Tractor-trailers are incredibly common on Alpharetta roads. These trucks are huge, bulky, and hazardous if they get into an accident. If you or a loved one were injured in this type of crash, you have rights. You might deserve compensation for your damages.
Tractor-trailer accidents can lead to serious injuries and even death. The aftermath can be devastating and last for many years, perhaps forever. Don’t end up paying the costs of an accident someone else caused.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help. Our law firm has 20-plus years of experience helping accident victims and their families. We know what it takes to win cases, and you don’t pay unless we win for you. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
Our Alpharetta truck accident lawyer can review what happened and explain your possible next steps.
Tractor-Trailer Accidents vs. Other Auto Accidents
Accident severity can range significantly between accidents. However, accidents with tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks tend to be the worst. The damage is often significant, and injuries are typically life-threatening.
Tractor-trailer accidents are also different from a legal perspective. With most auto accidents, one or more drivers are usually at fault. But with a commercial truck accident, the at-fault party could be:
- The truck driver
- The driver’s employer
- A truck manufacturer
- A mechanic or maintenance company
Some truck drivers are contractors or own their own vehicles. Others are employees of a trucking company. The driver’s status might determine who is liable for your accident damages.
If the driver is self-employed, their own insurance might cover your accident. If a trucking company employs the driver, the company will probably provide insurance. These details are important to understand so that you know where to file your claim.
How to Recover Money After a Tractor-Trailer Accident
Georgia is a fault state. After an accident, the at-fault party is liable for the damages. If you were injured, you can seek compensation for your damages through an insurance claim.
Before filing a claim, you’ll need to build a strong case. You can do that by:
- Investigating the accident
- Determining who is at fault
- Gathering evidence from the scene
- Compiling proof of your damages
- Calculating your total damages
- Negotiating with the insurance company
- Taking your case to court, if necessary
Thankfully, you do not have to complete these steps alone. An Alpharetta tractor-trailer accident lawyer can handle the legal side of things. You can focus on healing.
Contact a lawyer today to get started. You have limited time to bring your case. At John Foy & Associates, we can make sure you stay on track. You also don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
Causes of Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Truck drivers are often under a lot of pressure. Trucking companies set strict deadlines to push cargo quickly. Despite regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), drivers or companies can cut corners.
Drivers might skip their rests or falsify records. If a driver is overworked and exhausted, it can lead to:
- Excessive speeding
- Swerving on the road
- Unsafe turns or lane changes
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Failure to yield
- Driving too fast for conditions
Drivers might also poorly load or secure cargo. Contents can spill from the truck, causing serious injuries. The driver, their employer, or a loading company could be at fault.
You need to gather evidence of the driver’s actions. An experienced lawyer can help you investigate.
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Types of Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Large commercial trucks can crash in many ways. The nature of the accident can affect how the truck moves or falls during the crash. This can increase the risk of serious injuries.
Common types of tractor-trailer accidents include:
- Rollover accidents: when the truck rolls onto its side or top
- Jackknifing: when the trailer forms an angle with the cab
- Blindspot accidents: when the driver cannot see other vehicles
- Under-riding: when a small car gets caught underneath a large truck
- Tire blowouts: when truck tire failure leads to an accident
These crashes can be incredibly dangerous. Unfortunately, many people lose their lives in these types of accidents. If you or a loved one were a victim, you can seek compensation.
Tractor-Trailer Accident Damages
Truck accidents often create many damages. Personal injury damages are the costs of your injuries. Common damages include:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Accident injuries can be costly and painful. The medical costs can add up to tens of thousands of dollars or more. Some people have permanent disabilities.
An injury can also affect your ability to work. Victims might lose their jobs or have to take on lower-paying work for accommodations. Truck accidents can also leave victims with emotional trauma and other pain and suffering.
An experienced lawyer can account for all your damages. You’ll need to know the worth of your total losses before filing a claim. This will tell you how a fair settlement should look.
The Deadline to File Your Claim
Time is crucial after a tractor-trailer crash. In Georgia, the deadline to bring a claim is two years. In some cases, you have even less time to file.
Missing the deadline can translate to mean not recovering anything at all. If you try to bring a claim later, the court will probably throw out your case. That’s why it’s so important to start now.
Your lawyer can make sure you stay on track. They’ll help you build a case within the deadline and protect your rights along the way.
Talk to an Alpharetta Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer
Tractor-trailer accidents have some of the worst outcomes. If you or a loved one were a victim, you have rights. You should not have to handle the legal side of things alone.
John Foy & Associates can help. We have 20-plus years of experience, and we’re not afraid to fight for what you deserve. We also will not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Call us today for a FREE consultation. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call.
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