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Truck accidents are among the most serious auto accidents in Columbus. Every year, accidents involving semi trucks cause approximately 200 deaths across the state of Georgia, and thousands of injuries. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident, you may find yourself facing steep medical bills, missing weeks or months of work time, and needing to completely replace your car. A good Columbus truck accident lawyer can help you recover the money you need to pay for all of these expenses.
At John Foy & Associates, we have over 20 years’ experience helping the victims of truck accidents. We understand that the injuries caused by a semi truck collision can be extreme and life-altering. And we know firsthand that the loss of a loved one can never be fully healed. Our goal with all of our clients is to help you make the fullest recovery possible, and make sure you have no financial worries doing so. We can sit down with you for a consultation—free of charge—and help you understand your options for getting a financial recovery.
Don’t face this difficult time alone. Contact John Foy & Associates at 706-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.
What makes semi truck accidents different from other car accidents?
A fully loaded semi truck and trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That’s nearly 25 times the weight of a typical car. Because tractor trailers are so heavy, they can do terrible damage even in a relatively minor accident.
Other factors also make semi truck accidents more dangerous:
- Semis cannot stop quickly and accidents often involve high speeds
- Drivers of semi trucks have limited visibility of what is beside or behind them
- Many semi accidents involve the truck “jack-knifing” and/or tipping over
- Some trucks carry flammable or hazardous substances
Because semi trucks are so dangerous, their drivers are also held to higher standards. A semi driver must carry a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and follow rules to make sure they are not fatigued, distracted or overworked. Most semi truck drivers are professionals who do their best to follow the rules, but unfortunately they face long days on the road and demanding deadlines. Driver fatigue and distraction are common factors in semi truck accidents.
What costs can I recover for a truck accident claim in Columbus?
The law in the City of Columbus says that auto accident victims have a right to recover all of their costs. This can include:
- All medical costs including hospital stays, doctor appointments, tests and more
- Medication costs
- The cost of physical therapy or any other rehabilitation
- The price of repairing or replacing your vehicle
- Money to make up for any time missed at work because of your injuries
Additionally, the law can award you money to compensate you for serious losses like a permanent disability, emotional pain and suffering, or the death of a loved one. We understand that this money can never replace what was lost. The purpose of the money is to help offset the financial hardship of moving forward with your life.
Because of the extensive damage semis can cause, the financial recoveries for truck accidents can be quite large. In some cases they can run into the millions of dollars.
How do I know if I have a case?
The only way to be sure is to speak with a legal professional. All too often we see truck accident victims who wrongly believe there’s nothing they can do, or even think the accident is their fault. Often times they’re wrong. Remember, if the truck driver could have done something differently to prevent the accident, then legally they share some or all of the responsibility.
When you call John Foy & Associates, we will send an investigator to gather evidence about what happened. In many cases we will find out that the truck driver had been on the road too many hours, that their road log shows they didn’t get enough rest, or that their truck couldn’t have passed a roadside inspection. This substantially strengthens your case as it shows that the trucking company, not you, was at fault.
What should I do if I was in an accident with a truck in Columbus?
The first thing you should do is call 911. After that, if you’re physically able, it helps to gather information.
Ways you can help yourself at the accident scene include:
- Take photographs of what happened
- Speak to any witnesses, and ask them for their contact information
- Call the police and wait for them to arrive
Additionally, you should see a doctor after the accident. Even injuries that seem minor at first may be much more serious than you expect. We can help you find a doctor who is familiar with the injuries caused by car accidents.
Why do I need a Columbus truck accident lawyer? Can’t I just take the money the insurance company offers?
Trucking companies pay large amounts of money for liability insurance. In theory, this insurance is supposed to pay for all of your medical costs after an accident. In reality, however, insurance companies do not want to pay up. They have large legal teams and they will devote all of their resources for finding a way to pay you less than you need.
Often, the insurance company will call you shortly after the accident and offer you immediate money. They know that you already have medical bills and the financial worries are setting in. They offer you quick money if you sign their paperwork. Don’t do it. Signing those papers means giving up your right to any additional money. If you sign the papers today and then you find out you need surgery, or medication, or physical therapy—you will be on your own. We have seen this happen too many times.
Always speak to a good truck accident attorney before you accept anything from the insurance company. It doesn’t hurt to sit down for a consultation and discuss your rights.
Is there a deadline to file a claim?
Yes, the court system in Columbus uses a set of deadlines based on both Georgia state law and federal law. If you miss the deadline, you usually lose all rights to your claim. The deadlines for truck accident claims can be as long as two years from the date of the accident, but there are exceptions that give you much less time. You should speak to a lawyer immediately.
Talk to a Columbus Truck Accident Lawyer for Free
At John Foy & Associates we understand truck accidents. We have helped many victims and families go through this difficult period, and we have a long history of winning recoveries for our clients. Don’t leave your future up to chance. Let us give you a free consultation. Call us at 706-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
