Large commercial trucks are a factor in some of the most serious and tragic accidents we see in Jonesboro. While most truck drivers are safe and attentive behind the wheel, driver fatigue and long hours takes its toll—and many truck accidents are caused by the trucker, not the others involved.
Unfortunately, even a half-second of poor judgment by a truck driver can result in life-changing injuries or even fatalities for those around them. If you or your loved one were involved in a truck accident, you need legal help from the start. Take the time to talk to a Jonesboro truck accident lawyer.
John Foy & Associates is the shoulder you can lean on. For over 20 years we have helped truck accident victims and their families make it through one of the most difficult times of their lives—and get the financial support they need.
Our experienced attorneys know how to handle trucking companies, aggressive insurance representatives, and the legal system. Let us give you a FREE consultation and put our knowledge to work for you.
Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
4 Things You Need to Know After a Truck Accident
The days and weeks after a truck accident are beyond stressful—but they are also the time in which you need to advocate for yourself. Here are four important things you need to know as you start to come to terms with what happened.
1. You Are Not Alone
It may sound obvious, but it’s important to remember that there’s an entire system in place to help you and your family as you deal with the aftermath. That system includes the laws that protect your rights, the damages you can recover to help you get the care you need, and a trustworthy attorney who will look out for YOUR interests above all else.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you have to navigate the system alone—or that you have no options. A good attorney will help you.
2. The Truck Driver Is Often at Fault, at Least in Part, for the Accident
Whether they are an independent owner-operator or work for one of the largest companies in the world, the truck driver must follow the same rules of the road as everyone else.
In fact, truck drivers are held to even higher standards than other drivers. In Jonesboro and statewide, all accident claims are based on fault, and if the truck driver was distracted, intoxicated, or careless in any way, they are likely at fault for the accident. (Truck drivers aren’t automatically at fault, but they are often found at least partially at fault even if someone else was careless as well.)
3.Your Case May Involve Three or More Parties
Most car accidents are straightforward: the claim is between the two drivers (and their insurance companies) only. Truck accidents are rarely that simple. In most cases there will be an extensive accident investigation—possibly more than one, as the police, the trucking company, the insurers, and your own lawyer all have a reason to get a careful look at the evidence.
Depending on the investigation results, it could turn out that the accident involved a mechanical defect (like faulty truck tires), a lack of maintenance, truck driver fatigue, or other factors. That means that the driver, trucking company, and parts manufacturers could all be involved in the claim. In fact, any or all of them may be liable for your injuries.
Don’t let the complexity of this claim dissuade you. You can still enforce your rights—and in some cases the involvement of multiple parties can actually be good for you. But you do need a legal representative of your own involved in the process as early as possible.
4. The Process Can Be Emotionally Difficult
Insurance companies don’t play nice. It’s in their interest—and their client’s interest—if the accident is blamed on you, rather than the trucker. They may claim you were partly at fault for an accident you didn’t cause at all.
They may impeach your character, your driving skills, and your honesty in your account of the accident. They may even try to downplay your injuries—even while you and your family are worried that will never fully recover. These tactics can be stressful, but they’re just that: tactics. The best thing you can do is have a lawyer speak to insurers for you, so that you don’t have to deal with these stressful situations yourself.
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How Much Money Can I Recover for My Truck Accident Claim?
The courts in Jonesboro (and statewide) allow truck accident victims to recover 100% of their costs, as well as monetary damages for other types of losses. However, it can be very difficult to put a dollar figure on what happened.
At John Foy & Associates, we don’t believe money can ever make up for a major accident, but we do believe this money is very important to victims and their families. It’s what allows you to put your life back together.
You may be able to recover money for all of the following:
- Medical costs (both short-term and long-term) related to the accident,
- Lost work time,
- Inability to return to work,
- Vehicle damages and other lost property, and
- A substantial additional amount of money to account for pain, emotional suffering, permanent disability, scarring or loss of quality of life.
These costs vary from case to case. But truck accidents in general tend to bring higher financial recoveries for the victims than other types of accident claims. This is because the injuries tend to be so severe.
We have seen truck accident recoveries worth $500,000 or more, or over a million dollars. We can help you estimate what your claim may be worth and how much money you should be fighting for.
Talk to a Jonesboro Truck Accident Lawyer for Free
Our attorneys have helped truck accident victims for over 20 years. We have a history of winning cases, and we know how to force insurance companies to pay. Don’t take risks with the money you deserve. Let us give you a FREE consultation.
Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to the right to set up your free consultation right away.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
