What Should You Do When a Semi-Truck Hits Your Car?

Savannah, Georgia is more than a cultural center and historic town. It is also home to some of the densest semi-truck traffic due to our major seaport.

With the fourth busiest sea port in the United States, the city sees anywhere from 10 to 12 thousand truckloads of goods delivered every day, according to FreightWaves.com. That staggering traffic increases the risk for drivers sharing the road with these semi-trucks.

If you are involved in an accident with one of these thousands of freight vehicles, navigating the aftermath of a truck accident demands a thoughtful approach to safeguard your interests, both with insurance agencies and in potential legal proceedings. Taking the following steps can be crucial in your Savannah truck accident case.

Immediate steps to take at the truck accident scene

• Call 911: Call 911 for immediate medical assistance for any injury. If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle toward the side of the road.
• Inform the authorities: If you did not call 911, contact the Savannah Police Department and inform them of the accident.
• Exchange contact information with the other driver and any witnesses: Ask for the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of anyone involved in the accident.
• Take pictures: Without disturbing the scene, use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your visible injuries. Consider taking photos of the roads, nearby signage, and the sky, which can help show what the weather and light was like.
• Report to your insurer: Notify your insurance company of the accident.
• Seek legal guidance: Contact our experienced team of truck accident injury attorneys in Savannah. We will handle everything else, including dealing directly with the insurance companies.

Note: Keep all relevant documents—medical records, repair estimates, and insurance communications—as essential evidence for your case.

It is important to understand that injuries from truck accidents, especially those requiring ongoing specialized observation, may not show serious symptoms immediately after the incident. Recognizing this delayed onset to some serious injuries is a major reason why you should always call an ambulance to the scene of your accident.

Do I need to go to a hospital after a semi-truck accident?

Yes you should go to the hospital after any accident you are involved in, especially one involving a semi-truck. Even if you do not feel immediate pain or have notable visible injuries, it is still prudent to seek medical attention. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not manifest symptoms right away but can worsen over time, especially when untreated. Additionally, getting medical documentation can strengthen any potential legal claims, as doctors can verify that injuries derive from your Savannah truck accident.

What should I tell the cops when they show up?

When law enforcement arrives at the scene, be truthful and cooperative. Provide them with the necessary information, such as your account of the events leading up to the accident. However, refrain from oversharing the account of your day, any unrelated stressors leading up to your accident may be viewed as distractions, improperly placing blame on you rather than the truck driver.

Furthermore, avoid making definitive statements about what caused the accident, that is not your job. Your explanation of the accident sequence should be a direct recounting of your experience only. Let your Savannah truck accident injury lawyer conduct their investigation and document findings leading up to yours or your family member’s injuries or wrongful death in this accident.

Should I try to make a deal with the other driver to avoid going through insurance?

While it might seem tempting to settle matters with the other driver privately to avoid involving insurance companies, this course of action is not advisable, especially in a truck accident. Without proper documentation and legal guidance, you risk short changing yourself on compensation for damages or injuries that may arise later. Furthermore, the other driver could potentially deny the agreement later, leaving you with no recourse. Call a trusted Savannah truck accident lawyer and handle your accident properly.

Should I answer the other driver’s insurance company’s calls?

When the other driver’s insurance company reaches out to you, be cautious and remember that insurance companies do not want to pay you all that you deserve after your accident. Insurance adjusters have the job of obtaining information that could be used against you to minimize their liability.

You are not obligated to provide a detailed statement immediately. Instead, consult with your attorney first. Your attorney can help you navigate these interactions, ensuring that you provide only necessary information while safeguarding your rights.

Dealing with the aftermath of a collision involving a semi-truck or commercial vehicle in Savannah requires a strategic approach to safeguard your rights and pursue rightful compensation, considering the intricate legal aspects often associated with such incidents. The experienced team of Savannah truck accident attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton LLP will handle the legal side of things as you focus on recovering from your injuries. With convenient offices in Atlanta and Savannah, we are here to help. Call or contact us today for your free consultation.