Tow trucks are enormous vehicles that cause serious injuries if they get into an accident. If you were injured in this type of accident in Johns Creek, you may deserve compensation. Talk to a Johns Creek tow truck accident lawyer about your options.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping accident victims for over 20 years. Our lawyers know what it takes to build a strong injury claim. Plus, we don’t collect a fee unless we win you money.
If you or a loved one were a victim of a tow truck accident, schedule a free consultation today. We’ll discuss your accident and your legal options with you. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your free case review.
What Causes Tow Truck Accidents
Tow trucks provide relief to those who become stranded in their vehicles. These trucks also help remove cars that are parked illegally or broken down. But when something goes wrong, a tow truck accident can be severe.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the towing industry has more work-related injuries and deaths than other trucking industries. The leading cause of deaths were motor vehicle accidents.
So, why do tow truck accidents happen? Here are some of the most common causes:
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Poorly-secured vehicles
- Drunk driving
- Poor driver training
- Truck maintenance issues
If you were injured in an accident, you’ll need to know the cause to determine who is responsible for the damages. Thankfully, an experienced lawyer can help you investigate who is at fault.
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Liability in a Tow Truck Accident
The state of Georgia uses a fault-based justice system for accidents. When a driver’s actions lead to an accident, that person is responsible for the costs according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-12-4. That usually means the driver’s insurance company covers damages like:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
If a tow truck driver is an employee, their employer is usually liable for the accident. You’d need to bring an insurance claim against the company rather than the driver. However, the driver could be personally at fault if they are an independent contractor.
After the accident, you will need to prove negligence. There are four parts to a negligence claim. For example, let’s say the tow truck driver was responsible for your accident. You’ll need to prove that:
- The tow truck driver owed you a duty of care.
- The driver failed in their duty of care.
- The driver’s carelessness led to your accident.
- You have injuries and damages from the accident.
Tow truck accidents can involve a lot of details. You’ll need to investigate what happened before filing a claim. In some cases, you might need to bring a lawsuit.
The nature of tow truck accident claims often require help from a lawyer. It’s best to work with a Johns Creek tow truck accident lawyer. They will have the most experience with these types of accident cases.
John Foy & Associates has been handling truck accident claims for over 20 years. We are not afraid to stand up to the insurance companies and fight for what you deserve. To learn more during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Damages You Can Claim After a Tow Truck Accident
If someone else caused your accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. There are two main types of damages:
- Economic damages
- Non-economic damages
Economic Damages
Economic damages are those with a set dollar amount. For example, medical bills and lost wages are common financial losses. You can usually prove these losses through bills and other documents.
Before filing a claim:
- Consider all current and future economic damages.
- If possible, wait until you’ve completed all medical treatment.
- If you have a permanent disability or need long-term care after the accident, don’t leave out those costs.
A tow truck accident lawyer can account for these damages. Many injury victims aren’t sure how to calculate future or long-term costs. So, contact a lawyer today who knows how to consider all losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Not all damages are monetary. Tow truck accidents often leave victims with mental anguish or emotional trauma. If you have emotional damages from an accident, you deserve compensation for those too.
Non-economic damages include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Embarrassment
- Anxiety or depression
Speak with your lawyer honestly about how the accident has affected you. Your lawyer will know how to accurately calculate damages without a set dollar amount.
Keep in mind that insurance companies are not on your side. Even with an accurate insurance claim, you’ll probably need to fight for what you deserve. If you receive a quick settlement offer, don’t accept anything without speaking to a lawyer first.
Insurance companies look for ways to pay as little as possible. You’ll need a lawyer who can add up your damages and fight for the full amount. Contact an experienced attorney today to learn more—before it’s too late.
You Have Two Years to Take Action
The deadline to take legal action in Georgia is usually two years. That’s typically how long you have from the date of your accident to file a case. If you wait too long, you could lose any chance to seek compensation.
To make sure you stay within the statute of limitations, start building your case today. You can do that by:
- Saving any evidence from the accident scene
- Keeping track of all costs from your accident
- Seeing a doctor for your injuries as soon as possible
- Not admitting any fault for the accident
- Contacting a tow truck accident lawyer who can help you with all of the above
In most cases, the clock starts ticking on the day of your accident. To make sure you’re on the right track, contact a lawyer today.
Talk to a Johns Creek Tow Truck Accident Lawyer
A tow truck accident can derail your life in many ways. But you shouldn’t have to pay for the costs of a crash you didn’t cause. If you or a loved one were injured, reach out today for a free case review.
John Foy & Associates has a solid reputation as the “Strong Arm.” That’s because we’re not afraid to fight for the compensation you deserve. We don’t back down from confusing or complicated cases.
To learn more during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We won’t collect a fee unless we win your case.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
