The moments following a truck accident are critical for the injured victims. What you do or do not do can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Knowing what evidence to secure is essential for building a strong and successful claim.
The foundation of your claim
Every truck accident case requires solid evidence to establish liability and damages. To strengthen your position, it is crucial to collect this evidence early:
- Police report with official details and preliminary fault determinations
- Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage and visible injuries
- Contact information for all witnesses who saw the collision
- Truck driver’s logbooks showing hours of service
- Vehicle maintenance records for the truck involved
- Medical records documenting your injuries
- Employment records showing lost wages
- Black box data recording truck speed and braking patterns
- Video footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses
- Cargo loading documentation
Often, strong cases are built on different kinds of proof that all point to the same conclusion about what happened and who is at fault.
Georgia truck accident laws
In Georgia, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit for injuries caused by a truck accident. You can still receive compensation even if you were partly at fault, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the crash.
Georgia follows strict federal regulations for commercial trucks, including rules on weight limits, driver certification and required rest periods. These regulations are important in determining liability.
The value of legal guidance
In truck accidents, evidence can quickly become scarce. Skid marks may fade, witnesses might forget details and trucking companies might not keep records for long. A skilled truck accident attorney in Georgia knows how to effectively gather and preserve crucial evidence.
Attorneys can issue spoliation letters to safeguard evidence, secure expert witnesses and negotiate with insurance companies that may try to reduce your compensation. They also understand the comprehensive value of your claim beyond just immediate medical costs.
