It’s no secret that Georgia’s highway’s are among the most dangerous highways in the United States, but did you know that many of Carrollton’s most devastating accidents involve a semi truck? It’s not that truck drivers are especially bad on the road—becoming licensed and certified involves strict training requirements—it’s the fact that their vehicles are so massive. As a result, when a truck accident happens, the consequences can be far more serious than a typical passenger vehicle collision.
This means a truck accident can involve more than one vehicle, sometimes several, and the injuries sustained may be far more serious. If this has happened to you, you cannot face the legal process alone. Take the time to talk to a Carrollton truck accident lawyer.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve spent over two decades helping truck accident victims cope with all the physical, mental and emotional fallout that such tragedies can cause.
We know how to get insurance companies to cover your medical bills, the time you’ve spent away from work, and many other unexpected expenses. We’d like to provide you with a free consultation to discuss your situation and go over how we can help. Don’t wait.
Call us at 404-400-4000 and get your free consultation right away.
How does a Truck Accident Claim Work in Carrollton?
Ordinary car accident claims typically involve only two parties, and determining fault is more straightforward than it is in claims involving larger 18-wheel trucks and tractor-trailers. This is because large trucks are often owned by one entity, maintained by another, and operated by a third party.
Furthermore, given the immense miles put on commercial vehicles, there’s much more wear and tear on the truck itself. If crucial parts were manufactured defectively or improperly installed, it can add another layer of liability.
The fact that these claims are so complex can be intimidating, but it can also be good for your claim. It means that there will be scrutiny of many different parties involved in the truck’s operation, not just the driver.
Any or all of these parties could end up being held liable for your injuries, which improves the chances that you will recover the full amount of money you need.
A good truck accident will look at each of these parties and build evidence to prove your case in court. They may review relevant maintenance logs, investigate the driver’s credentials and licensing, rely on experts to recreate and analyze the scene of the accident, and look for any manufacturing, maintenance, or repair defects.
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What Are My Rights If I Was Hurt in a Truck Accident?
Truck accident victims and their families both have rights. If you were injured, you may be able to recover damages including:
- The cost of all long-term medical bills associated with the accident
- Money for any special care you need following the accident
- Money for lost work time
- Pain and suffering and other personal losses, such as loss of quality of life
- Damages related to any psychological trauma you suffer related to the accident
Additionally, families have rights in cases where a loved one died in a truck accident. This is known as a wrongful death claim, and it allows you and your family to recover many of the same damages your loved one would have received if they had survived, as well as final costs such as funeral expenses.
What Should I Do If I Suspect the Driver Was Asleep or Fatigued?
Most trucking companies have rules and procedures in place regarding how long a driver can drive in one stretch, how often they need to rest, and for how long. Unfortunately, there is not much in the way official monitoring or enforcement.
This means the guidelines in place are often bent and sometimes completely ignored, because the more deliveries a driver makes, the more they may earn. This can lead to dangerous results such as driver fatigue, which is medically similar to driving drunk, and some drivers actually fall asleep at the wheel.
If your car accident attorney is experienced in truck accident claims, they will know how to find signs of driver fatigue and prove what happened. This process usually involves reviewing driving logs and other evidence such as delivery schedules or internal documents by the trucking company.
It could also involve gathering supporting stories from eyewitnesses who saw how the trucker was driving or how the trucker spoke or acted after the accident.
I’ve Already Been Offered Money and It Seems Like a Good Deal. Why do I Need a Lawyer?
The insurance industry is a business, and it’s in their best interest to resolve incidents as quickly and cheaply as possible. Whenever an insurance company quickly offers you money, it means that they are hoping you take that amount and forego any rights to further negotiation or payment.
They know you are stressed and in pain, and they are hoping that whatever amount they offer up front will satisfy you before you fully understand the scope of the accident.
The moment you accept a financial settlement from an insurance company, your rights become incredibly limited. It’s nearly impossible to reopen your case or return to the bargaining table, even if new facts come to light—or your injuries turn out to need more treatment and care than you believed.
Not every insurance offer is too low. But it’s important to remember that the insurer’s interests are opposed to your own—and in a high stakes claim like a truck accident case, they have every incentive to underpay you.
The single best thing you can do for your case is to get an objective legal opinion before you sign anything.
Talk to a Carrollton Truck Accident Lawyer for Free
At John Foy & Associates, we only do one thing, and in 20 years we’ve learned to do it very well: we get money for people who have been injured. Let us give you a FREE consultation to explain how we can help you with your claim.
Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form