The contents of a moving van can lead to serious injuries if an accident happens. At John Foy & Associates, we have won over $1 billion for our clients throughout Georgia, including Columbus.
If you were injured in an accident, you might deserve financial compensation. Our Columbus moving van accident attorneys are here to help. We know how to build strong accident claims and fight for your rights.
To get started with a free consultation today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We’re available 24/7.
How Long do You Have to Contact a Lawyer After an Accident?
Ideally, you should speak with a lawyer within days of your accident. Waiting any longer can hurt your case. In Georgia, you have two years from the accident date to take legal action. But you should contact a lawyer much sooner.
Time moves quickly when you’re handling a legal case. You will need time to:
- Gather evidence from the accident
- Determine who is at fault
- Build a strong injury claim
- Negotiate with the insurance company
So, it’s never too soon to call an attorney. In fact, it’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as you can.
The sooner you call an experienced attorney, the sooner you can start the process. Without legal help from the beginning, you might lose precious time and evidence.
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What does an Attorney Charge for a Moving Van Accident Case?
Personal injury lawyers usually work on a contingency fee. That means the lawyer’s payment depends on whether or not they win the case.
If the attorney wins their client a settlement or award, the attorney gets a percentage of that money. The standard for a contingency fee usually starts at 33% (or around one-third) of the settlement.
Lawyers charge this way because:
- It ensures the lawyer has the client’s best interest in mind.
- The client doesn’t have to pay anything to get started.
- The client doesn’t worry about legal fees if their case isn’t won.
Trusted attorneys will be upfront about their fees. During the consultation, you can ask questions about what to expect.
To get a free consultation with John Foy & Associates, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. Get the power of the Strong Arm on your side today.
How to Know What’s a Fair Settlement
The best settlement should cover all of your accident costs. However, getting a fair offer can take work.
You can seek a settlement by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Before filing your claim, calculate all of your damages from the accident. Your claim should outline your damages and include the settlement amount you’re requesting.
Most of the time, the insurance company will respond with a lowball offer. This is where your attorney will work to negotiate a higher amount.
Damages You Can Claim
Ideally, your settlement should cover:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Settlements vary widely by accident. The only way to know what’s fair for your case is by talking to a lawyer. Your attorney can add up your damages and make sure you know what’s a fair offer.
Who’s Responsible for a Moving Van Crash?
Before you can seek compensation, you must know who is at fault. It’s easy to point fingers at the moving van driver, but that might not be the whole story.
Most of the time, the person driving a moving van doesn’t own the vehicle. The driver is usually someone renting the van to move their possessions.
So, who is actually at fault?
Let’s look at the possibilities.
Driver Negligence
The moving van driver could be personally liable for the crash. Many rental companies require customers to provide their own insurance in case of accidents.
Auto insurance companies will usually not cover rental van accidents. So the rental company will often offer extra coverage for renters to purchase.
If the driver caused the accident, you might have a claim with one or more insurance companies.
Company Negligence
If the driver was a moving company employee, the company is typically responsible.
The company might be liable for:
- Poor driver training
- Driver distraction or fatigue
- Hiring someone unfit to drive
Employers are typically liable for employee actions while on the job, according to OCGA §51-2-2. If an employed driver caused the accident, the company’s insurance should cover it.
The company could also be at fault if they rented to someone who shouldn’t be driving. For example, maybe the driver was intoxicated or underage. The company could be liable for renting to that person.
Maintenance Issues
Moving vans should be fit to drive many miles. Some people need to move their property across city or state lines. If the vehicle isn’t properly maintained, accidents can happen.
A mechanic or maintenance company could be responsible for the crash.
Van Defects
Moving vans and trucks should be safe every time someone takes them on the road. The company should regularly check for safety issues. If a defective part causes an accident, someone is liable.
The rental company or a vehicle manufacturer might be at fault. Your lawyer can trace the issue to the source.
Your attorney can investigate to figure out who is responsible. In some cases, more than one party might be at fault for your damages.
Get the Help You Deserve After Your Accident
According to Consumer Reports, finding a trusted moving company can be challenging. If an accident happens, knowing where to turn is even harder. Whether a moving van hit you or you were injured while driving the van, we can help.
You should not have to pay for an accident you didn’t cause. Our attorney can help by:
- Investigating the cause of the accident
- Gathering the best evidence of what happened
- Holding the at-fault party responsible
- Handling the insurance companies
- Fighting for everything you deserve
It’s often difficult to know where to turn first. Plus, insurance companies can take advantage of accident victims who are new to the legal process.
Thankfully, you don’t have to handle your case alone. We’ll deal with the details while you heal from your injuries and spend time with loved ones.
Reach out to our team at John Foy & Associates to learn more during a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win, and we are available 24/7 to assist you.
Talk to a Columbus Moving Van Accident Attorney for Free
To get your free, no-obligation consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
