The First 24 Hours After An Atlanta Truck Accident: How What You Do Now Affects Your Claim Later
Atlanta truck accidents can happen in split seconds, especially on Interstate 20, the Downtown Connector, and other major roads that commercial vehicles frequently travel. In the immediate aftermath, you are likely to be hurt and in shock, but the decisions you make now could end up jeopardizing your rights in an injury claim.
Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers provide caring support and trusted legal help to victims and their families in these cases. Find out what to do, and not do, in that critical first 24 hours after a crash.
What To Do In The First 24 Hours After An Atlanta Truck Accident
The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reports that over 25,000 truck accidents occur throughout the state each year. These crashes often leave nearby motorists suffering serious injuries that require immediate medical attention.
Getting injured in an Atlanta truck accident can be overwhelming, and it’s natural not to know what to do. To protect your rights, take these steps:
- Call 911 immediately, stay at the scene, and make sure an official police report is filed.
- Seek medical attention right away, and tell your doctor the injuries resulted from a truck accident.
- Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries before vehicles are moved.
- Collect the truck driver’s name, contact information, employer, and insurance details.
- Gather contact information from witnesses while they are still at the scene.
Trucking companies begin taking actions immediately to protect themselves against claims. Contact an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer before making any statements or signing any documents.
What Not To Do In The First 24 Hours After An Atlanta Truck Accident
Reporting the crash, gathering information at the scene, and seeking immediate medical care all help protect your rights to compensation for Atlanta truck accident injuries. However, knowing what not to do can be just as important.
Common mistakes to avoid in the first 24 hours after an Atlanta truck crash:
- Do not tell the other driver, police, or insurer that you are “fine” or “not hurt” before being medically evaluated.
- Do not speculate about the crash or who caused it.
- Avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or your condition on social media.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurer or sign any documents without first speaking to a lawyer.
Under the Georgia Code, you have the right to seek compensation for medical costs, missed earnings, and other losses. The steps you take, or don’t take, in the first 24 hours can mean the difference between making a full recovery and paying out of pocket.
Request a Consultation With An Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer
Atlanta truck accidents can cause devastating injuries. At Shiver Hamilton Campbell, we provide trusted legal guidance to victims and their families from day one, helping them get the compensation they need to recover.
To request a consultation, contact our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers today. We represent clients in Marietta, Alpharetta, Roswell, and throughout Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett Counties.
Source:
gahighwaysafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2021-Large-Trucks-Georgia-Traffic-Safety-Facts.pdf
