Car Accidents -
What to Do When Hit by a Semi-Truck or Commercial Vehicle in Georgia
Accidents involving semi-trucks or commercial vehicles can be devastating, often resulting in severe injuries and complex legal issues. If you’ve been involved in such an accident in Georgia, it’s essential to know what steps to take to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. At T. Madden & Associates, P.C., we specialize in personal injury cases and are here to guide you through this challenging process. Contact us at (833)PAID-123 for expert legal assistance.
Understanding the Severity of Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-truck accidents are among the most dangerous and catastrophic incidents on our roads. Due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles, collisions with smaller passenger cars can lead to severe injuries, including:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The force of impact in a semi-truck accident can cause head injuries, resulting in traumatic brain injuries that may lead to long-term cognitive impairment.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The abrupt stop or forceful impact can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis or other debilitating conditions.
Fractures and Broken Bones: The sheer force of the collision often leads to fractures, broken bones, and other orthopedic injuries.
Internal Injuries: The impact can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: The sudden jolt from a semi-truck collision can cause whiplash and soft tissue injuries, leading to pain and discomfort.
Burns and Disfigurement: In cases where the accident leads to fires or explosions, victims may suffer burns and disfigurement.
Emotional Trauma: The psychological trauma resulting from a semi-truck accident can have long-lasting effects, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Companies with High Commercial Semi-Truck Accident Records
Several trucking companies have a significant number of commercial semi-truck accidents on record. Being aware of these companies can help you understand the potential risks on the road. Some companies with a history of commercial semi-truck accidents include:
Swift Transportation: Swift Transportation has been involved in numerous accidents due to factors such as driver fatigue and equipment maintenance issues.
Werner Enterprises: Werner Enterprises has faced accidents related to driver negligence and issues like speeding and improper cargo loading.
C.R. England: C.R. England has been associated with accidents related to driver inexperience and lack of proper training.
Schneider National: Schneider National has encountered accidents involving driver error and equipment maintenance problems.
UPS: UPS has faced accidents related to driver fatigue, as their drivers often have tight schedules for package delivery.
FedEx: FedEx has seen accidents due to factors like distracted driving and failure to obey traffic laws.
Understanding which trucking companies have a history of accidents can help you identify potentially liable parties in the event of an accident.
What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident
If you’re involved in a semi-truck or commercial vehicle accident in Georgia, follow these crucial steps:
Safety First:
Ensure your safety and that of other passengers. If anyone is injured, call 911 for immediate medical assistance.
Report the Accident:
Contact the police to report the accident. A police report is essential for insurance claims and legal actions.
Collect Information:
Obtain information from the truck driver, including their name, contact details, license information, and insurance details. Also, collect information from any witnesses.
Document the Scene:
Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries.
Seek Medical Attention:
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, see a doctor promptly. Some injuries may have delayed symptoms, and a medical record is vital for your case.
Notify Your Insurance Company:
Report the accident to your insurance provider and provide them with all necessary details, including the police report and medical records.
Consult an Attorney:
It’s crucial to consult with a skilled Georgia Truck Accident Attorneys who specializes in semi-truck accidents. An attorney can help protect your rights, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and guide you through the legal process.
Preserve Evidence:
Keep all documents related to the accident, including medical records, vehicle repair estimates, and communications with insurance companies.
Conclusion
Semi-truck and commercial vehicle accidents can have severe consequences, from life-changing injuries to emotional trauma. If you’ve been involved in such an accident in Georgia, following the appropriate steps is crucial to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. At T. Madden & Associates, P.C., we’re committed to helping accident victims in their pursuit of justice and compensation. If you need legal assistance, contact us at (833)PAID-123 for expert guidance and support.
References:
FMCSA – The Large Truck Crash Causation Study
AICA Orthopedics – Possible Injuries After a Semi-Truck Accident
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