Augusta
Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer

When your loved one is killed in a fatal truck accident in Augusta, the emotional chaos and financial uncertainty can feel like too much to bear. You should not face these challenges alone, and you do not have to. 

John Foy & Associates, the Strong Arm of Georgia, is ready to guide you through this difficult time, helping you regain financial security and move toward healing. With the guidance of a skilled Augusta fatal truck accident lawyer, you can hold those at fault accountable for the harm they caused. Augusta residents have sought and received our help for over 20 years. You can count on us for both compassionate and fierce legal representation.

An Important First Step Following a Fatal Truck Accident in Augusta

Those left behind when a loved one dies in a fatal truck accident are thrust into a state of emotional turmoil that leaves them confused, afraid, and uncertain about what to do next. John Foy & Associates has years of working with families who have lost loved ones in fatal truck accidents.

By contacting a fatal truck accident lawyer in Augusta from our team, you take an important first step. Your lawyer knows what to do next.

Your Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer in Augusta Will Investigate the Accident

An Augusta fatal truck accident attorney will carefully investigate the accident that led to your loved one’s death, looking into its cause and identifying the negligent party or parties. Since no one wants to bear the fault for an accident, these investigations can become complicated, with those involved working to cast blame on anyone other than themselves.

Fortunately, your Augusta truck accident attorney has the background and connections to comprehensively review the accident and its causes. Your lawyer will gain access to all police reports and traffic camera footage. They will also contact witnesses to gather their testimonies. 

If expert input is needed to determine the cause of the crash, your attorney will use their connections to solidify your case. Our network of specialists can look closely at a possible truck malfunction, lack of compliance with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations, or even improperly marked roadways or defective traffic signals.

Determining Who Holds Fault for the Accident

The National Safety Council reports 4,965 fatal truck accidents in the United States and 234 in Georgia for the most recent full year of data collection. In the Georgia accidents, 168 victims, 72%, were occupants of other vehicles. Truck occupants comprised 17% of the fatalities, and non-vehicle occupants 11%.

There are a variety of potential at-fault parties, whether your loved one was a passenger in another vehicle, a pedestrian or cyclist, or the driver of the truck involved in the accident. Part of the job for your fatal truck accident lawyer in Augusta will be identifying those to blame.

Responsible parties potentially include but are not limited to:

• The truck driver: All drivers must refrain from dangerous driving behaviors and promote safety on the roads. Additionally, truck drivers must comply with strict NHTSA regulations regarding their active-driving hours and rest periods, truck weight, daily truck inspections, load security, and speed.
• The truck company: Truck companies must ensure the safety of their vehicles through regular inspections. They must also monitor their drivers.
• Vehicle part manufacturers or installers: Those who produce or install vehicle parts must do so correctly so no one on the road, including the truck driver, is at risk because of failed brake, steering, or other systems.
• Government entities: Counties and states have government offices responsible for the oversight of road and traffic signals maintenance. When their negligence contributes to a crash, they can be met with legal proceedings.

When your loved one dies because another party failed to fulfill their responsibilities or acted negligently, you have the right to seek justice on your loved one’s behalf and seek financial compensation for your losses. 

Filing a Claim After a Fatal Truck Accident in Augusta

By determining who is at fault, your Augusta fatal truck accident attorney can file a wrongful death claim against the appropriate party. Since this determination can take time, it is best to contact an attorney immediately following the accident. Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims. Early contact gives your attorney time to investigate and file well within that deadline.

If the truck involved in your loved one’s accident was a government-owned vehicle, such as a postal service truck, your filing window closes more quickly. In addition, the overall procedure for filing your claim is different, giving you more reason to promptly contact an Augusta fatal car accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates.

Losses You Can Recover Through a Wrongful Death Claim

Your fatal truck accident attorney in Augusta will not just investigate the cause of the crash but will also examine how the loss of your loved one has and will continue to affect you and your household. 

Financial Recovery

Taking a detailed account of the financial loss incurred by your loved one’s death is essential. Your household can no longer depend on your loved one’s earnings or other contributions to the family. Your attorney will calculate your loved one’s potential income, considering age and other factors, as well as any retirement or other benefits. Your lawyer will calculate a fair and appropriate estimate of damages and seek to recoup those losses.

If your loved one did not work outside the home but was the primary child-care provider, your lawyer will account for the new expenses your family now faces.

Emotional Recovery

You may feel uncomfortable attempting to put a monetary value on the emotional turmoil your loved one’s death has brought to your family. While no dollar amount can end your pain, it can serve to acknowledge your distress and hold the at-fault party responsible for the suffering they have caused.

In some situations, the family members of fatal truck accident victims can request punitive damages. Punitive damages are used to punish especially negligent at-fault parties by requiring additional payments to victims, not just compensatory damages. These are rarely awarded and are usually given at the discretion of the judge in your case.

Contact an Augusta Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer Now

For over 20 years, John Foy & Associates has been the Strong Arm across Georgia for our clients. We have successfully fought for justice for lost lives and financial compensation for survivors. 

With an experienced Augusta fatal truck accident lawyer from our team fighting for you, you can focus on your family’s emotional well-being. Since you do not pay us until we secure a settlement, there is absolutely no risk in scheduling a free consultation today.