You can see large 18-wheeler trucks on Atlanta roads every day. These vehicles weigh and carry thousands of pounds at one time. If an accident happens, a truck can cause severe injuries or death.
If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a truck crash, an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA, can help. At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping truck accident victims like you for over 20 years. Our lawyers know what it takes to win cases.
Working with one of our Georgia truck accident lawyers is risk-free. We work on a contingency fee basis and do not charge a fee unless we win your case. To schedule a FREE consultation, contact us now.
Leading Causes of Atlanta 18-Wheeler Accidents
When truck accidents occur, the results are catastrophic. And unfortunately, there are many ways an 18-wheeler crash can happen. Here are some of the most common reasons we see.
Driver Fatigue
Trucking companies often set strict deadlines for their drivers. Even with federal laws, truckers will cut corners to push products faster. A commercial driver could fail to rest appropriately or even falsify their work log.
Driving long distances within a short time can cause severe fatigue. Plus, many truckers drive throughout the night. A tired or drowsy driver can easily lead to a terrible accident.
Alcohol or Substance Use
Driving a large truck is stressful work. To cope with the pressure, some drivers will use drugs or alcohol while on the road. Of course, using substances while driving is both illegal and very negligent.
A drunk or drugged driver is never safe. It’s even worse if the driver is operating an enormous commercial vehicle. If an accident happens, many people can become fatally injured.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Trucking companies must regularly inspect and maintain their commercial trucks. If someone drops the ball, poor maintenance can cause an accident. For example, the tires or brakes could malfunction.
When a truck part doesn’t work correctly, it’s hazardous. The trucking company, maintenance company, or manufacturer could be at fault if an accident happens.
18-Wheeler Driver Mistakes
All drivers in Atlanta must exercise reasonable care. If a driver is not careful, the legal term is negligence. Negligent driver actions can include:
- Failing to yield
- Speeding excessively
- Running a red light
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Failing to check blind spots
- Driving recklessly
- Drunk driving
- Improper loading of cargo
Truck drivers must give the road their full attention. Drivers must also drive safely and carefully. If a driver is careless, they can easily cause an accident.
If a truck driver caused your accident, you have rights. Talk to a lawyer about seeking compensation through a personal injury claim. To learn more about your options, contact John Foy & Associates.
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Understanding the Impact of 18-Wheeler Collisions
Thousands of people are involved in 18-wheeler accidents every year, and the impact can be devastating. These massive vehicles, weighing up to 80,000 pounds, can cause catastrophic damage and life-altering injuries. Understanding the true impact of an 18-wheeler accident is crucial in seeking justice and compensation.
Physically, the force of a collision with an 18-wheeler can result in severe injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and even loss of limbs. The road to recovery can be long and painful, often requiring extensive medical treatments and rehabilitation.
Beyond the physical toll, 18-wheeler accidents can also have a profound emotional and financial impact. The trauma and stress caused by the accident can lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, the financial burden of medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing treatment can be overwhelming.
What to Do After an Atlanta 18-Wheeler Accident
After an accident, there are ways you can protect your rights. Here are some actions we recommend doing as soon as possible.
Get Medical Help
After an accident, get medical attention. Truck accident injuries are often very severe. If you have life-threatening injuries, don’t wait to get treatment.
Waiting too long to get treatment will hurt your case. The insurance company will use the delay against you. The insurance company might also claim that your injuries were not from the accident.
Plus, waiting to get medical attention might worsen your injuries. It’s best to get treatment right away before anything gets more severe.
Preserve the Accident Scene
Do what you can to document the accident, such as:
- Calling 911 to report the accident
- Taking pictures of the accident scene
- Photographing your injuries and vehicle damage
- Asking for contact information from witnesses
- Getting the commercial truck driver’s contact and insurance information
Keep Track of Your Damages
After the accident, document all of your damages. Save medical bills, receipts, and more. You’ll need to calculate the full value of your injuries.
When you meet with an Atlanta 18-wheeler accident lawyer, bring all evidence to the consultation. The more information you have, the easier it will be for your lawyer to get started.
If a loved one died in a truck accident, call a lawyer. Your lawyer will help with all of the above steps. They’ll know how to build a strong wrongful death case for your family.
Be Careful What You Say After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Atlanta
You have legal rights if you were not at fault for your accident. You can pursue financial recovery for your costs. However, what you say has a significant impact on your case.
Don’t say anything to the insurance company without a truck accident lawyer. Also, be careful about anything you say at the scene. Avoid saying sorry or admitting any blame for the crash. The insurance company could use anything you say against you.
A truck accident lawyer will guide you on what to say and do. Contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Atlanta, GA, today to protect yourself. Your lawyer can speak and negotiate for you.
Damages Available in an 18-Wheeler Accident Case
Truck accidents are catastrophic and costly. They often result in terrible injuries or deaths. You have the right to compensation if you did not cause your accident.
Common damages from an 18-wheeler accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Hospital bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage/vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Punitive damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your motor vehicle accident attorney will help determine the value of your damages. They’ll determine your total costs to include in your claim.
Georgia’s Statute of Limitations in Truck Accidents
The statute of limitations on semi-truck accidents in Georgia is a critical law that sets a deadline for the time you can file a lawsuit. Under Georgia’s law, victims of semi-truck accidents must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident. Failing to file the lawsuit within this time period will likely result in the court rejecting the case.
This time period is crucial because the longer you wait, the more likely evidence will disappear, and witnesses may forget important details. Gathering evidence, such as witness statements, accident reports, and photographs, is essential to proving fault and receiving compensation.
Seek Legal Help ASAP
The clock starts ticking from the day of the accident. As a result, you should seek legal help as soon as possible if you plan on filing a claim. This will ensure the attorney has ample time to build a strong case for you.
It is important to remember that if you miss the deadline, you may be unable to receive compensation for your losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In conclusion, the statute of limitations on semi-truck accidents in Georgia is an important law that sets a time limit for victims to file a lawsuit. Seeking legal help immediately after an accident is critical to ensure you do not miss the deadline and to give your attorney time to gather the evidence necessary to build a strong case.
Why Choose Our 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Atlanta, GA?
When choosing an Atlanta 18-wheeler accident lawyer, you need someone with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to fight for your rights. That’s where our 18-wheeler lawyers come in. With decades of experience, our personal injury attorneys have a proven track record of success in handling these complex cases.
Personalized Legal Representation
What sets our lawyers apart is our commitment to personalized representation. We understand that every case is unique and deserves individual attention. We will take the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Assessing the Value of Your Car Accident Claim
Furthermore, an experienced lawyer with John Foy & Associates can accurately assess the true value of your claim. They understand the long-term effects and costs associated with 18-wheeler accident injuries and will fight to ensure you are compensated for both your economic and non-economic damages.
Understanding of the Law
Our lawyers have an in-depth understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding trucking accidents. We know how to navigate the legal process and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive the fair compensation you deserve for medical expenses and more.
Ability to Negotiate With Insurance Companies
Additionally, an experienced lawyer with us can handle all communication and negotiation with insurance companies. This is crucial because insurance companies are notorious for minimizing settlements and denying truck accident claims.
With a lawyer by your side, you can rest assured that your rights are protected and that you have someone fighting for fair financial compensation.
Handling Your Case With Care
Our truck accident attorneys genuinely care about our clients. We will be by your side every step of the way, offering support, guidance, and regular updates on your case. We understand your challenges and will do everything possible to alleviate your stress and help you through this difficult time.
When you choose our Atlanta 18-wheeler accident lawyers, you can rest assured that you have a dedicated advocate fighting for your rights. Don’t settle for anything less than the best. Contact us today, and let us take the reins on your accident case.
Talk to an Atlanta 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer for Free Today
If you have suffered catastrophic injuries or lost a loved one in an 18-wheeler accident, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at John Foy & Associates. We can help you and your family seek the recovery you deserve. Plus, we will not charge a fee unless we win your case.
We have been helping victims of truck accidents for over 20 years. We’re not afraid to “strong-arm” the insurance companies and fight for you. It’s why we’re one of Georgia’s most respected law firms. Contact us today for a FREE, no-risk consultation.
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