The Holiday Season Can Increase Your Risk of a Truck Accident

The holiday season is always a busy time, especially for retail businesses. It is the season of giving, after all, and many observers predict that this is going to be a record-shattering year, especially for online retailers. All of that economic activity is great for getting people back to work during the pandemic, but it will also put significantly more delivery trucks than usual on the roads this December – putting us all at risk of involvement in an accident. Fortunately, if you are hurt in a crash, our Atlanta truck accident lawyers are here to help.

Avoiding Truck Accidents around the Holidays

Fortunately, there are things that you can do to avoid involvement in an accident with a commercial truck this year. Some of the most important are discussed below.

Give Trucks Plenty of Space

If you see a large semi, box truck, or delivery truck, be sure to give them plenty of space. Large trucks are more difficult to maneuver and have longer stopping distances than smaller vehicles, and by giving them room, you are reducing the risk that you will be involved in a serious accident.

Avoid Blind Spots

Sometimes – in heavy traffic, for example – you may be unable to stay away from large commercial trucks. If you near one, do as much as you can to stay out of their considerable blind spots. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), commercial vehicles have blind spots directly to their left, right, front, and back. If you are unable to see the driver in his or her mirror, the driver cannot see you.

What to Do after an Accident with a Commercial Truck?

There is no way to completely eliminate your risk of a commercial truck crash this holiday season. In the event that you are involved in a collision with a truck, there are certain things you should do to protect your rights:

See a Doctor

It’s critical to see a physician after an injury-causing accident, even if you don’t think you are seriously injured. Seeing a doctor will ensure that you start treatment right away and will also result in the creation of a medical record describing your injuries – which will be very important when it comes time to file a claim.

Do Not Discuss Your Case with the Insurance Company

Trucking company insurers are savvy and want to settle every case for as little as possible. If you talk to them before you have a lawyer, they may trick you into saying something that could justify them offering you a smaller settlement or denying your claim outright.

Contact an Attorney Immediately

You should call a lawyer as soon as you can after an accident with a commercial truck. The earlier an attorney is involved, the sooner you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery.

Call Us Today to Speak with a Truck Accident Attorney in Atlanta

If you are hurt in an accident with a commercial truck this holiday season, you should contact an attorney as soon as you can. At Slappey & Sadd, our experienced truck accident lawyers know how to get our clients the compensation they deserve in a timely manner. To schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our team, call our office today at 888.4747.9616 or contact us online.