Atlanta
Semi Truck Accident Lawyer

Semi-truck accidents in Atlanta often cause devastating injuries and other costs. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident, you have rights. Talk to an Atlanta semi-truck accident lawyer today.

At John Foy & Associates, our truck accident lawyers are here to help. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to win. We’re not afraid to stand up to the insurance companies after your accident.

Get in touch with us today to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our experienced truck accident lawyers in Atlanta by using our chat tool, giving us a call, or completing our online contact form.

What to Know About Semi Trucks in Atlanta

Semi-trucks are large vehicles that transport tens of thousands of pounds in cargo. Other names for semi-trucks include:

• 18-wheelers
• Big rigs
• Tractor-trailers
• Semi-trailer trucks

Semi-trucks move loads throughout the United States, including Atlanta. Large trucks are essential for the economy, but they’re also a hazard. If something goes wrong, it can cause a severe accident.

Semi-truck accidents are often catastrophic. Victims can suffer life-threatening injuries or even death. If you or a loved one were victims, you have legal rights.

If someone else caused the accident, you can seek compensation. You’ll need to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. An Atlanta semi-truck accident lawyer can help you do this.

The attorneys at John Foy & Associates are well-versed in the nuances of truck accident cases, including those involving semi-trucks. These vehicles are governed by specific federal and state regulations that can affect liability and compensation. If you’ve been in a semi-truck accident, it’s essential to consult with a personal injury attorney in Atlanta who can help you navigate these laws and fight for your rights.

Semi Truck Accident Damages

Your compensation depends on your accident damages. Under Georgia Code Section 51-12-2, there are two types of damages:

• General damages that you don’t need to prove to recover
• Special damages that you must prove to recover

General damages are non-economic losses from the accident. For example, your general damages include pain and suffering. Your lawyer will determine the value of these losses.

Special damages are more straightforward. They include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Thankfully, you can demonstrate these losses through bills, receipts, and other documents.

A semi-truck accident lawyer can account for all damages. To get help today, call John Foy & Associates. We’ll help you build a strong injury claim and fight for what you deserve. For a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.

Why Atlanta Semi Truck Accidents Happen

Truck accidents are less common than other crashes. However, they tend to be much more severe. Here are some of the most frequent causes of semi-truck accidents we see.

Truck Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often have strict deadlines to meet. Trucking companies put a lot of pressure on drivers to move cargo quickly. Although there are regulations, drivers still cut corners.

Truck driver fatigue is incredibly common. Drivers might forgo rest or even falsify records to work more. As a result, the driver becomes too tired to drive safely.

Some truck drivers will consume alcohol or drugs to deal with stress. This is dangerous and can cause accidents.

Speeding Accidents

Speeding causes many accident deaths, including truck accidents. When a semi-truck speeds, it’s incredibly dangerous.

Trucks need more time to stop and avoid a hazard. If the situation is risky, a truck is more likely to crash.

After a semi-truck accident, your lawyer will evaluate any evidence of speeding. They might look for black box data from the driver’s vehicle to see how fast they were going.

No-Zone Accidents

Semi-trucks have large blind spots called “no-zones.” If another vehicle is in the no-zone, the truck driver cannot see them.

Drivers must be mindful of their blind spots. If they are not careful enough, an accident can occur.

Improper Loading Crashes

Drivers must ensure their loads are secured properly. An improper loading job can cause the cargo to shift unexpectedly. As a result, the contents can spill onto the roadway or cause a rollover accident. The aftermath is often deadly.

Maintenance-Related Accidents

Semi-trucks travel thousands of miles. Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial for driver safety. If a driver or the trucking company doesn’t keep up with maintenance, it’s dangerous.

Accidents happen when there are issues with parts like:

• Brakes
• Steering
• Mirrors
• Tires
• Engines
• Cargo areas

Your lawyer will investigate any maintenance-related reasons for your accident. They’ll work to show how truck issues contributed to the crash. Then, your lawyer will show how someone neglected the truck’s inspection needs.

Semi Truck Accident Case Process in Atlanta

After a semi-truck accident, it’s essential to know how the legal process works. First, we recommend contacting an experienced lawyer. Your lawyer can begin working on your case immediately.

Here’s what you can expect after your crash.

Accident Investigation

After the collision, you’ll need to investigate the accident. The other party’s insurance company will do their own research into what happened.

Insurance companies often send experts to the accident scene. They’ll gather information, take pictures, and more. It’s best to do the same and protect your legal rights.

Avoid talking about the accident with anyone (except your lawyer). The insurance company will look for anything they can use against you. Do not say “sorry” or admit any blame. Make sure you have a lawyer before communicating with the insurance company.

Building a Personal Injury Claim

After gathering information, your lawyer will help you build an insurance claim. You’ll file this claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Depending on the situation, the at-fault party could be:

• The semi-truck driver
• The trucking company
• A vehicle manufacturer
• A mechanic or maintenance company
• Another driver involved in the crash

Your personal injury claim should show who was negligent for the accident. It should also include all of your accident damages. An experienced Atlanta semi-truck accident lawyer will help you do this.

Negotiating a Fair Settlement

Most of the time, the insurance company will offer you a lowball settlement. This settlement offer won’t come close to covering your damages. Thankfully, your lawyer will be a huge benefit here.

An experienced lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company. They’ll work to get you a settlement offer that covers your costs. If all goes well, you’ll receive a fair settlement offer.

Most semi-truck accident cases settle here. However, the insurance company will sometimes refuse to pay. If so, the next step is a lawsuit.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you need to take your case to court, your lawyer will help. They’ll begin preparing for a lawsuit. If you win in court, you’ll get the compensation you deserve.

Talk to an Atlanta Semi Truck Accident Lawyer for Free Today

Semi-truck accidents are incredibly serious. You should not have to pay for the other party’s negligence. At John Foy & Associates, we’ll fight for the compensation you need.

Our lawyers do not charge a fee unless we win your case. Plus, the consultation is 100% FREE.

To get your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.