The first few days after a truck accident are the most crucial. What you do during these days can help your case a lot, while not taking the right action may actually hurt your case. Below, we’ll cover the most important things you can do in the days directly following a truck accident.
What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident
Before we cover what to do in the first few days after a truck accident, it’s important to know there are steps you can take during the same day (and even within the same hour) as your accident.
Call the Police
After a truck accident, you will need to call the police department to report the accident. In Georgia, an accident is defined as a collision that involves injuries, death, or at least $500 in property damage (Georgia Code § 40-9-2).
When the police arrive at the scene, tell them exactly what happened during the accident. They will create an accident report as proof of the accident.
Get Medical Attention
Truck accidents are often very serious. They can cause severe and life-threatening injuries. If you need immediate medical attention, do not delay getting it right away. It’s important that you do not ignore or downplay serious injuries, as they may worsen quickly and end up costing you even money time and money down the road.
Getting medical treatment on the same day as your truck accident can also be helpful for your injury claim. It will show the insurance company that you were hurt badly enough to need treatment right away. This can work to your advantage when seeking compensation for your medical costs.
Take Pictures
If you are well enough to stay at the scene after the accident, use your phone to take pictures of:
- All vehicle damage
- Your injuries
- The entire accident scene
- Any nearby landmarks to show where the accident happened
- Anything else that you think could be relevant to your case
Pictures evidence preserves the scene long after everyone has left and it has been cleaned up. This evidence can be really powerful for your truck accident claim.
Exchange Information
Responding police officers will ask for this information too, but it’s always a good idea to exchange information with the other driver if you can. You never know who may hit-and-run, so getting information upfront will help protect your legal rights.
Exchange the following information with the truck driver:
- Full names
- Phone numbers
- Addresses
- Insurance information
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers
- The name of their employer
It’s good to get the name of the trucking company that employs the driver because there’s a chance they are also partially at fault for the accident. Your lawyer can investigate to find out for sure.
Five Things to Do in the Days Following the Truck Accident
Now that you know what to do right after the accident, here are some steps you should take in the days following the crash. The goal is to build a strong insurance claim to show the at-fault party’s negligence and the damages they caused.
1. Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer
It’s best to contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident happens. If you can, call them on the same day. They can begin investigating the details of your accident right away.
If you’re not well enough to call on the same day, make sure you call a lawyer in the next few days. Truck accidents are usually a lot more complicated than other types of auto accidents because there may be multiple parties at fault for what happened.
It’s almost impossible to handle matters on your own in a truck accident case, so reach out to an experienced truck accident lawyer who can help. At John Foy & Associates, our attorneys have 20 plus years of experience helping truck accident victims win the money they deserve. To schedule a FREE, no-risk consultation today, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
2. See a Doctor (if You Haven’t Already)
If you didn’t get immediate medical treatment on the day of your accident, make sure you see a doctor within the following days.
You will want to have your injuries examined before they change or worsen. Otherwise, you might miss out on the possibility of full compensation for your medical costs.
3. Don’t Give Any Statements to the Insurance Company
Be warned that the at-fault party’s insurance company might try to contact you in the days following the truck accident. They might ask how you are doing, offer you money, say nice things, or ask you to give a recorded statement. Do not trust anything they say or offer.
In fact, it’s best to not talk to the insurance company at all until you have hired a truck accident lawyer. Insurance adjusters are very skilled at getting information from injury victims that can be used against them. Also, never accept any money, sign anything, or give any recorded statements to the insurance company without a lawyer on your side.
Your lawyer can handle all communication with the insurance company so you don’t have to worry about them taking advantage of you. After you file your claim, your lawyer will likely need to negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement.
4. Keep Track of All Damages
In your insurance claim, you will need to demonstrate the damages you have suffered. So, keep track of any and all costs you experience because of the accident. Your damages may include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Vehicle damage (or a totaled vehicle)
- Pain and suffering damages
Keep copies of all reports, bills, and receipts.
5. Follow Your Doctor’s Medical Advice
Make sure you are also attending all doctor follow up appointments and following your doctor’s treatment advice. If you fail to keep up with your treatments, the insurance company may use it as an excuse to offer you less compensation.
If you have concerns about your doctor or treatment, discuss them with your lawyer first.
Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer in Georgia for Free Today
There’s a lot to do and remember after a truck accident. Since these types of accidents can be so painful, stressful, and overwhelming, it’s best to work with a lawyer who can handle the details for you. At John Foy & Associates, we can help you through every step of your case—and there is no fee unless we win you money.
To get started with a FREE consultation, call us today at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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