The truck driver or another party is usually at fault for a tractor-trailer accident. If you were injured in this type of crash in Macon, talk to a lawyer today. You can probably seek compensation for your injuries and other damages.
John Foy & Associates has been helping people like you and their families for over 20 years. Our Macon tractor-trailer accident lawyers know how to win cases. For us, every case is personal. To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
How to Sue if a Large Truck Hits You
All drivers have a duty of care on the roads. If a driver’s actions were careless and they caused your accident, the driver is usually responsible.
Tractor-trailers can cause terrible damage. If a truck driver hits your vehicle, you can sue them or the responsible party.
Your best option may be to bring a personal injury lawsuit. Through your case, you can request financial compensation to cover your costs.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Most accident cases don’t go to trial. Both parties will often settle outside of court. However, if you work with a lawyer, you’re more likely to get a fair settlement offer.
There are situations where going to trial is the best option.
You and your lawyer might decide going to trial is best if:
- You cannot come to a settlement agreement with the other party.
- The insurance company is not responding fast enough to your claim.
- You have a very high chance of winning in court.
There is usually no reason to go to court if you have minimal damages. But tractor-trailer accidents are often severe. You might decide going to trial is best to seek the full compensation you deserve.
Thankfully, many injury victims can work with a lawyer on a fair settlement agreement. You can avoid the risk and cost of going to trial.
Macon Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer Near Me 478-400-4000
What Type of Settlement Can I Get?
There is no set settlement for truck accidents. Each case is different, but truck crashes have some of the highest amounts of damages.
Your lawyer will prepare a demand letter to send to the other side. Usually, the letter will end with the amount of money you’re requesting to settle the case. Of course, you’ll need to determine that number before sending the letter.
Your settlement request depends on:
- The severity of your injuries
- Your evidence and case strength
- Any issues with fault in the accident
- How long you’re willing to wait to settle
It’s generally best to request a higher settlement than you’re willing to accept. Then, it leaves room for negotiating with the other side. Even if you have to negotiate, you might get an offer that works for you.
Your lawyer will know how to come up with an acceptable settlement request. It’s important to start with a number that isn’t too high or too low.
John Foy & Associates can help determine what type of settlement you deserve. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to discuss the details during a free consultation.
Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer
No matter the details of your case, be wary of the first settlement offer.
In general, you should not take the first offer. It will almost certainly be a lowball amount.
The insurance company might even make the offer seem reasonable. But in our experience, the first offer won’t come close to covering your damages. Before you accept anything, talk to a Macon tractor-trailer accident lawyer.
What to Do After an Accident with a Tractor-Trailer
After your accident, doing the following will help your case.
Getting Treatment
Truck accident injuries are often severe. If you need medical attention at the scene, call 911.
If you don’t get treatment at the scene, see a doctor as soon as possible. You will need to provide records of you getting medical help.
Exchange Information
According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §40-6-273.1, all drivers in an accident should provide:
- Names and addresses of the vehicle’s owner and driver
- License numbers for each vehicle
- Names of the insurance companies that cover each vehicle
If a truck driver hits you, ask about their employer. Some truck drivers are self-employed, while others work for a company. Ask for any employer’s name and contact information.
Truck accidents are unique because you could have multiple claims. The driver might not be entirely at fault. Getting the above information can help as you build your case.
Gather Information
If you can, document the accident location as much as possible.
Use your phone or a camera to take pictures of:
- Your injuries
- Your vehicle damage
- The positions of all vehicles
- Nearby road or street signs
Did anyone else see your crash happen? Ask for their names and contact information.
You really can’t collect too much information. When you contact a lawyer, they’ll let you know what’s best to save. Your lawyer can also return to the scene for additional evidence and reach out to witnesses.
Avoid Talking About the Accident
Don’t discuss the crash with the truck driver, trucking company, or insurance company. If you’re asked to give a statement, it’s best to decline.
Wait until you have a lawyer—and only discuss the accident with your lawyer. Then, if the insurance company contacts you, you can tell them to call your attorney instead.
Insurance companies will look for ways to use information against you. So, avoid talking about what happened with anyone but your lawyer.
For a free legal consultation with a tractor-trailer accidents lawyer serving Macon, call 478-400-4000
How a Lawyer Can Help You
Contact a lawyer who works on truck accident claims. An experienced lawyer can help in many ways.
Here’s how:
- Investigating the accident
- Collecting the right evidence
- Reviewing your medical records and bills
- Preparing the correct legal documents
- Communicating and negotiating with the insurance company
Lawyers know the ins and outs of truck accident claims. Before you accept any money or talk about your accident, schedule a consultation.
Get Help from Our Macon Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyers Today
At John Foy & Associates, we always start with a free consultation. And we don’t charge a fee unless we win your case. Learn your legal options during a free consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
Call or text 478-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form