Athens
Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer

Several parties might be at fault in a delivery truck accident in Athens. If you or a loved one were injured, you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. At the very least, schedule a legal consultation to learn your options.

Reach out today for a free, no-risk consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your claim. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get your free case review.

Damages You Can Claim After the Crash

After an accident you didn’t cause, you have a right to request compensation. Here’s how:

• The at-fault party should have insurance to cover auto accidents.
• If the other party caused the crash, they are legally responsible.
• As the injured person, you can file a claim with the insurance company for your damages.

“Damages” are any losses you experience because of the collision. Before filing a claim, make sure you understand all of your damages — both economic and non-economic.

Medical Expenses

Medical costs are the most considerable portion of an injury claim. While some injuries are minor, the medical expenses are usually higher than you expect. Examples of treatment costs include:

• Doctor bills
• Hospitalizations
• Prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Future treatment

Be sure to include all medical needs resulting from your injuries. For example, you might need long-term care or permanent medications. These are costs you shouldn’t have to pay, even long after the crash.

The at-fault party is liable for any damages from the accident they caused. If you’re unsure what future treatment you’ll need, talk to your doctor and a lawyer.

Lost Wages

If you were working before, the accident will probably affect your income. You’ll need to miss work time to recover. Plus, some injuries might prevent you from working the same way again.

You can claim any missed income as “lost wages.” To prove lost wages, you’ll need to provide pay stubs and tax returns to show your previous earnings.

If the injuries cause you to work less or take lower-paying jobs, you can claim that as “loss of earning capacity.” Talk to your attorney if you likely qualify for this type of damage.

Property Damage

You can claim the costs of car repairs or replacement. Delivery trucks are much larger than other vehicles, so car damage is typical. If other personal property was damaged in the crash, you can also include that in your claim.

Pain and Suffering

Besides monetary losses, a collision has emotional impacts, too. For example, an accident might result in:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Some crashes cause scarring that causes a victim shame or embarrassment. Mental health disorders or general fear about driving are also common. Even minor emotional strain can affect your life in significant ways.

An Athens delivery truck accident lawyer can help you demonstrate each of these losses – and fight to recover them. The goal is to “make you whole” as fully as possible after a crash you didn’t cause.

How to Know Who’s at Fault in a Delivery Truck Crash

Commercial truck accidents are different from the average car crash. Since delivery truck drivers are doing a job, multiple parties are involved. The at-fault parties can include:

• The truck driver
• The driver’s employer
• A maintenance company
• The truck or truck parts manufacturer
• A government entity

An employer is liable for their employees’ actions, according to the OCGA §51-2-2. If the driver is at fault and works for a company, that company is likely responsible. But if the driver is an independent contractor, the driver might be personally liable.

Sometimes, the fault doesn’t lie entirely on the driver. For example, poor truck maintenance or defective parts might cause a crash. If road conditions contributed to the collision, a local or state government could be partly at fault.

You’ll need to investigate the details of how your accident happened. If multiple parties are at fault, you’ll have more than one case. Thankfully, a lawyer will know how to research the crash and determine fault.

How Long do You Have to Contact a Lawyer?

You have limited time to take action, so don’t wait. In Georgia, the statute of limitations is two years from the accident date. If you’re suing a government agency, you could have as little as six months.

Contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Time goes fast after a collision, and you’ll probably be overwhelmed enough recovering from your injuries. A trusted attorney will:

• Make sure you file your case within the deadline
• Complete all necessary paperwork
• Protect your rights and speaking for you
• Handling the insurance company

While you focus on healing and being with loved ones, your lawyer will deal with the legal details. But the sooner you reach out, the better it will be for your case.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

Most auto accident claims settle outside of court. However, that doesn’t mean the victim always gets a fair settlement.

Too many people take the first settlement offer – even if it’s far too low. They get some money, but they end up paying out of pocket for damages they didn’t cause.

A lawyer will push back against the insurance companies, negotiating for an offer that makes sense. With a legal professional on your side, you’ll level the playing field and show the insurer that you’re not backing down.

How to Know You’ll Need to Go to Court

With a lawyer, you can usually negotiate a settlement without going to court. That means a better payout without a lengthy trial. But sometimes, a court case is the best option.

You might go to court if:

• You have significant damages
• The insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement
• The insurance company denies your claim
• There isn’t enough insurance coverage

If you need to go to court, your lawyer will be there every step of the way. And at John Foy & Associates, you pay nothing unless we win your case. Any fees we collect come from what we win you – and never upfront.

Talk to an Athens Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer for Free

To have a professional review your case and discuss your options, contact us today. We are available 24/7 to take your call and assist you. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with your free consultation.