Macon 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

When an 18-wheeler collides with a smaller passenger vehicle, the consequences can be devastating. You might be entitled to financial compensation if you were injured or a loved one died in a crash. Our Macon 18-wheeler accident lawyers can fight to recover your costs after an accident in Bibb County.

Our law firm has been helping injured victims for more than 20 years. With over $1 billion in compensation for clients, we know how to win cases. We operate on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning our team does not collect a fee unless we win your case. Contact a Macon personal injury lawyer today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

How Long Can You Wait To Call an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer in Macon, GA?

It’s probably not too late to speak with an experienced Georgia truck accident lawyer about your personal injury or wrongful death claim.

The statute of limitations for a motor vehicle collision case is two years. That means you have two years from the accident date or the date of your loved one’s death to file a lawsuit. That might seem like plenty of time, but a legal claim can take longer than expected.

Ideally, you should contact a Macon truck accident lawyer within days of the crash. That way, your lawyer can get started right away. An experienced attorney can protect your right to sue and keep you from being taken advantage of by an insurance company.

Common Semi-Truck Accident Injuries

Due to a semi’s weight and size, a collision can result in severe injuries and fatalities. Even if your injuries are relatively minor, you could face a long and painful recovery.

Common truck accident injuries include some of the following.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries like sprains, strains, or even contusions are common soft tissue injuries in 18-wheeler accidents. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility, requiring ongoing medical treatment and physical therapy.

Neck and Back Injuries

The sudden impact of a tractor-trailer collision can cause whiplash, herniated discs, and other neck and back injuries. These injuries can result in chronic pain, limited range of motion, and difficulty performing daily tasks.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The impact force in an 18-wheeler accident can lead to breaks and fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries may require surgery, immobilization, and extensive rehabilitation.

Head Injuries

In an 18-wheeler accident, head injuries are common. These injuries can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and permanent disability.

Internal Injuries

A serious 18-wheeler accident can cause internal injuries such as bleeding or organ damage to the lungs, liver, or spleen. These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The impact of an 18-wheeler collision can cause severe spinal cord damage. This injury may result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and leading to lifelong challenges.

Burns and Chemical Exposure

In some cases, 18-wheeler accidents result in fires, explosions, or hazardous material spills. Truck accident victims sometimes suffer from burns, smoke inhalation, or chemical exposure, leading to serious health complications and scarring.

Consulting with an experienced truck accident attorney from our law firm can protect your right to fair compensation for your injuries.

Who’s Liable for an 18-Wheeler Accident

Before you can recover compensation, you’ll need to identify the responsible party.

In a typical car accident, one or more drivers are usually at fault. However, it’s more complicated when a commercial truck is involved, even if driver error was the cause of the collision.

The Truck Driver

Some drivers of 18-wheelers are independent contractors.

This situation means that the driver:

• Is technically self-employed.
• Owns their vehicle and equipment.
• Does not have the legal protections of an employee.

If the driver is self-employed, they should have their own auto insurance for accidents. However, if a driver who’s a contractor caused your accident, you would make a claim for compensation with the driver’s insurance company.

The Trucking Company

Many truckers are employees of a trucking company. According to OCGA § 51-2-2, employers are responsible for their employee’s actions on the job.

As such, the truck company might be liable if a commercial driver causes a collision.

Trucking companies can also be at fault for violating federal laws. That includes hours of service regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These laws are designed to prevent fatigue by ensuring drivers are not working too long without rest.

The Manufacturing Company

Vehicle defects sometimes lead to accidents, and the damage can be catastrophic when something goes wrong with an 18-wheeler.

A trucking accident attorney can help investigate the accident scene and the events surrounding the incident. If there are any issues with the truck, an experienced lawyer can uncover the details and pinpoint liability.

The Mechanic or Maintenance Company

Commercial trucks can travel for hundreds of miles at a time. Companies and drivers are responsible for ensuring that vehicles are safe for travel, so a maintenance company must provide competent services.

An 18-wheeler crash might happen after a mechanic performs faulty service. If so, a maintenance company or mechanic could be at fault.

You’ll need to know who was negligent (or careless) in your accident to pursue compensation. Fortunately, our lawyers can investigate the details to determine who’s at fault. From there, you can seek the financial recovery you deserve.

Available Damages in a Macon Truck Accident Claim

You may be entitled to a wide range of damages after being injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Macon. Understanding the available damages can help you pursue maximum compensation.

Here are the types of damages that may be available in a Georgia trucking accident case:

Lost Wages

If your injuries prevent you from working, you can pursue compensation for your lost income and future loss of earning capacity. This damage includes wages, bonuses, commissions, and other benefits you would have earned if the accident had not happened.

Property Damage

If your vehicle or personal property was damaged in the crash, you can seek compensation for the repair or replacement costs.

Medical Expenses

You may be able to recover some or all medical expenses related to the accident or any ongoing care that may be necessary.

Loss of Consortium

If the accident has affected your relationship with your spouse, leading to a loss of companionship, intimacy, or support, you may be able to recover damages.

Pain and Suffering

Truck crashes can cause significant physical injuries and emotional pain. You may be entitled to compensation for any pain and suffering you feel. This may include physical discomfort, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from the crash and your injuries.

Disability and Disfigurement

In cases where the accident causes long-term or permanent injuries, you may be eligible for additional compensation for the impact on your life, appearance, and overall well-being.

Punitive Damages

In circumstances where the at-fault party’s actions were especially reckless, willful, or malicious, a court may award punitive or “exemplary” damages to punish the liable party and deter similar behavior in the future.

It’s important to note that every trucking accident case is unique, and the damages you may be eligible to claim will depend on the circumstances of your case. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney in Macon will help you understand the full value of your injuries and losses.

Speak With an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney in Macon, GA, About Pursuing Compensation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler, a John Foy & Associates team member can review your case for free. Then, if you decide to proceed, one of our experienced truck accident attorneys will help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for compensation in court if necessary.

Get the legal help you need today from a law firm with a proven track record of success. You don’t pay a dime unless we get you a settlement or court award. Call our law office today or contact us online to get started.