A serious truck accident in Augusta, GA can leave you facing severe injuries, extensive vehicle damage, rising medical bills, and deep emotional distress. With so many commercial large trucks moving through areas like the Augusta Mall corridor, Augusta National Golf Club, and surrounding industrial zones, the risk of being involved in a trucking collision is real.
When you’re hit by a truck driver operating under tight deadlines, negligent practices, or while fatigued, knowing what to do next is critical. This guide covers the exact steps to take to protect your health, your financial recovery, and your legal future.
Step 1: Ensure Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention
After the crash, first check for injuries. Even if you believe you’re unharmed, hidden trauma such as Traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away.
Call 911 and request emergency medical attention. When emergency responders arrive, allow them to assess and transport you or others in need. Even mild symptoms should lead to professional medical treatment,and this care must be well documented for your claim.
Hospitals like Augusta University Medical Center are equipped to handle serious accident injuries. Keep a record of all medical professionals, visits, diagnoses, prescriptions, and medical expenses. These details support both your recovery and your truck accident lawsuit.
Step 2: Protect the Accident Scene and Notify Law Enforcement
Move to a safe location, turn on hazard lights, and wait for law enforcement. Officers will assess the situation and generate a Police Report,a key piece of evidence for your insurance claims and legal process.
When speaking to officers, state the facts clearly. Do not admit fault, speculate, or guess. Request a copy of the accident report later, and preserve details such as:
- Skid marks
- Weather and road conditions
- Vehicle positions
- Witness statements
These can help accident reconstruction experts analyze faults later.
Step 3: Document the Crash Thoroughly
You’ll need more than your memory to support your case. Use your phone to capture the following:
- Photos of all vehicles and vehicle damage
- Roadway conditions and traffic signs
- License plates, driver’s license numbers, and vehicle registration
- Contact info for the truck driver, their trucking company, and any cargo loader on site
Ask nearby businesses or traffic departments about surveillance footage or traffic cameras. Secure any driver logs, black box data, GPS logs, and maintenance records tied to the large truck involved.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your Insurance Company as soon as possible to report the crash. Share only the basics,time, location, and vehicle info. Do not speculate or agree to a recorded statement unless your attorney advises it.
If the trucking company’s insurer contacts you, be cautious. They may attempt to undervalue or deny your claim outright. Let your legal team handle insurance questions and ensure you don’t sign away your rights.
Step 5: Track All Medical Bills, Medical Records, and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Maintaining detailed documentation is essential. Create a file for:
- Emergency room visits
- Follow-up appointments
- Medication receipts
- Therapy and rehab costs
- Assistive devices
- Medical records
- All out-of-pocket medical expenses
These help justify your settlement demand and illustrate both your economic damages and noneconomic damages, such as pain, suffering, and mental anguish.
Step 6: Determine Who Is at Fault
Truck crashes are more complex than typical Car Accident claims. Multiple parties may share responsibility:
- The truck driver for fatigue or distraction
- The trucking company for improper training or scheduling
- A cargo loader for unsafe loading
- Maintenance contractors
- The truck’s manufacturer (if brakes or steering failed)
Many cases hinge on the legal theory of respondeat superior, which holds employers liable for the actions of employees. Attorneys investigate the driver’s history, employer policies, and federal regulations from the Federal Motors Carrier Safety Administration.
Step 7: Be Aware of What Damages You Can Recover
Victims of truck accidents in Augusta, GA may recover:
- Property damage
- Vehicle damage
- Medical bills
- Medical costs and future care
- Lost wages and loss of income
- Noneconomic damages like emotional trauma
- Compensation for permanent injuries or disfigurement
Your lawyer may use evidence like witness testimony, black boxes, accident reconstruction experts, and driver logs to strengthen your claim.
Step 8: Avoid Pitfalls and Social Media
Never post details about your auto collision, injuries, or interactions with your Insurance Company on social media. Defense teams may monitor your posts and use them to undermine your case.
Other common mistakes include:
- Failing to preserve driver’s license info
- Ignoring medical instructions
- Underreporting pain levels
- Delaying legal action
- Not saving evidence of insurance claims
Step 9: Know the Time Limits in Georgia
Under Georgia law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years. For property damage, it’s four years.
Delays can cost you the right to recover economic losses and future compensation. Once evidence is lost or witnesses move, your chances of a successful truck accident lawsuit decline.
Step 10: Reach Out for Legal Help Immediately
Truck crashes often involve massive insurance policies and aggressive defense tactics. They may claim you were partially at fault or that your injuries aren’t severe. Having the right team on your side can make all the difference.
Well-documented claims backed by experts and evidence like black box data, maintenance records, and accident scene photos often result in faster and more fair resolutions.
About Ted Law Firm
At Ted Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping individuals in Augusta and across Georgia navigate the aftermath of serious truck accidents. If you’ve been injured in a truck collision, our team provides steadfast legal support to guide you through every stage of the recovery and claims process. With our contingency fee model, you owe nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf. We proudly serve injury victims throughout Georgia, including Augusta, Atlanta, Athens, Columbus, Macon, Savannah, and Warner Robins and beyond. From covering legal expenses to managing all procedural filings, we stand by your side from consultation to resolution. .Contact us today for a free consultation,
