Being in a head-on truck collision can be scary and leave you a bit shaken up. You must keep your wits together and respond to the accident calmly and logically. Head-on collisions may be caused by drivers going the wrong way on the road, being distracted, or turning incorrectly. However, there is always the possibility of extenuating circumstances making it more difficult to determine fault.
Determining Fault in Head-On Collisions
The person at fault following a head-on collision is the driver whose negligent actions led to the accident. Negligence is careless or reckless actions or inaction and can be demonstrated by proving the driver failed to obey the road laws and avoided causing harm.
A police investigation will determine who is negligent in the accident by reviewing any available traffic footage or photos, interviewing witnesses, researching the drivers, consulting experts, and reconstructing the accident. It can be difficult to determine fault in an accident when there is a lack of evidence from the scene, a lack of witnesses or traffic footage, and conflicting statements from the parties involved.
Next Steps
Your actions following the collision are critical to the outcome. Here is a list of vital actions to take following the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Following the collision, your first priority should be the safety of yourself and your passengers. Pull off the road onto a safe location, then check on everyone in the car. Next, call 9-1-1 to report the accident and call an ambulance if anyone is hurt.
Document the Accident
After ensuring the safety of you and your passengers, begin to gather information from the accident. Make sure to save the contact information for the driver, the company they work for, and any witnesses to the accident. Take pictures of the crash site, vehicles, or anything else that may seem relevant. Be sure to write a detailed description of the events leading up to and following the accident while it is still fresh in your mind.
Contact Your Insurance Company
It is essential to call your insurance company within 24 hours following the accident to let them know you have a possible claim. If the other party is going to assume fault for the accident, you can also contact their insurance provider. You will unlikely have all the information they’ll ask for; however, you should have enough information to initiate the claim.
Call a Lawyer
Trucking companies tend to have strong legal teams ready to protect their drivers following an accident. An experienced Georgia personal injury attorney can advocate for your rights under the law. A qualified lawyer will help you navigate the complicated legal system and help you get the documentation you need to build your case.
Request a Copy of The Accident Report
Your attorney and the insurance company will likely ask you for a copy of the accident report. You or your insurance provider can contact the police department to request a copy. It typically takes two to three weeks for the police to complete the investigation and the necessary paperwork to form their report.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
Do Not Admit Fault
Following the accident, do not admit fault to anyone, especially the other party involved. Only the court can determine who is at fault in these head-on collision cases. Most car accident cases either end with one party assuming responsibility or both parties avoiding the assumption of fault but agreeing to a settlement anyways. The matter of fault can take months to decide, and you and your attorney must weigh all your options before admitting to anything.
Do Not Sign Anything
In the same vein as not admitting to a fault, you mustn’t sign anything presented by the opposite party after the collision. You could be signing a document preventing you or your attorney from pursuing your claims legally. Never agree to a settlement without contacting an attorney first. Do not share any details of the accident with anyone except the police and your attorney.
Conclusion
At The Gumprecht Law Firm, we listen to our clients and investigate their accidents to form the best legal defense specific to their case. We have experience going against large trucking companies and know what it takes to secure the best outcome in your favor. Contact us today for more information on our work and what we can do for you.
The Gumprecht Law Firm
3455 Peachtree Rd NE Fl 5
Atlanta, GA 30326
(678) 800-1050
https://www.galawfirm.com/
