If you’ve been involved in a devastating collision with a large truck in Alpharetta, it’s easy to overlook important details in the confusing aftermath of the accident. However, following some basic steps after a wreck will be crucial to protecting your health and your legal rights.
After a collision with a commercial vehicle, you should:
Call the Police
Call 911 or have someone else at the scene call the police. Most accidents involving trucks like semis and 18-wheelers leave victims with serious injuries and extensive property damage. First responders can help you get the prompt medical attention you need for your injuries. They can also help prevent further collisions by blocking off the area and taking care of debris and wreckage from the accident.
Seek Emergency Medical Treatment
If you did not receive medical treatment at the time of the crash, it’s critical to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some serious injuries from truck accidents aren’t immediately obvious, yet they can cause severe complications if left untreated. The sooner you see a physician, the sooner they can evaluate your injuries and help you get the treatment you need for recovery.
Your doctor can also create a medical report that outlines your injuries and medical treatment. This report could serve as a critical piece of evidence if you need to file a claim for the injuries you suffered in the truck accident. It could help you prove the severity and cause of your injuries. Additionally, it can show that the accident caused your injuries.
Get Contact Info from Other Parties Involved
Truck crashes are complicated because they involve several parties that might hold some liability for the accident. For example, beyond the truck driver, the employer, the truck’s owner, the owner of the truck’s cargo, the vehicle’s manufacturer, or the maintenance company might hold some responsibility for your injuries.
It’s important to get as much of this information as possible. As a start, get the truck driver’s name, driver’s license and license plate number, contact information, and the name of their employer.
Getting information on the rest of the parties that might be liable is often complicated if you try to handle the case on your own. It might involve heavy investigative work because the driver or their employer might not willingly provide this information to you. However, if you work with an experienced truck accident attorney, they can use their in-depth investigatory skills to help determine who holds responsibility in your accident and help you pursue claims against each of the responsible parties.
Gather as Much Information as Possible
Collect as much evidence as you can as soon as possible after the crash. Otherwise, this evidence might disappear or change. For example, take photographs of your injuries, damage to your vehicle, and all areas of the accident scene. This includes things like pictures of traffic signals, skid marks, damage to guardrails, loose gravel, or missing traffic signs.
If the police came to the scene of the wreck, ask them for a copy of their official accident report. Additionally, gather the names and contact information from witnesses. Write down accounts of what they saw, plus ask them for copies of any pictures or videos they have of the crash.
Beyond these basics, a truck accident lawyer can help you collect additional types of evidence. For instance, they can ask the traffic department and surrounding businesses for copies of videos or photographs they have on traffic cams or security cameras. They can also hire experts, such as traffic reconstruction specialists or medical consultants, who can testify to support your case.
Don’t Make Any Statements About the Crash
While you might think you caused or contributed to the crash, it’s difficult to know the true cause of an accident without a full investigation. It’s critical to avoid making any statements about the crash in the immediate aftermath. Insurers often rush to accident scenes or call victims shortly afterward to try to trick them into saying something they can twist and use against them in the claims process.
Additionally, they might scour your social media for any comments you made about the crash. If you say something as small as “I’m sorry” publicly or to the other driver, the police, or the insurance company, they might use this statement to deny or reduce your compensation.
This is why it’s vital to wait to make any statements about the accident – in person, over the phone, or on social media – until you consult with an attorney. They can speak with insurance and other parties on your behalf, so you don’t have to risk mistakenly saying something you’ll regret.
Get Your Case Reviewed by an Alpharetta Lawyer
If you suffered serious injuries in a truck accident, contact an Alpharetta lawyer right away. Our truck accident attorney will review your case for free and give you the tools you need to make the best possible choice for your personal situation.
What an Alpharetta Truck Accident Lawyer Can Do for You
Truck accidents are devastating and overwhelming, but our Alpharetta personal injury law firm can help relieve this burden. We can handle all the details of your case, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Your attorney can gather the evidence needed to support your claim, complete and file any necessary paperwork, negotiate with insurance on your behalf, and fight for your rights in court if needed.
If a serious truck collision left you with serious injuries, contact the trusted Alpharetta truck accident attorneys at Spaulding Injury Law right away. With a proven track record of providing excellent customer service and helping clients achieve high-dollar results, we have the skills and resources to stand up for your rights and help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait to get on the path to recovery. Contact Spaulding Injury Law today by phone or online to schedule your free case evaluation.
