Atlanta
Truck Accident Lawyer in Atlanta

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you’re probably dealing with serious pain, medical bills, and many other accident-related challenges. The good news is that an Atlanta truck accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates can pursue compensation for the financial losses and intangible struggles you’ve been left with.

Founded in 2003, we know how to fight against insurance companies and always strive to get you maximum compensation. The efforts of John Foy & Associates have put over $1 billion back into the hands of accident victims while also allowing the team to sponsor the “Strong Arm” Scholarship, collaborate with Atlanta Eats’ Steak Shapiro, and partner with the Atlanta Braves.

When you work with our team of 150–plus legal professionals, you don’t have to worry about attorney fees. Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis; this means you owe us nothing unless we win your case. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

Settlements We’ve Won for Clients Like You

Our personal injury law firm has assisted Atlanta-area injury victims for over 20 years, winning over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers will help you fight for maximum compensation.

Some of the impressive case results we’ve won for past clients include the following:

• $4.9 million for K.G. K.G. suffered serious injuries to the thoracic area and spine after a crash with an 18-wheeler on Georgia’s I-75. The 18-wheeler rear-ended K.G.’s car after shifting into K.G.’s lane on the interstate. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers preserved K.G.’s right to a comprehensive settlement while K.G. recovered in the hospital.
• $2.5 million for J.J. J.J. was involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer after the other driver took to the road with faulty rear warning lights. J.J.’s vehicle became attached to the trailer, causing J.J. devastating injuries. The $2.5 million settlement went to J.J.’s family after the client was Life Flighted from the scene and later pronounced deceased.
• $1.5 million for R.C. Our client, R.C., was in a sideswipe accident that resulted from a tractor-trailer truck’s improper lane change. While R.C. recovered from extensive injuries to the back and neck, John Foy & Associates advocated for the client’s right to comprehensive financial support.

What is the Fee for Working With a Truck Accident Lawyer?

John Foy & Associates doesn’t believe in putting legal services behind a paywall. That’s why the lawyers with this personal injury law firm work on a contingency fee basis.

Our fee structure ensures that:

• You benefit from a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
• You don’t have to put down a deposit to start working with our legal team.
• You don’t have to put down a retainer to benefit from our legal services.
• You won’t receive bills from our office while your case is in progress.

We are dedicated to providing top-of-the-line legal services at no upfront cost to you. By working on contingency, we ensure that everyone in need of legal support can benefit from tailored representation in and out of the courtroom.

Contingency Fee Structure

John Foy & Associates’ contingency fee agreement states that its attorneys will only get paid upon winning your civil case.

Before taking your case, our team will break down what percentage of your settlement we stand to receive after representing you. If you decide to work with our office, we will move forward with your case and fight tooth and nail for the financial aid you need to pay your bills.

Once we win your case, we will take the agreed-upon percentage of your final settlement before that settlement comes to you.

What Happens if a Case is Unsuccessful?

If our team doesn’t secure the settlement you need after a truck accident, you won‘t pay a dime for our services. There is no financial risk that comes with working with our team, because we only get paid if we win your case.

You don’t have to accept the court’s decision to close your case, though. If you want to appeal the court’s decision, you can continue working with our truck accident attorneys in Augusta without paying a deposit or bills throughout the appeals process.

How Will I Know What I Owe at the End?

Once our team wins your civil case, we will take an agreed-upon percentage of your final settlement. We will discuss the logistics of what impact that may have on your final settlement before you decide whether or not you want to work with our law firm.

The Process: What Happens After I Contact You?

Contacting our team gives you the chance to discuss the negligence that led to your truck accident as well as how you can financially recover from your losses.

Free Consultation

John Foy & Associates offers free, no-obligation case consultations to anyone who wants help recovering after a collision with a commercial vehicle. These consultations let you get to know our team without committing to legal action.

Scheduling a free case consultation won’t lock you into any kind of action, but rather gives you the chance to explore your options and discuss whether or not you have the means to hold the right people financially responsible for your recovery.

Once you’ve completed your case consultation, you can determine whether or not you want to move forward with our legal services. Those services will be available to you whether you want help filing an insurance claim or if you want to take your truck accident case to civil court.

Signing the Engagement Agreement

If you decide that you want to work with John Foy & Associates, you can sign an engagement agreement after your case consultation and agree to representation.

The engagement agreement should include information about the contingency fee that may apply to your case once our Atlanta truck accident attorneys secure your settlement.

Introducing Your Case Team

Once you agree to work with our team, you can get to know the attorneys and legal staff members who will be working on your case. John Foy & Associates employs over 150 legal professionals, all of whom are prepared to dedicate their 350 years of combined experience to your pursuit of accident damages.

Our team takes pride in being approachable and accessible to clients in need. You can contact us at any time to discuss your case and ask questions about your recovery.

Kickoff Plan: Establishing an Initial Timeline

The legal staff assigned to your case can outline what steps they need to take to start building a claim against the party responsible for your losses shortly after you meet them. They can specify how long they anticipate an investigation into your losses to take while accounting for delays.

This process can take weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of your case. Fortunately, you can trust our team to be upfront about the realities of the case-building process and to answer any questions you may have about what to expect as your case develops.

You can always count on your attorney to keep your case’s statute of limitations in mind while building out your initial timeline. We will not let insurers or other parties deny you financial support because of a missed filing deadline.

How an Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney Will Help You

Trucking accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and damages. Fortunately, you can hold the negligent party responsible for their actions and win financial compensation. However, to do so, you’ll need legal representation from an experienced advocate.

There are several reasons why you should hire a truck accident attorney from Atlanta to help with your case. While we can’t list all of them, here are a few critical ones:

Gathering Evidence for Your Claim

Just because you file a truck accident claim doesn’t mean you’ll automatically receive fair compensation. You still have to negotiate for a settlement and, in some cases, even go to court. To win a settlement, you must have strong evidence to support your case.

Our team will gather critical evidence from your truck crash, such as police reports, photos, medical records, and witness testimonies. From there, we will ensure you have a strong case that the insurance company can’t deny.

Calculating Your Damages Accurately

The value of your truck accident settlement will vary depending on the severity of your injuries and the extent of your damages. This includes assessing the cost of medical treatment and other accident-related expenses.

Our truck accident lawyers in Atlanta will calculate all the damages on your behalf to ensure you get the maximum compensation possible. We won’t leave a single penny out of your final settlement total.

Fighting Against the Insurance Company

Whether we fight for your settlement in or out of court, our lawyers will know how to handle insurance agents. Insurance companies are businesses first, above anything else, and will always try to weasel their way out of paying you fair compensation for your damages.

If you hire a renowned truck accident lawyer from Atlanta, the insurance adjuster will be more open to negotiating a fair settlement since they likely won’t want to risk an expensive court battle.

This is why hiring a lawyer is essential; it gives you power at the negotiating table to get appropriately compensated for the accident.

Representing You in Trial

If an insurance company or liable party refuses to acknowledge your right to fair compensation in the wake of a truck accident, you can work with our team to take your case to civil trial.

John Foy & Associates employs skilled litigators who can break down the civil process on your behalf and prepare you for:

• Discovery
• Opening statements
• Examination
• Cross-examination
• Closing statements
• Deliberation and verdict

All the while, we can keep the door for negotiations open and ensure that insurers have opportunities to offer you settlements that more accurately reflect the value of your losses.

Will I Get a Higher Settlement With an Attorney?

Our attorneys know how to fight for your right to damages that you might not be aware of when pursuing a case alone. Our knowledge of the law, paired with our ability to find evidence tying key losses to a truck driver’s negligence, makes it easier for us to fight for a higher settlement on your behalf.

Can I Get a Settlement Advance From My Lawyer?

If you’re struggling financially throughout your case, the team with John Foy & Associates can refer you to a reputable third–party settlement advance provider. That provider may be able to offer you an advance on your settlement.

While this process may not be right for every truck accident victim, it does make it easier for victims to cover the cost of their immediate expenses without waiting for their case to move forward. You can discuss the pros and cons of this process with your Atlanta, GA, truck accident lawyer.

Compensation an Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer Can Pursue

When you work with our truck accident attorneys in Atlanta, we’ll review all the economic and non-economic losses you’ve incurred due to the accident. Doing so will help us calculate your truck accident damages and ensure you receive the right amount of compensation from your claim.

Depending on how the collision has impacted your health, finances, and emotional well-being, we may pursue any of the following damages for you.

Economic Damages

Your trucking accident economic losses will leave a paper trail in their wake, making it easier to tie them directly to your accident and prove their value. Some of the most common of these losses include the following:

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Medical expenses
• Property damages
• Vehicle repairs or replacement
• Disfigurement or disability

Non-Economic Damages

The non-economic damages you have the right to demand in your truck accident claim should highlight the ways a trucking accident negatively impacted your emotional and mental well-being.

Some of the most common non-economic losses that our team can fight for on your behalf may include the following:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Can I Receive Punitive Damages After a Truck Accident?

You may have the right to receive punitive damages after a truck accident in Atlanta. However, you do not have the right to include a request for punitive damages in the claim you file for the court’s consideration.

A judge may choose to award you punitive damages if your accident involved gross negligence or recklessness on the part of a liable party.

Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Truck Accident?

You may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of someone killed in an accident with a truck. However, Georgia law only allows the deceased‘s spouse and their children to act on their behalf in the state’s civil courts.

If you meet the criteria for filing a claim and choose to do so, you can work with our Atlanta wrongful death attorneys to outline what losses you want to include in your request for support.

We understand that your final settlement can’t replace a loved one’s influence in your life, but that support may give you the financial flexibility you need to grieve.

When filing your wrongful death claim, you can ask for damages based on losses like the following:

• Loss of companionship
• Loss of consortium
• Funeral expenses
• Additional mortuary expenses
• Lost income

Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Lawsuits in Georgia

According to the statute of limitations for trucking accidents in Georgia, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. However, keep in mind that this is only a general timeframe. You could have much less time to take legal action.

If you fail to comply with this important statute, you could be forced to go without the damages you need to cover your medical bills and rebuild your life. Don’t wait until the last minute to start preparing your case. Building a solid case takes considerable time and strong evidence.

If you reach out to our Atlanta truck accident attorneys soon, we’ll have the time we need to meet this important filing deadline.

Does My Statute of Limitations Change if a Child Was Injured in a Truck Accident?

If someone under the age of 18 was injured in a trucking accident, then that person has the right to take legal action against the party liable for their losses.

Georgia extends the statute of limitations available to children who were injured in a truck accident, allowing them two years after they turn 18 to bring a personal injury claim forward.

Does My Statute of Limitations Change if a Trucking Accident Was Fatal?

There are some circumstances in which Georgia’s statute of limitations may change for families dealing with the loss of a loved one after a truck accident.

Normally, Georgia’s statute of limitations (Ga. Code § 9-3-33) allows victims to take up to two years from the day of the collision to bring a claim forward in civil court. Families who lose loved ones in fatal accidents have two years from the day a person passes to file their claim with the state’s civil courts.

However, the claim that a grieving family brings forward will be considered a wrongful death lawsuit instead of a truck accident lawsuit, as said lawsuit should reflect losses specific to the death of a loved one.

Are There Any Exceptions to Georgia’s Statute of Limitations?

There are exceptions to Georgia’s statute of limitations, yes, and they’re worth discussing with your truck accident attorney in Atlanta, GA. For example:

• Children under the age of 18 who are injured in truck accidents have two years after they turn 18 to file a claim.
• Families who lose loved ones in truck accidents have two years from the day of a person‘s death to take legal action against a liable party.
• Anyone suing a trucking company or related entity for property damage has four years to bring a claim against that party.

Instances of fraud may also allow you to seek an exception to the statute of limitations that might otherwise apply to your case. You can discuss your right to do so as an attorney builds out your lawsuit.

Types of Truck Accidents We Can Seek Damages For

Our firm has 350 years of combined experience helping trucking accident victims get access to life-changing damages. We’ve worked on a variety of different types of truck crash cases and are confident we have what it takes to determine what caused yours.

We’ll conduct a thorough investigation of your accident, identify the factors that caused it, and determine who should be held responsible for your injuries and losses. You can count on us to pursue full compensation for a truck crash caused by any of the following acts of negligence:

• Driver fatigue
• Speeding
• Driver under the influence
• Distracted driving
• Improper loading
• Mechanical failures

If one of these acts of negligence or another careless act caused your accident, you can count on our firm to identify the liable party and pursue full compensation for your injuries and losses.

No matter how serious your situation is, our team will work tirelessly to get the results you need to move forward with your life and pay for necessary medical treatment.

Common Causes of Truck Crashes in Atlanta, GA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 402 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in Georgia in 2020. In the same year, 380 speeding-related fatalities were recorded across the state. Furthermore, fatigue and hours of service for commercial truck drivers increase the risk of traffic accidents.

Long hours on the road can create a backdrop for driver fatigue or prompt the operator to engage in other dangerous behavior. It’s important to stay alert while driving near heavy trucks so you can take evasive action in an emergency.

If your accident was caused by an impaired or fatigued truck driver, you can rely on us to get to the bottom of your case and hold the at-fault party liable for the pain and suffering you’ve been put through. Reach out to our truck accident attorneys in Atlanta today to learn more about how we can help you.

Who Can I Hold Responsible for a Truck Accident in Atlanta?

There are several parties that may be held liable for the losses you’ve been burdened with due to the truck accident. Our team will review all available evidence and work hard to determine which of the following parties should be on the hook for your damages:

The Truck Driver

The most common liable party is almost always going to be the truck driver. They operate the truck, so naturally, they are the first line of defense against an accident. If they partake in risky or negligent actions on the road, you can file a claim against them.

Our team will fight through evidence and review witness statements to determine if the truck driver was at fault. If we find that the driver is responsible for the incident, our Atlanta truck accident attorneys will file a claim with their insurer and demand a settlement that meets your unique needs.

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies must protect the public by hiring qualified drivers and maintaining trucks. They put the public at serious risk if they fail to do so. If evidence shows that their hiring standards are subpar or their maintenance quality is lacking, you can hold them liable for your accident.

Trucking companies can also be held liable if they are found to overwork drivers and push them to skip required breaks. If your accident was caused by a fatigued truck driver who was incentivized to work dangerously long hours, our team will move to hold the trucking company liable for their dangerous practices.

The Truck Manufacturer

In some cases, the manufacturer of the truck can be held liable. If we find that the vehicle had a manufacturer’s defect that caused the incident, we’ll file a claim against the manufacturer.

No matter how serious your accident was, you can turn to our team to identify the liable party and hold them accountable for the pain and financial losses you’ve been burdened with.

Should You Admit If You Were Partially Liable in a Truck Accident?

Admitting that you might have contributed to the collision is one of the biggest mistakes you could make after a truck crash. Even a seemingly harmless, unintentional comment could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.

Truck accident cases can be intricate, involving multiple parties, insurance companies, and complex legal procedures. Without proper legal guidance, it’s easy to make errors. An Atlanta truck accident attorney will help you avoid mistakes that could endanger the successful resolution of your case.

What are the State and Federal Regulations for Commercial Trucks?

The trucking industry is heavily regulated at the state and federal levels to ensure safety and compliance with various standards. Following these regulations helps ensure the safe operation of commercial vehicles and prevents accidents on the road.

Violations of state or federal regulations can result in fines, penalties, and even the suspension or revocation of a trucking company’s operating authority. If you’ve been in a truck crash, it’s important to find a lawyer who understands trucking industry regulations. We can use our in-depth knowledge of the following rules to make your case successful:

Hours of Service

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for enforcing hours of service regulations for truck drivers in the United States. These laws limit commercial big rig operators’ driving time and the time they must take off between shifts.

These regulations help prevent fatigue, which can increase the risk of accidents on the road. The FMCSA uses various methods to enforce these standards, including electronic logging devices (ELDs), compliance reviews, and roadside inspections.

Our truck accident lawyers in Atlanta are closely familiar with hours of service regulations and can use this knowledge to your advantage. If we find that hours of service rules were violated, we’ll use that information to build a compelling claim for you.

Substance Abuse Testing

The FMCSA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) require everyone with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and their employers to respect alcohol and drug testing rules. All commercial drivers must submit to drug testing pre-employment, but should also be tested after a collision.

Also, if the employer suspects an employee of abusing substances, they must test the driver. If we believe substance abuse was involved in your accident, we’ll take steps to hold the driver or another responsible party liable for your injuries and losses.

Weight Requirements

In Georgia, the state’s weight requirements for trucks depend on various factors, including the number of axles on the vehicle and the distance traveled. In addition, Georgia has weight restrictions for certain types of roads and bridges, and oversized or overweight permits may be required for loads exceeding the maximum weight limits.

Truck Accident Lawsuit FAQs

After a truck accident, you are likely disoriented and overwhelmed. As experienced truck accident attorneys in Atlanta, we want to help you navigate the legal aftermath. Here are some frequently asked questions by truck accident victims that you can review to better understand the legal context of your crash:

Can I Get a Truck’s Black Box Data After an Accident?

While accessing a truck’s black box data after an accident can be difficult, it is not impossible. However, it is crucial to act quickly, as some black boxes are designed to erase all data within 30 days. To preserve the evidence, seek immediate legal counsel.

If you hire an attorney from our team soon, we’ll be able to begin the investigation process right away. We’ll work hard to recover the truck’s black box data and the other forms of evidence we need to file a well-supported claim.

What if the Trucker Doesn’t Have Adequate Insurance?

Although it may feel discouraging to learn that the liable truck driver is uninsured, you may still have legal options for financial recovery. A truck accident attorney in Atlanta, GA, will review your options and help you identify the best path to receive compensation.

If the truck driver is uninsured or underinsured, you could get compensation by taking one of the following actions:

• Use uninsured motorist coverage
• File a claim against the at-fault driver
• File a claim against another liable party

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Truck Accident Claim?

It is common for truck accident survivors to wonder how long a truck accident claim might take to settle. The answer depends on the details of your case. Factors like the truck accident investigation and the extent of your medical treatment will influence the length of the legal proceedings.

While your truck accident lawyer will try to expedite the financial recovery process, they aim to advocate for your best interests. A quick settlement is not always the best option in the long run. Building a strong case and negotiating for fair compensation can take time.

Reach out to a truck accident attorney from Atlanta today to learn more about the factors that will determine your case’s length. We’ll answer any questions you have about the legal process and provide the information you need to make smart legal decisions.

Will I Have to Go to Court After a Truck Wreck?

Most truck accident cases do not end in court. Your lawyer will try to negotiate with the insurance company or at-fault party for fair compensation.

However, your case might go to trial if the negotiation process does not yield the expected results. No matter where your case takes us, we’ll fight tirelessly to get the damages you deserve.

Schedule a free consultation with a skilled Atlanta truck accident attorney today to learn more about taking your case to court. We’ll provide the information you need to fully understand the legal process.

What Amount Should You Settle for After a Truck Wreck?

There is no simple answer to this question. Since a truck accident can lead to devastating injuries and property damage, the settlement amount should cover all your accident-related losses. An attorney will calculate all your expenses and help you determine whether a settlement offer is fair.

Factors that influence your truck accident settlement include the following:

• The degree of fault in the crash
• How many insurance companies are involved
• The damages you suffered
• Legal representation

What are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Atlanta?

Intersections are a high-risk spot for auto accidents because two or more roads converge, which can lead to added confusion. Certain driving activities, like making a right or left turn, have a higher potential to lead to a collision. An estimated 40% of all crashes in the U.S. occur at intersections.

As a driver, you should take extra caution when driving at the following intersections in Atlanta:

• Covington Highway and Lithonia Road
• Briarcliff Road and North Druid Hills Road
• Butner Road and Camp Creek Parkway
• Moreland Avenue and Constitution Road
• State Road-139 and Bolton Road

Atlanta is well-known for bad traffic congestion and is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. to be a driver. Familiarizing yourself with dangerous intersections can help you avoid accidents in the future.

That said, knowledge of dangerous areas can only help so much. If you’ve been in an accident, you can turn to an Atlanta truck accident lawyer for help.

Is It Worth It to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Since truck accident cases tend to be more complicated than standard personal injury cases, it is worth hiring a lawyer. Your attorney will help you traverse the complicated legal process and protect your rights.

Furthermore, with legal representation, you are more likely to secure a higher award; you could receive up to 30–40% more. Throughout the years we’ve practiced personal injury law, we have witnessed that insurance companies are more willing to negotiate higher settlements if the victim has legal counsel.

What Exactly Should I Tell My Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney?

Your truck accident attorney will want to understand all the details regarding your case. When you meet with a lawyer for a free consultation, you should be comfortable and tell your story. Do not hold anything back. You and your representative have lawyer-client confidentiality.

When it comes to truck crash cases, honesty is the best policy because it prepares your attorney to proceed with your negligence claim. If the responsible party brings up a detail you left out, it could cost your entire settlement.

Talk to Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers Today

At John Foy & Associates, we are known as The Strong Arm™ because we have the resources and experience to fight for your future.

We have a strong track record of representing injury victims involved in semi-truck crashes, rollovers, and other truck-related incidents. Our lawyers can support and guide you through the legal process, protecting your rights at each step.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a highly experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer. We’ll meet with you to discuss your crash, answer any questions you have about taking legal action, and advise you on your best course of action moving forward.

We look forward to hearing from you and representing your best interests soon.