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Last Modified on Aug 14, 2026
Truck accidents involving large commercial vehicles have the potential to cause serious injuries. If you are involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, it is important to know what to do after a truck accident in Georgia.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
After a truck accident, you are likely busy arranging to have your personal property repaired or replaced, and you may be recovering from injuries you sustained during the accident. While you recover, you should not be burdened with handling your truck accident claim.
Truck accident claims can take a long time to settle, given the complex nature of most commercial vehicle insurance and company policies. When you hire a truck accident lawyer, your attorney can assist you with the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
Truck Accidents in Georgia
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS), there were a total of 8,734 truck crashes involving 9,508 vehicles in Georgia during 2025. These crashes caused:
- 185 fatalities
- 4,024 injuries
If you are involved in a truck accident in Georgia, your first step should be to contact your insurance company and report the accident. Once liability is established, you should be able to negotiate for a fair settlement offer with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
If you cannot negotiate a fair settlement agreement, you can file a personal injury claim in civil court in the county where the accident occurred. These claims are most often handled either in state courts, such as those in Fulton, Clayton, or Cobb County, or in superior courts.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Georgia
Being involved in a truck accident can be overwhelming, but it can be helpful to know what steps you should take to ensure your own safety and the safety of the other people involved.
There are also steps you can take that could help you later if you need to file a claim or submit evidence to help you receive fair compensation for your damages.
After an accident, you should:
- Call law enforcement. Notifying law enforcement of the accident is necessary and results in a police report you can use later.
- Aid the injured. Check on any passengers in your vehicle and anyone in any other vehicle involved. Georgia has a Good Samaritan Law that allows you to render necessary aid without the threat of legal repercussions.
- Get medical attention. If an ambulance is called, do not leave the scene of the accident until you have been cleared to do so. Otherwise, see a medical professional as soon as you can.
- Gather evidence. Take photos of the damage done to your vehicle and the other vehicles. Make note of any weather or road conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
- Talk to witnesses. Take brief statements and collect their contact information so you can reach them later.
- Exchange information. Exchange your name, address, license plate number, and driver’s license number with the other driver or drivers involved in the accident.
- Contact an attorney. A truck accident attorney can walk you through the process of filing a claim.
FAQs
How Long After an Accident Should You File a Police Report in Georgia?
After an accident in Georgia, you should file a police report as soon as possible, typically right after the accident occurs. Under Georgia Code Section 40-6-273, you are required to report any accident that involves a fatality, an injury, or property damage over $500 by the fastest means.
If an officer does not respond to the accident, you should report it at a local precinct within 48 hours. Report the accident to your insurance agent within a few days.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Truck Accident in Georgia?
There is no average settlement amount for a truck accident in Georgia. Instead, the amount you could receive in compensation depends on the damages you have suffered as a result of the truck accident.
A reasonable settlement agreement should cover any medical bills related to the accident, lost wages as you recover from your injuries, the cost to repair or replace any damaged property, and compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
How Much Time Is Required to Settle a Truck Accident Claim in Georgia?
How much time is required to settle a truck accident claim in Georgia depends on the severity of injuries sustained and whether the claim is settled through negotiations or at trial. Negotiated claims take less time than those that go to trial.
If you are severely injured, you may have to wait until after you have reached maximum medical improvement, as reported by your physician, for your claim to be settled. Truck accident claims also take longer to establish liability.
Do I Have to Get a Lawyer After a Truck Accident?
No, you are not required to get a lawyer after a truck accident, but there are many benefits to having local legal representation when filing a claim. A Columbus truck accident lawyer knows which local, state, and federal laws apply to your case.
Truck accident claims are often complex and involve many different individuals and companies who could be found liable for the accident. These claims could take years to settle. Having an experienced lawyer helps you receive fair compensation.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident in Georgia?
Who is liable for a truck accident in Georgia could be any of several different individuals or companies. The truck driver could be found liable if they were driving recklessly or in violation of any laws, or liability could fall on the company that employs the truck driver.
It could also be the company responsible for loading the cargo or maintaining the commercial vehicle, or even a third-party manufacturing company if faulty equipment caused the accident.
Contact Trammell Injury Law
When you work with Trammell Injury Law, LLC, you get the knowledge and experience you would associate with a large firm, coupled with the personalized attention of a small-town business.
We strive to build a relationship with each of our clients so we can earn your trust as we handle your case. We personally connect with each client and will keep you informed at every step of the process, allowing you to make informed decisions.
We’re ready to handle your claim on your behalf. Contact Trammell Injury Law today to schedule your initial consultation.
