Delivery trucks are on Macon roads every day. If a driver is careless and causes an accident, the injured parties can seek compensation. To learn your compensation options, call our Macon delivery truck accident lawyers.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help if you’ve suffered injuries in an accident you didn’t cause. We have 20-plus years of experience and a strong track record of success. We’ve won over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements, many of which were truck accident cases.
To get a free, no-risk consultation, call our Macon truck accident lawyers.
Can You Sue After Being Hit by a Delivery Truck?
If someone else’s careless actions caused your accident, you have rights. You can seek compensation by suing the at-fault party. However, you might not have to file a lawsuit.
You can seek compensation through an insurance claim. Delivery truck drivers’ employers should carry auto insurance to cover accidents where the driver is at fault.
If you cannot get a fair settlement offer from the insurer, then you might consider suing the company or driver. To know what’s best for you, talk to an experienced Macon personal injury lawyer.
How to Know Who’s at Fault
Georgia is a fault state. That means the negligence (or careless) party in an accident is liable for the costs.
Everyone has a duty of care to others. For example, delivery truck drivers have a duty of care to drive safely on the road.
According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-6, when someone fails in their duty and causes an accident, the injured parties can recover damages.
Before you can seek compensation, you must know who’s at fault.
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When Should You Sue for a Delivery Truck Accident?
Thankfully, most cases end in a settlement. But some victims decide to sue for what they deserve.
If the insurance company doesn’t make a fair offer, talk to your lawyer about going to court. Lawsuits are long and expensive, but they are worth it in some situations.
Truck accidents tend to cause severe injuries and damages, which means you deserve a higher settlement. Our team can ensure you fight for the total compensation you deserve.
Be Mindful of the Statute of Limitations
Keep in mind that you have limited time to bring a legal case. In Georgia, you must take legal action within two years of the accident date. This is known as the statute of limitations.
If you miss the deadline, you probably won’t be able to recover anything. To make sure you stay on track, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.
Responsible Parties in a Delivery Truck Accident
Delivery trucks carry items to and from different locations. During each trip, there’s an increased risk of an accident.
If a delivery truck gets into an accident, one or more parties could be at fault.
The Driver’s Employer
A delivery truck driver might work for a company that makes the items or a company that provides delivery services.
If the driver is an employee, the employer is likely liable. According to OCGA §51-2-2, an employer is responsible for their employees’ actions within their job scope.
If the truck driver was negligent in the accident, you might have a case against the employer.
The Truck Driver
Some truck drivers are independent contractors. This is more common with commercial trucks, such as semis, but some delivery truck drivers might also be self-employed.
If the driver is not an employee, they might be personally liable for the accident. You can file a claim with the driver’s own auto insurance.
The Mechanic
Delivery trucks travel for many miles. If the truck has received faulty or neglectful maintenance, that might lead to an accident. The mechanic or maintenance company that worked on the truck could be responsible.
The Manufacturing Company
Sometimes, a defective truck part can lead to an accident. If so, the manufacturing company that made it might be liable. You could have a product liability claim against the company.
Another Driver on the Road
Some delivery truck crashes are the fault of another driver. If you were injured as a delivery driver or another party, you have rights. You might have a claim against the driver who caused the accident in Macon.
Georgia Allows Partial Fault in an Accident
Georgia law allows more than one party to be partially at fault. If that’s the case with your accident, you might have multiple insurance claims or lawsuits.
Our Macon delivery truck accident lawyers at John Foy & Associates can help. After your accident, we’ll help determine who is responsible for your accident. From there, we can seek the compensation you deserve.
To learn your options during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
How to Fight for a Fair Settlement
When you contact a lawyer, they’ll help determine what type of compensation you deserve. If all goes well, you can get a settlement from the responsible party’s insurance company.
Insurance companies try to settle or end injury claims as soon as possible. They are looking to pay as little as possible. As the injured party, you might have to fight for a settlement that actually covers your damages.
Knowing When an Offer Is Fair
After your accident, the insurance company might send a quick offer—but be careful. If you accept any money, it will essentially close your case. Do not take a settlement offer before checking with an attorney first.
A lawyer can help you understand what a fair settlement looks like for you. Every case is different, so your compensation will depend on your damages.
Common accident damages include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription drug costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Most injury victims underestimate how much damages they have. It’s easy to accept a lower amount out of desperation. But that can leave you paying a lot out of pocket for costs you didn’t cause.
Your lawyer will consider all losses, including future treatment costs. Then, you can approach the insurance company knowing what you deserve.
Talk to a Macon Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer for Free Today
We can help you seek fair compensation after an accident with a delivery truck. Get the power of the “Strong Arm” today. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
478-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form