- Truck Accident
As you are driving down the road, minding your own business, a massive truck barrels into your car from out of nowhere. The impact is jarring, the chaos overwhelming. In the midst of the confusion and pain, you may wonder what steps to take next.
Should you call for medical help? Exchange information with the other party involved? And most importantly, do you really need to involve the police? A Fayetteville truck accident lawyer knows all the answers to these questions.
And this is exactly what we will discuss in this article: the importance of the police report in a truck accident case. But first, a few words on Georgia law concerning traffic accident reporting.
Failing to Report a Motor Vehicle Accident Is Against the Law in Georgia
According to Georgia law, if you’re involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500, you must notify the local police immediately. This requirement applies whether you were at fault or not.
If you fail to report the crash, you could face consequences for breaking the law. Additionally, proving fault and seeking compensation becomes significantly more challenging without a police report on record.
The Police Report Contains Valuable Information About the Truck Crash
When you’re involved in a truck accident, the police report can be an invaluable source of information. The report provides a clear account of what happened during the accident. It includes information such as the date, time, and location of the incident.
Additionally, it documents any traffic violations or citations issued at the scene which may help your Fayetteville truck accident attorney establish liability. Furthermore, the police report often includes important details about road conditions and weather at the time of the collision.
You May Be Too Badly Injured to Document the Accident Scene
In the chaotic aftermath of a truck accident, it’s not uncommon for victims to be left seriously injured and unable to document the scene. But, being too badly injured to take photos or gather evidence on your own doesn’t mean you have no recourse.
This is where the police report becomes crucial. The police report contains valuable information about the circumstances of the crash, including witness statements, measurements of skid marks or debris on the road, and any citations issued at the scene.
Without this vital information from the police report, it becomes challenging for your Fayetteville truck crash lawyer to build a strong case on your behalf.
Your Lawyer May Not Be Able to Identify Eyewitnesses Without the Police Report
Eyewitnesses can provide essential details such as the sequence of events leading up to the crash, road conditions at the time, and any negligent behavior exhibited by the truck driver. This information can strengthen your case and help establish liability.
But without access to a police report containing contact information for witnesses, your Fayetteville truck accident attorney may struggle to track them down.
The Trucking Company’s Insurers Will Try to Deny or Minimize Your Claim
There is no secret that trucking company’s insurers will do everything they can to protect their interests. Unfortunately, this often means shifting blame away from their client and onto you.
Insurance companies are experts at finding any possible way to minimize or deny claims. They have teams of adjusters and lawyers whose job it is to investigate accidents and find ways to pay out as little as possible. This includes using tactics such as questioning your credibility, downplaying your injuries, or trying to shift blame onto you.
Without a police report documenting the facts of the accident, it becomes much harder for your Fayetteville truck accident lawyer to counter these strategies.
Call an Experienced Fayetteville Truck Accident Lawyer!
Navigating the aftermath of a truck crash can be overwhelming. The last thing you need is to be burdened with the task of gathering evidence and navigating the legal process on your own. This is where a skilled Fayetteville injury attorney can make all the difference.
With over 70 years of combined experience, Wade Law can effectively negotiate with insurance companies to settle your claim. These insurers often try to twist facts and downplay their client’s responsibility in order to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Our team is prepared to stand up for your rights.
Seeking professional legal advice after a truck accident is essential. Call us today at 770-282-1188 for a free case review!