If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident in Johns Creek, our Johns Creek semi-truck accident lawyers can help. We understand the severity of truck accident damages on victims and their families. We know how to gather vital evidence to prove the responsible party’s fault.
Semi-truck collisions often cause serious injuries and other damages. Many victims lose their lives. If you or your family were affected, don’t wait to get legal help. The statute of limitations only allows for a limited time in which to seek compensation.
John Foy & Associates can assist after a tragic crash. We have over 20 years of experience, and we’re not afraid to fight for your rights. Plus, you don’t pay us unless we win you money.
To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Semi-Truck Drivers Have a Higher Duty of Care
Truck drivers are commercial drivers, which means they have a higher responsibility than other drivers.
Everyone in Johns Creek has a “duty of care” towards others. Motorists must drive carefully to avoid harm. If someone is not careful, it’s known as negligence.
Commercial drivers are common carriers. These common carriers must “exercise ordinary diligence,” according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §46-9-1. If not, the driver is responsible for an accident they cause.
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Truck Driver Negligence in Accidents
If a semi-truck driver caused your accident, you’ll need to prove it. The burden is on you as the victim to show who was at fault. Here are some of the main ways truck drivers can cause accidents.
Driver Fatigue
Truckers often work long hours, and they’re on the roads at all hours. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), property-carrying truckers cannot drive for over 11 hours at a time. And this is only after being off-duty for 10 hours.
Semi-truck drivers have several regulations to follow while working. However, driver fatigue is still common. Drivers or trucking companies might also cut corners or falsify records to drive for longer.
If a driver is tired, they might fall asleep behind the wheel or make careless mistakes. Unfortunately, truck driver fatigue is a common cause of these accidents.
Driving Under the Influence
Most drivers cannot have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more. But semi-truck drivers have a higher standard of care. Commercial drivers cannot have a BAC of 0.04% or more.
Sadly, substance abuse is common with shift drivers. Truckers might use drugs or alcohol to handle the pressures of driving for long hours. If the driver who caused your accident was under the influence, they could be personally liable.
Other Types of Driver Negligence
Other common causes of semi-truck accidents include:
- Excessive speeding
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Poorly-secured cargo
- Lack of maintenance
Inadequate driver training, faulty truck parts, and other factors might play a role. There are many facts to consider when a truck accident impacts your life. But thankfully, you don’t have to handle the legal side of things alone.
A Johns Creek semi-truck accident lawyer can help. At John Foy & Associates, we consider every part of a truck accident claim.
We’ll investigate every possible cause and determine who is liable. Meanwhile, you can focus on healing from your injuries and being with loved ones. To learn more during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Semi-Truck Accident Damages
Semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles are enormous. Their sizes and weights can make an accident catastrophic for victims. That means damages totaling tens of thousands of dollars or more.
Common economic damages include:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation costs
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repair costs
An accident is more than monetary losses, too. You might have emotional damages from the crash like:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Fear or embarrassment
- Mental anguish
Don’t leave any stone unturned when calculating your damages. Also, be sure to keep track of all evidence. You will need to provide medical bills and other documents to back up your claim. Talk to an experienced lawyer for help gathering the right information.
What Not to Do After a Truck Accident
What you do after a semi-truck accident is just as important as what you don’t do. Be very careful about discussing the crash after it happens. Your lawyer is the only person who you can freely talk to about what occurred.
Do not do the following after the accident:
- Don’t accept the first settlement. The first offer will be a lowball, and you deserve more. Avoid any upfront offers, and talk to a lawyer before accepting anything. You’ll probably need help from an attorney who can negotiate for a better offer.
- Don’t sign anything. The driver’s or trucking company’s insurance company might ask you to sign away your rights while making it sound like a good deal. But don’t sign anything without consulting a lawyer.
- Don’t give a recorded statement. If the insurance company or trucking company asks for a statement, talk to a lawyer first. Avoid saying anything that could be used against you later.
Our truck accident lawyers know how to protect your rights after your accident. We are not afraid to handle the insurance companies. If you get a lowball settlement, we’ll be ready to negotiate for what you deserve.
Sometimes, an insurance company will refuse to negotiate. The insurer might even deny your claim altogether. If that happens, contact your lawyer. You might need to file a lawsuit to recover your accident costs.
Talk to a Johns Creek Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Semi-truck accidents can be devastating for victims and their families. After the incident, a legal case is probably the last thing you want to deal with. John Foy & Associates can take the weight off your shoulders while you focus on healing.
Contact us today to get started with a free consultation. We do not collect a fee unless we win you money. To get started for free, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
