Truck Accident Lawyer in Calhoun, GA

Essential Steps After a Truck Accident

Knowing what to do after a truck accident can help protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Here’s a guide on the actions you can take at the scene and in the days following the accident.

At the Scene of the Accident

1. Ensure Safety: If possible, move to a safe area away from traffic. Check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911 for medical assistance if needed.
2. Call Law Enforcement: Reporting the accident to the police is important. Officers will document the scene, speak to witnesses, and file an official report, which can be useful for your claim.
3. Gather Evidence: If you’re able, take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses, and note any relevant details, like weather conditions and road hazards.
4. Exchange Information: Collect the contact and insurance details of the truck driver and any other involved parties. Include information on the trucking company if available.

In the Days & Weeks Following the Accident

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you didn’t feel injured immediately, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away but could worsen over time.
2. Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance provider to report the accident. Stick to the basic facts and avoid speculating about the fault until more information is available.
3. Document Expenses and Impact: Keep a record of all medical treatments, bills, repair costs, and any lost income. Also, note how the accident has affected your daily life or ability to work.
4. Consult a Professional: Speaking with a trucking accident attorney in Calhoun, GA, can help you understand your options for pursuing a claim. The McMahan Law Firm can review your case and advise on the steps ahead.

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Georgia Truck Accident Liability

Proving liability is a key part of any truck accident claim. In Georgia, establishing who is responsible for the accident can impact your ability to recover compensation. Truck accidents often involve complex situations, and determining liability helps in assigning fault and deciding who may be required to pay for damages.

Who Is Responsible?

In truck accident cases, there may be multiple parties who could be held liable. Responsibility doesn’t always fall solely on the driver. Depending on the details, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, or even third-party maintenance crews might also share in the fault.

For example, the trucking company may be liable if it failed to follow proper hiring practices or required drivers to work excessive hours. Manufacturers could be responsible if a mechanical defect in the truck contributed to the accident. Given the number of potential parties involved, truck accident claims can quickly become complicated and it may take a professional to determine the causes.

Do You Hold Partial Fault?

Georgia follows a comparative negligence law, which means you can still seek compensation even if you’re partially at fault, as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, any compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, your award may be reduced by 20%.

This rule makes it important to have a clear understanding of each party’s level of responsibility.

How We Can Help

The McMahan Law Firm is dedicated to assisting truck accident victims through each stage of the legal process. Here’s how we support our clients:

Free Case Reviews

We offer free case evaluations to help you understand the strengths of your case and what steps you can take next. This initial review can provide valuable insights at no cost.

Collecting Evidence

Our team can help gather and preserve evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and relevant trucking records, to build a strong foundation for your claim.

Proving Fault

Determining fault in a truck accident can be complex. We work to identify all potentially responsible parties, from the driver to the trucking company, and use collected evidence to establish accountability.

Negotiations With Insurance

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We handle negotiations to pursue a fair settlement, aiming to protect your rights and address the financial impact of the accident.

Maximizing Compensation

Our goal is to seek the full amount you may be entitled to under the law. We consider all possible damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and other impacts on your life, as we work toward a resolution.

Local Legal Advice

As a local law firm, we understand the specific challenges and resources in Calhoun. This allows us to provide advice that’s relevant and tailored to the needs of our community.