A delivery truck accident can change your life in a matter of seconds.
ne moment you’re driving home from work or running errands, and the next you’re dealing with serious injuries, vehicle damage, and endless paperwork.
These crashes are not like regular fender benders — they often involve large trucks, complex insurance claims, and multiple responsible parties.
If you’ve been hit by a FedEx, UPS, Amazon, or commercial delivery truck in Georgia, knowing what to do next can make all the difference in protecting your health, your rights, and your financial future.
Let’s walk through everything step by step — in simple terms — so you know exactly what to do after a delivery truck accident.
1. Make Safety Your First Priority
Before anything else, protect yourself and others.
Move to a safe area if you can.
Turn on your hazard lights and stay clear of traffic.
Even if the crash seems minor, delivery trucks can leak fuel or block lanes, creating dangerous conditions.
Call 911 immediately. Emergency responders will arrive to check for injuries, manage the scene, and file an official police report.
This report is extremely important later for insurance and legal purposes.
2. Get Medical Help Right Away
Never assume you’re “fine” after an accident. Many truck accident victims experience delayed symptoms — especially with injuries like concussions, whiplash, or internal trauma.
Go to the hospital or see your doctor as soon as possible, even if you think it’s just soreness. A prompt medical exam:
- Protects your health and identifies hidden injuries.
- Creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
- Strengthens your potential legal case if you decide to seek compensation.
Your wellbeing always comes first — and medical documentation will later serve as valuable evidence when dealing with insurance companies or a Georgia delivery truck injury lawyer.
3. Contact the Police and Get a Copy of the Report
Georgia law requires you to report any accident involving injuries or significant damage. The responding officer will file an official accident report.
Make sure to:
- Ask for the report number and the officer’s name.
- Verify that all details are correct — including the truck’s company name and license plate.
- Get a copy for your records once it’s available.
This report provides an unbiased, third-party account of what happened — something every truck accident attorney will use to build your claim.
4. Collect Evidence at the Scene (If It’s Safe)
If you’re able to, try to gather as much information as possible before leaving the scene.
Take photos or videos of:
- Your vehicle damage
- The delivery truck (including logos, plates, and DOT numbers)
- The road, traffic signs, and skid marks
- Any visible injuries
Also, note down:
- The driver’s name, employer, and insurance info
- Contact details for witnesses
- The exact time and location
The more evidence you have, the easier it becomes for your Georgia truck accident law firm to prove fault and recover full compensation.
5. Avoid Talking Too Much to Insurance Companies
After a crash, you might get calls from the delivery company’s insurance provider — sometimes within hours. They may sound friendly, but remember: their goal is to protect their company’s money, not yours.
Don’t admit fault or make statements about your injuries. Instead, simply say you’re seeking legal advice. Let your truck accident lawyer handle communications on your behalf. They know how to deal with insurance adjusters who try to twist your words or push for a quick, low settlement.
6. Identify All Potentially Responsible Parties
Here’s something most people don’t realize — delivery truck cases often involve multiple layers of responsibility.
Depending on the situation, you might be able to hold accountable:
- The truck driver (for negligence, speeding, or fatigue)
- The delivery company (FedEx, UPS, Amazon, etc.) for poor training or overworked schedules
- The vehicle maintenance provider if faulty brakes or tires caused the crash
- The truck manufacturer if a defect contributed to the accident
A skilled 18-wheeler accident law firm in Georgia will investigate every angle to uncover who’s really at fault — not just the driver behind the wheel.
7. Keep All Records and Documents
Paperwork might feel overwhelming, but keeping track of everything can strengthen your case. Create a file with:
- Medical bills and receipts
- Repair estimates or photos of your vehicle
- Police and incident reports
- Prescription costs
- Time missed from work
All these details help your delivery truck injury lawyer calculate accurate damages — not only for your medical care but also for lost income, pain, and emotional suffering.
8. Understand How Truck Accident Claims Work in Georgia
Georgia follows a fault-based insurance system, which means the person or company responsible for the crash must pay for the damages.
You can usually seek compensation through:
- The truck driver’s insurance policy
- The delivery company’s corporate policy
- Your own uninsured/underinsured coverage (if applicable)
Truck accident claims are also subject to Georgia’s comparative negligence rule. That means if you’re found partially at fault, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
For example, if you’re 10% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you could still recover $90,000.
A qualified truck accident attorney near you will explain how this applies to your specific situation and make sure insurance companies don’t unfairly assign blame.
9. Don’t Wait Too Long to File a Claim
Georgia law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. That might sound like plenty of time, but evidence can disappear quickly — skid marks fade, witnesses move, and records can be lost.
The sooner you hire a Georgia delivery truck injury lawyer, the stronger your case will be. Your attorney will start investigating right away — preserving black box data, company logs, and surveillance footage before it’s gone.
10. Why Delivery Truck Accidents Are So Complex
Delivery truck accidents differ from normal car crashes in several key ways:
- Size and weight: Delivery trucks cause far greater damage due to their mass.
- Driver fatigue: Many drivers face tight delivery schedules and long shifts.
- Corporate involvement: Big companies like FedEx and Amazon have entire legal teams working to minimize payouts.
- Federal regulations: Trucking operations are governed by strict federal safety standards.
That’s why victims need more than just a general lawyer — they need an experienced truck accident attorney who understands commercial transport law, driver logs, and cargo safety rules.
11. Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Depending on your case, you may be eligible for compensation covering:
- Medical expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, medication.
- Lost wages: Income lost while recovering.
- Future medical care: For long-term injuries.
- Property damage: Car repair or replacement costs.
- Pain and suffering: Emotional and physical distress.
- Wrongful death damages: If a loved one was lost in a delivery truck accident.
A strong truck accident lawyer in Atlanta will calculate every category of loss — ensuring no detail is overlooked.
12. How a Georgia Truck Accident Law Firm Helps You
Hiring a law firm like Finch McCranie LLP means you’re not alone in this process. Your attorney can:
- Investigate the crash thoroughly
- Gather and preserve evidence
- Deal with trucking company lawyers and insurance adjusters
- Calculate fair compensation
- Negotiate aggressively or take your case to court
Most importantly, they’ll guide you step by step — answering your questions and keeping you informed until your case is resolved.
13. Common Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents
Every case is different, but some of the most common causes include:
- Driver fatigue from long delivery routes
- Distracted driving, like GPS use or texting
- Speeding or aggressive driving to meet deadlines
- Poor maintenance, such as worn tires or brakes
- Improper loading that makes the truck unstable
- Weather or road hazards
Understanding what caused your accident is the first step toward proving negligence and holding the right people accountable.
14. What If the Delivery Company Denies Responsibility?
It’s common for large delivery companies to claim the driver was an “independent contractor” to avoid liability.
However, a knowledgeable Georgia delivery truck injury lawyer can challenge this by showing:
- The company controlled the driver’s routes or schedules.
- The truck displayed company branding.
- The driver was using company equipment or an app.
These details can prove the company is legally responsible for the accident — not just the driver.
15. Why Legal Representation Makes a Difference
Many victims try to handle claims on their own at first, only to find themselves overwhelmed by paperwork, delays, and lowball settlement offers.
When you have a truck accident lawyer on your side:
- You don’t have to handle stressful calls from insurers.
- Your attorney negotiates from a position of strength.
- You get access to investigators, expert witnesses, and accident reconstruction professionals.
Legal experience truly matters in complex truck cases — and that’s what gives Finch McCranie LLP its reputation as one of the most trusted law firms in Georgia.
16. When a Delivery Truck Accident Leads to Wrongful Death
Sadly, some delivery truck accidents result in fatalities. Families left behind can pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for medical costs, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and future financial support.
It’s never about replacing a life — it’s about securing justice and preventing companies from repeating the same mistakes.
A wrongful death lawyer in Atlanta can help families navigate this emotional and legal process with compassion and care.
17. Why Choose Finch McCranie LLP
For over 50 years, Finch McCranie LLP has represented accident victims across Georgia with dedication and integrity.
The firm is known for handling truck accidents, wrongful death cases, and medical malpractice claims — often securing major settlements for clients who were treated unfairly by large corporations and insurance companies.
When you choose Finch McCranie LLP, you’re not just hiring a lawyer — you’re getting a team that fights for your rights from day one.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
A delivery truck accident can leave you shaken, hurt, and unsure of what to do next. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
With the right legal team, you can protect your rights, hold negligent companies accountable, and rebuild your life with confidence.
If you or a loved one was injured in a delivery truck crash, contact Finch McCranie LLP today for a free consultation.
Our team of experienced Georgia truck accident lawyers and wrongful death attorneys will listen to your story, explain your options, and fight for the justice you deserve.
👉 Call Finch McCranie LLP now or visit finchmccranie.com — your recovery starts with one conversation.