What you do in the first few moments after an accident involving a DHL truck is key. Initially, you should do everything you can to protect yourself and anyone else who may be hurt. In the days after the incident, you may want to meet with an Atlanta DHL truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
The team at John Foy & Associates has more than 25 years of experience with personal injury claims. Contact us today to discuss your accident case with the Strong Arm of the Law. In the meantime, we have put together a list of 10 things you should do if you are injured in a DHL truck accident.
Steps to Take After a DHL Truck Accident
Steps you should take after a DHL truck accident include:
1. Call 911
Get in touch with 911 since this will bring medical professionals and police officers to the scene of your accident. When you speak with an operator, provide them with your full name, where you are located, and other relevant information. Do your best to remain calm, cool, and collected so you and anyone else who is dealing with an injury can receive immediate assistance.
2. Go to the Hospital
Let medical professionals evaluate you and treat your injuries. If they recommend going to a hospital or emergency room, follow their instructions. This will allow you to receive further treatment to prevent your injuries from getting any worse.
3. Discuss Your Accident with the Police
Speak with police officers about your accident. Explain what happened and do not accept responsibility for the incident. Georgia has a system in place for crash reporting, and within days of your accident, you may be able to get a police report that details what happened.
4. Get Information from the Truck Driver
Ask the trucker for their contact and insurance information. Also, find out if they were working for Penske or another business or using their vehicle for their own purposes. This may help you determine who is liable and the parties you can sue in a truck accident case.
5. Gather Evidence
Use your smartphone to capture photos and videos of damage to your car and other aspects of the accident scene. If any witnesses saw your accident, get their contact information. You may be able to get statements from these witnesses down the line if you decide to file a lawsuit against an at-fault party.
6. Do Not Take the Blame for Your Accident
If the trucker responsible for your accident or someone else pressures you to accept responsibility for your accident, do not say anything. Remember, what you say after your accident may be used against you. By admitting fault, you may hurt your chances of getting damages from a liable party.
7. Stay at the Accident Scene
Do not drive away from the accident since the consequences of doing so can be severe. In most instances, you are required to report an accident. If you drive away from the scene, you may face legal consequences, and the trucker who actually caused the accident may claim you are fully responsible for it.
8. Report the Accident
Do not wait to notify the police about your accident. You are legally required to report an accident if anyone gets hurt or dies or there are damages totaling $500 or greater. In terms of what happens if you do not report a car accident in Georgia, you may be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
9. Notify Your Insurance Company
Tell your insurance company about your accident. You and all other Georgia drivers are legally required to have auto insurance. Once you notify your insurer, they may be able to work with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier to help you get damages.
10. Connect with an Attorney
Partner with an attorney who has achieved outstanding results. At John Foy & Associates, you do not have to pay us anything unless we win or settle your injury case. To learn more, contact us today.
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What to Do in the Weeks After Your DHL Truck Accident
Unfortunately, your truck accident may affect you for a long time. With the right approach, you can limit the accident’s impact on your daily life. Here are tips to help you deal with your accident’s aftermath:
File an Injury Claim
Submit a claim for damages in accordance with Georgia’s statute of limitations. You may have up to two years from the date of your accident to seek damages from a liable party. Beyond two years, you may be 100% responsible for your accident-related losses.
Stay Off of Social Media
Keep family members and friends up to date about your accident and injury through phone and video calls, emails, and text messages. If you publish content on social media, the at-fault party or their insurer may access it. Either of these parties may use your content against you in the hopes of proving your injury may not be as severe as you initially reported.
Do Not Take Calls from an At-Fault Party
If an at-fault party or their insurance company reaches out to you, do not respond. These parties may contact you to try to get you to accept responsibility for your accident or approve a lowball settlement offer. If you hire an attorney, they can speak with a liable party or their insurer on your behalf.
Continue to Get Medical Care
Follow up with your doctor and keep treating your injury. Track your medical records, since you may use these as evidence to support your claim. Most importantly, do what your doctor says, as this may help you recover as quickly as possible.
Communicate with Your Attorney
Share any legal concerns or questions you have with your lawyer. Let your attorney know if you want to review any legal resources or require additional information. That way, you and your lawyer can work together to achieve the best possible case results.
Get Legal Help with Your DHL Truck Accident Case
The team at John Foy & Associates can help you out with your accident case. We may be able to help you submit your claim and pursue the most damages possible. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
