Commercial trucks are an essential part of our economy, but their large size and heavy weight make them dangerous when the driver loses control. If they are speeding or cannot maneuver the vehicle in bad weather, other motorists can be injured or killed in a crash.
If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries as a result of a collision with a tractor-trailer, you need guidance on how to seek compensation for your damages. At John Foy & Associates, we are prepared to discuss all aspects of your claim. You can speak with a Thomasville truck accident lawyer to learn more about what to do next. We are known as the Strong Arm in Georgia, and we are ready to work for you.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck drivers and their employers can prevent truck accidents from happening, but when they take risks or cut corners, they jeopardize the lives of others on the road. Commercial truck accidents in Thomasville and across Georgia can be caused by any of the following:
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Truck driver error
- Truck driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Faulty parts
- Truck design
- Drug and alcohol use
- Speeding
- Driving too fast for the conditions
- Poor road conditions
- Shifting cargo
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Unfamiliarity with local roads
- Aggressive driving
Your truck accident lawyer in Thomasville, GA, can investigate the accident and determine the cause. Once we have evidence showing the details of how the wreck happened, we can establish liability against those who hurt you.
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Injuries from Truck Wrecks
Truck accidents can lead to devastating and catastrophic injuries, often resulting in permanent disability. You may need months of physical therapy, surgeries, and long-term care after a truck accident. Some common injuries from commercial truck accidents include:
- Paralysis
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Back and neck injuries
- Disfigurement
- Amputation
- Ribs and torso injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
Many of these injuries have no clear path to recovery, and you cannot become whole again. Losing a limb is a prime example of the inability to recover physically and return to the life you had before the crash. In those instances, you need compensation so that you can adjust to your new life comfortably.
For permanent injuries, you may require lifelong care and treatment. This means your Thomasville truck accident attorney can push for a higher settlement.
Evidence Used in Commercial Truck Accidents
A truck accident investigation is more complicated in comparison to other car accidents for several reasons. The primary reason these investigations are different is because of the evidence we will review. Accessing and analyzing this information takes expertise and time.
Evidence is essential to truck accident claims, and you need a truck accident attorney in Thomasville, GA, to review your case and find proof. John Foy will take care of these concerns so that you have a strong case.
GPS Tracking Data
These records capture and report data regarding the movement of commercial trucks. The data can help your attorney and an independent accident investigator determine the events leading up to the accident. It can also indicate the driver’s direction and if they were merging to get into another lane.
Black Box Data
Data in the black box shows the truck’s speed, braking habits, steering habits, and more. The driver and their employer cannot alter this data, which is critical evidence. If a driver failed to brake before a crash, it could show that they were asleep, distracted, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In-Truck Cameras
Some commercial trucks have in-cabin recording devices. The technology varies by company and truck, but they can pick up on conversations, tired drivers, and more. Having video footage of the driver’s actions during the accident can be helpful for your claim.
Inspection Reports
As with all commercial vehicles, trucks must have regular inspections, and when we pull their inspection reports, we can see if there was a lapse in maintenance. It can also show us if the trucking company avoided inspections and allowed the vehicle to hit the road.
Driving Logs
Drivers must log their driving times and rest breaks daily and weekly. The biggest issue is when they falsify these records to make faster deliveries. Falsified or not, these documents are vital to your claim.
Cargo-Loading Reports
If the cargo is improperly loaded, it causes the truck’s center of gravity to be thrown off, which leads to rollover accidents. Cargo records can indicate the cargo loaders’ negligence in securing cargo.
Dispatch Records
The records indicate where the truck driver was going, how long they were in the vehicle, and details about the job.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Truck accident lawyers work to help accident victims get the compensation they deserve. We follow many steps and procedures to create a solid case and secure a win for our clients. Some of the essential services we provide to truck accident victims are:
- Moving quickly to gather evidence
- Identifying potentially liable parties
- Coordinating with experts and medical professionals to see how the accident impacts your life.
- Negotiating with the insurance company using our Strong Arm approach to ensure you get the companion you need for your losses
- Filing a lawsuit and going to trial if necessary to get justice
John Foy & Associates is unique because we do not take on a heavy caseload. We want to give our time, compassion, and attention to each client we represent. Having a smaller caseload allows us to do that and get you the best settlement for your injuries and damages.
The Amount of Compensation Available
Your compensation award will depend on individual circumstances, such as the severity of your injuries. Property damage is also essential in your claim, but the focus will be on your injuries and how they affect your overall quality of life and ability to earn a living. You can recover economic and noneconomic damages.
You can also recover punitive damages when the driver participates in criminal behavior, like using drugs while driving.
Hire a Thomasville Truck Accident Lawyer from the Strong Arm
When you suffer injuries in a truck accident, you need fair compensation. You cannot depend on the insurance company and its team of attorneys to give you what you need. They will spend resources to avoid paying you, but they cannot get away with it when you have the Strong Arm on your team.
John Foy & Associates has been helping residents in Thomasville and throughout Georgia for over 20 years. Schedule an initial case review today with a Thomasville truck accident lawyer.
229-232-8678 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form