According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic crashes are an ongoing public safety issue in Cobb County. Accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians are frequent and all too common occurrences.
If you have been involved in a truck accident, talking with an experienced Marietta personal injury lawyer may help in evaluating the legal options.
Understanding The Impact of Large Truck Crashes in Cobb County
According to an article by the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), drivers of large trucks travel considerably more miles than passenger vehicle drivers. In 2021, large trucks were involved in 1.4 fatal crashes per 100 million miles traveled. The rate for passenger vehicle drivers was 1.7.
The IIHS also notes that in 2021, 4714 people died in crashes involving large trucks. Of these, 16% were truck occupants, 68% were occupants in passenger vehicles, and the remaining 15% were pedestrians, motorcyclists, or bicyclists.
Consider the numbers. Large trucks are extremely heavy, weighing 20 to 30 times as much as passenger vehicles. Large trucks are taller and have higher ground clearance than cars. This can mean that there can be deadly consequences, such as other vehicles sliding beneath truck trailers.
What to Do After a Marietta Truck Accident
You may be wondering what you should do if an accident happens.
If you have been involved in a truck accident, such as being hit by a semi-truck in Marietta, it is essential to stay calm.
Contact Emergency Assistance – Dial 911
Georgia law requires that drivers report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage of $500 or more. By calling 911, police and first responders can get to the scene, and you will fulfill your legal responsibility.
Get to Safety and Get Medical Care
If you are on a highway, it is vital to get to a safe location. Check if you are injured or if anyone else is injured and needs medical attention. A medical professional can provide an evaluation of injuries and offer care.
Report the Crash to Police and Insurance Carriers
Naturally, you will explain the situation to the responding police officer. In doing so, stick to the facts. Do not elaborate or embellish the facts. While reporting to the police and your insurance company, stick to the facts. Steer clear of apologizing or blaming yourself. Stay off social media, and if you are unsure what to say, you may want to wait until you speak with a personal injury attorney.
Share Contact Details and Information
Information sharing is an important step after an accident. Provide your name, address, license plate, and insurance information to the police. If you are retaining a lawyer, give the information to your attorney so it is possible for them to contact the other party’s insurance company and advocate on your behalf.
Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney in Marietta
Truck accidents can be complicated and involve settlement negotiations, establishing responsibility, gathering evidence, and determining the monetary value of claims. Many clients seek justice and prefer to focus on healing from the incident.
A truck accident can be traumatizing and require ongoing advocacy. A skilled personal injury attorney is skilled in how to handle the hassles and advocate for fair compensation.