Collisions involving coal trucks can significantly impact victims’ lives. In addition to suffering catastrophic physical injuries, this psychological distress and financial loss can consume them and make it difficult or impossible to live normally. If another party’s negligent actions caused your injuries, you might have the right to total compensation for your suffering.
Coal trucks, often carrying heavy and unstable loads, are a common sight on Atlanta roads and can be involved in severe accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an incident, it’s important to speak with an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer who understands the specific dangers these vehicles pose.
However, when your injuries are severe, going through a complex litigation process may be the furthest thing from your mind. Get the legal help you need when you need it most. Reach out to an experienced Atlanta coal truck accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates for a free consultation and ensure the at-fault party is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
What to Do After a Coal Truck Accident in Atlanta
Your coal truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA, at John Foy & Associates, is here to guide you through the immediate aftermath of your collision and the claims process.
The steps you take following a collision could significantly impact your ability to pursue compensation for your damages and get the most out of your claim. Here is where to start:
1. Get Police to the Coal Truck Accident Scene
Immediately after your collision with a coal truck, you must get law enforcement officials and emergency responders to the accident scene. If the liable party attempts to convince you to leave the police out of it or avoid filing a claim with the insurance company, you should almost always decline.
When you are involved in an accident that results in severe bodily injury or significant property damages, under Georgia law, you may be required to report your accident to the police. Additionally, police provide compelling evidence that can be used to prove the defendant’s negligence when your case goes to court or you need to file an insurance claim.
The police and crash report can help identify liable parties and help accident reconstructionists re-create the collision so you can have additional evidence to prove fault.
2. Collect Evidence to Support Your Case
If your injuries have not rendered you immobile, and you have a chance to document the accident scene, you should. If you take a video of the weather conditions, traffic conditions, and surrounding property damages, this evidence can be used to re-create how the accident occurred.
Forensic analysts and accident reconstructionists can also use it to establish fault and liability. Other types of evidence to collect after your cold truck accident claim include:
- Photos of your injuries
- Witnesses’ contact information
- The other involved party’s contact information
- Photos of surrounding property damages
- Pictures of the liable party’s license plate
- Write down a detailed account of how the accident happened
- Write down the addresses of nearby homes are businesses that may have caught the accident on camera
3. Get Evaluated by Healthcare Professionals
Even if you initially believe your injuries are only minor, it is in your best interests to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. The last thing you need is to succumb to undiagnosed injuries because they were invisible.
Internal bleeding, concussions, and organ damage are just a few of the injuries that may prove fatal if left untreated. Furthermore, by getting medical help from the beginning, you can easily document the severity of your injuries which could prove valuable when arguing for maximum compensation.
4. Hire a Coal Truck Accident Lawyer in Atlanta for Help
As soon as possible, get a coal truck accident attorney in Atlanta to work on your case. Although you may not be anxious to move forward with a legal claim, your injuries may be so severe you cannot pursue your case alone. And it would be best if you did not have to.
When you have an experienced legal advocate working for you, you can heal from your injuries while your lawyer handles the legalities of your case. You can recuperate, attend physical therapy, and spend time with your family while we build a powerful case against those who harmed you. John Foy & Associates has been representing injured individuals in Atlanta for over two decades. Our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys in Atlanta is well-equipped to handle the complexities of truck accident cases, striving for the compensation that victims rightfully deserve.
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How Atlanta Coal Trucks Occur and Who to Sue for Damages
Your Atlanta coal truck accident attorney must also determine how your accident happened and who is responsible for compensating you. Some of the top causes of coal truck accidents include:
- Driving over the speed limit
- Inexperienced coal truck operators
- Improperly loaded coal trucks
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving a coal truck while fatigued
- Dangerous road conditions
- Malfunctioning or defective coal truck parts
- Failure to conduct safety inspections
- Tailgating and aggressive driving
Do not be surprised if multiple parties share blame for the Injuries used to stand. Although this may complicate your case, it gives you an increased opportunity to fully recover your damages. Potentially liable parties after a coal truck accident could include:
- The coal truck driver
- The owner of the coal truck
- Call truck loaders
- Call truck safety inspectors
- Call truck maintenance workers
- The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
- The city of Atlanta
- The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
Your Coal Truck Accident Claim Must Be Filed Before Time Runs Out
Although no one wants to feel pressured to move forward with a lawsuit before they are ready, time is of the essence. Not only do we need to get started as soon as possible to gather time-sensitive evidence, but we are also working against the statute of limitations.
The law states you have up to two years to file your claim before the sideline passes. Unfortunately, those who do not file their claims in time lose their chance to try their case before a judge and jury.
Get Help from a Coal Truck Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Today
Your life may be turned upside down by the trauma of your collision. However, it does not need to stay that way. When you are awarded maximum compensation for your damages, you can rebuild your life and overcome the challenges you face.
Get help navigating the insurance claim and civil lawsuit processes when you have a respected Atlanta coal truck accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates on your side. Schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation as soon as today by completing our quick contact form or calling our office.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form