A collision with a commercial truck can change your life in an instant. Tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and when they collide with passenger vehicles, the damage is often catastrophic. If you’re injured in a truck accident in Augusta, Georgia, knowing the right steps to take immediately afterward can protect your health, your rights, and your future claim.
At Burnside Law Firm LLP, our attorneys bring more than 50 years of combined legal experience in personal injury law, including truck accident litigation. With offices in Augusta and Athens, and recognition from organizations such as Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite, Super Lawyers, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, we are here to guide victims and families through the aftermath of these devastating accidents.
Step 1: Call Emergency Services
The first priority is safety. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical services. A police report will also be filed, which is essential for documenting the incident.
In Richmond and Columbia Counties, local law enforcement and Georgia State Patrol often respond to truck crashes on I-20 and I-520/Bobby Jones Expressway. That report will be crucial evidence if you pursue a claim.
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, get checked by a doctor immediately. Injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, and whiplash may not show symptoms right away. In 2021, 244 people were killed in Georgia truck crashes, and countless more suffered serious injuries that required prompt medical care.
Your medical records will serve as critical proof of your injuries in a future claim.
Step 3: Gather Evidence (If You Can Safely Do So)
If your condition allows, document the scene:
- Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and skid marks.
- Get names and contact information from witnesses.
- Note details about the truck, including the company name and license plate.
Trucking companies often dispatch investigators quickly. Having your own documentation can help level the playing field.
Step 4: Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
Insurance companies may contact you soon after the crash. Their goal is to minimize payouts — and they may pressure you into giving a recorded statement. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Trucking insurers are backed by significant resources. Burnside Law Firm’s attorneys, many of whom have held leadership positions in organizations like the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and the Augusta Bar Association, know how to counter these tactics.
Step 5: Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in Augusta
Because truck accidents involve federal regulations, multiple potential defendants, and higher insurance coverage limits, having skilled legal representation is essential.
At Burnside Law Firm LLP:
- Thomas R. Burnside III has decades of courtroom experience and a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating.
- Garon Muller has been honored as a Super Lawyers honoree (2021–2023) and named to Augusta’s Top Ten in Ten by the Metro Chamber of Commerce.
- Robert MacGregor, licensed in Georgia and South Carolina, has trial-tested experience from his time as a Public Defender in the Augusta Judicial Circuit.
- Ashton Revollo, an Emory University School of Law graduate, is active in the GTLA LEAD program and focuses on serving clients in the Aiken–Augusta region.
Together, our attorneys combine trial skills, community leadership, and respected credentials to deliver strong advocacy for truck accident victims.
Checklist: What to Do After a Truck Accident
- Call 911 and request medical and police assistance.
- Seek medical attention — even if injuries seem minor.
- Collect photos, witness statements, and truck information.
- Avoid recorded statements to insurers before speaking to a lawyer.
- Contact an experienced truck accident attorney in Augusta.
FAQs: After a Truck Accident in Augusta
Q: Should I always go to the hospital after a truck accident?
A: Yes. Some injuries don’t appear right away, and prompt treatment protects both your health and your legal claim.
Q: How soon should I call an attorney?
A: As soon as possible. Trucking companies may begin investigating within hours, so you need someone protecting your interests early.
Q: What evidence is most helpful?
A: Police reports, photos, medical records, driver logs, and maintenance records can all help prove your case.
Q: Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
A: Yes. Georgia’s comparative negligence rule allows recovery if you are less than 50% responsible, though your damages are reduced proportionally.
Takeaway: Protect Your Health and Your Rights
Truck accidents are overwhelming, but knowing the right steps can make all the difference. By calling emergency services, seeking medical care, documenting the scene, and contacting a trusted attorney, you protect both your safety and your future claim.
At Burnside Law Firm LLP, we proudly represent victims in Augusta, Athens, Evans, Martinez, and throughout Georgia. With decades of trial experience, respected recognitions, and strong community ties, we are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Augusta, contact Burnside Law Firm LLP today for a free consultation.
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