You can see tractor-trailers around Sandy Springs roads every day. Tragically, many of the most severe accidents involve these types of trucks. The vast size and weight of a tractor-trailer can lead to devastating injuries and other damages.
If you or a loved one were victims of a truck accident, you might deserve compensation for your losses. A Sandy Springs tractor-trailer accident lawyer can look at your options and help you build a case. Don’t wait to get started, as you have limited time to file a claim.
John Foy & Associates has been helping accident victims for over 20 years. We know the ins and outs of truck accident cases, and we’re not afraid to fight for your rights. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation to go over your case details and options.
Tractor-Trailers and Other Trucks in Sandy Springs
A tractor-trailer is a large truck with two main parts:
- The tractor is the cab area where the driver sits. It pulls the rest of the truck.
- The trailer contains the truck’s cargo. It makes up the second half of the truck and is pulled by the tractor area.
Other names for tractor-trailers include semi-trucks, semi-trailers, 18-wheelers, big rigs, or transport trucks.
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Proving Fault in a Tractor-Trailer Accident
Truck accidents are more likely than most drivers realize. For one, these vehicles are enormous and often carrying hazardous materials. Also, drivers often have strict and long schedules to maintain. The pressure to push loads fast can leave drivers overworked and exhausted.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, someone is probably negligent. Negligence is a legal term for carelessness or fault. To recover money for your damages, you’ll need to prove negligence.
A negligence case has four main parts. For example, if a truck driver caused your accident, you’d need to prove that:
- The driver owed you a duty of care.
- The driver failed in their duty and was negligent.
- The driver’s negligence led to the tractor-trailer accident.
- You have injuries and damages because of the accident.
Proving fault can be difficult in a truck accident case. Unlike most car accidents, there can be several liable parties in a truck accident. You’ll need to know where to file a claim and how to prove fault.
Contact an experienced lawyer for help after your accident. Even if you don’t work with the lawyer, a free case review can tell you a lot. You can learn your legal options and what type of compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation with John Foy & Associates at any time. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online and we’ll get you started today.
Winning the Compensation You Deserve After a Truck Accident
All drivers in Sandy Springs should carry auto insurance. That includes truck drivers and their trucking companies. When a driver causes an accident, their insurance company usually covers the damages.
If a truck driver caused your accident, you can file a claim for personal injury damages like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
You might need months or years of medical treatment for your injuries. Your injuries might even leave you disabled or unable to work as you could before. These are details to consider as you build your injury claim.
Take note that the insurance company will look for ways to pay you less. It’s the insurance adjuster’s job to reduce costs for the company. Even if the adjuster seems friendly, they are not on your side.
Talk to a lawyer about your damages before talking to the insurance company or accepting any money. You will need to know what you deserve so that you don’t take a lowball amount of money and regret it later.
Each Step of a Tractor-Trailer Accident Case
Truck accident claims can be lengthy and stressful. It helps to understand what to expect. Here’s how the process typically goes.
1. Documenting the Accident
After you contact a lawyer, they will start recording what happened. That might include going to the accident scene and getting pictures or witness statements. You can also help by gathering information right after the crash (if you’re well enough to do so).
2. Gathering Evidence
Your lawyer and their team will investigate each detail of the truck accident. Evidence might include:
- The police report
- Medical bills
- Receipts
- Pictures from the scene
- Security or traffic camera footage
- Dashcam videos
Your lawyer will find out who
is responsible for your accident and how they’re at fault. They’ll also calculate your total damages and what type of settlement you deserve.
3. Negotiating a Settlement
After you file a claim, the other side will probably counter it. Expect to get a lowball settlement offer that isn’t fair. But don’t let it discourage you. Your lawyer will be ready.
A tractor-trailer accident lawyer is experienced in negotiating settlements. Your attorney will work to get a fair offer from the insurance company. If that’s not possible, your lawyer can help prepare a strong case for trial.
Leading Causes of Truck Accidents in Sandy Springs
Tractor-trailer accidents can happen for many reasons, and each accident is unique. However, here are some of the most common causes we see frequently:
- Driver negligence, such as speeding, failure to yield, unsafe turns, drowsy driving, or distracted driving
- Poorly-loaded cargo by the driver or a shipping or loading company
- Truck part failure due to faulty maintenance or repairs
- Trucking company negligence, such as hiring an inexperienced or unqualified driver
Talk to your lawyer about the cause of your accident. Sometimes, several factors are at play in the crash. You’ll want to get to the bottom of each one to protect your rights.
How a Sandy Springs Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer Can Help You
After a truck accident, everything might feel uncertain. But you have legal rights, and you might deserve full compensation for your losses. The only way to know for sure is by talking to an experienced lawyer.
At John Foy & Associates, our Sandy Springs accident lawyers know what to do. We’ll listen to your story, look at the facts, and talk about how we can help. The consultation is entirely free, and there’s no charge to you unless we win your case.
To get your free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
