Is It Worth Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer?

All auto accidents are stressful, but truck accidents are especially serious. Truck wrecks can leave victims with severe and disabling, even life-threatening, injuries. The costs can be astronomical, so to successfully pursue full compensation, you might wonder if it’s worth hiring a truck accident attorney to help.

In almost all cases, the answer is “yes.”

There are many factors involved in a truck accident case. Even when damages are high, insurance companies are not quick to pay victims for their losses. Before you accept anything or make any big decisions about your case, it’s best to at least consult with an Atlanta truck accident lawyer.

Reasons a Truck Accident Lawyer Is Worth It

Here are some of the biggest “pros” for hiring a truck accident lawyer after your accident. Remember that a lawyer will look at the specific details of your case. Every accident is different, and having tailored legal advice based on your situation can make all the difference.

Trucking Regulations Are Complicated

Since truck drivers are working as employees on the clock, they must maintain certain standards when driving. That includes:

• Keeping up with annual inspections.
• Tracking scheduled maintenance.
• Maintaining qualifications.
• Logging hours and rest periods.

State and federal laws govern the trucking industry, but truck drivers are still pressured into following strict schedules and close-call deadlines. Although many truck drivers are careful and responsible, some accidents result from driver fatigue or lack of maintenance to stay on schedule.

All commercial truck drivers are required to abide by the regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Breaks, lights, and infractions involving repair or maintenance are frequently identified during these checks. A transportation accident may result from infractions like these.

Complex trucking regulations can make it hard to know which factors are to blame for the accident. An experienced truck accident lawyer can investigate the accident and determine what exactly led to the collision. Without the help of a legal team, it can be hard to know what truck accident questions to ask or where to look.

Several Parties May Be at Fault

Compared with other auto accidents, several parties may be to blame for a trucking accident. Depending on the details of the accident, the liable parties could be:

• The truck driver.
• The trucking company.
• The truck manufacturer.
• A mechanic or maintenance company.
• Another driver on the road.
• A government entity.

In Georgia, the at-fault party in any injury accident is legally liable for the damages (Georgia Code § 51-12-4).

An experienced truck accident lawyer will know how to investigate alongside the insurance adjuster to determine who was ultimately liable for the accident and your damages. They’ll need to look into the vehicle’s driving, inspection, and maintenance, as well as the trucking company and the driver’s logs.

Damages Are Often More Serious in Truck Accidents

The sheer weight and size of large trucks can lead to horrible damage during an accident. It can be even worse if the truck is fully loaded with hazardous or flammable cargo.

The damages from a truck accident are often higher because they lead to costly medical expenses, more missed work time, emotional damages, and more. During truck accidents, people also often lose their lives, leaving their dependents or other family members wondering where to turn.

It’s also very hard to think straight after a commercial vehicle accident. The pain of your injuries and the emotional impact of such a serious and scary incident can make it difficult to think legally.

A lawyer can help:

• Investigate the details of the accident to determine fault and liability.
• Calculate the full total of your damages, including pain and suffering damages.
• Build a strong insurance claim to seek compensation for those damages.
• Handle communication with the at-fault party and insurance company (so you don’t have to).
• Make sure your legal rights are protected.

Understanding the Complexities of Insurance Coverage in Truck Accidents

Personal injury claims are usually filed with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Still, this can be complicated after a truck accident because there are often several insurance policies in place. The truck driver, the trucking agency, the cargo company, and even the truck itself may all have coverage.

It can become confusing very fast when the insurance process is so complicated. Plus, insurance companies do not like to pay out much on injury claims and will look for ways to save themselves money. Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney will ensure you don’t have to worry about how to handle it all.

Your lawyer will know what to do. They can investigate each insurance policy, determine where to file your claim, and ensure the insurance company doesn’t convince you to accept a lowball settlement. You can focus on healing from your injuries while your lawyer handles the legal side.

Use Legal Representation to Recover a Larger Settlement

Truck accident victims may be reimbursed for various factors in their settlement, including:

• Medical expenses: Compensation for current and future medical costs related to injuries sustained in the accident, such as treatment bills, surgeries, prescriptions, therapy, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages: Get compensated for lost income during recovery, including current and future earning potential
• Property damage: Monetary damages for the repair or replacement of a vehicle or other damaged property
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for pain, distress, and trauma caused by the accident and injuries
• Disability and impairment: Financial support for long-term impairments, disabilities, or permanent injuries that affect the victim’s ability to perform daily life activities
• Loss of consortium: Compensation for the emotional toll of the accident: loss of companionship, support, and intimacy

While these factors are commonly included in truck accident settlements, certain factors may be more challenging to obtain without the assistance of a skilled lawyer. Some examples include:

• Punitive damages: Damages are awarded to punish and deter reckless or negligent behavior. Obtaining them is more challenging, as they demand stronger evidence of fault or misconduct
• Future damages: Calculating and obtaining compensation for future medical expenses, ongoing treatment, or long-term care can be complex. A lawyer can work with medical experts and economists to accurately assess and present the projected costs
• Non-Economic damages: Putting a monetary value on non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress, can be challenging. An experienced lawyer can develop persuasive arguments and present evidence to support a claim for fair compensation

Working with a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer to increase your chances of obtaining a comprehensive settlement that includes all relevant factors is worth it.

Most Truck Accident Lawyers Are Risk-Free to Hire

Worrying about the cost of hiring a lawyer is completely understandable, especially after such a costly accident. Thankfully, most truck accident lawyers (like John Foy & Associates) work on contingency, which means:

• There is no upfront cost.
• Your lawyer does not take a fee unless they win your money.
• Your lawyer’s fee is taken as a percentage of the settlement you win.
• You don’t pay for additional costs or expenses unless you win the case.
• If your case is lost, you’re generally not responsible for legal fees or expenses.

Personal injury lawyers typically offer a free consultation, so there’s no risk in scheduling a consultation or hiring them to work on your case.

Services to Expect from a Truck Accident Law Firm

When seeking assistance from a truck accident law firm, you can expect a range of services tailored to your needs during this challenging time. A reputable firm will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all liable parties and build a strong legal strategy.

Our firm advocates for your rights and works diligently to ensure fair compensation for property damages and injuries. Moreover, our skilled legal team will guide you through the nuanced legal process, ensuring compliance with applicable requests and the statute of limitations.

Lastly, their expertise and negotiation tactics will be instrumental in seeking a fair settlement, and if necessary, they will be prepared to litigate to secure your maximum compensation. With their comprehensive services, our truck accident law firm will achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer in Georgia for Free Today

At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping truck accident victims win the money they need and deserve for over 20 years. Beginning as a small local law office, we’ve grown to become one of Georgia’s largest and most well-respected firms.

We are passionate about constantly working with injury victims and never insurance companies. Contact us to get started with a FREE consultation. We’ll discuss the details of the case and how we can help.