Large truck accidents in Columbus are often severe. If you or a loved one were injured, you might need help from a Columbus 18-wheeler accident lawyer.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help. We have over 20 years of experience helping injured clients in Georgia. With over $1 billion in results, we know how to build strong cases. To get a free, no-obligation consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
What Should You Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident?
After an accident with a large truck, call 9-1-1. You and others will probably need emergency medical treatment.
Even if you don’t need treatment, it’s important to document the accident. Police should arrive at the scene, gather information, and create an accident report. You’ll need a copy of this report for your records.
After reporting the accident, you can also:
Exchange Information
Get the following from all other drivers involved in the accident:
- Full names
- Driver’s license numbers
- Vehicle registration numbers
- Insurance policy numbers
Also, ask for the truck driver’s employer information. This will probably be a trucking company.
Take Pictures
The details of an accident scene can say a lot. But someone can move or clean up evidence quickly.
You can preserve what happened by taking pictures.
If you can, snap photos of:
- Any cuts, bruises, bleeding, or other visible injuries you have
- All vehicle damage
- The entire accident scene
Take pictures from different angles and various locations. Getting a full view of the scene will help you paint a picture of what happened. It will also help your lawyer understand the maximum extent of your damages.
Talk to Witnesses
When an 18-wheeler crash happens, there are usually people around to see it.
Talk to anyone who might have seen what occurred. Ask if you can have their contact information. Your lawyer can reach out to each witness for a helpful statement.
Eyewitness testimony helps back up what happened.
Take Your Injuries Seriously
Don’t wait to get proper treatment for your accident injuries. If you didn’t get medical attention at the scene, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Go to all follow-up appointments, and heed all instructions from your doctor. If the insurance company thinks you aren’t taking your treatment seriously, it might use that against you.
You will need a medical record of you getting help for your injuries. Even if you feel okay, see a doctor who can evaluate you for all possible damage.
Be Careful What You Say
Avoid talking about the accident with anyone but your lawyer. Also, do not discuss fault or blame.
It’s human nature to want to say “sorry” after a crash. But the other driver could take an apology as an admission of guilt.
Before you assume anything about your accident, speak with a lawyer. An experienced attorney can investigate and protect your rights.
Call a Lawyer
You typically have two years from an accident to bring legal action, according to OCGA §9-3-33. Before that deadline, you’ll need time to build your case.
Don’t wait. Speak to a Columbus 18-wheeler accident lawyer who can handle the legal details. At John Foy & Associates, we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Who Is Liable for Truck Crash Injuries?
Commercial truck accidents are more complicated than other crashes. That’s because several parties could be responsible for what occurred.
The liable party could be:
- The driver of the 18-wheeler
- The trucking company that employs the driver
- A truck parts manufacturer
- A mechanic or maintenance company
Some truck drivers are employees, while others are independent contractors. The driver’s employment status might determine liability.
For example, a self-employed driver will probably be responsible for an accident they cause. But if the driver is an employee, their company likely provides insurance to cover accidents.
Large trucks also require routine maintenance. If someone drops the ball on making sure a truck is safe, and an accident happens, a mechanic could be at fault.
Partial Fault in Georgia
Georgia laws allow parties to share fault after an accident. If more than one person was partly responsible, you could have several legal cases.
Talk to your lawyer about the fault in your accident. You might need to seek compensation from several parties.
Columbus 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Near Me 404-400-4000
Suing for Being Hit by an 18-Wheeler
If someone else’s actions caused your injuries, you can take legal action. Our lawyers can help you bring a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Trucking companies often have large insurance policies in case of accidents. However, getting the compensation you deserve isn’t easy. The insurer will look for ways to pay you less.
A lawyer can help you fight for a fair settlement after your accident. Most cases settle before going to court, but your lawyer will be there each step regardless.
Seeking Compensation from a Personal Injury Settlement
It’s a good rule of thumb to request a higher settlement than what you would expect. That way, if the insurance company offers less, it might still be enough to cover your damages.
You might have damages like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Every claim is different. Before filing your case, make sure you understand what you deserve. You should not have to pay out-of-pocket for costs you didn’t cause. That includes both financial and emotional costs.
Our attorneys know how to value accident claims accurately. We consider every way in which the crash has affected you. From medical bills to lost income and emotional distress, we’ll fight for what you need to recover from the collision.
Recovering After Losing a Loved One
If you lost a loved one in an 18-wheeler accident, you could have a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful death claims seek recovery for:
- Medical costs
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship or consortium
Contact us today to talk about how we can help. Money can never undo what has happened, but it can help families cover costs and start the healing process.
For a free legal consultation with a 18-wheeler accidents lawyer serving Columbus, call 404-400-4000
Talk to a Columbus 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer for Free
Call John Foy & Associates today for a free, no-risk consultation. Our experienced and compassionate lawyers do not charge a fee unless we win you money. To get started for free today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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