Columbus Cargo Truck Accident Lawyer

If you have injuries from an accident with a cargo truck in Columbus, you might have a legal claim. You can seek compensation if someone else was at fault for what happened.

At John Foy & Associates, our Columbus cargo truck accident lawyers know what to do. Take charge by working with a Columbus truck accident lawyer. We have been helping injured clients for over 25 years. You also don’t pay a thing unless we win. 

Your Legal Options After a Truck Accident

If a cargo truck (or some other type of truck) has hit you, you have rights. You can seek compensation for your losses, also known as your damages, according to OCGA §51-12-4.

Filing a personal injury claim with Columbus personal injury lawyer is typically your best option. Through your claim, you can request money for costs like medical bills and property damage. 

However, truck accidents aren’t the same as passenger vehicle accidents. Besides the other driver, other parties could be involved.

You could have a case against:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The insurance company
• A vehicle manufacturer
• A maintenance company

Fighting for what you deserve can be complicated. To ensure you know your options, it’s best to speak with an experienced lawyer.

Truck accidents are some of the deadliest on the roads. If you or a loved one were injured, don’t wait to get help. You should not have to pay for the costs of an accident you didn’t cause.

Personal Injury Claim vs. Lawsuit

Auto accidents often start with a personal injury claim. You can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If all goes well, you’ll receive a settlement to help recover your costs.

Sometimes, filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party or their insurance company is best.

You might need to file a lawsuit if:

• The insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement.
• The insurance company denies your claim.
• Your damages are greater than what the other side will offer.

You have the potential to win more with a lawsuit. However, court cases also take more time and money. You’ll want to make sure a lawsuit is the best choice before proceeding.

Your lawyer can help you decide what’s best for you. Most cases end with a settlement and never go to court. But severe accidents, often those involving large trucks, may need to go to trial.

What an Accident Lawyer Can Do for You

Handling the legal details after an accident is complicated. Most accident victims have never had to deal with a legal claim before. If you were injured, you can benefit incredibly from an experienced lawyer.

A personal injury lawyer can help by:

• Evaluating your accident details
• Determining who’s at fault
• Gathering proof of your damages
• Handling the insurance companies
• Building a strong accident claim
• Negotiating a fair settlement
• Preparing for court (if necessary)

It’s easy to feel like a fish out of water after your accident. You have bills to pay and rising medical costs. At the same time, you cannot work, not to mention the accident’s emotional effects.

A lawyer can handle the legal side of things while you focus on recovery.

Also, you’ll have to prepare for the insurance companies. Insurers will look for ways to pay you less, and they don’t have your best interests at heart. If you’re not careful, something you say or do could get used against you.

At John Foy & Associates, we can handle the insurance companies and the legal process. To learn more about your options, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. Get a free consultation today.

What Is a Fair Settlement for Pain and Suffering?

Your pain and suffering settlement will depend on your injuries. If your injuries affect your life in significant ways, you might deserve a lot for pain and suffering.

There are two main types of damages, according to OCGA §51-12-2:

1. Economic damages
2. Non-economic damages

Economic damages include financial losses like medical bills and lost wages. You can easily prove these costs through bills and receipts.

Non-economic damages, which include pain and suffering, are more complicated. There are two ways insurance companies typically calculate pain and suffering.

Multiplier Method

In the first method, you would add up all of your financial losses. Then, you’d multiply that total by a number between 1.5 and five to get your pain and suffering damages.

“Per Day” Method

The second method calculates pain and suffering by the day. You’ll determine a dollar amount for every day you’ve had to live with pain from the accident.

Your lawyer can calculate your pain and suffering using these methods. Don’t forget to account for these losses in your accident claim.

Financial damages help recover costs you already have, such as medical bills you need to pay. But pain and suffering is about directly compensating you for what you’ve suffered.

How Are Settlements Paid Out?

If you and the insurance company agree on a settlement, you’ll receive your payment. Most settlements come as a lump sum, but some victims opt for a structured settlement.

Structured settlements are paid out over time. They’re typically only a good idea in certain situations like if the victim is a minor.

If you had a lawyer, they will typically receive the settlement check first. They’ll pay out any pending medical bills and deduct their fee. Then, you will receive your money.

Statute of Limitations for Accident Claims

In Georgia, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. That time goes quickly, so it’s best to get started today.

You will need time to gather evidence, determine fault, and build your case. If you wait too long, it can hurt your case or prevent you from recovering anything.

Talk to an experienced lawyer today to make sure you stay on track.

Talk to Our Columbus Cargo Truck Accident Lawyers for Free

Get a free, no-risk consultation with one of our trusted lawyers at John Foy & Associates. There is no fee unless we win you compensation. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.