What To Do When A Truck Driver Tries To Blame You After an Atlanta Crash
If you were involved in a truck accident in Atlanta, the last thing you expect is for the truck driver to point the finger at you. Unfortunately, this happens all the time and can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with potentially serious injuries, medical bills, and the stress of missing work.
If you’re being blamed for a truck accident you did not cause, our Atlanta truck accident lawyer is here to help. Find out how to protect yourself and your rights to compensation.
Why Atlanta Truck Drivers Try to Shift Blame After a Crash
Truck drivers and the companies they work for have a lot at stake after a crash. Fault affects their safety records, insurance costs, and potential legal exposure. Because of this, they are likely to try to blame the victim before an investigation even begins. Common reasons drivers and insurers may try to shift responsibility onto you:
- They want to avoid liability, fines, or job consequences.
- Their insurance company is pushing a certain narrative.
- There were no witnesses, making it easier to dispute the facts.
- The trucking company is trying to protect its safety rating.
- They expect you not to fight back or know your rights.
While truck drivers have the trucking company and its insurers on their side, you have the law on yours. Under the Georgia Code, you have the right to hold them responsible for their role in causing a crash, as well as to present evidence, challenge false claims, and take other actions to protect your rights to compensation.
How to Protect Yourself Against Being Blamed For an Atlanta Truck Accident
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that over 10,000 truck accidents in Georgia occur annually. If you are injured in an Atlanta truck accident and the driver tries to blame you, keep in mind that liability depends on evidence, not accusations. Take these steps to protect your rights:
- Report the accident right away and request a copy of the police report.
- Take photos or videos documenting the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
- Gather information from all involved, including other drivers and witnesses.
- Get medical treatment right away, even if you feel “okay” after a crash.
- If contacted by insurers or trucking company representatives, avoid giving detailed or recorded statements.
- Get an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer on your side as soon as possible.
Trucking companies often deploy “rapid response teams” immediately after a crash to protect themselves. Having someone on your side early helps level the playing field.
Truck Driver Blaming You For a Crash? Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer
Being blamed for a truck accident in Atlanta that you didn’t cause can leave you feeling stressed, angry, or unsure about what to do next. At Shiver Hamilton Campbell, we understand how insurers operate and take legal action to protect you.
Our Atlanta truck accident lawyer represents victims in Savannah, St. Simons Island, Alpharetta, Decatur, Johns Creek, Marietta, Roswell, and all of Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett Counties. Request a consultation today.
Sources:
ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/CrashStatistics
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