If you have had the unfortunate experience of being involved in a road accident with a truck, it was probably frightening and dangerous. Hopefully, you were not seriously injured and you can live your life normally and in a healthy manner. However, because trucks are so large, it’s common after truck accidents for the occupants of smaller vehicles to suffer serious or even fatal injuries.
Atlanta is a major city and one that has very heavy traffic in many areas and frequent accidents involving trucks and other vehicles. Understanding the potential for such damage, the best thing that you can do is to be well prepared in the event that something happens to you while you are driving on one of Atlanta’s busy streets. At least as essential is that also understand what to do after the accident has already happened.
What do I do right after the accident?
Right after an accident occurs, there are certain initial steps that you should follow.
- Remain at the scene of the accident
- Call for the appropriate first responders to come to you
- Exchange contact information and license and insurance information with the other driver
- Take photos of the scene and speak with any witnesses who are present
Do the same rules apply to truck drivers as other motor vehicle drivers?
The same safety rules apply to all drivers on the road in Georgia. However, one law in Georgia that differs slightly than in other states is the minimum age requirement for the driver. Truck drivers in Georgia are not allowed to drive before they are 18 years old, whereas drivers of other motor vehicles can be younger. If the truck driver wishes to cross state lines, 21 is the minimum age.
It’s also important to note that the trucking industry must follow many state and federal regulations designed to make trucking more safe.
Being involved in an accident with a truck means that you may suffer the consequences much more severely than the truck driver simply because of the size and weight of the truck. Nobody wins in an accident but you should try to handle the situation to the best of your ability and get the support that you need.
Solid legal support
If you were involved in a truck accident in the Atlanta area, the chances are very good that you went through a great deal, both physically and emotionally. There is no reason for you to handle all of that on your own. The sound advice of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can make a great deal of difference to your case and to you personally. Your attorney can help you to navigate the legal process and to help you to protect your rights at the same time so that you can look to a brighter future.