Delivery truck accidents can result in devastating injuries and losses for victims. The insurance and legal processes can be challenging when victims do not know who pays for the settlement and how the court system works.
Delivery trucks are a common sight on Atlanta streets, and accidents can happen due to various reasons, such as driver fatigue or distraction. After such an accident, consulting with an Atlanta truck accident lawyer can provide you with insights into your rights and the potential for compensation. To secure the maximum compensation you are owed, you need an Atlanta delivery truck accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates, who is familiar with the process. Truck accident victims come to our firm because we take on challenging cases and win. We sift through the legalese and provide options for your delivery truck accident claim.
Delivery Truck Statistics
Forbes reports Amazon delivers 2.5 billion packages a year, increasing each year. The other significant players, FedEx and UPS, average 3.4 billion and 5 billion deliveries annually.
Someone has to deliver all those packages, meaning delivery drivers are in high demand. Additionally, drivers are under extreme pressure to make thousands of deliveries on time daily.
Consumers are demanding more ease and faster delivery, and all this comes at a cost. Delivery trucks come in all shapes and sizes, and you can encounter an 18-wheeler or a small van making deliveries in city streets and neighborhoods. Not only are delivery trucks causing congestion on the road, but they are also endangering the lives of everyone around.
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What to Do After a Delivery Truck Accident in Atlanta, GA
After you obtain medical treatment and inform the authorities, there are several steps you can take to help your claim. Take photographs and videos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries, if possible. You must also call the insurance company and inform them there was an accident and provide minimal details.
Most importantly, you must speak with a delivery truck accident attorney in Atlanta, GA, to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Victims need to seek legal representation after a delivery truck accident because Georgia only allows two years to file claims. Once these two years pass, victims lose all legal rights to compensation recovery. This rule has few exceptions, and some cases have less time to file a claim. Building a solid case takes time, and many deadlines are to be considered.
John Foy & Associates has extensive experience handling cases involving delivery trucks and other commercial vehicles in Atlanta. Reach out to a personal injury attorney in Atlanta for dedicated support in dealing with the aftermath of a delivery truck accident.
Liability and Fault for Atlanta Delivery Truck Accidents
Many options exist for filing claims for delivery truck accidents. Employers are responsible for the actions of their delivery drivers. Companies like Amazon, DHL, FedEx, and UPS have policies that address how they handle delivery truck accidents. In addition to filing an insurance claim, you can also file an independent claim against the company.
This can be complicated by the fact that some drivers are independent contractors. Whether a delivery company’s insurance covers these drivers takes the skill of an experienced Atlanta delivery truck accident attorney to assess.
Employer pressure to deliver more packages faster can sometimes lead to unsafe driving habits, inadequate training, and unsecured cargo. Independent contractor classifications are meant to shield employers from liability, but the delivery company is still liable for the accident in many cases.
Partial Fault in a Delivery Truck Accident Case
The delivery driver’s insurance company will use comparative fault to its advantage. A qualified delivery truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA, will build a case that minimizes the negative viewpoint of comparative fault. Comparative fault is advantageous in some instances when victims are seeking substantial settlement amounts but can be harmful if you are partly at fault.
When a manufacturer shares fault, the compensation award will come from the manufacturer and driver’s insurance company. The company handling the delivery, whether an independent business or a delivery service like Uber or DoorDash, can also share partial fault.
In cases involving permanent injuries, the more parties that share fault, the better for your financial recovery. Your attorney can devise an approach that allows you to pursue claims from every entity that is responsible for your damages.
Challenges of Delivery Truck Claims
While most delivery trucks in your neighborhood are no larger than another passenger vehicle, they can be dangerous. Victims of delivery truck accidents have the right to recover compensation, but they can face unique challenges. One challenge is the potential for serious injury.
These vehicles are harder to maneuver, heavier, and larger than passenger automobiles. This can lead to catastrophic injuries requiring extensive costs. Successfully negotiating a settlement that covers all your past, present, and future expenses is a significant challenge.
Dealing with corporations is another daunting complication of delivery truck claims because they have commercial insurance policies. Their insurance providers will devote extensive resources to fighting injury and wrongful death claims.
State and federal regulations are another challenge of these cases because you need someone well-versed in the training and management of delivery drivers. Determining liability and potential causes when several entities are responsible for a delivery truck means your attorney must be highly knowledgeable.
Compensation Recovery for Your Delivery Truck Accident
Many delivery truck accident victims ponder the compensation they can recover after suffering losses. Victims must work with delivery truck accident lawyers to review individual factors determining compensation options. Some examples include:
- Mental anguish
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Wrongful death
- Disfigurement
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
Victims can also file for loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and vehicle repair damages. The goal of payment is to make victims whole again after a delivery truck accident. Unfortunately, money cannot solve everything, and victims can be left with lasting physical and emotional scars.
Contact an Atlanta Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer
Seeking compensation from the insurance company may be insufficient to provide you with enough payment for your losses and injuries. You must take legal action immediately if you suffered delivery truck accident-related injuries. Victims of delivery truck accidents likely have many questions and require the assistance of professionals with the legal knowledge to help them.
Contact an Atlanta delivery truck accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates when you need our strength and knowledge to fight for justice. Schedule a free case review with our firm by contacting us today.
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