When truck drivers in Savannah are careless, tragic accidents can happen. If you or a family member suffered injuries in this type of crash, you have a right to fight for money. And our Savannah fuel truck accident lawyers can help.
John Foy & Associates has over 20 years of experience helping accident victims. We are the Strong Arm because we don’t back down from insurance companies. We’ll get you started with a free, no-risk consultation.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your free consultation.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Truck Accident
After a truck accident, you might not know where to turn first. Accident scenes are often gruesome, chaotic, and extremely stressful. But there are actions you can take to start building a legal case at the scene.
Here are some ways to document what happened and protect your rights.
Stay at the Scene and Report the Accident
Everyone involved in an accident should stay at the location. First, check your injuries and—if you can—make sure your car is away from oncoming traffic. Then, check on any passengers and others in the accident.
If there are injuries or deaths, call 9-1-1 immediately. Truck accidents are often severe, requiring an ambulance. But if you don’t need paramedics, call the police to report the accident.
The responding officer will talk to all parties and create an accident report. Be sure to ask for a copy of the report. If you go to court, the accident report might act as evidence.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver(s)
Identify everyone else who was in the crash. Note specific details about the driver(s) and their vehicles. It’s best to exchange information immediately in case a driver tries to flee.
Get the following details from the other driver:
- Full name, phone number, address, and email
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance policy information
- Information about the truck driver’s employer
Getting the trucking company on the phone can be difficult after an accident. You might also run into issues with the insurance company.
For example, the insurer might blame you for what occurred. So, make sure you have the phone number and other contact details for the trucking company.
Talk to Eyewitnesses
Look around for anyone who saw the accident happen. Eyewitness statements can support your claim when you seek financial compensation.
Ask witnesses for their contact information. Your lawyer can contact these people later for statements.
Record Details at the Scene
Use your phone (or some other camera) to take pictures of the scene. Snap pictures of:
- Your injuries
- Your vehicle damage
- The other driver’s vehicle
- The entire accident scene
Even getting the locations of the vehicles can help your case. The city can clean up accident scenes quickly, so getting picture evidence might preserve critical details.
Pictures can also help your lawyer if they need to work with an accident reconstructionist. Documenting the scene will support your case and help you fight for the highest settlement.
Watch What You Say
Avoid saying “sorry” or anything that implies you were to blame. Even if you were just polite, the insurance company could use something you’ve said against you.
If the insurance adjuster calls you, speak carefully. We usually advise avoiding the adjuster entirely until you have an attorney. Then, your attorney will talk to the insurance company for you.
Get Medical Treatment
If you did not get treatment at the scene, see a doctor as soon as you can. Waiting to see a doctor can hurt your chances of getting full compensation. The insurance company might argue:
- You were not hurt as badly as you’re claiming.
- Your treatment was for non-accident-related injuries.
- It doesn’t have enough evidence of your injuries to compensate you.
Get medical attention immediately. If your injuries change or worsen, schedule a follow-up. Having reliable records of your medical needs will help you build a strong case.
Multiple parties might be at fault for a fuel truck accident. Victims can suffer terrible injuries or deaths. Thankfully, you can protect yourself by gathering information from the beginning.
Get the strong arm
Who Can You Sue in a Truck Accident Case?
The at-fault party in a fuel truck accident can be:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A loading company
- A vehicle manufacturer
- The truck owner
Truck crashes are more complicated than car-on-car accidents. Truck drivers are working a job, so several parties are involved in the transport. If the driver causes an accident, they might not be the only person or company responsible.
Companies will also have robust insurance policies. If several parties are at fault, you could be dealing with more than one insurer. Getting the compensation you deserve can be a lengthy and frustrating ordeal.
The best way to know who you can sue is by talking to a lawyer. Contact John Foy & Associates to schedule a free consultation with a Savannah fuel truck accident lawyer today. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.
What Is the Cost of a Truck Crash Attorney?
Hiring most truck accident lawyers means no cash out of your pocket. Here’s why.
Personal injury attorneys usually work on a contingency fee: they don’t get paid unless they win you compensation. When the lawyer wins you a settlement or court award, their cost is a percentage of that. If you don’t win anything, your attorney doesn’t win either.
You can get a lawyer today with:
- No upfront costs
- No out-of-pocket expenses
- Free legal advice during a consultation
However, do schedule a consultation to learn more about the law firm and its experience. You should work with an attorney who has worked on cases similar to yours. It’s also vital that you feel comfortable talking to your lawyer about your accident details.
How Much Is the Contingency Fee?
Every firm is different. However, the standard typically starts at 33% of what your lawyer wins for you. A fee might be higher for more complicated cases—like if you go to court and win a verdict in the millions.
Also, be wary of low contingency fees. You might think you’re getting a good deal, but a low fee usually means inexperience. The firm could be new or work as a “settlement mill” that wins fast but meager settlements.
You deserve an attorney who has good experience and clear examples of success. At John Foy & Associates, we have won over $1 billion in results for our clients. Many of those cases involved large truck accidents.
Talk to a Savannah Fuel Truck Accident Lawyer for Free
Reach out today to learn your legal options during a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your free consultation.
912-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form