following:
- Medical bills and future medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Lost future income
- Pain and suffering
Your best chances of receiving the compensation you deserve is to have an attorney handle your case. Plus, this gives you a chance to focus on getting better and recovering from your injuries after your truck accident in Georgia. While you do this, your attorney will focus on the legal side of things.
Meet with an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in Riverdale, Georgia Right Away
Typically, we know in the first five minutes of meeting with a potential client whether they have a solid case. If they tell us they never called the police or that they refused medical treatment, we know it’ll be an uphill battle to prove their case. Our Riverdale personal injury lawyers have been representing truck accident victims for years. We know what it takes to prove negligence on the part of the truck driver. We also know costly early mistakes can be.
Rather than risk losing your right to demand damages, call our office as soon as possible after your accident. One of our truck accident attorneys in Riverdale can let you know if you have a legitimate claim for damages. If you do, they may be willing to represent you. If not, they’ll be upfront and honest with you. The last thing they want to do is waste your time.
Call today and schedule your initial consultation. It’s free of charge and it can give you the peace of mind you need during this difficult time.
