Any accident involving a semi-truck is serious. The pure weight and size of an 18-wheeler mean that it can do severe damage even at low speeds.
Many of the most serious accidents in Cumming involve trucks, some of which involve out-of-state carriers. Pursuing a claim can become a nightmare.
You need to speak to the Cumming truck accident lawyers at John Foy & Associates. We have over 20 years of experience helping victims in truck accidents, and we have built a name for ourselves as one of the most knowledgeable and effective truck accident law firms in Georgia. Let us help you.
Speak with our Cumming personal injury lawyer today for more information about your claim.
When Should I Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in Cumming?
Not just any accident can warrant a personal injury claim. Lawyers usually get involved when someone’s negligence caused the accident.
That’s when someone has a duty of care–the standard to which someone can reasonably be expected to treat others–and breaches that duty.
Time is of the essence, though, so you shouldn’t wait to contact a truck accident lawyer in Cumming.
Don’t take your chances on your own with getting your compensation–without the help of a skilled attorney, your odds of winning your case are much smaller.
If you believe that you were the victim of negligence in your accident, you should get in contact with a lawyer. We offer free initial consultations, so it doesn’t cost you anything to talk with us. Plus, we don’t get paid unless you win, so there’s no risk in getting our help.
What Makes Semi-truck Accidents Different from Other Car Accidents?
Semi-trucks and their trailers are generally the largest and heaviest vehicles on the road. When fully loaded, a semi can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds (or 40 tons). That is more than 20 times the weight of a typical car, and when the two collide, the car will always lose. Even pickup trucks do not fare well against semis. The aftermath of any truck accident can be serious.
A typical big rig is also dangerous in other ways, including:
- It’s difficult for a truck to stop suddenly
- Many drivers have limited visibility of what is behind or to the side of their trucks
- Truckers are under pressure to keep to a demanding schedule
- Many trucks carry flammable materials or other hazardous substances
All these factors combine to make accidents with large trucks far more dangerous than other auto accidents. Our team knows how to handle the elevated risks and damages that stem from truck accidents, so don’t hesitate to get the help of a skilled Cumming truck accident attorney.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Truck Accidents in Cumming?
There are many causes for truck accidents, and just like with other accidents it could be either party who is at fault. However, we see many truck accidents that involve malfeasance by the trucking company itself.
Most truck drivers are experienced professionals who want to follow the rules of the road and keep themselves and other drivers safe. But the companies they work for often set unrealistic expectations, pushing drivers to stay on the road far longer than is safe.
Factors that often cause truck accidents include the fact that:
- Driver fatigue is a factor in about a third of truck accidents
- More than half of truck drivers admit to altering their driving logs to stay on the road longer than allowed
- One in three trucks fail roadside inspections
An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to investigate your accident and get the evidence necessary to build a strong case. We’ll look for telltale signs that show what and who was responsible for your accident.
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Who Is Liable in My Truck Accident Case?
Because truck accidents are more complicated than other auto accidents, there might be more than one party responsible for your crash, and sometimes it might be someone you don’t expect. The fact is that there are many moving parts that go into putting a truck on the road—literally.
Parties that could be liable in your truck accident case include:
- The truck driver
- The driver’s manager or company
- The manufacturer of the truck’s parts
- The company whose merchandise is being transported
- Any local governments responsible for poor road conditions
Because there may be multiple parties responsible for your truck accident, you should have a personal injury attorney who can handle a more complicated case. Our firm has decades of experience representing victims of negligence, and we know what to do to hold the at-fault party responsible for their actions.
What Should I Do If I Was in an Accident With a Truck in Cumming?
The most important thing to do is to protect yourself. Truck companies have insurance policies, but the insurers will do everything possible to avoid paying you what you deserve. We always recommend that you be your own best advocate from the minutes after the accident:
- Avoid downplaying your injuries: It’s natural to want to apologize after an accident or insist you’re fine. Don’t. These words will be used against you later.
- Talk to any witnesses: If pedestrians, passersby, or other drivers saw what happened, talk to them. Ask for their contact information.
- Take pictures or video footage: Simple cell phone pictures can show the accident scene, the damage, and what happened. If you suspect the truck driver may be intoxicated or drowsy, video record your conversation. The video could be crucial later.
- Get medical attention: Always see a doctor after an accident. If you don’t need to go to the emergency room, make a doctor appointment as soon as possible. Injuries that seem minor at first may be more serious than you expect, and you need a record of them.
- Do not talk to the insurance company until you’ve talked to a lawyer: The insurance company will call you to ask you about your accident. This is a very dangerous moment, because they’re looking for anything they can use against you. Your lawyer will handle all communication with the insurance company and protect you from making mistakes.
These steps can make your Cumming truck accident attorney’s job easier when they need to investigate your case and prove that you deserve compensation. By gathering evidence as soon as you can, you increase your chances at getting the best settlement possible.
What Costs Can I Recover for a Truck Accident Claim?
You are entitled to recover 100% of your costs, and Forsyth County courts typically award the full values. This includes:
- Medical bills, hospital visits, and drugs
- Any long term care or physical therapy
- Lost wages due to missing work
- Car repairs
Additionally, the law allows for you to receive significant additional money if you suffered serious injuries, pain or losses. Obviously this money can never make up for having a permanent disability or losing a loved one. But it can help you and your family move on from the accident without mountains of debt.
How do I Know If I Have a Valid Truck Accident Claim?
The only way to know for sure is to sit down with a legal professional and discuss your case. This is why we offer a free consultation with our truck accident attorneys. In your consultation, we will go over exactly what happened and what effect it has had on your life.
We can help you assess the true cost of your claim, which could be far more than the insurance company is offering. We can also send out our investigators and find out if the trucker was logging too many hours on the road or if there were any other unseen factors in your case.
How Much does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Cumming?
It shouldn’t cost you anything out of pocket to get a truck accident lawyer in Cumming. At John Foy & Associates, we believe you should be able to get the legal help you need without fear of big bills. We offer a simple pricing structure:
- Your consultation with us is free
- You pay nothing upfront
- You pay nothing unless we win you money
If we are successful in getting you a financial recovery, we take our fee as a percentage of the money won. You keep everything else and walk away with no bills.
Is There a Deadline to File a Truck Accident Claim in Georgia?
Yes, in Cumming, the local courts follow deadlines set by state and federal law. In most cases, that is the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 9-3-33, which states that you have two years from the date of your accident. If you do not file your claim before the deadline, you lose your chance to recover any money for your injury.
These deadlines vary considerably. Depending on the specifics of your case, you could have up to two years from the date of the accident, or you could have only weeks. This is why it’s so important to talk to a lawyer immediately.
Talk to a Cumming Truck Accident Lawyer for Free
The mission of the Cumming truck accident lawyers at John Foy & Associates is to help accident victims like you. We always take the side of accident victims, never big insurance companies, and we know how to get you the full amount you need for your injury.
Let us give you a free consultation and help you make the best decision in your case. Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
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