Any auto accident is dangerous, but semi-trucks cause some of the worst injuries in Alpharetta. These vehicles are huge, hefty, and hazardous if something goes wrong. Many victims suffer severe injuries or death from a semi-truck accident.
If you or a loved one were a victim, call our Alpharetta semi-truck accident lawyers today. You might be entitled to full compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and more. You should not have to bear the immediate and long-term costs of a tragic accident.
John Foy & Associates has been helping accident victims for over 20 years. We know what it takes to build strong claims and win cases. Our team does not collect a fee unless we win your case. To get started with a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
The Challenges of Semi-Truck Accidents
A traffic accident can affect anyone on many levels. Accident injuries can be excruciating, and the aftermath is overwhelming. However, truck accidents are some of the most serious and complicated auto crashes.
Semi-truck accidents are different because:
- The injuries and damages tend to be much worse than other crashes
- Truck contents can become flammable or explosive during a collision
- The legal side of truck accidents is more complicated than other accidents
Most car accidents involve two drivers. One driver is at fault, and their insurance company is responsible for the costs. Since Georgia is a fault state, the at-fault party in an accident pays for the damages.
Semi-truck accidents are less straightforward. Multiple parties could be at fault in a commercial vehicle crash. The responsible party could be:
- The semi-truck driver
- The trucking company
- A truck parts manufacturer
- A mechanic or maintenance company
Some truck drivers are independent contractors, while others are employees. The driver’s work status might determine who is liable for an accident. If a trucking company employs the driver, the company is likely responsible for the costs.
Sometimes, defective truck parts can lead to an accident. If that happens, the manufacturer could be at fault for the damage. The same goes for a maintenance company that performs poor work on the truck.
You must consider many situations after a semi-truck accident. Thankfully, an Alpharetta semi-truck accident lawyer can help by investigating the cause of the crash.
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Driver Negligence in a Semi-Truck Accident
Truck drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely. Regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also dictate how long workers should drive to prevent too-long shifts. Still, semi-truck drivers face strict deadlines and industry pressure.
Truck driver shifts often lead to serious fatigue. For this reason, driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of commercial truck accidents. Other examples of driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield
A truck driver might abuse drugs or alcohol to deal with their job demands. They might also avoid rest periods to push their cargo farther to meet deadlines. There are many reasons a driver might be careless on the road and cause an accident.
A semi-truck accident lawyer will examine what happened in your accident. They will gather evidence to build your claim and seek the fullest compensation possible. To get professional help from John Foy & Associates, call us at (404) 400-4000 for a FREE consultation.
Trucking Company Negligence
Trucking companies must be careful when hiring drivers. If a driver causes an accident, the company could be liable. When a driver is an employee, it generally means the company is responsible for what happens on the job.
A company might be guilty of negligent entrustment, which means a company hired a driver they should have known was dangerous. By letting the driver operate a semi-truck, they are putting everyone on the road in danger.
After the accident, your lawyer might look at the trucking company’s hiring processes. If there are issues with training or hiring, your lawyer might use that to support your case.
Common Semi-Truck Accident Damages
The damages from truck accidents are often very high. If you were injured, you have a right to seek compensation. Your claim will need to outline each damage from the accident like:
- The costs of medical treatment
- Future medical care needs
- Lost wages from missed work time
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle damage costs, such as repairs or replacements
- Pain and suffering damages
Some losses are easier to prove than others. For example, you can prove medical costs through bills and other documentation. But pain and suffering are much harder to demonstrate.
Emotional damages do not have a set dollar amount. These damages are about how the accident impacts your life, such as:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Emotional trauma
Talk to a lawyer about calculating all of your damages. It’s best to complete all of your medical treatment first. That way, you will know your full costs or any ongoing care needs.
Handling the Insurance Companies
The at-fault party’s insurance company is typically responsible for accident costs. However, insurers are quick to deny liability. The insurer will look for ways to avoid paying what you deserve.
Common insurance company tactics include:
- Downplaying your injuries
- Questioning your accident damages
- Offering a lowball settlement
- Trying to get you to say something that hurts your case
- Asking you to give a recorded statement
Before you accept any money, consult a lawyer. A lawyer can make sure you’re pursuing fair compensation for what you’ve lost. They can also handle the insurance company directly and protect your rights.
Talk to an Alpharetta Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Semi-trucks can cause terrible damage during an accident. Medical costs and other damages can be catastrophic. If you or a loved one were victims, you have rights. You might deserve full compensation for your damages.
Talk to John Foy & Associates today about your legal rights. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to win cases. Our team is not afraid to “strong-arm” the insurers for what you deserve.
Contact us today for a FREE consultation. You pay nothing until we win you money. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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