You might deserve total compensation if you were injured in an accident in Columbus. Large trucks can cause severe injuries and other damages. Talk to one of our Columbus tractor-trailer accident lawyers about what you can do.
At John Foy & Associates, we have over 25 years of experience with accident cases. Our firm knows what it takes to win. We focus on resolving your claim with a Columbus truck accident lawyer. You don’t have to worry about upfront costs or legal fees—there is no charge unless we win. To get a free consultation today, call or contact us online.
Should You Hire a Lawyer After an Accident?
It’s normal to wonder if a lawyer is necessary after your accident. But when the crash involves a tractor-trailer, the answer is probably “yes.”
Large truck accidents are very serious. If you suffered injuries and were not at fault, you’ll need to know your legal options. An experienced Columbus personal injury lawyer can give you the best shot at fair compensation.
Here’s what you can expect from a truck accident lawyer.
Finding Out Who’s Responsible
There can be multiple parties responsible for a tractor-trailer accident. You might only consider the driver’s actions, but it’s often more complicated than that.
Your lawyer can investigate who all is at fault for what occurred.
At-fault parties can include:
- Truck drivers
- Insurance companies
- Trucking companies
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Contractors
- Maintenance companies
- Government agencies
Liability is often not obvious until an attorney does some digging. It takes an experienced legal eye to know where responsibility lies after a truck accident.
Your attorney will determine all of the potentially liable parties for your accident. This is the only way to recover the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Knowing Your Best Legal Options
Many accident claims settle outside of court. That means you and the insurance company agree to a financial settlement. You get money for your damages, and the case is closed.
But some claims are best handled in court.
You and your lawyer might decide to go to trial if:
- The insurance company won’t offer enough.
- The insurance company denies your claim.
- Your damages are greater than the insurance policy limits.
Deciding what to do takes a lot of thought and work. Most accident victims are overwhelmed with their injuries and other worries. An experienced lawyer can help you decide on the best course of action for your legal rights.
Calculating Your Damages
Any losses from your accident are your personal injury damages. Before seeking compensation, you’ll need to know all of your damages.
An attorney knows how to add up your losses. They’ll ensure you don’t forget about anything or risk losing out on the money you deserve.
Protecting Your Rights
Your lawyer can make sure the other side doesn’t take advantage of you. Without legal representation, you’ll need to be extremely careful what you do and say.
Insurance companies will look for any excuse to pay less on an injury claim. That’s why it’s best to contact a lawyer before talking to the insurance adjuster.
Insurance company tactics include:
- Making your damages seem less serious than they are
- Offering you a lowball settlement
- Asking for a recorded statement
- Making you feel like you don’t need a lawyer’s help
The insurer might try to convince you that you can settle quickly. Many will offer a lump sum of money soon after the accident. You might be tempted to accept the money, but taking it means missing out on a lot.
A Columbus tractor-trailer accident lawyer knows how to handle the insurance companies. If you get a lowball offer, your attorney will start negotiations for a better one.
Your lawyer can also communicate with the other side on your behalf. You won’t have to worry about what to say or do.
Preparing for Court
If you need to take your case to court, your lawyer will be there for each step. They can help prepare you for trial and handle negotiations along the way.
Always work with an attorney who is not afraid to go to trial. While most accident claims settle out of court, there are cases where a trial is the best option.
You’ll want a lawyer who is comfortable with whatever step is best for your rights.
What does an Accident Lawyer Cost?
At John Foy & Associates, it costs nothing upfront. You also don’t pay us unless we win your case. If we do win you a settlement or court award, our fee is simply a percentage.
Most accident lawyer fees start at 33% of what you win. More complicated cases can have slightly higher fees, but you can potentially win much more.
To learn more about what we can do for you, call for a free consultation. You can reach us at (404) 400-4000 or head to our contact page.
How to Recover Your Damages
You can seek compensation through a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. Your claim will outline your damages and the total amount you’re requesting.
Common truck accident damages include:
- Medical bills
- Medication costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
You’ll need to provide proof for all of your financial losses. For example, save all medical bills and receipts to show your costs.
For pain and suffering, you don’t have to provide proof in the same way. But you’ll still need to put a dollar value on your emotional damages. An experienced lawyer can help you do that.
You can try to get a fair settlement from the at-fault party’s insurance company. But if not, you might decide to take your case to court. Talk to your attorney about what options are best for you.
Wrongful Death from a Truck Accident
Too many tractor-trailer crashes result in death. If a loved one died in an accident, we are very sorry to hear about your loss. While money is usually the last thing on loved ones’ minds, a wrongful death claim can help survivors.
Certain family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover some damages.
Wrongful death damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost earning potential
- Loss of companionship
- Medical costs
- Funeral and burial expenses
If you lost a loved one, we can go over your options for free. Our attorneys treat each case with respect, kindness, and understanding. We are here to make the process as painless as possible for loved ones.
Atlanta Roots, Nationwide Reach.
Distance is no obstacle. We work with clients across the country and make sure every one of them feels taken care of, no matter how far the call travels.
What Percentage of Accidents Are from Tractor-Trailers?
There were 5,096 large trucks and buses involved in fatal accidents in 2018, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). In 2019, tractor-trailers caused 11% of all accidents in the U.S.
While large trucks make up a smaller percentage of accidents, they cause some of the worst injuries. Victims often have life-threatening or disabling conditions after these crashes. Large trucks can easily damage other vehicles beyond repair.
If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident with a large truck, don’t wait. You can probably take legal action, and it’s best to start today. Reach out to our law firm today for a free consultation.
Get a Free Consultation with a Columbus Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer
Get a free, no-obligation consultation with our team at John Foy & Associates today. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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