A car crash can be harmful, but a tractor-trailer accident can be even more disastrous, and even fatal. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 4,119 people died in large truck crashes in 2019, and 67% of those fatalities were car drivers or passengers.
If your crash was due to another driver’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. You could get money for damages so that you can move on from your accident and live comfortably again. An 18-wheeler accident attorney in Athens can help with your case.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident
The first thing you should do after you’ve been in a crash is to make sure you’re ok. If you have any injuries, call an ambulance or go to the hospital as soon as you can. Once you know you’re safe, you should take these steps to make sure you have a good chance of a strong personal injury claim:
- Talk to any witnesses who might have seen what happened.
- Take pictures of any damage to you and your car, as well as the scene of the collision.
- Record your conversation with the other driver in case they are fatigued or confrontational.
- Go to a doctor to make sure you don’t have any underlying injuries.
- Get in contact with a lawyer who can help you with your claim.
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Can I Sue If I’ve Been Hit by an 18-Wheeler?
In accident cases, liability is decided by negligence. That means if someone did not take a reasonable amount of care when an accident happens, then they are at fault. If a trucker or trucking company in your crash is found negligent, they could be responsible for paying for your damages.
Commercial truck drivers are often held to a higher standard than other people on the road when it comes to negligence. Not only do they have to follow the same traffic laws as everyone else, but they also must adhere to regulations like designated working hours.
If you’ve been in a tractor-trailer wreck, an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Athens will be able to investigate your crash and gather evidence of any wrongdoing. With our help, you will be able to bring forward a strong case that you are the victim of another driver’s negligence.
How Much Money Can I Get from an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawsuit?
The amount that you can recover from your crash depends greatly on the extent of your injuries and property damage. When you sit down for a consultation with one of our truck accident attorneys, they may be able to give you an idea of how much you can expect from your claim.
Insurance companies don’t want to pay you everything you’re owed, so they’ll try to reduce your settlement. They will try to use your words against you or deny your initial claim in order to bully you into lower compensation. An Athens 18-wheeler accident attorney will be able to help you negotiate.
Some of our successful results for big-rig accident cases include:
- $6.6 million for injuries from a tractor-trailer crash
- $4.9 million for an 18-wheeler collision
- $2.7 million for a multiple-vehicle car-carrier trailer crash
- $2.5 million for wrongful death in a tractor-trailer accident
A motor vehicle accident attorney from our firm will be able to assess your case and tell you what to expect from your claim.
Comparative Fault in Georgia May Reduce Your Settlement
Georgia is a comparative fault state, meaning if the plaintiff in a negligence case is also partially at fault for an accident, their settlement may be reduced. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 51-12-33, you will be assigned a percentage of fault in your case. As long as you are under 50% at fault, you are still eligible for reduced compensation.
For example, you may be eligible for $100,000 for your accident, but a judge may find that you were 20% at fault because you were speeding or driving distracted. You then lose 20% of your settlement, meaning you receive 80%, or $80,000.
That’s why it’s crucial to not let the other party make it look like you were partially at fault for your crash. An Athens 18-wheeler accident attorney will be able to navigate your case so you don’t end up getting less than you’re owed.
What Damages Can You Recover in an 18-Wheeler Accident Claim?
A semi-truck accident can cause extensive damage to your vehicle, your body, and your quality of life. Any negligent party should be held liable for your damages. The damages that you may be able to recover in your 18-wheeler accident claim include:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Wrongful death
When you get your initial consultation with an Athens 18-wheeler accident attorney, you will get an idea of what damages you may recover. We will calculate your damages, including present and future expenses. With us on your side, we can help get you paid so that you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to afford your next bill or put food on the table.
Talk to an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer in Athens for Free
Even though a crash only takes a moment, it can have consequences that last for years. If you weren’t at fault for your accident, you shouldn’t have to deal with the repercussions alone. Financial compensation can help you start to move on from your accident, and our personal injury lawyers have the experience to guide you through your claim.
Contact John Foy & Associates today to get a free consultation with an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Athens. We’ll handle the legal details so you can focus on recovery.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
