How Witness Statements Can Make or Break Atlanta Truck Accident Cases
Truck accidents in Atlanta are traumatic events that can leave victims feeling overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. You may be dealing with painful injuries, extensive financial losses, and insurers who try to blame you for the crash.
Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer regularly handles cases in which witness testimony is a turning point. Their account could help strengthen your claim and prevent insurers from denying or downplaying compensation.
Why Witnesses Matter So Much in Atlanta Truck Accident Claims
Under Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines, commercial vehicles can span up to more than 13 feet in height and over 8 feet in width. Given the size of most big rigs and the fact that Atlanta truck accidents often happen fast, victims rarely see everything that led up to the moment of impact.
Trucking companies and their insurers know this and use it to question how the crash happened and who was at fault. Under the Georgia Code, claiming you were even partially to blame impacts your rights to compensation. Information witnesses may provide that can help include:
- Confirmation of how the truck driver behaved before and during the crash,
- Neutral observations that support or contradict the driver’s story.
- Details victims often can’t recall due to trauma or injury.
- Statements that help determine the chain of events when multiple vehicles are involved
Trucking companies have teams of insurers defending them against claims. Witnesses help balance the scales.
What to Do If You Didn’t Get Witness Information at the Scene
Victims of truck accidents in Atlanta often panic when they realize they didn’t get the names or contact information of the witnesses. It’s completely normal not to think about gathering evidence in the immediate aftermath of a crash, and it doesn’t mean your case is lost.
There are still several ways to identify witnesses after the fact. Options our Atlanta truck accident lawyer can use to locate or secure witness testimony include:
- Review the police report for witness names or their statements.
- Canvass the area to find people who may have stopped to help.
- Obtain 911 call logs, which often include caller information.
- Check nearby businesses for surveillance footage that captured the crash.
- Request traffic or intersection camera recordings.
Even if witnesses left the scene quickly, our Atlanta truck accident lawyer can often still locate them.
To Build a Strong Claim, Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer
Shiver Hamilton Campbell provides trusted representation to victims of truck accidents in Atlanta. We know how to locate witnesses, uncover the truth, and get the maximum compensation when dealing with trucking companies and insurers.
Get the professional legal guidance you need to protect your rights. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in Savannah, Alpharetta, Decatur, St. Simons Island, Johns Creek, or anywhere in DeKalb, Fulton, or Gwinnett County, call or contact us online today. To build a strong claim, request a consultation with our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer.
Sources:
ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/publications/size_regs_final_rpt/
georgiacourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Apportionment-of-Damages-Terry.pdf
