Managing Partner
When you are in an accident with a commercial truck in Georgia, you will typically file a claim with the at-fault trucker’s insurance provider. However, insurance companies are notorious for denying and undervaluing claims. You need a robust case to prove your injuries and minimize complications when pursuing compensation. Below are some tips on how to build a strong truck accident case to protect your interest.
Gather Evidence
Evidence is the name of the game with personal injury lawsuits, and the more compelling evidence you have, the better. Try to document as much of the accident as possible, including taking photos of the damage to the vehicles and your injuries, if you are well enough to do so. The point of documenting the accident is to prove that the other party caused the crash.
Get the contact details and insurance information of the trucker and the company they work for. Fortunately, commercial trucks have “black boxes,” which record pertinent information about the truck’s movements before and during the crash. Trucking companies have maintenance logs and truck driver personnel records that could be used as evidence, depending on which party is potentially liable for the crash.
Your attorney can also collect the police accident report and look for eyewitnesses who are willing to testimony to further prove your version of events. Insurance companies will perform their own investigations after you file a claim, so you should obtain as much evidence that supports your position as possible.
Get Medical Documentation
The first thing you should do after an accident is to see a doctor. A doctor can diagnose your injuries and provide a formal medical record of your condition. This record will show the extent of your injuries and connect them to the accident. When you open an insurance claim, you will have to submit documents proving your medical condition and treatment expenses, which could include:
- Diagnostic tests
- Imaging results
- Lab reports
- Patient files
- Hospitalization bills
- Discharge paperwork
Don’t delay seeing a doctor. Insurance companies may use delays in medical care to argue that your injuries were not serious or that the accident didn’t cause them.
Watch What You Say and Do
Personal injury claims can take several months or more than a year to resolve, and your life might receive elevated scrutiny from insurance adjusters during that time. Be careful about discussing your case, as off-hand remarks could be used against you. Generally, you should only speak to your attorney about your claim.
You should also watch your social media activity, as insurance companies might monitor your feeds. For example, insurance companies might use a posted picture of you engaging in some physical activity as evidence against the claimed extent of your injuries. You should also only talk to the insurance company with your attorney present.
Talk to An Attorney
Technically, you can file a personal injury claim on your own, but the process can be confusing. Truck accident attorneys have extensive experience working on these types of claims and know how to maximize your chances of getting an insurance payout that covers all your losses. An attorney can also file a formal lawsuit on your behalf if the insurance company refuses to offer an appropriate settlement amount.
Truck Accident Injury Representation in Macon
When you are in a truck accident, the clock is ticking. The longer you wait to begin your claim, the harder it will be to recover your losses. Don’t hesitate to contact a truck accident attorney in Macon right away. Joshua E. Palmer Law is dedicated to seeking justice for those injured by the wrongdoing of others. Our results speak for that dedication, and we’re prepared to work hard for you, too.
Contact us online or call today to schedule a free case consultation.
