You may have severe injuries and damages after an 18-wheeler accident. If you were injured in Macon, you might deserve financial compensation. Our Macon 18-wheeler accident lawyers can help fight to recover your costs.
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping accident victims for over 20 years. With over $1 billion in compensation for clients, we know how to win cases. Our team does not collect a fee unless we win you money. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
How Long Can You Wait to Call a Lawyer?
It’s never too late to speak with a lawyer. Even if you don’t hire someone yet, you can learn a lot from a free consultation.
The statute of limitations for a truck accident case is two years. That means you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. That might seem like plenty of time, but legal cases take longer than most people expect.
If you can, contact a lawyer within days of your accident. That way, you can know what to expect with the legal process. A lawyer can also determine the compensation you deserve while protecting you from the insurance companies.
Who’s Liable for an 18-Wheeler Accident
After your accident, you’ll need to know who is responsible.
With “normal” car accidents, one or more drivers are usually at fault. However, it’s more complicated with truck accidents.
The Truck Driver
Some drivers of 18-wheelers are independent contractors.
This means that the driver:
- Is technically self-employed
- Owns their own vehicle and equipment
- Do not have the legal protections of an employee
If the driver is self-employed, they will need their own auto insurance for accidents. If a driver who’s a contractor caused your accident, you’ll make a claim with the driver’s own insurance company.
The Trucking Company
Some truckers are employees of a trucking company. According to OCGA §51-2-2, employers are responsible for their employees’ actions on the job.
The trucking company might be liable if a driver causes an accident.
Trucking companies can also be at fault for violating federal laws. That includes hours of service regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Companies should make sure drivers are not working too many hours without rest.
The Manufacturing Company
Vehicle defects can sometimes lead to accidents. If something goes wrong with an 18-wheeler, the damages can be catastrophic.
A lawyer can help investigate what happened after your accident. If there were any issues with the truck, they’ll uncover the details. A manufacturing company could be at least partially at fault for the crash.
The Mechanic or Maintenance Company
Commercial trucks can travel for hundreds of miles at a time. Companies and drivers are responsible for making sure the vehicles are safe for the road. However, a maintenance company also has a duty to provide competent services.
An 18-wheeler crash might happen after a mechanic performs faulty service. If so, a maintenance company or a mechanic could be at fault.
You’ll need to know who was negligent (or careless) in your accident to pursue compensation. Thankfully, our lawyers can investigate the details to determine who’s at fault. From there, you can seek the financial recovery you deserve.
Macon 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Near Me 478-400-4000
Speak with Our Macon 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers for Free Today
Get the legal help you need today. Call our team at John Foy & Associates for a free, no-risk consultation. You don’t pay a thing unless we win you money. To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Call or text 478-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form