You might wonder where to turn first after an accident with a truck in Columbus. Commercial truck crashes can turn your world upside down, but you have rights.
You might be entitled to a full financial recovery for what you’ve lost. And at John Foy & Associates, our Columbus fuel truck accident lawyers can help you fight for what you deserve. We do not collect a fee unless we win your case. Get started with a free, no-risk consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
Is a Lawyer Necessary After an Accident with a Fuel Truck?
You have no obligation to hire a lawyer—but it’s often a good idea. And if your accident was serious, getting a lawyer is highly recommended.
Collisions with fuel trucks tend to be severe, causing life-threatening injuries and other costs. Unless you have comprehensive knowledge of personal injury law, it will be difficult to know what to do.
Here are some signs you likely need a lawyer.
Severe Damages
Fuel trucks, also known as tank trucks or tanker trucks, are enormous vehicles that carry liquids or gases. These trucks are important for the economy, but they’re also a risk.
Fuel trucks are challenging to operate. If conditions are unsafe or a driver is careless, accidents can happen. Rollover crashes or collisions caused by sloshing liquids are especially common with tanker trucks.
Unfortunately, severe damages are common. Victims often suffer long-term injuries or deaths during a fuel truck crash. If you’ve lost a lot from your accident, you will need a lawyer who can fight for your recovery.
Denied Claim or Lowball Offer
Trucking companies should have extensive insurance policies for accidents. But that doesn’t mean you’ll instantly get a lot of money for your crash.
Lowball offers are common. The insurance company will look for any excuse to pay less for your accident. Without a lawyer, it’s very difficult to get a good offer.
Our Columbus fuel truck accident lawyers know what to do. We’re not afraid of standing up to insurance companies and holding the at-fault party accountable.
Liability Questions
If someone’s actions (or inactions) lead to an accident, that person is liable for the costs. However, liability is not always obvious—especially when an accident involves a fuel truck.
Commercial truck accidents involve many parties.
If you were injured, you might have a case against:
- The truck driver
- The driver’s employer
- The manufacturer of the truck or truck parts
- A maintenance company that worked on the truck
- A third-party driver in the accident
The legal side of a truck accident case can be complicated. You might need a lawyer who can investigate and determine liability.
Without a lawyer, you could miss out on compensation for your damages.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help. Plus, we’ll start with a free consultation where you can ask questions and decide if we’re a good fit. You pay nothing upfront, and there’s no cost unless we win you money.
To get your free consultation today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Get the strong arm
Claiming Damages from Your Accident
If you were not at fault for your accident, you can seek compensation. You probably have several personal injury damages.
Damages typically have two categories:
- Economic damages that are your financial losses
- Non-economic damages that address the mental and emotional effects of the accident
You’ll want to consider both types of damages when building your accident claim.
Your damages might look like:
Medical Expenses
Large truck accidents are often severe. It’s common for victims to suffer life-threatening or disabling injuries.
You’ll need to calculate all of your medical costs resulting from the accident. That includes long-term treatment you might need.
Common medical costs include:
- Doctor bills
- Hospital bills
- Prescription drug costs
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
An experienced lawyer can help determine your total medical expenses.
Lost Wages
Your claim should include any income you’ve lost because of the accident. Consider all work hours, bonuses, or raises you would have earned if the crash hadn’t happened.
Vehicle Damage
Passenger vehicles rarely come out of a truck accident in good shape. Chances are, your car needs serious repairs or even replacement.
Thankfully, you can include repair or replacement costs in your claim.
Pain and Suffering
Not all damages are financial. Your lawyer will also consider how the accident has affected your life overall.
Pain and suffering damages account for:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Embarrassment
- Emotional distress
Talk to your lawyer about how the accident has impacted you. You will probably need help putting a dollar value on your pain and suffering.
How an Attorney Helps Your Case
The moments after an accident are overwhelming for anyone. It can be challenging to know where to turn first. Thankfully, a lawyer can lighten your load and handle the legal side of things.
Here are some ways an attorney makes all the difference.
Preparing Your Claim
You must know what type of compensation you deserve after your accident. Your lawyer can determine your damages and build a strong insurance claim.
There are many questions to ask about your injuries. Your lawyer will consider:
- Current and future medical bills
- How much in pain and suffering damages you can recover
- Whether or not you have permanent injuries
- Who is at fault for the accident
While you focus on healing, your lawyer can prepare a solid case.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
Insurance companies know what they’re doing. The insurance adjuster will look for ways to pay you less. Instead of trying to handle it alone, you can get help from a lawyer.
Never accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney. Otherwise, you could miss out on significant money for your damages.
Your lawyer can negotiate with the insurer for an amount you deserve. Accident victims with lawyers have a much better chance of winning a fair settlement or court award.
Protecting Your Rights
A lawyer helps you make the best choices for your situation from beginning to end. Every case is different, so an attorney provides personalized advice and support.
Your lawyer will also make sure you file within the deadline. You have two years to take legal action after an accident in Georgia, according to OCGA §9-3-33.
Talk to a Columbus Fuel Truck Accident Lawyer for Free Today
If you were injured in an accident with a fuel truck, don’t wait to get started. Call John Foy & Associates today, and we’ll discuss your options during a free consultation.
To get your free consultation today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We are available 24/7 to assist you.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form