What to Do After a Truck Accident in Valdosta, GA, 2024

Being involved in a truck accident can be a devastating situation. Due to the sheer size and power of larger vehicles like trucks, the consequences of an accident can be particularly catastrophic, especially if the other vehicle is a smaller one. If you have been involved in a truck accident, you may want to reach out to a truck accident lawyer and start building a case to seek compensation. You may also want to know what to do after a truck accident in Valdosta, GA.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Georgia

The aftermath of a truck accident can result in severe injuries for all involved. These accidents often result in death, rampant property damage, and serious emotional trauma for the survivors. It is important that you take the proper steps to protect yourself in the event of a serious truck accident. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you handle the aftermath of a truck accident properly and are able to preserve your future accident claim:

• Stay calm. Immediately following a truck accident, you may be feeling an overwhelming sense of panic. Whatever you do, try your hardest to stay calm. Panicking does not help anybody and can only make things worse. Calm your breathing, assess your situation, and begin to check yourself and any other passengers for injuries.
• Call 911. If you are uninjured and are able to do so, call 911 to get law enforcement and EMTs to the scene as fast as possible. If you are too injured to call, try and have another passenger or a witness call for you. Per state law, you will need to report any vehicular accident that results in property damage exceeding $500 or someone’s injury or death.
• Move your vehicle. If it is at all possible, try to move your vehicle out of the middle of the road and onto the shoulder. After all, the last thing you want is to accidentally be responsible for another accident because your car was in the way of oncoming traffic. If you are unable to move your vehicle because of your injuries or because the vehicle is too damaged to move, just leave it where it is.
• See the EMTs. Once law enforcement and EMTs have arrived, make sure you are checked out by the EMTs. They may be able to notice injuries that you might have missed due to shock. Later, when everything has calmed down and you are allowed to leave, you should go and see your doctor for a more thorough check-up.
• Exchange information. Make sure you exchange your information with the truck driver and any other drivers who were involved in the accident. You should exchange license numbers, contact information, and insurance information with the driver. During this exchange, do not take any responsibility for the accident. Don’t even apologize, as that can be considered an admission of guilt. Don’t discuss your injuries, either.
• Document the scene. Once law enforcement has given the scene the all-clear, you can start to document the accident for your own records and for your future claim. Take photos of your injuries, the damage to all vehicles, any property damage, skid marks, road signs, traffic lights, and weather conditions. Be sure to speak to any witnesses who may have seen the accident and get their contact information, too.
• Contact a lawyer. When everything is over, you should reach out to a truck accident lawyer who can help you develop your case and walk you through the process of filing for a truck accident claim.

FAQs

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: There is no way to tell how much most truck accident settlements are. Every truck accident case is different. Each case has its own particular set of circumstances that are unique to the individual case. Due to the uniqueness of each case, it’s not possible to determine what your truck accident settlement will be. A few factors must be considered, including the severity of your injuries, the severity of your property damage, and your lawyer’s negotiation skills.

Q: What Is the Law on Auto Accidents?

A: Georgia is a fault state for car accidents, which means that the driver who is found to be liable for the crash is responsible for reimbursing the other party for any damages. Georgia is also a comparative negligence state, which means that you may be assigned a portion of the blame as well if you are found to be somewhat liable. As long as your amount of liability does not exceed the other party’s amount, you can still seek damages.

Q: What Do I Do After a Truck Accident?

A: The very first thing you should do after a truck accident is stay calm. You may want to panic, and you’ll have a very good reason to. Still, you should compose yourself, think about your next steps, and start checking yourself and other passengers for injuries. Call 911 as soon as you can, then exchange information with the truck driver while also not admitting any bit of responsibility for the accident.

Q: Do You Have to Report a Truck Accident?

A: Yes, you must report a truck accident, but only if it meets certain criteria. In Georgia, you only have to report an accident if it results in over $500 worth of damages, causes someone serious injury, or gets someone killed. Regardless of the consequences of the crash, you may still want to consider getting the authorities involved. It is good to have a written official record of the accident when the time comes to file a claim.

Reach Out to a Truck Accident Lawyer Today

The legal team at Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys can help you build a case to fight for your truck accident claim and receive compensatory damages for what you’ve been through. We can help you gather the necessary evidence, challenge the insurance company, and make sure you aren’t taken advantage of. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.