Flatbed trucks are massive, difficult to control, and inherently dangerous on the roadways. Did you or someone you love suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries in a devastating commercial truck accident? If so, you may feel overwhelmed, confused, and anxious to hold the liable party accountable.
Explore your legal options for financial relief further when you reach out to an experienced Augusta flatbed truck accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates for a free consultation today.
Steps to Take After a Collision with a Flatbed Truck
When you are involved in a collision with a flatbed truck, there are specific steps you can take to begin building a high-quality case against the liable party from the start.
Call the Police and 9-1-1
One of the most important things you can do immediately after your truck accident is contact emergency responders. Although you might have hoped to resolve matters without having to get the police involved, many times, if there are injuries or property damages, reporting your accident to the police is legally required.
Furthermore, once the police arrive, they can gather evidence that could be used against the liable party and draw up a police or accident report that can be used as evidence in your civil claim against the responsible party. When emergency responders arrive at the accident scene, you can get the necessary medical treatment. This begins documenting the extent of your injuries from the start, which will prove helpful in establishing how significantly your injuries have affected your life.
Collect Valuable Supporting Evidence
While you wait for emergency responders and law-enforcement officials to arrive at the scene of your flatbed truck accident, start collecting evidence wherever you can. Make sure you write down the license plate number and contact details listed on the flatbed truck. Other types of evidence you might collect include:
- The flatbed truck driver’s name and driver’s license number
- Contact information of the flatbed truck company
- The names and contact information of any bystanders or witnesses to the accident
- Photos of the injuries you sustained
- Take a video of the property damage following the flatbed truck accident
Call an Augusta Flatbed Truck Accident Attorney
Contact a flatbed truck accident lawyer in Augusta, GA, as soon as possible for help. You are going to need an experienced professional on your side who:
- Is not afraid to go up against large insurance companies
- Diligent in collecting valuable supporting evidence
- Ready to bring your case to trial if necessary
The sooner you get a truck accident attorney in Augusta started on your case, the less likely the two-year statute of limitations will impact your ability to recover the compensation you deserve.
Get the strong arm
Common Flatbed Truck Accident Injuries
Collisions involving commercial flatbed trucks are often devastating. It is common for victims to suffer life-threatening injuries that take months or even years to fully recover from. Some truck accident victims wind up dealing with the consequences of their injuries for the rest of their lives.
Some of the more common types of injuries your flatbed truck accident attorney in Augusta, GA, at John Foy & Associates handles include:
- Back and neck injuries
- Disfigurement
- Bruises, lacerations, and abrasions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain damage
- Amputation
- Joint and bone fractures
- Strains and sprains
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Seatbelt injuries
- Facial injuries caused by airbags
- Fatal injuries
Your flatbed truck accident attorney will need to carefully evaluate the impact your injuries have had on your life now and are expected to in the future, so we can accurately calculate the value of your claim.
How Flatbed Truck Accidents Happen in Augusta
Understanding what caused the flatbed truck accident is crucial to recover compensation for your damages. In unavoidable conditions, you may be unable to file a claim, as no one is responsible.
However, if someone else is negligent or malicious actions were the cause of your injuries, you can make the liable party pay. Some of the top causes of flatbed truck accidents include:
- Jackknifing
- Failure to follow traffic signals
- Improper lane changes
- Flatbed truck driver fatigue
- Driving over or under the speed limit
- Failure to keep the flatbed in good working condition
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Flatbed truck blind spots
- Failure to do due diligence
- Failure to complete flatbed truck safety inspections
- Flatbed truck brake failure or other maintenance issues
Your flatbed truck accident attorney will carefully evaluate how your accident occurred so we can figure out which parties should be sued for your damages. This way, you have the greatest chance to take that control of your life and get back on your feet after your collision.
Compensation for Flatbed Truck Accident Victims
Truck accident victims are entitled to compensation for every loss they experienced due to another party’s negligent actions. With this in mind, it is vital to consider the financial losses you experience and your emotional trauma and physical injuries.
Economic Damages
Economic damages account for your out-of-pocket or other monetary expenses. Some examples of economic losses in a flatbed truck accident include:
- Motor vehicle repairs
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Medical bills
- Loss of household services
- Personal property damages
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages describe every loss you endured that does not have a financial value. Your flatbed truck accident lawyer must quantify these losses so you receive fair compensation. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Skin scars
- Indignity and shame
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical pain and suffering
Exemplary Damages
Exemplary damages, also frequently called punitive damages, are not awarded in every flatbed truck accident or civil claim. Although punitive damages are possible, they are often only awarded when the judge finds the defendant’s actions intentional, willful, or grossly negligent.
Meet with a Flatbed Truck Accident Lawyer in Augusta for Help Today
When you are ready to take legal action against those responsible for causing your injuries and damages but do not know where to start, do not hesitate to contact a professional. Contact a knowledgeable and experienced Augusta flatbed truck accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates today.
Schedule a free consultation to find out more about how the claims process works, the value of your damages, and who could be responsible for compensating you. Fill out our online contact form or call us to get started on your flatbed truck accident claims today.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form