Any kind of road accident is terrifying, but when there are large trucks involved, the end result can be quite devastating. The impact of a truck on other vehicles on the road is significant at any speed and crashes often result in serious injury and fatalities. Knowing what to do if you’ve been involved in a truck crash is crucial to getting the best outcome when it comes to seeking compensation. That is why many people who have been involved in a truck accident in Kennesaw, Georgia choose to call a truck accident lawyer.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Kennesaw, Georgia?
Since truck accident injuries can often turn out to be serious with long-term consequences and treatment requirements, many truck accident victims file a compensation claim so that they can get financial support. There are often medical bills to pay and long-term rehabilitation costs to plan for. In addition, truck injuries can force people to stay off from work for days which results in lost earnings. If you have suffered injuries and have incurred significant costs, you should speak to a truck accident lawyer today for information as to how you can file a compensation claim.
The steps you take following a truck accident can determine how successful your claim will be. Here are a few things you should keep in mind if you are ever involved in a truck accident:
Check for Injuries
The most important consideration after an accident is the physical wellbeing of the people involved. That is why your first responsibility is to check your own injuries and then make sure everyone else involved in the crash is okay. Speak to a personal injury lawyer if you are able to while at the scene of the accident. If not, do so after you’ve been checked out by a medical professional.
Call 911
Call 911 unless a witness has already contacted them. Give them the exact location of the incident and also inform them as to how many people would need medical attention. Although it’s understandable that emotions will be running high at the crash scene, you want to remain calm and ensure help is on its way quickly. Call a truck accident lawyer when you are able to after dealing with initial injuries.
Move to a Safe Place
It is also recommended that you get yourself away from the crash scene unless you are incapacitated. Help others to do so too if you are able. Statistics show that crash sites present a hazard to other road users in the initial moments after a wreck. That is why it is important to ensure everybody who is able to walk steers clear of traffic and the crash site. Keep your vehicle where it is until you are instructed to move it by a police officer. Talk to a truck accident lawyer at your earliest convenience and let them know the details of the accident.
Wait for the Police to Arrive at the Scene
Even if there’s no damage to either you or your vehicle, you should stay and wait for the police to arrive. Truck accident attorneys report that it’s not unusual for people to brush-off minor injuries and walk away from a crash. This could be a big mistake because the police accident report is central to any insurance claims that you may have to file at a later stage. You need to stay and give your account of the accident to the police. Then speak to a truck accident lawyer.
Gather Information
While you’re waiting for emergency services, it’s worth trying to recall the events right before the accident. You could make a note of them if possible in case you forget the details later. If you are unable to write or don’t have access to a paper or pen, you can use you’re the voice recorder on your phone to keep a record of what you recall at that point in time. Also, take pictures that your truck accident lawyer could use if you file a compensation claim. Take pictures of all the vehicles involved in the incident with their plates visible and any debris or skid marks on the road that could potentially be used as evidence by your truck accident lawyer.
It is also a good idea to take pictures of your injuries, even if you think they are minor. Having a digital record of any abrasions, cuts, scrapes or bruises you have just sustained is extremely useful for your truck accident lawyer in filing your claim. It’s also wise to continue taking pictures of your injuries over the next few days as they visibly change, particularly if any become more serious after the accident.
Gather the names and contact details of anyone else involved in the accident along with the insurance details of any other drivers. Your Kennesaw, GA truck accident lawyer will want to get in touch with the other driver’s insurance company when it comes to negotiating your settlement.
If there are any witnesses to the accident, you can use your voice recorder to get their view or simply take their name and contact details for your truck accident lawyer to speak to them on your behalf. Keep in mind that all these actions should only be taken if you are able to do it. If you are seriously injured, the first priority should always be to seek medical attention. You can provide additional details to your truck accident lawyer at a later stage once you’ve received medical care.
Be Careful About What You Say
Although you may feel compelled to talk to other victims in a truck accident, It’s best to get into any serious discussions. Being in an accident can be traumatic, and this may not be the best time to make claims or throw accusations. What you say could easily be misconstrued by another as being an admission of liability. Therefore, you should only talk to the police and only answer questions that they ask you about the accident. Any other conversations you have should be conducted in the presence of a truck accident lawyer.
Also, exercise caution if you are approached by an insurance agent. You don’t want to say anything that can be used against you at a later stage. If you hire a truck wreck lawyer in Kennesaw, Georgia, they will be able to deal with insurance adjusters on your behalf. Truck accident lawyers are used to dealing with insurance companies. Hiring a truck accident lawyer can really be the difference between you getting the compensation you need fairly quickly, and you having to battle with the insurance company on your own.
How a Truck Wreck Lawyer in Kennesaw, Georgia Can Help You
In the chaos and confusion that follows an accident, a car accident lawyer is an important voice of reason. There are many ways a truck wreck lawyer can assist you if you’ve been involved in a collision including the following:
Determining Liability
According to truck accident lawyers, the majority of crashes are caused by driver negligence. There can be other parties involved too including:
- Truck operators
- Truck manufacturers
- Truck lease company
- Vehicle maintenance firm
- Government entities
Truck accident attorneys conduct a thorough investigation so that they can determine which parties should be held liable for the crash. Since there can be multiple parties involved in truck accidents, insurance claims can be extremely complicated. Talk to a truck accident lawyer as they have the requisite skills to represent your best interests.
Placing a Barrier Between You and the Insurance Company
Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult. When you have been injured, the last thing you need is their persistent questioning and their settlement offers. It is a good idea to let a truck accident attorney handle the insurance companies and represent your interests during the negotiation process. When you hire a truck accident lawyer, the risk of saying – or accepting – something that is detrimental to your case is removed. Also, you don’t want to say anything to the insurance company that they can use to minimize your payout. Let your truck accident lawyer handle all that on your behalf.
When it comes to making an insurance claim following a truck accident, you need to have as much supporting evidence as possible. Your truck wreck lawyer will be able to advise you on the kind of information they would need. As soon as you are able to, however, you should provide your truck accident lawyer with all the details related to the accident.
Evidence collected on your phone is really useful for a Georgia truck accident lawyer as it is a digital record that is irrefutable and also perfectly admissible in court.
Understanding Trucking Industry Regulations
A truck wreck lawyer will have a good understanding of all the regulations regarding the trucking industry. Trucks and trucking companies are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA. They have compiled certain rules covering truck drivers working in the industry, such as how many hours they are allowed to drive each week.
This kind of information is really important for your truck accident attorney as they set about determining liability after a crash. It is entirely possible that the truck driver was overworked or fatigued or that the truck that he was driving was not in a condition to be on the road. All this information will make a difference when determining your compensation.
Identifying Damages
Most victims of traffic accidents are unaware of the extent to which a truck accident could impact their lives. For some, the injuries are so serious that they end up with a long-term disability and/or long-term medical care. For others, it could take time to develop noticeable symptoms, and people may not even realize how badly they’ve been hurt.
In the aftermath of a truck crash, it is so difficult to think clearly, and you are so shocked that it’s easy to ignore pain. This could become an issue in the days or weeks after the accident.
It’s not just the physical injuries that need treating after an accident, particularly if a big truck was involved. Many people have post-traumatic stress disorder (or PTSD) after a traffic accident, which requires special medical treatment. A Georgia truck accident attorney will help you determine exactly how your injuries are likely to impact your life so that you get the compensation you need.
You may be worried about your ability to work after a truck accident and how you will survive the financial implications. A truck wreck lawyer will thoroughly evaluate your case and assess the level to which your earning ability has been affected by the crash. This is necessary so that you don’t end up facing huge financial challenges. A truck accident attorney will also ensure you get any psychotherapy or counseling expenses if you’ve suffered emotionally from the collision.
A Kennesaw Truck Accident Attorney is Your Best Defense
After a traumatic event like a truck crash, you want to know that you have good legal support to lean on. At this vulnerable time, hiring a truck accident lawyer can help you focus on your physical recovery while they focus on getting the compensation you deserve. At The Weinstein Firm, we have skilled truck accident lawyers who will fight for your interests.
Due to the sheer size and weight of a commercial truck, any resulting accidents can be devastating for the victims. A truck accident lawyer in Kennesaw, Georgia can help you navigate the complex laws and rules regarding filing an accident injury claim. By placing your trust in your truck accident attorney, you can on recovering from your injuries and leave your legal issues in the capable hands of a skilled Kennesaw accident lawyer. Call us today, and one of our truck accident lawyers will be happy to discuss the specifics of your case and outline the next course of action.