Truck accidents in Brunswick are serious. Since trucks are so much larger and heavier than cars and other vehicles on the road, a collision with one can lead to devastating injuries, monumental costs, and a long period of physical and emotional recovery.
If you or a loved one was the victim in a truck accident, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden alone. You may be entitled to full financial recovery for your costs. To find out your options, you need to contact a Brunswick personal injury lawyer very soon.
At John Foy & Associates, we have 20+ years of experience working with truck accident victims and their families. Our biggest priority is fighting for the money you need and deserve to recover and move on from your accident. For a FREE consultation with one of our attorneys about your case, contact us today to get started.
Call us at 404-400-4000, or complete the form to your right for the free consultation.
What Should I Know If I’ve Been Injured in a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, the two most important factors are:
- Your well-being
- Protection of your rights
Compared with car accidents, truck accidents are often severe, leaving the victim(s) with serious injuries and significant vehicle damage. Never delay getting yourself or someone else immediate medical attention if their injuries require it. Call 911 for an ambulance to take you to a doctor as soon as possible.Extreme injuries can worsen quickly, and your well-being and safety is the number one priority after any auto accident.
Second, as the victim of an accident, you have rights. If the other driver is 100% at fault (which is very likely in this situation), you will be entitled to recover for ALL of your costs resulting from the accident. But in order to seek financial recovery from the driver’s insurance, there must be proof of your damages. That’s why it’s so important to, if you’re well enough, take certain steps (like the following) after a truck accident in Griffin, GA that will protect you and your rights:
Report the Accident
Under Georgia law, you must report an accident if someone is hurt or there is damage worth around $500 or more (and this almost always applies to truck accidents), you must report the accident to law enforcement.
Call Brunswick police as soon as possible after the accident occurs. Officers will come to the scene and create a police report, which also acts as proof that the accident happened.
Take Pictures and Possibly Video
Almost everyone has a smartphone now, but even basic cell phones will have cameras. Take many pictures of the accident scene, the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, and anything else that will demonstrate the severity of the accident.
Be sure to photograph your injuries over time, as well, in case they get worse and aren’t fully represented by the first pictures.
If you notice the truck driver is acting strange, reckless, or you suspect drunk driving, you might also use your phone to record any conversations with them. Even if the driver just seems fatigued or drowsy, video evidence can be helpful.
Truckers are unfortunately often given really strict deadlines on the road that leave them sleep deprived and exhausted on the road. This behavior is a form of negligence and puts other drivers’ lives (including your own) at risk.
Talk to Witnesses
If anyone saw the accident happen, talk to them and ask for their name and contact information. If police are at the scene, ask if the witness would be willing to give a statement. Your truck accident lawyer will also likely want to speak with them, as witness testimony helps validate your story for the insurance claim.
See a Doctor
If you haven’t already, after things are handled at the accident scene, see a medical professional very soon. Even injuries that seem minor at first can develop into something more serious over time. Don’t downplay any injuries or assume you’re fine until you’ve spoken with a doctor. This is crucial to your insurance claim.
Get a Good Truck Accident Lawyer
The driver’s insurance company will likely try reaching out to you soon after the accident. While this might seem like good intentions, they will be looking for ways to downplay your accident and injuries.
It’s best to not talk to them—or at least never accept any money or sign anything- until you have a truck accident attorney. Your lawyer can look at what the insurer is offering and determine what your full damages actually are.
These steps can greatly protect you from getting taken advantage of, and they’ll help you and your lawyer account for ALL of your damages so you don’t get shorted on your financial recovery.
Get the strong arm
What Kind of Injuries Do Truck Accidents Cause?
Common truck accident injuries include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back injuries, including chronic pain and spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries, including whiplash, damage to ligaments and joints, or a broken neck
- Burns from hazardous materials
- Broken arms, legs, ribs, or other fractures
As mentioned above, truck accident injuries are usually very severe. This is due to not only the sheer mass of trucks but also the driving conditions of truckers. Trucker fatigue is a real issue, and too many trucks are not properly inspected or maintained on our roads.
I’ve Already Been Offered Money and It Seems Like a Good Deal. Why do I Need a Lawyer?
This is a common tactic of insurance companies, and it can be very deceiving. They’ll offer a lump sum of money upfront in hopes you’ll take it and end the claim. While this money is tempting, especially if you’re stressed about paying your medical bills, it’s never enough to truly cover all your costs. And if you accept it, you’ll be forfeiting any potential to seek a fairer insurance claim.
Many accident victims find out, after speaking with a Brunswick personal injury lawyer, just how much goes into the costs from a truck accident. You have to consider not only your immediate costs of medical treatment and vehicle repairs but also ongoing expenses.
For example; your injuries might worsen over time and require surgeries, rehabilitation, or pricey prescription medications. You want to be sure all of this is accounted for in your claim so you aren’t left paying for things that weren’t your fault.
Plus, a truck accident lawyer will know how to handle insurance companies and negotiate a fair claim for you by compiling solid evidence of your damages.
Talk to a Brunswick Truck Accident Lawyer for Free
Don’t suffer through the aftermath of a truck accident alone. Our attorneys at John Foy & Associates are here to help. For more than 20 years, we’ve been helping truck accident victims seek the financial recovery they actually deserve.
For a FREE, risk-free consultation to go over your case, call us today at 404-400-4000, or fill out the form to your right to get started.
912-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
