Being rear-ended by an 18-wheeler is an experience that can completely derail your life in seconds, leaving you disoriented and unsure of what to do next. One moment, you are driving down the road, and the next, you are dealing with a catastrophic collision that destroys your vehicle and leaves your body aching in unexpected ways. Here are the right steps to take immediately after a truck accident.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Crash in Macon?
Because the sheer force of a commercial truck—which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—crashing into the back of your car often results in severe injuries and spiraling medical bills, the aftermath can feel impossibly overwhelming. Your immediate priority is making sure everyone involved is safe, which means moving your vehicle out of traffic and turning on your hazard lights to warn approaching drivers. Check yourself, your passengers, and anyone else in the vicinity for injuries, and even if you are feeling okay in the moment, call 911 right away to report the accident and request medical assistance on scene.
Do I Need to Document the Scene?
Use your smartphone to take plenty of photographs from different angles that show the damage to both vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and weather conditions; and if you or anyone else has visible injuries, photograph those too, so you have visual evidence of the immediate aftermath. Also, write down the truck driver’s information—including their license number, insurance details, and the trucking company name—and ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers.
What Damages Can I Recover in Macon Courts?
Georgia law allows truck accident victims to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, and diminished quality of life. In the most serious cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death, your compensation can reach substantial amounts that reflect the true impact of what happened.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Macon?
Georgia law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit—whereas for “wrongful death” claims, you have two years from the date of death. If you wait too long and miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek any compensation whatsoever, so do not put this off.
Are Macon Truck Drivers Always at Fault?
In most rear-end collisions, the driver who hit you from behind is presumed to be at fault—but truck accidents can get complicated because liability might extend beyond just the truck driver. You could hold the trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance companies, or even the manufacturer liable.
What if I Am Partially at Fault?
Here is some good news: Georgia follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule, which means that even if you are partially responsible for the accident, you can still recover compensation—as long as you are less than 50% at fault. The amount you recover, however, will be reduced by your percentage of fault; for example, if you are 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would only recover $80,000.
Get the Legal Help You Need With Our Experienced Macon Truck Accident Lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC
If you have been injured after an 18-wheeler rear-ended your car, you do not have to navigate this complicated process alone. Trust the seasoned Macon truck accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC to help you recover the compensation you deserve. We have recovered millions of dollars for clients throughout Georgia who have been through exactly what you are facing now, and we understand how overwhelming this situation feels. For a free consultation, call us today at 478-254-2007 or fill out our online contact form. Located in Macon, Georgia, we gladly serve clients in the surrounding areas.