If you or a loved one were injured in a construction truck accident in Columbus, you might deserve financial compensation. But you may need help from a lawyer to win what’s fair.
Insurance companies will do whatever it takes to pay you less. Protect your legal rights by speaking to our Columbus construction truck accident lawyers. Contact us today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win for you. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started for free.
Suing for Construction Truck Accident Injuries
If someone else’s carelessness caused your accident, you can take legal action. First, you will need to know who is liable.
An attorney can determine who is responsible for your accident costs. Then, they can help you prepare for a personal injury lawsuit.
You might be able to sue:
- The construction truck driver
- The driver’s employer
- A maintenance company
- A vehicle manufacturer
- A third-party driver
Truck accidents are more complicated than other claims. Several parties could be at fault for your collision.
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Why Construction Truck Accidents Occur
Before you can sue, you’ll also need to know why the accident happened.
Personal injury cases depend on negligence. According to OCGA §51-1-2, negligence is an absence of care. Someone can be negligent even if they didn’t mean to cause the accident.
Construction truck crashes might happen because of:
- Low visibility
- Poor maneuverability
- Inadequate driver training
- Malfunctioning parts
- Mechanical errors
Construction truck operators should know what they’re doing. Also, trucks should be regularly checked and maintained. If someone drops the ball, it can lead to a very serious accident.
Severe injuries and deaths are too common with these types of accidents. If you or a loved one were victims, you have the right to take legal action.
Employers should also follow all work zone regulations. Likewise, motorists who pass construction zones should yield the right of way to workers, as stated under OCGA §40-6-75.
Several possibilities can exist in a construction-related accident. You will need to know who caused your accident and how they were at fault.
Should You Hire a Lawyer?
If you were hurt in a construction accident, you probably need a lawyer. An attorney can ensure you know your legal rights and how to get started.
Construction truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the laws for work zones and accidents. Your lawyer will know how to build the most robust case possible.
At John Foy & Associates, we have 20-plus years of experience helping accident victims. Construction accidents are one of our specialties, and we are not afraid to fight for what you deserve. To get a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
Handling the Insurance Companies
Any accident victim should be wary of the insurance companies.
The at-fault party’s insurer cares most about its bottom line: money. Even if the insurance adjuster seems caring and friendly, they are not on your side.
Common insurance company tactics include:
- Offering you a lowball settlement
- Downplaying your injuries
- Making you question the value of your damages
- Asking for a recorded statement
It’s best to get a lawyer before you talk to the insurance company. Otherwise, the insurer might use something you’ve said or done against you.
Instead of worrying about what to do, you can simply tell the insurer to contact your attorney.
Building Your Case
You can file a lawsuit against the at-fault party after your accident. But you might not have to sue.
Many accident victims can get a settlement through the insurance company. If you have an experienced lawyer on your side, you have the best chance of negotiating a fair offer.
A good settlement only happens when you have a strong case. Your lawyer can help by:
- Gathering the best evidence from your accident
- Determining who is at fault
- Calculating the worth of all your damages
- Putting a value on your pain and suffering
- Protecting your rights every step of the way
Truck accident claims are complex. But an attorney can help, starting today. Whether you can get an insurance settlement or need to sue in court, your lawyer will help you make the best decisions.
How Personal Injury Cases Work
Personal injury claims seek compensation for the costs of an injury.
You can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Your claim must prove that:
- The at-fault party owed you a duty of care to not cause harm.
- The at-fault party failed in their duty of care.
- Your accident happened because of the failed duty.
- You suffered injuries because of the accident.
After you file a claim, the insurance company will probably respond. The company might send an offer, but it will be much less than you’ve requested.
Your lawyer can start negotiations with the insurance company. If all goes well, both sides can agree on a settlement amount. If the insurer doesn’t agree to a fair offer, you might consider going to court.
Court cases are lengthy and expensive. However, they are worth it in some situations. You can win a lot more by going to trial, but there’s also the risk of not winning at all. Talk to your attorney about what’s the best decision for you.
How to Know If a Settlement Offer Is Fair
A fair settlement offer should ideally cover all of your damages.
Common accident damages include:
- Medical bills
- Medication costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
You’ll want to know all of your costs before considering a fair offer. In some cases, the best offer is a compromise between both sides. You and your lawyer can decide what you’re willing to accept.
Most attorneys will request a higher amount in the insurance claim. That starts the negotiations in a way that allows wiggle room. You can still potentially cover your costs if the insurance company doesn’t negotiate as high as you’d like.
To learn more about the process, call our accident lawyers for a free consultation.
Get a Free Consultation with Our Columbus Construction Truck Accident Attorneys
We do not charge a fee unless we win your case. You can get started today at no risk.
To get your free, no-obligation consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form