Have you ever felt unsteady after coming face to face with a massive commercial vehicle on a Georgia road? These collisions can lead to confusion and worry, especially if injuries are severe.

At Morain & Buckelew, LLC, we have more than 65 years collectively helping people through these difficult times. Our mission is to provide transparent guidance so everyone knows their options after a serious truck collision.

Immediate Actions: Ensuring Safety and Reporting the Accident

When a large truck crashes into your vehicle, your well-being takes priority. The first step is checking yourself and others for any injuries that need immediate care. If anyone is hurt, call 9-1-1 right away so medical teams can quickly arrive on the scene.

• Move vehicles away from oncoming traffic if safe
• Activate hazard lights to alert other motorists
• Stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives
• Request a police report to document the crash

In Georgia, accidents causing injury, loss of life, or major property damage must be reported under state law, so always alert law enforcement.

After you have secured everyone’s safety and contacted the police, your next step is to gather proper documentation that supports your version of events.

Documenting the Scene: Gathering Evidence and Information

In the moments after a truck crash, capturing detailed photos can help show how events unfolded. Photograph each vehicle’s damage, debris on the roadway, and street signs that might be relevant. If you have visible injuries, record those as well, as they can demonstrate the impact.

Next, trade contact details with the driver of the truck, any passengers, and anyone who witnessed the event. Make sure you write down the truck’s company name, the USDOT number, and license plate information. If anything seems off, like a driver appearing unusually fatigued, note it in your records.

Sample Evidence Checklist:

Type of Evidence	Reason
Vehicle Damage Photos	Helps show the collision’s force and points of impact
Road Condition Photos	Reveals skid marks or hazards that may have contributed
Witness Contact Info	Supports or corroborates your description of events
Truck Company Details	Identifies the employer and carrier for liability purposes
Police Report Number	Provides an official account for insurance or legal claims

Collecting the right data can serve you well during a potential insurance claim or injury lawsuit. The next step involves focusing on your health.

Medical Attention: Protecting Your Health and Legal Claim

Even if you feel fine, schedule a prompt checkup because injuries can surface after a delay. Doctors can discover issues that might not be apparent initially and provide a record of your physical condition. Communicating every ache or discomfort helps create a thorough medical file.

Keep track of your treatments and expenses so you have documentation of how this accident affected you. Save your medical receipts and prescriptions. These records often carry weight if you need to present proof of your injuries later.

Once your health is addressed, it’s time to let your insurer know about the collision and consider how to protect your claim.

Handling Insurance: Reporting the Accident and Protecting Your Rights

Contact your insurance provider as soon as you can, but stick to the basic facts. Do not admit wrongdoing or speculate about blame because insurers may try to point fingers. It’s safer to let an attorney review your statement if you are worried about saying too much.

If an adjuster reaches out, remember that they often seek ways to minimize payouts. Do not sign anything or agree to a settlement without proper guidance. This measured approach can help you avoid accepting less than you truly need.

Helpful tips when dealing with insurance companies:

• Politely decline to give a recorded statement right away
• Refrain from discussing the details of the fault
• Keep copies of all forms and correspondence
• Ask your attorney to handle negotiations on your behalf

Beyond insurance concerns, many truck cases can involve multiple parties who share blame, so it’s important to understand how liability works.

Understanding Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Commercial vehicle collisions can be more complicated than standard car crashes because responsibility might extend to several entities. Apart from the driver, the trucking business, a parts manufacturer, or those who loaded the cargo may all have played a part. Federal and state regulations apply to these operations, adding another layer to the process.

Georgia law holds drivers accountable for safe practices, but companies are expected to follow strict hiring standards, supervision, and vehicle upkeep. If a faulty truck component caused the accident, the manufacturer could also be liable. Anyone seeking damages should be aware of these various factors when building their claim.

The next step often includes working with a legal professional who can sift through these details and help you pursue fair compensation.

Legal Consultation: Securing Fair Compensation

Speaking with a capable lawyer gives you added clarity about your rights. This person can oversee all communication with insurers, gather evidence such as driver logs or data from the truck’s electronic system, and build a case suited to your needs. Keep in mind that trucking insurers often have resources lined up to counter claims, so having a legal advocate can balance the situation.

Georgia applies a comparative negligence rule, which means that being partly at fault does not prevent you from collecting money. If the driver, truck company, or other parties share blame, your compensation may be adjusted based on your share of fault. A dedicated attorney can help you make sense of these rules and strive for a proper settlement.

When you’re ready to take action, remember that time matters. Getting in contact with legal counsel sooner rather than later can preserve helpful evidence.

Next Steps: Contact Morain & Buckelew, LLC, for Assistance

If you or someone close to you experienced a severe truck accident in Georgia, please reach out to Morain & Buckelew, LLC, for a consultation. Call us at 404-448-3146 or visit our Contact Us page to learn more about how we can help. We remain devoted to offering personal attention, a caring approach, and consistent effort toward the best results. Contact us soon to safeguard your rights and focus on a better path forward.