Tractor-trailers, also known as semi-trailers, semi-trucks, or big rigs, are enormous trucks that carry cargo through Johns Creek. If one of these trucks gets into an accident, the results are often catastrophic. Victims can suffer life-threatening injuries or even instant death.
If you or a loved one were victims of a tractor-trailer accident, you have rights. You or your family might be entitled to full financial recovery for what you’ve lost. You can learn more by speaking to a Johns Creek tractor-trailer accident lawyer.
Our lawyers at John Foy & Associates can help. With over 20 years of experience, we know what it takes to win cases. We also will not charge a fee unless we win you money. To get a free, no-risk consultation with our team today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Our Johns Creek truck accident lawyer can review what happened and explain your possible next steps.
What to Do After a Tractor-Trailer Accident
A lot can happen at the scene of a tractor-trailer accident. Vehicles can become totaled or catch on fire. People can suffer debilitating injuries or lose their lives. Time is of the essence, and it’s important to act quickly.
If you need emergency medical attention, call 9-1-1 for an ambulance. If you’re unable to call, get someone else to call for assistance. The same goes for if other people in the accident need medical help.
Your injuries might be too severe to do anything but wait for an ambulance. However, if you’re well enough, you can gather evidence from the scene. If a loved one was the victim, you might be able to help get information from the scene for them. Here are some helpful actions to take:
- Take pictures of the victim’s injuries and vehicle damage.
- Photograph the entire accident scene. That includes the position of all vehicles, skid marks, and nearby landmarks.
- Look around for any eyewitnesses. Talk to them, and ask for their contact information.
- Note any nearby traffic or surveillance cameras.
- Make sure someone reports the accident to the police. When the police arrive, make sure they create an accident report.
Also, contact a tractor-trailer accident lawyer in Johns Creek as soon as possible. Large truck accidents are nearly always complicated. You will probably need help from a professional. And the sooner you reach out, the better it will be for your legal rights.
Most truck accident injuries are serious. Don’t delay seeing a doctor, even if you think you’ll be fine. You will need proof that you received medical treatment. Without documentation, the at-fault party’s insurance company can use it against you.
Who’s Responsible for a Tractor-Trailer Accident
In Georgia, the at-fault party in an accident is liable for the damages. However, liability is not straightforward when a commercial truck is involved.
The responsible party for a truck accident could be:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Another driver in the accident
- A vehicle manufacturer
- A loading or shipping company
- A government agency
Truckers are usually employees of a trucking company. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-2-2, employers are typically responsible for an employee’s actions “within the scope of his business.” So, you’ll probably need to pursue the trucking company for damages.
In some cases, a trucker is an independent contractor. The trucker might be personally liable for the accident costs, or the company might provide liability insurance.
Sometimes, vehicle defects, loading issues, or road conditions can contribute to an accident. Any of the above parties could be responsible, depending on the situation. You will need to work with a lawyer who can investigate and determine who’s at fault.
How Insurance Companies Respond to Truck Accidents
When someone is at fault for your injuries, the first step is usually to file an insurance claim. Insurance companies are supposed to cover the damages when a policyholder is at fault for an accident. However, getting the compensation you deserve is rarely easy.
Insurers care most about their bottom line. The adjuster’s job is to look for ways to pay you as little as possible. Common insurance company tactics include:
- Offering you a lowball settlement upfront
- Asking you to give a recorded statement
- Downplaying your injuries from the collision
- Questioning your medical costs or other damages
- Trying to use something you’ve said against you
- Blaming you for the accident
You deserve better, especially after a serious and painful accident. It’s best to protect your rights by contacting a tractor-trailer accident lawyer first.
Your lawyer can handle all communication with the insurance company. If you get a lowball settlement, your lawyer will know how to negotiate. The goal is to get a settlement that fully covers your accident damages.
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Common Truck Accident Damages
Truck accidents are some of the worst collisions. They often leave victims with:
- Serious medical bills
- Expensive medication costs
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs or totaled vehicles
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Anxiety or depression
- Wrongful death
Medical costs are almost always higher than you expect. Plus, you might have long-term disabilities that need ongoing care.
While you recover, you’ll need to miss work time. Many times, someone will lose their job or have to take on a lower-paying job. This doesn’t even include the pain and suffering an accident can bring.
Many truck accidents result in a loss of life. If your family lost a loved one, you might have a wrongful death claim. You can seek compensation on behalf of your lost loved one. However, don’t accept any settlement without talking to a lawyer first. You and your family deserve a fair recovery after what you’ve been through.
Talk to a Johns Creek Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer Today
Tractor-trailer accidents are often devastating. The damages can turn your life upside down. But you shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistakes.
If you or a loved one were injured, contact John Foy & Associates today. We have over two decades of experience helping accident victims. Plus, working with us is risk-free because:
- We don’t charge a fee unless we win you money.
- Any legal fees come straight from what you win—and you keep the rest.
- We always start with a free consultation.
Contact us today to discuss your legal rights. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
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