How To Deal With Truck Accidents in Atlanta (PDF)
There are numerous types of truck accidents in Georgia each year, and if you are one of them, you have rights. An Atlanta truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process, which is quite complex because of state and federal regulations.
As the Metro Atlanta area sees increasing big rig traffic due to an
increase in the construction of distribution centers, these wrecks are becoming more common. Anyone can become a victim, and the injuries can be devastating. If you’re hurt, we will be a resource you can depend on.
What can a truck accident attorney do for me?
It is common for truck accident claims to get complicated, and fast. This is because most of the time there are multiple defendants involved, each with their own legal team and insurer. A truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA can handle a multi-defendant claim by:
- Developing a legal strategy that maximizes your settlement
- Applying Georgia’s fault laws correctly
- By removing the stress from the process, you can focus on healing
We are here to help you move forward after your injuries or wrongful death. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers will handle the rest so you can recover.
In a truck accident case, who can be sued?
Depending on the circumstances of your wreck, you may be able to recover compensation from the following defendants:
- If the truck driver caused the accident, they may be responsible for your damages. This could include driving under the influence or driving recklessly.
- It is possible that the trucking company caused the wreck. This could be due to poor training or not providing enough breaks for their employees.
- Truck drivers can lose control of their vehicles when cargo is not loaded properly.
- Defective vehicles and parts, such as tires or brakes, can lead to accidents. When this happens, the manufacturer is responsible.
- Occasionally, another driver will cause a commercial truck accident due to recklessness or distraction.
In order to maximize your recovery, ATLINJ will identify all liable parties in your claim.
What is the cost of hiring a truck accident lawyer?
It is not necessary to pay for an attorney after a wreck involving a commercial truck or to have a large retainer fee in order to hire one. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis so our clients can seek justice no matter their current financial situation.
As a result of a contingency fee, your lawyer agrees to represent you in exchange for a share of your settlement after your case is successfully resolved. If we don’t win, you don’t have to pay. This amount is normally about a third of the settlement or award you receive.
When Should I Hire a Lawyer and File a Truck Accident Claim?
According to Georgia. Code Ann. Sec. 9-3-33, if you want to seek compensation after a truck wreck, you have two years from the time of the wreck to file. Before this window closes, you should contact a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta. If you do not file within the statute of limitations, you may lose your right to recover damages.
In order to obtain a satisfactory settlement or a successful court verdict, it is imperative to choose a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
In the event of a truck accident, what compensation can be recovered?
It is possible for you to recover damages if you have been in an accident with a truck. It is possible for you to suffer severe, debilitating injuries, which can result in lost wages and significant medical costs.
Accident victims in commercial truck cases who are not represented almost never get the compensation they deserve for their suffering. We can walk you through the long and difficult legal process to seek damages, such as bodily injuries, lost wages, disfigurement, disability, pain and suffering, mental anguish, anxiety or PTSD symptoms, lost quality of life, etc., and guide you towards a successful recovery.
Atlanta semi truck accidents: causes and liability
Due to the sheer size and weight of a semi-truck, accidents are often catastrophic. Knowing why they are catastrophic will hopefully help you and your truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA avoid the following:
The loss of control
When a semi-truck causes a crash by losing control, the driver, the trucking company, or both parties could be liable, as could another driver. Depending on the cause of the accident, we will determine who is at fault. What happened when the trucker lost control?
Inexperience
The trucking company may be responsible for damages caused by an inexperienced truck driver. As a result, their inexperienced drivers may not have been properly trained on how to operate the truck or react in potentially dangerous situations.
Wide Turns
In the event of an accident caused by a semi-truck taking a wide turn, you may hold the trucker responsible. However, if an accident is caused by another vehicle hitting the truck while it was turning, the driver of that vehicle may be held responsible.
Employees who are overworked
It is possible for trucking companies to be held liable for accidents caused by overworked, exhausted truckers and other employees. This is because they caused the conditions that contributed to the accident, such as not allowing their workers to take enough breaks, creating unrealistic schedules, or by failing to adequately screen their drivers.
Cargo
Some accidents can be caused by cargo loading companies. If cargo is improperly loaded, it can lead to deadly situations. For instance, when the cargo shifts, the driver may lose control of the truck, or the cargo may cause the truck to roll over onto another vehicle.
Atlanta, GA Truck Accident Investigations
After an accident, the defendant’s insurance company will send analysts to the scene to gather as much information and evidence as possible, thus attempting to limit any potential liability.
We will also investigate the accident scene, examine the driver’s credentials, and interview any witnesses. We will ensure that all local traffic laws were followed.
Truck Accident Claims: What to Expect
As a Georgia resident, you have to comply with a number of state and federal trucking regulations that are nearly impossible to understand on your own. We will explain these laws to you and take the following steps:
Claim creation
As a result of your investigation, your attorney creates a claim to include any possible injuries and a request for financial compensation. It also indicates whether negligence could have contributed to your accident.
Negotiations
The ATLINJ attorney will try to negotiate a financial settlement with the insurer so that the case won’t need to go to court. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will likely have to go to court.
Litigation
When the two parties are unable to reach a financial settlement, they will argue in front of a judge and jury, who will determine which party is at fault. The verdict is then ruled, and any possible financial compensation is awarded.
