When a truck collides with a trailer, a person can suffer severe and deadly injuries. The most important thing is whether they can get the medical help they need. However, if you are involved in a truck accident, there are several steps you can take to maximize your chance of getting fair compensation.
A truck accident attorney in Albany, GA will be able to guide you in this regard.
The Aftermath of a Truck Accident:
The first step is to ascertain your condition, the conditions of your passengers, and the conditions of the other vehicles involved in the accident if you can. While each of these steps is important to your legal case, you should not risk your safety (or anyone else’s).
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Call 911:
When you are involved in a collision with a large truck, you should call 911 for assistance. The police and first responders will be dispatched to the scene as soon as possible. Once the police arrive, tell them what you remember about the moments before the collision.
A police report is an important document that helps determine whether your collision was caused by a human error or a vehicle error. Police reports contain significant details that can aid in proving your case.
The police report will typically contain the following details:
- Statements from each party involved
- Photographs of the scene of the accident
- Contact information for each driver involved
- A police officer’s opinion of fault
A truck accident attorney in Albany, GA representing victims of accidents can review the report and seek expert opinions in determining liability. To place the blame for your accident on you rather than the truck driver, the insurance company of the trucker will be likely to use aggressive tactics against you.
A truck driver’s negligence can be established by a police report, and an experienced attorney can obtain just compensation for your losses by establishing the liability of the driver, another third party, or the trucking company.
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Inspect the Accident Scene and Collect Evidence:
In an accident, gathering evidence at the scene of the accident is paramount to proving what occurred. By collecting evidence from the scene, you can keep an accurate record of what happened and prevent the information from being changed or altered.
You should take photos of the damage to both vehicles, skid marks on the tires, the license plate of the driver, and other relevant details at the scene of the accident if you can. If you are unable to collect the evidence due to your injuries, get someone else to help you do this.
The pictures can be especially helpful if the driver’s visibility may have been affected by weather conditions or the road may have been slippery. Forensic experts can testify about previous weather conditions, but a picture speaks a thousand words.
You should collect evidence as soon as possible following the accident. Remembering every detail from the moments leading up to the crash can prove crucial to your case.
Collect Contact Information:
It is only recommended to exit your vehicle if you are not injured and it is safe for you to exit and drive. If you are on a busy highway and there are no police on the scene, you should not leave the road.
Be sure to get the following information from the truck driver.
- Name, address, and telephone number of the driver
- Insurance company and phone number for the driver’s policy
- Their driver’s license number
- Name, address, and phone number of the truck driver’s employer and the trucking company
- License plate number and other identifying information
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Additional Parties Involved:
Remember that other parties besides the truck driver could be held responsible for injuries and damage to the vehicles. Check the truck and other vehicles involved in the accident for identifying marks or signs.
If any other drivers were involved in the accident, get their contact details and insurance information. The trucking company may be liable for your damages if they didn’t follow regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
If the truck was overloaded, the company that loaded it could be held responsible. Your Albany truck accident lawyer will investigate the accident to determine liability.
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Search for Witnesses:
You should always search for witnesses at the scene of the accident and ask them for contact information. Some may be called to testify in your case. In the incident report, you can also find out if any witness was interviewed whose testimony is yet to be recorded.
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Send a Demand Letter:
The attorney will draft a demand letter to send to each insurance company after they investigate your claim and highlight every potential liability. This letter will include details about injuries and the cause of action. As soon as the insurance companies receive your letter of demand, they have the option to accept your claim, refuse it, or make a counter-offer.
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Negotiate for an Insurance Settlement:
If you want to file a claim with an insurance company, it is a good idea to use the services of an experienced truck accident attorney in Albany, GA. The assistance of an attorney could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. The decision regarding whether to negotiate further, accept the settlement offer, or take legal action will depend on whether you and your attorney find the insurance company’s offer fair.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in Albany, GA:
With an injured body or a damaged car, you might already have too much on your mind. Consider getting a free consultation with no obligation. Count on our Albany, GA personal injury attorneys who wants to assist you in recovering financially and physically.
