All auto accidents are stressful and costly, but truck accidents are especially serious. Truck accidents can leave victims with severe and disabling, even life-threatening, injuries. The costs can be astronomical, and you’ll want to make sure you are seeking full compensation for all damages. You might wonder if it’s worth hiring a truck accident lawyer to help.
In almost all cases, the answer is a resounding “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 a truck accident lawyer.
Four Main Reasons a Truck Accident Lawyer is Worth It
Here are some of the biggest “pros” for hiring a truck accident lawyer after your accident. Keep in mind that a lawyer will look at the specific details of your case. Every accident is a little different, and having tailored legal advice based on your situation can make all the difference.
1. 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
There are state and federal laws governing the trucking industry. That being said, truck drivers are still often pressured into following strict schedules and close-call deadlines. Although many truck drivers are careful and responsible, some accidents can result from drivers not resting enough or not keeping up with maintenance in order to stay on schedule.
All commercial truck drivers must also keep up with regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Common violations found during these inspections include issues with breaks, lamps, and repair or maintenance violations. Any violations like this can lead to a trucking accident.
The complexity of 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 professional, it can be hard to know which questions to ask or where to look.
2. Several Parties May Be at Fault
Compared with other auto accidents, there are typically several parties who may be to blame for truck accidents. Depending on the details of the accident, the at-fault party could be:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A mechanic or maintenance company
- Another driver on the road
- Someone else
In Georgia, the at-fault party in any injury accident is legally liable for the damages (Georgia Code § 51-12-4).
A truck accident lawyer will know where to investigate to determine who was ultimately liable for the accident and your damages. They’ll need to look into the driving, inspection, and maintenance of the vehicle as well as the trucking company and the driver’s logs.
3. Damages Are Often a Lot 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 so much higher because they lead to huge medical bills, more missed work time, emotional damages, and more. People also often lose their lives during truck accidents, leaving their dependents or other family members wondering where to turn.
It’s also very hard to think straight after being involved in a truck accident. The pain of your injuries coupled with 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)
- And make sure your legal rights are protected
4. Trucking Insurance is Different
Personal injury claims after auto accidents are filed with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This becomes more complicated after a truck accident because there are often several insurance policies in place. The truck driver, the trucking company, and even the truck itself may all have coverage. In some situations, the truck’s cargo might also be covered by insurance.
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 they will look for ways to save themselves money. Hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer 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 make sure that the insurance company doesn’t convince you to accept a lowball settlement. You can focus on healing from your injuries and being with your family while your lawyer handles the legal side of things.
Most Truck Accident Lawyers Are Risk-free to Hire
It’s completely understandable to worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer—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
- The lawyer does not take a fee unless they win you money
- The lawyer’s fee is taken as a percentage of the settlement you win
Plus, many lawyers offer a free consultation, so there’s no risk to schedule a consultation with them or hire them to work on 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 more than 20 years. Beginning as a small, local law office, we’ve since grown to become one of the largest and most well-respected firms in the state of Georgia. We are passionate about always working with injury victims—never insurance companies.
Call us today at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with a FREE consultation. We’ll discuss the details of the case and how we can help. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started today.