Trial Attorney Blog
When a large truck collides with a car, everything happens fast. You may feel shocked, hurt, or unsure what to do next.
In those first few moments, the steps you take can make a big difference in your safety, your health, and your legal rights.
At Finch McCranie LLP, our truck accident lawyers in Atlanta have helped many Georgia drivers who were injured by careless truckers or unsafe trucking companies.
Below, we explain—plainly and clearly—what to do right after a truck accident and how to protect yourself later.
1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
The very first step is safety.
- Move to the side of the road if possible.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Do not stand in traffic lanes.
- If the truck is leaking fuel or there is smoke, get everyone far away.
Even if your car looks badly damaged, your life and health come first.
Call 911 immediately and tell them there’s been a truck accident with possible injuries.
2. Call the Police and Report the Crash
Georgia law requires you to report any accident involving injuries or major vehicle damage.
When officers arrive, they will:
- Secure the scene.
- Gather driver and witness information.
- Create an official accident report.
This report is very important later because it becomes a key piece of evidence in your truck accident claim.
When speaking to police, stay calm and tell them what you know.
If you are unsure about something, it’s fine to say “I’m not certain.” Avoid guessing.
3. Get Medical Help Right Away
Truck crashes often cause serious injuries—sometimes ones you don’t feel immediately.
Shock, adrenaline, or minor-looking bruises can hide deeper harm like:
- Concussions or brain injuries
- Whiplash or neck pain
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal or back injuries
Even if you think you’re “okay,” see a doctor within 24 hours.
This protects your health and helps your case later.
Medical records show that the crash caused your injuries.
4. Exchange and Collect Information
After everyone is safe and police are called, gather these details:
- Truck driver’s full name and license number
- Trucking company name and phone number
- Insurance company and policy number
- License plate and DOT number from the truck
- Names and contacts of witnesses
- Photos of vehicles, damage, skid marks, road signs, and weather conditions
If you can’t do this yourself, ask a friend, passenger, or officer to help.
This information helps your truck accident lawyer prove who was responsible.
5. Do Not Admit Fault or Argue
After a crash, emotions run high.
The truck driver or company representative might approach you quickly.
Remember: be polite, but don’t apologize or admit fault—even casually.
You don’t yet know all the facts.
A simple “I’m sorry” can be misunderstood later by insurance companies as an admission of guilt.
Let the investigators and your lawyer review the details before anyone assigns blame.
6. Take Pictures and Videos
Photos and videos are powerful evidence.
Use your phone to capture:
- All vehicles from several angles
- Road debris, tire marks, or broken parts
- Any visible injuries
- Truck company logos or trailer markings
Try to include street signs or mile markers in at least one photo.
These help show exactly where the crash happened.
If you’re too hurt to take pictures, a family member or witness can often help later.
7. Notify Your Insurance Company
Let your own insurer know about the crash within a day or two.
Give them the basic facts only: where and when it happened, who was involved, and that police made a report.
Do not give a recorded statement or detailed explanation yet.
Before you do that, it’s smart to talk with a Georgia truck accident attorney who can guide you on what to say and what not to say.
Insurance adjusters work for their company, not for you.
Their goal is often to save money, not pay full compensation.
8. Keep Everything Related to the Accident
Save all documents connected to the crash, including:
- Medical bills and doctor reports
- Prescription receipts
- Towing or rental car costs
- Photos, notes, or texts about your injuries
- Letters from any insurance company
Keep everything in a single folder or envelope.
Your truck accident lawyer will use these records to calculate your total losses later.
9. Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer as Soon as Possible
Truck accidents are not like regular car accidents.
They often involve:
- Multiple companies (driver, trucking company, trailer owner, maintenance contractor)
- Federal trucking regulations
- Large insurance policies and corporate defense teams
Having an experienced truck accident lawyer in Atlanta levels the playing field.
At Finch McCranie LLP, we:
- Investigate driver logs and truck maintenance records
- Secure “black box” data from the truck
- Handle all talks with insurance adjusters
- Work with medical and accident experts
- Make sure deadlines under Georgia law are met
Most importantly, we protect your rights while you focus on healing.
10. Understand Georgia’s Time Limits
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If someone died in the accident, the family usually has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
If you wait too long, you could lose your right to recover compensation.
That’s another reason to call a lawyer early—they’ll track all deadlines for you.
11. Know the Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Victims of truck accidents may recover money for:
- Medical bills and future treatment
- Lost income and reduced ability to work
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage
- Long-term rehabilitation
- Wrongful death damages (for families)
Every case is different, but at Finch McCranie LLP, we carefully calculate what your case is truly worth before any settlement.
12. What Not to Do After a Truck Accident
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t post about the crash on social media.
- Don’t sign documents from any insurance company without a lawyer’s review.
- Don’t skip medical appointments.
- Don’t wait weeks to get legal advice.
Simple missteps like these can hurt your case or reduce your settlement.
13. How Finch McCranie LLP Helps Victims of Truck Accidents
For more than 50 years, our law firm has represented people across Georgia after devastating truck, car, and commercial vehicle crashes.
When you hire us, you get:
- Free initial consultation — no pressure, just answers.
- No fees unless we win — you owe nothing upfront.
- Personal attention — we handle your case, not a call center.
- Proven results — multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for serious injury cases.
We take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery.
Talk to a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one were hurt in a truck crash, don’t try to handle it alone.
The trucking company and its insurer already have professionals protecting their interests—you should too.
Call Finch McCranie LLP today for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Atlanta.
We’ll explain your rights in plain language, handle the paperwork, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was partly at fault for the truck accident?
Even if you were partly responsible for the crash, you may still be able to recover money under Georgia’s comparative negligence law. As long as you are less than 50% at fault, you can still pursue compensation, though your final amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you could still recover 80% of your total damages. A lawyer can help make sure the insurance company doesn’t unfairly blame you.
How long does it take to settle a truck accident claim?
The timeline depends on how complex the case is and how severe your injuries are. Some truck accident claims can settle in a few months, while others—especially those involving serious injuries or disputed liability—can take a year or more. Much of the time is spent collecting medical records, negotiating with insurance adjusters, and ensuring you receive full and fair compensation. Your lawyer will keep you updated at every stage so you know what to expect.
Should I give a statement to the trucking company’s insurer?
It’s best not to give any recorded or written statement before you’ve spoken with your lawyer. Trucking company insurers often contact victims quickly, hoping to use their words against them or limit future claims. Even simple answers can be twisted to reduce your payout. An experienced attorney can handle all communications with the insurance company and protect your rights from the start.
What if the truck driver was working for a big company like FedEx or Amazon?
If the driver was operating as part of their job, the company can often be held legally responsible for the driver’s negligence. These large corporations and their insurers usually have legal teams working to limit what they pay out. That’s why you need a lawyer who knows how to investigate trucking company practices, gather employment and maintenance records, and hold all responsible parties accountable for your injuries and losses.
How much does it cost to hire Finch McCranie LLP?
You never pay anything upfront. Finch McCranie LLP works on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you win your case or receive a settlement. This allows anyone—regardless of financial situation—to get top-quality legal help without risk. We cover the costs of investigating, filing, and building your claim so you can focus entirely on recovery while we fight for your compensation.