Logging trucks carry thousands of pounds as they transport lumber across state lines and the country. Unfortunately, these commercial trucks are some of the most dangerous vehicles on the roadways. If you have been critically injured in a collision, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages.
Logging trucks are a common sight on Atlanta’s roads, given Georgia’s robust timber industry. These vehicles are essential for transporting lumber, but they can also be involved in catastrophic accidents due to their size, weight, and often unsteady loads. Victims of logging truck accidents may face a long recovery and need the support of a seasoned Atlanta truck accident lawyer. A reputable Atlanta logging truck accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates could help you get the most out of your claim. Contact our team for a free consultation today to learn who could be held accountable for your suffering and what is next for your insurance claims and civil lawsuits.
How to Build a Powerful Logging Truck Accident Claim in Atlanta
If you hope to build a strong case against the individual or entity who caused your injuries, it is crucial to have a dedicated logging truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA, at John Foy & Associates working for you. Here are some of the steps we will take to ensure the liable party is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law:
Get the strong arm
Conduct an Investigation and Gather Compelling Evidence
We start by thoroughly investigating how your logging truck accident occurred. We recognize the types of evidence that are most likely to convince the jury that the defendant is responsible for causing your injuries.
Since logging truck accidents can happen in multiple ways, we must evaluate the evidence to uncover the truth. Some of the most common causes of logging truck accidents include the following:
- Dangerous road conditions
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Failure to stop or yield
- Improper lane changes
- Aggressive driving
- Reckless driving
- Inclement weather
- Wildlife
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while fatigued
- Defective logging truck or motor vehicle parts
Types of Evidence
Fortunately, when you have an experienced legal advocate, you have access to evidence you might not otherwise be able to obtain. Examples of the types of evidence we will be looking for include the following:
- Video footage of the logging truck accident
- Analysis of the logging truck’s black box or event data recordings (EDRs)
- Photos of your injuries and vehicle damages
- Video of the surrounding accident scene and property damages
- Contact information for witnesses and bystanders
- Reports from logging truck accident reconstructionists
- Police and crash reports
- Testimony from expert witnesses
- The logging truck driver’s chemical blood alcohol test results
- The logging truck driver’s cell phone records
Establish Responsibility for Causing the Accident
Once we have the evidence to move forward with your case and prove liability based on a preponderance of the evidence, we will identify those responsible for causing your injuries. That way, we can proceed with your insurance and civil claims against them.
It is not unusual for multiple parties to share blame in a logging truck accident. Examples of parties who could be responsible for your losses include:
- The logging truck driver
- The logging truck company
- The owner of the logging truck
- Logging truck cargo loaders
- Logging truck safety inspectors
- The dealership that sold the logging truck
- Logging truck parts manufacturers
- Government agencies
- Municipalities
Our team at John Foy & Associates understands the intricacies of accidents involving commercial vehicles like logging trucks. If you or a loved one has been hurt in such an accident, it’s crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney in Atlanta who can help you navigate the legal system and seek fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Calculate the Value of Your Logging Truck Accident Claim
Once we have determined who is liable for your damages, we will need to go over how your life has been affected by your injuries to calculate the value of your claim. You are entitled to compensation for every loss you suffered due to someone else’s negligent actions. In civil court, they call this “the right to be made whole.”
You should be repaid for not only your monetary and out-of-pocket expenses but also your non-economic losses. Examples of the types of damages you could recover include:
- Costs associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle
- Unexpected childcare expenses
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of society, support, companionship, protection, advice, and love
- Skin scarring and disfiguring injuries
- Costs of household maintenance and upkeep
- Damage to your credit report and score
- Costs of a rental car
- The diminished value of your vehicle
- Other personal property damages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Healthcare expenses and medical costs
- Psychological distress and mental anguish
- Damage to your personal and professional reputations
It should be noted that while punitive damages are possible in logging truck accident claims, they are not common. Punitive damages are designed to punish liable parties and deter future instances of negligence.
They are not designed to offer additional compensation to injury victims. If the court system deems the liable party’s conduct reprehensible, egregious, despicable, or grossly negligent, you could see an increase in your settlement in the form of exemplary damages.
Explore Your Options for Financial Relief
Your logging truck accident attorney in Atlanta, GA, will determine which legal options will produce the most favorable outcome in your case. For some logging truck accident cases, filing an insurance claim may be enough to cover your needs fully.
However, since insurance companies are profit driven and often only cover specific damages, preparing for trial is also in your best interests. Unless the insurance company can compensate you for every loss, you may be better off bringing your case to court, where a judge and jury can determine the liable party’s financial obligations.
Prepare Your Claims Before Time Runs Out
To build a compelling case, you must file before your claims deadlines expire. There are often several deadlines you must be aware of if you hope to protect your payout.
For example, Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. But if you file a claim with the insurance company, you could have as few as 30 days before time runs out. For this reason, having an experienced legal professional on your side who is aware of these essential deadlines is crucial.
Meet with an Atlanta Logging Truck Accident Attorney
Your commercial truck accident injuries may permanently alter the course of your life. Make sure you have access to the compensation you will need to cover these expenses and put this harrowing experience behind you.
With a dedicated Atlanta logging truck accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates working for you, you can rest easier knowing our team will do everything possible to bring the liable party to justice. Please complete our online contact form or call our office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form