What Are the Rights of Truck Accident Victims?

Truck accidents are some of the most devastating and destructive accidents that continue to occur on roads and highways across the country. In fact, according to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2020, there were approximately 107,000 truck accidents that caused over 4,960 fatalities and thousands more injuries. Unlike accidents involving passenger vehicles only, truck accidents are much more complex because multiple parties may be liable, including the truck driver, the truck company, and the companies responsible for maintaining the truck and loading the cargo. If you or a loved one suffered a severe injury in a truck accident, it is important that you understand your legal rights and the steps necessary to recover the financial compensation you deserve.

What Steps Do I Take if I am Injured in a Truck Accident?

In the moments immediately following a truck accident, it is essential that you keep the following tips in mind. This will ensure that police and emergency medical professionals arrive soon.

• Call 911. If you are physically able to move, call 911 immediately and safely. Tell dispatch about a serious truck accident and that they should send an ambulance to the scene as quickly as possible.
• Seek immediate medical attention. You must be examined by a qualified medical professional as soon as possible, whether at the accident scene or at the nearest hospital. This will ensure that your injuries are properly diagnosed and that you receive the necessary treatment. Even if your injuries do not seem particularly serious, do not delay getting medical treatment, as this can hurt your personal injury claim. This insurance company will argue that your injuries must not be severe if you do not find it necessary to seek medical attention.
• Collect evidence. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, and the accident scene, including skid marks on the road, the position of the truck, and if cargo fell out of the trailer.
• Contact a truck accident lawyer. Truck accident cases can be very complicated, so it is highly recommended that you contact an experienced truck accident lawyer who will protect your legal rights.

Financial Compensation for a Truck Accident

If you can prove that the truck driver or another party was responsible for causing the truck accident, you have the right to financial compensation for things like medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. This is important since the expenses related to your injuries will accumulate quickly, allowing you to focus your energy on your recovery rather than worrying about how you will pay your medical bills. You also have the right to legal representation, ongoing medical treatment if your injuries require long-term care, the right to access certain evidence, and the right to a fair trial.

Keep in mind that Georgia is a comparative negligence state, which means that if you were partly to blame for the accident, you may still recover financial compensation, but the percentage of your share of liability will reduce your total damages. In addition, if you were found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you will be unable to recover any damages. A dedicated lawyer will protect your rights and negotiate the best possible settlement outcome.

Our Savannah Truck Accident Lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC Protect the Legal Rights of Truck Accident Victims

If you or a loved one was severely injured in a truck accident, do not hesitate to contact our Savannah truck accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC. To schedule a free consultation, call 478-254-2007 or contact us online. Located in Macon, Georgia, we serve clients in Savannah, Albany, and Atlanta.