A semi-truck accident can traumatize anyone, especially if they suffer severe injuries. Thus, it’s understandable to be disoriented and unsure about what to do next. So, here are five things you can do if you’ve been hit by a semi-truck in Georgia.
1. Call 911 for Emergency Assistance
If a tractor-trailer hits you, immediately contact emergency services by calling 911. Georgia law requires drivers to report any accident involving injury, death, or more than $500 of property damage to the police immediately. Police and first responders can evaluate the accident scene, provide medical treatment, and complete an accident report.
So, by contacting 911 from the accident scene, you fulfill your legal obligation to report the accident. You also ensure that everyone receives emergency assistance as soon as possible. Finally, your truck accident lawyer could use the 911 call as evidence to support your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
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2. Remove Yourself From Harm’s Way and Seek Medical Aid
Check yourself and anyone involved in the accident for serious injuries and render first aid. Then, after ensuring you and other injured parties are out of harm’s way, seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if you do not require an ambulance, go to an emergency department, urgent care clinic, or your doctor for a medical evaluation as soon as possible.
A medical professional could find injuries you may have overlooked in the accident’s aftermath. Also, a doctor’s visit creates medical records you need to recover damages such as medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
3. Report to the Police and Your Insurance Carrier
The police will likely ask you to explain what happened. Tell the officer your side of the story, but don’t elaborate or lay blame. Instead, stick to the facts and outline the progression of the accident with whatever details you can remember. Finally, don’t speculate about the cause of the semi-truck crash.
You must also notify your insurance company of the crash right away. Even though it is your carrier, its motivation is to pay as little as possible for an accident. So, remember that when you give your statement. As with the police report, give them facts and avoid blaming yourself or others.
Finally, if you’re unsure what to say, wait to give a formal statement until you talk to a personal injury lawyer.
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4. Exchange Contact Information and Insurance Details
Per Georgia code, the responding officer will ask you to provide your information to the other driver. They may also include it in their accident report. Either way, you must exchange the following details:
- Names and addresses of all vehicle owners and drivers involved in the truck accident
- License plate numbers for the involved vehicles
- Names of vehicle liability insurance carriers or certificates of self-insurance
This information is critical for pursuing a truck accident claim against the responsible party and their insurance company. Your attorney will contact their insurance company to file your claim and advocate for your right to fair compensation for your semi-truck accident injuries.
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5. Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
While you can file an insurance claim or lawsuit for a semi-truck accident in Georgia, you’ll benefit from working with a lawyer who regularly handles these cases. In addition, a Georgia semi-truck accident lawyer can explain the applicable laws and provide legal insights gained through experience.
Rather than juggling settlement negotiations and injury treatments, you can rely on a truck crash attorney to represent your best interests. While you focus on your recovery, a truck accident injury firm in Georgia can:
- Answer phone calls and correspondence about your semi-truck accident.
- Gather evidence to prove your claim, including photos and videos of the accident scene, medical records, and police reports.
- Establish whether the trucking company or other third parties shared responsibility for the accident.
- Determine the monetary value of your losses and submit a demand to the at-fault parties and their insurance carriers.
- Conduct negotiations with the parties responsible for your trucking accident injuries.
- File a truck accident lawsuit with the appropriate court within Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
A skilled truck accident attorney can be invaluable in your fight for justice and fair compensation following a semi-truck collision.
Contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers for a Free Truck Accident Consultation in Georgia
You deserve justice and fair compensation after being hit by a semi-truck in Georgia. The dedicated legal team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers has the knowledge and experience to advocate for your legal rights aggressively.
We take all truck accident injury cases on contingency, so you don’t have to worry about paying for legal aid while recovering. Instead, we will keep part of your settlement or award if we win your case. You owe us nothing in legal fees if we don’t recover compensation. So, contact our truck collision injury lawyers today for a free consultation about your Georgia semi-truck accident.
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