Eighteen-wheeler accidents in Sandy Springs are known to be severe. Victims may suffer life-threatening wounds, costly medical bills, and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck-related accident, it’s time to speak with an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Sandy Springs, GA.
Truck wrecks are some of the worst collisions. Since 18-wheelers are so enormous, they can cause a lot of injuries and damage. But you shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistakes that resulted in losses. Instead, trust the guidance of our Sandy Springs truck accident attorneys to take legal action.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help you navigate the complicated legal process. Our law firm has more than 20 years of experience helping victims win what they deserve.
Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents in Sandy Springs, GA
Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers often carry thousands of pounds of cargo across the country. If one thing goes wrong, a truck accident can happen at any time.
Both drivers and passengers suffered severe injuries in an 18-wheeler accident. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Head injuries like concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones, such as broken arms, legs, ribs, and other huge fractures
- Neck and spinal injuries like whiplash, dislocated discs, and spinal cord injuries
- Severe cuts, such as large lacerations that cause scarring or disfigurement
- Organ damage to the liver, kidneys, bladder, spleen, pancreas, and more
- Wrongful death from severe accident injuries
Serious truck accident injuries can lead to paralysis or other lifelong complications. Injuries can worsen quickly with time, affecting a victim’s entire life. For example, some injuries prevent you from working as you could before, which impacts your livelihood.
Tragically, many 18-wheeler accidents cause deaths. If you lost a loved one in this type of accident, you might have a wrongful death case. Talk to our Sandy Springs wrongful death lawyer about which family members can bring this type of claim.
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Getting Your Treatment Covered for Your 18-Wheeler Injuries
After a truck accident, seeing a doctor as soon as possible is vital. Even if you feel fine after the crash, get medical attention. Some injuries worsen with time or become more serious without treatment. Don’t worry about who covers your medical bills immediately after a collision with an 18-wheeler. We can recoup it.
Ensure that you document every treatment-related cost you incur. Save medical bills, doctor notes, and medication receipts. You will need proof of your damages for an accurate depiction of losses to be calculated and included in your demand letter. Otherwise, the insurance company will minimize or deny your injury claim.
Compensation Options for 18-Wheeler Truck Wreck Victims in Sandy Springs
When it comes to trucking accidents, seeking the guidance of experienced truck accident lawyers is an invaluable tactic for getting the compensatory damages you need to recover. The following factors are generally included in a personal injury claim settlement:
Property Damage
In the aftermath of a truck wreck, you may be entitled to compensation for the damage caused to your vehicle or other personal property. This includes the cost of repairs or replacement.
Medical Expenses
Truck accidents often result in serious injuries that require medical attention. You may be eligible to seek compensation for medical expenses, such as hospital bills, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatments.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intended to compensate victims for intangible losses such as emotional distress, mental anguish, diminished quality of life, and disfigurement. These damages aim to address the subjective impact of the accident on your well-being.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the truck driver’s or trucking company’s conduct is particularly reckless, punitive damages may be sought. These damages punish the negligent party as a form of deterrence, going beyond compensating the victim and aiming to prevent similar misconduct.
Wrongful Death Expenses
In tragic cases where a loved one has lost their life in a truck wreck, compensation may be available for funeral and burial expenses. This financial relief can help alleviate some burdens of laying a loved one to rest.
Other damages that may be recouped as part of your settlement if you have financial documents or an expert, like a vocational specialist, who testifies on your behalf. Our Sandy Springs wrongful death lawyer will work hard to obtain maximum compensation for your case.
Common Reasons Why Sandy Springs 18-Wheeler Accidents Happen
Commercial trucks are large vehicles that can cause a lot of damage. However, semi-trucks and 18-wheelers aren’t a threat unless someone is negligent. A trucking accident can happen when:
- Truck drivers are fatigued or drowsy from long work schedules.
- Drivers don’t take sufficient breaks to prevent fatigue on the road.
- Truck drivers make sudden movements, such as jerking the wheel.
- Another driver tries to pass a truck while turning, causing a jackknife accident.
- Truck drivers can’t see a smaller car in their truck’s blind spot.
- Hazardous materials spill from the truck before or during an accident.
Large trucks are more likely to tip or roll over during an accident. When that happens, the collision can involve several vehicles and victims.
There are many parts to an 18-wheeler accident claim. If you or a loved one were victims, knowing the facts is important. One or more parties could be completely at fault for your injuries.
Liability in an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident in Sandy Springs, GA
In Georgia, the negligent (or careless) party in an accident is responsible for the costs. For example, a truck driver who falls asleep at the wheel has been negligent. They are liable for the costs if their negligence leads to an accident.
The injury victim in an accident can seek compensation for their damages under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-12-4. Most of the time, the driver’s insurance company should pay for the damages. You can probably file an insurance claim if you were hurt in an accident.
The liable party in a Sandy Springs trucking accident could be:
- The truck driver.
- The trucking company that employs the driver.
- A maintenance company that worked on the truck.
- A shipping company that loaded the truck’s cargo.
- A manufacturer if truck defects caused the accident.
Eighteen-wheeler accident lawyers can investigate the accident and who was at fault. That’s because, in some cases, more than one party is responsible for a commercial truck accident.
Be Careful When Talking to Insurance Company
Insurance companies should have our best interests in mind. Sadly, that’s not the case after a serious accident. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses that care most about making money. After you file an injury claim, they will look for ways to pay less.
The at-fault party’s insurance company might use tactics like:
- Offering you a lump sum settlement right after the accident.
- Downplaying your injuries and damages.
- Questioning your injury costs.
- Using something you’ve said against you.
- Calling you and asking for a recorded statement.
It’s best not to accept money or sign anything without a lawyer. Without consulting a lawyer, you could end up taking much less than you deserve. The first settlement offer is never enough to cover all your accident costs.
An experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney in Sandy Springs, GA, knows how to handle insurance companies. If you get a lowball settlement, your lawyer will work to negotiate a fair settlement. The goal is to get you the fullest recovery possible.
Consult with an 18-wheeler Accident Lawyer in Sandy Springs
Truck accidents are severe, costly, and devastating for many victims. If you or a loved one were victims, you have rights. You might deserve full financial recovery for your damages.
At John Foy & Associates, we know how to handle complicated truck accident cases. Also, our lawyers do not charge you unless we win you compensation. We approach each case with experience, compassion, and your best interests.
To get a free consultation today, contact us online. We are available 24/7 to take your call and help you.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
