You might see large trucks, like 18-wheelers, traveling through Alpharetta at any time of the day. Although 18-wheelers are vital to the economy, they can cause serious injuries or deaths at any time.
Truck drivers must be careful to drive safely and avoid harm. If the driver is careless or something goes wrong, a crash can happen. If you or a loved one were injured, talk to an Alpharetta 18-wheeler accident lawyer today.
Don’t wait to get the help you need after an 18-wheeler accident. Call John Foy & Associates at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. We bring 20-plus years of experience to the table, and we are not afraid to fight for your rights.
The Serious Aftermath of a Truck Accident
Any auto accident can be serious. But truck accidents tend to be much worse than the average crash.
Eighteen-wheelers are enormous vehicles, even compared to regular pickup trucks or vans. Many large trucks are also carrying heavy or hazardous cargo. If an accident happens, the truck can cause incredibly severe damage, injuries, or deaths.
An 18-wheeler accident can leave victims with:
- Costly medical procedures and doctor bills
- Physical therapy or other rehabilitative needs
- Lost income from having to miss work time
- Loss of earning capacity for having to take on less work or a lower-paying job
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering like mental anguish or loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral and burial expenses after the loss of a loved one
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 4,136 people died in large truck accidents in 2018:
- 16% of the deaths were truck occupants
- 67% of fatalities were occupants of other vehicles
- 15% were bicyclists, motorcycle riders, or pedestrians
As you can see, most people killed in 18-wheeler accidents are other vehicle drivers or passengers. This sadly makes sense because large trucks are so big and bulky. Smaller vehicles are more likely to have severe damage and injuries.
Large truck accidents are some of the deadliest accidents on Alpharetta roads. If you or a loved one were a victim, you have a right to seek compensation for the damages.
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Filing a Claim After an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you were hurt in a truck accident, you might be entitled to compensation. If someone else was at fault, you can seek money to recover your costs. That usually means filing a personal injury claim with the insurance company.
There are several points to prove in an injury claim. For example, let’s say that the truck driver was at fault. Your claim must show that:
- The truck driver owed you a duty of care
- The driver failed to uphold their duty of care
- The driver’s carelessness led to your 18-wheeler accident
- You suffered injuries because of the accident
Proving the above points takes time and investigation. You’ll also need to protect yourself from the insurance company taking advantage of you.
An Alpharetta 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help you build and file your claim. At John Foy & Associates, we know what it takes to build successful cases. We’ll also handle the insurance company for you.
Contact us to discuss your case during a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
Driver Fault in an 18-Wheeler Accident
Companies are often responsible for their employees’ actions on the job. However, some truck drivers are self-employed or independent contractors. That means the driver might be personally liable for any accident they cause.
Truck drivers often have strict deadlines while driving. To meet work obligations, a driver might skip breaks or engage in unsafe behaviors like:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Falling asleep behind the wheel
- Distracted driving
- Running red lights
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield
- Aggressive or reckless driving
If the driver was negligent, you might have a case against them. You’ll need to know what the driver did to cause your accident before filing your claim.
Trucking Company Negligence
If the truck driver is an employee, the trucking company might be liable. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-2-2, employers are generally responsible for their employees’ actions. Trucking companies carry extensive liability policies to handle accidents.
The trucking company might also be at fault if they:
- Hired a truck driver who is not fit to drive
- Failed to train a driver properly
- Encouraged a driver to forgo breaks or perform other questionable practices
You’ll need to show that the truck driver was acting within their scope of employment during the accident. If the trucking company was negligent in some way, you’ll need to gather evidence of that.
Other Potential Truck Accident Causes
Sometimes, other factors contributed to an 18-wheeler accident, such as:
- Defective truck parts
- Manufacturing issues
- Third-party driver negligence
- Hazardous road conditions
- Poor truck maintenance
More than one factor might contribute to an accident. If so, you could have multiple injury claims or lawsuits.
An experienced lawyer can investigate the cause of your accident so that you know where to take legal action. A lawyer can also determine your damages and fight for your rights.
How an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Can Help
Truck accident claims are complicated and often confusing. Plus, insurance companies don’t make the process easy for injury victims. After your collision, it’s best to work with a lawyer who specializes in large truck accidents.
Our lawyers can help your case by:
- Gathering evidence of the accident and the at-fault party’s negligence
- Helping you find quality medical care
- Determining who is at fault for the accident
- Calculating your total accident damages
- Building a strong personal injury claim
- Communicating and negotiating with the insurance company
- Fighting for the full compensation you deserve
- Taking your case to court, if necessary
At the very least, it’s best to contact a lawyer for a free consultation. A case review can tell you a lot about your rights and legal options. You can also ensure you file before the deadline and seek the fullest money recovery possible.
Talk to an Alpharetta 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
After an 18-wheeler accident, call our Alpharetta lawyers at John Foy & Associates. We’ll connect you with the best attorney for your needs. You also don’t pay us unless we win your case, so it’s risk-free for you.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation today.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
