What To Do After a Truck Accident in Georgia

Truck accidents are a reality of life. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that more than 110,000 commercial truck crashes happen nationwide each year. For injured victims, these cases can be especially challenging. At The Larrison Law Firm, we help truck accident victims fight for justice in complex cases. Our firm has the experience you can depend on. Here, our Athens semi-truck accident lawyer explains what you should do after a semi-truck accident in Georgia.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Athens (Five Steps)

Stop Your Vehicle, Exchange Information

Under Georgia law, all parties to a motor vehicle crash need to stop their vehicle and remain at the scene. Semi-truck accidents are no exception to the rule. Never leave the scene of the accident early unless there is a medical emergency. You should turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and try to get your vehicle to a safe location. Exchange information with the trucker, including name, commercial driver’s license number (CDL), employer, and insurance policy details.

Report the Truck Accident to Law Enforcement

All commercial truck accidents should be reported to law enforcement. In Georgia, injury crashes need to be reported as a matter of law.

Report your tractor trailer crash to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department or another law enforcement agency. The responding officer(s) will control the scene and write a crash report. That report is key documentation.

Seek Prompt Medical Care for Any Injuries

Truck accidents can result in terrible injuries. Any injury sustained in a truck accident in Athens-Clarke County or elsewhere in the surrounding area should be evaluated by a doctor right away. Seek medical attention as soon as possible even if you feel fine.

Remember, some injuries may not show symptoms initially. You need medical records in order to bring a legal claim. If you do not see a doctor after a truck accident in Georgia, it can be more difficult to bring a successful personal injury claim. Get yourself checked out and attend all follow-up appointments.

Document the Semi-Truck Accident

A truck accident scene can be hectic, even chaotic. Still, to the best of your ability, it is crucial to try to proactively document the crash.

Among other things, this means taking photographs and getting contact details for any witnesses. You should also take action to get a copy of the police reports in the days/weeks after the crash. If you do not know how to do so, an Athens truck accident lawyer can help.

The more information you have in your possession, the easier it will be to effectively navigate the personal injury claims process.

Speak to an Athens Lawyer Before an Insurance Adjuster

Truck companies carry large commercial liability policies. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on the truck company’s insurance provider to look out for your best interests after a serious collision. They want to settle cases for less—and they will use your words against you.

Before you provide a recorded statement to an insurer, consult with an experienced Athens truck crash lawyer.

Georgia Truck Accident Cases (Understanding Fault)

One of the most important things to understand about semi-truck accident liability in Athens is that the trucking company does not automatically bear liability for the crash. Georgia is a tort state for motor vehicle crashes. Including semi-truck accidents. Determining fault in truck accident cases revolves around the concept of negligence. It is a legal standard that requires showing that the truck driver, truck company, or another party failed to act with reasonable care under the circumstances and that their breach of duty of care caused the accident. Common examples of negligence include:

Undertrained truckers;
Speeding truckers;
Distracted driving;
Unsafe merges;
Intoxicated driving;
Poorly loaded trailers; and
Inadequate truck maintenance.

Every truck accident in Georgia requires a deep, detail-driven investigation. An Athens, GA truck accident lawyer can help you gather all of the evidence that you need to establish liability and prove fault. Even the small details matter in Athens truck accident claims. Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state (O.C.G.A. § 51-11-7). Each party to a truck accident is liable for their degree of fault. For example, if a car merges unsafely in front of a speeding truck in Athens-Clarke County, fault may be split between the driver and the trucker. If the driver is deemed 30 percent at fault for the crash, they will be 30 percent at fault for their own damages. After a serious truck accident, a single percentage point of assigned fault could represent thousands of dollars.

Note: Georgia’s modified comparative fault rule bars injured victims from bringing a claim against another party if they are at fault for the majority of the accident. If you are found at fault for 51 percent or more of your truck accident in Georgia, you would be denied an opportunity to bring a personal injury claim against the truck driver or the trucking company.

Know the Statute of Limitations for a Trucking Accident Claim

Truck accident claims are time-sensitive legal cases. Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, there is a two-year statute of limitations. As there are very limited exceptions to the rule, it is crucial that you file any truck accident injury lawsuit in a timely manner. Failure to do so could lead to the automatic dismissal of your case. Do not let this happen to you. Insurance companies waste no time building a defense. You do not want to fall behind in the claims process. Be proactive: Speak to an Athens, GA commercial truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after a major crash.

Recovering Compensation for a Truck Accident in Georgia

In Georgia, truck accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full value of their damages, including non-economic losses. Unfortunately, large trucking companies and their insurance carriers can make the claims process hard after an accident. Our Athens, GA truck accident lawyer helps victims fight for the maximum settlement. You may be entitled to recover for:

Property damage, such as vehicle repairs;
Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
Hospital bills and other medical costs;
Physical therapy and other rehabilitative care;
Loss of wages and loss of future earning power;
Pain and suffering & mental distress;
Disability and disfigurement; and
Wrongful death of a family member.

How Athens Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Brady M. Larrison Can Help

Hurt in a truck accident in Georgia? It is normal to have a lot of questions about your rights and options. Our founding attorney Brady M. Larrison has more than a decade of experience protecting the rights of injured victims. We have successful case results in complex claims. When you contact our Athens law office, you will have a chance to speak to a Georgia truck accident lawyer who will:

Conduct a free, comprehensive review and evaluation of your case;
Investigate your semi-truck accident—gathering all relevant evidence;
Handle any settlement negotiations with the insurance company; and
Develop a personalized legal strategy to maximize your compensation.

Contact Our Athens, GA Semi-Truck Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review

At The Larrison Law Firm, our Athens semi-truck accident lawyer is a skilled, experienced, and passionate advocate for injured victims. If you were hurt in a tractor-trailer crash, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation review and evaluation of your case.

With an office in Athens, we handle semi-truck accident claims throughout the region.