Truck drivers that operate 18-wheelers on the road usually get to their destinations without any incident. 18-wheeler accidents are usually rare, but that doesn’t mean they don’t happen. If you got injured by one in an accident, you can receive a settlement for all the damages and injuries you sustained.
John Foy & Associates has 18-wheeler accident lawyers ready to help you get started on filing your claim in Savannah. We want to see you get the maximum amount of compensation you rightfully deserve.
For a free consultation on your case, submit a form online or call us at (404) 400-4000 to schedule an appointment.
Our Lawyers Will Help You Prove Negligence
According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-2, negligence is when the ordinary diligence that every person must uphold to prevent serious injury or accidents gets breached. To prove this, our lawyers need to establish the following:
- The truck driver responsible for your accident owed a duty of care.
- Due to a negligent action, they failed to provide that care.
- Because of that failure, an accident occurred.
- As a result, you sustained injuries and damages.
To help prove liability, we will also help you collect and gather evidence such as medical records, testimonies from witnesses, police reports, etc. We will also consult with medical and accident reconstruction experts to further strengthen your claim.
Get the strong arm
Who Can I Hold Liable for My Accident?
Most 18-wheeler accidents usually result in either the truck driver, the trucking company, or the truck manufacturer liable for your damages.
The Driver
The driver of an 18-wheeler has to follow the rules of the road like any other driver and an additional set of strict rules and regulations. The rules they follow may seem excessive, but they’re in place to prevent an accident from occurring.
Breaking traffic rules, driving distracted, or under the influence are all extremely negligent behaviors. If the driver neglected their obligation to protect others from their vehicle, they are at fault, and you can recover compensation from them and their insurance company.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies also have a duty to ensure the safety of their drivers and others on the road. When hiring drivers, they need to ensure that they’re up to standard. They need to be properly licensed, trained, and retain a clean driving record.
Knowingly hiring subpar drivers is negligent and could make them responsible for your accident.
In addition, if the trucking company owns the trucks that the drivers operate, it is on them to inspect and maintain the 18-wheelers in their fleet. If the lack of maintenance and basic repairs causes an accident, that could potentially put them at fault.
The Truck Manufacturer
Thousands of parts and vehicles get recalled every year around the world. If a defective truck caused the driver to lose control and cause an accident, it might not even be the driver’s fault. You’d have to take your claim to the truck’s manufacturer to recover compensation.
Manufacturers have a duty to report any potential safety hazards and defects publicly as soon as they catch them. If they tried to hide this or delayed reporting, you can sue them and hold them liable for your damages.
How do Your Lawyers Help My Case?
You may wonder where our 18-wheeler accident lawyers factor into all of this. It’s simple. Our lawyers will:
- Organize, gather, and keep all of your evidence safe and ready for negotiations.
- Ensure that deadlines are met, and all paperwork gets filed.
- Help you figure out all of the parties responsible for your accident.
- Provide expert legal advice and strong legal representation until your case gets resolved.
- Go to court for your claim if necessary.
Trying to file and negotiate for your claim alone can put you at a serious disadvantage against the defense and the insurance companies. You shouldn’t expect them to just hand you a fair settlement without a decent fight first.
Don’t Succumb to the Insurance Companies
Trying to go against the power and resources an insurance company brings to the negotiation table is like trying to fight an uphill battle on a slippery slope. It’s even worse if you don’t have any prior legal knowledge or experience. They’ll try to manipulate you into accepting a settlement offer that’s far below what you truly need.
You shouldn’t succumb to the insurance companies. Instead, by retaining a lawyer, you can make the negotiations process more fair and equal. Our lawyers have years of experience handling insurance companies and know exactly what to do to fight for your rights.
Get a Free Case Review Today
When you reach out to our law firm, we will offer you a free case review and go over the details of your accident. There is no obligation or risk during this process. We do not charge any upfront or hidden fees.
You don’t have to pay us anything unless we win compensation for your case. Call us today at (404) 400-4000.
912-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form