If you were injured in a wreck involving a big rig, there’s a good chance you’re facing tremendous losses. Luckily, we may be able to help. Contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a trusted truck accident lawyer.
If you ever drive on the interstate, you know that even passing an 18-wheeler can get your heart racing. Their sheer size makes the idea of colliding with one seem like a bad dream. Unfortunately, that nightmare becomes a reality for many drivers in Georgia each year.
When cars are involved in wrecks with large commercial trucks, the potential for catastrophic damage and injury is high. And if you consider the fact that an empty 18-wheeler weighs in at about 35,000 pounds, it isn’t hard to understand why.
When fully loaded, these trucks can weigh almost 80,000 pounds, rendering them the veritable unstoppable force. Unfortunately, your vehicle is not an immovable object, which means if you were injured in a truck accident, your losses are likely considerable. Fortunately, there are ways you may be able to secure compensation.
If you sustained serious harm in a truck accident caused by someone else, we may be able to help you pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Doing so may provide you with the settlement you need to finance your recovery and recoup other losses.
Ready to find out more? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about truck accidents in Georgia, who’s to blame and why our attorneys may be the ideal choice for you.
Are you drowning in debt after a truck accident left you severely injured? The compassionate attorneys at Joseph Williams Law are here to help. Get in touch with us at (912) 259-6548 to explore your legal options.
Are You Paying the Price for Their Mistakes?
As attorneys who specialize in helping injury victims find justice, we wish that all injury victims pursued the compensation they deserve. Unfortunately, that’s not what generally happens.
The reality is that most injury victims don’t know their rights. That’s why we want to tell you, right off the bat: If you didn’t cause the accident, you shouldn’t be footing the bill for someone else’s mistakes. The at-fault party should be held liable for your losses so that you have the opportunity and resources to recover.
If you’re unfamiliar with personal injury law, you may be wondering: How would a lawsuit help me to recover? The answer is actually pretty simple. After a serious accident, you could be facing numerous losses, such as a totalled car, medical expenses and lost wages. Drowning in debt and unable to work, you may turn to your insurance company for help.
Unfortunately, insurers don’t typically settle for as much as you deserve, and in some cases, they don’t offer you a settlement at all. Without sufficient funds, you may be forced to forego physical therapy or be unable to replace your vehicle. A personal injury lawsuit offers you an alternative scenario.
By working with a skilled truck accident lawyer, you may be able to pursue a claim against the person, party or entity that caused your wreck. If you win your claim, you may receive compensation to cover both economic and non-economic losses. You may win the settlement you need to fully recover and pay your bills and then some.
If you’re on the fence about filing a truck accident lawsuit, it’s important to remember that, whether or not it seems like it, there’s almost always more to lose. However, by securing a fair settlement through an injury lawsuit, you have your entire future to gain.
Truck Accidents in Georgia
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 13.8% of all roadway deaths in Georgia between 2016 and 2020 involved commercial trucks, despite trucks accounting for a much smaller percentage of registered vehicles.
Although truck accidents can happen for countless reasons, certain factors contribute more than others. Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Failing to adjust to weather conditions
- Driving under the influence
- Driving recklessly, speeding
- Negligent hiring practices by truck companies
- Failing to adequately train drivers
- Poor truck maintenance
- Failing to adhere to mandated break periods
Many truck accidents are caused by rigorous driving schedules and road fatigue, as well as safety defects. Mechanical failure can also precipitate accidents, especially when it involves tires or brakes, which are particularly vulnerable to defects.
What Should I Do Following a Truck Accident?
If you’ve ever been in a serious accident, you know that making sense of your situation in the aftermath is easier said than done. You may be confused, injured and afraid. You may be unsure of how to protect yourself, which is why it’s essential to have an action plan before an event like that occurs.
In the event of a serious truck accident, we suggest considering the following steps:
- Prioritize your safety. Nothing matters more than your safety and well-being. In the moments after a crash, it’s important to do a quick self-assessment of your injuries. If you’re able to move without causing yourself further harm, it’s a good idea to get out of the street and away from traffic.
- Call 911 for emergency medical care. In the midst of a traumatic event, your body floods with adrenaline, which makes you more alert and gives you energy. Adrenaline also triggers the release of extra endorphins that temporarily numb your pain. As a result, you may not realize the extent of your injuries right away, which is why it’s smart to call 911 even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured.
- Gather as much evidence as possible. If you can move around safely, you’ll want to gather as much evidence as possible. In conjunction with your medical assessment and police report, any photos, notes and statements you gather could prove invaluable if you decide to file a lawsuit. Pictures of vehicles, the accident scene, injuries, license plate numbers, insurance information, contact information and eyewitness accounts are all useful in supporting your claim.
When you’ve started to recover from your accident, the most important step you can take for your future is contacting a truck accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can outline your legal options and help you find the best strategy to protect your future.
What Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
It isn’t just that truck accident lawyers have the legal expertise you need in order to successfully file a claim—they also have extensive knowledge of insurance law and possess the experience and resources needed to craft a winning legal strategy.
Collect Evidence at the Accident Scene
After you partner with a trusted truck accident attorney, they’ll want to conduct a prompt investigation. They’ll document skid marks, debris and gas and oil stains, as well as collect pertinent documents, including police reports, eyewitness statements, photographs and safety logs. They can even send demand letters on your behalf, requesting access to evidence held by the trucking company.
Consult with Industry Experts
In order to bolster your claim, a truck accident attorney may consult with a trucking industry expert or investigator to understand the more nuanced details of your case. By analyzing these details, trucking experts can help your attorney understand exactly what precipitating your accident and who was responsible.
Negotiate with Insurers
After reviewing all of the evidence, your attorney will determine the at-fault party. Once that’s established, your legal representative can begin negotiating with the insurance companies on your behalf. Insurers fear litigation, which means your lawyer may be able to secure a settlement from them that you can’t on your own.
File a Truck Accident Lawsuit
If unable to secure a fair insurance settlement, your attorney will prepare to take your case to court. They’ll present compelling evidence and make strategic arguments to support your claim, call on industry experts and submit eyewitness testimony while fighting for your maximum compensation.
Truck Accident Lawyer FAQs
In the aftermath of a traumatic accident, it’s normal to have questions. The best way to get clarity is by speaking with a knowledgeable attorney, but in the meantime, check out the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
When is a truck company liable for an accident?
In some cases, an employer is responsible for their employee’s actions—even if they weren’t directly involved in the accident. A truck company may be held liable for a truck accident victim’s injuries if its actions indirectly contributed to the event. For example, a truck company may be held liable for injuries if it hired a driver with an unacceptable driving record, didn’t enforce the mandated driving breaks or didn’t perform regular maintenance on their vehicles.
Should I accept the insurance company’s offer?
Although there are exceptions, insurance companies rarely offer settlements that cover all of an injury victim’s losses. Even if their offer seems generous, it’s a good idea to consult a personal injury lawyer before accepting their settlement. Additionally, it’s generally wise to allow your attorney to negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
How long do I have to file my claim in Georgia?
If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a truck accident, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in Georgia is two years from the date of the accident. However, if the accident only caused property damage, you have four years from the date of the accident to make a compensation claim.
Joseph Williams Law: Trusted Truck Accident Lawyers Serving Georgia
Trying to recover from a traumatic accident on your own is a lonely road. Luckily, it’s not your only option. When you partner with a skilled truck accident lawyer in Georgia, you gain a co-conspirator in your quest for justice and increase your chances of securing a fair settlement.
At Joseph Williams Law, we understand that the idea of filing a lawsuit can be daunting. However, it may be your best chance—or only chance—to win the compensation you deserve.
When you’re ready to pursue a fair settlement, we’re here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at (912) 259-6548.
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