Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers are enormous vehicles on Valdosta roads. If one of these trucks gets into an accident, the consequences can be terrible. Victims often suffer severe injuries or even death.
At John Foy & Associates, our Valdosta 18-wheeler accident lawyers can help you seek compensation after a collision. If you or a loved one were injured, we’ll ensure you know your rights. Our team knows how to build strong injury claims to recover what you deserve.
We help clients throughout Georgia — and have been for 20-plus years. We’re not afraid to fight for your rights. Contact us to discuss your compensation during a free consultation.
Call (404) 400-4000 or reach out online.
Investigating the Cause of an 18-Wheeler Accident
Truck accidents can happen for various reasons. Many times, it’s because the truck driver has been careless in some way.
Truck drivers and trucking companies must follow regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For example, drivers must stay within hours-of-service limits and take regular breaks. But drivers and companies often fail to follow all of the rules.
Truck drivers are often under steep pressure to make deliveries. As a result, truckers can be overworked and under-rested. Accidents happen because of things like:
- Fatigued driving
- Not taking enough breaks
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Poor driving training
- Incorrectly-secured cargo
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
These are just a few examples. When a driver is tired, they can make any number of mistakes. The driver or the trucking company could be at fault for an accident that occurs.
Some 18-wheeler accidents happen because of poor vehicle maintenance or truck defects. A manufacturer or maintenance company could be at fault for a crash.
Our lawyers will investigate your accident to determine the cause. From there, we can start building a case to seek compensation. If someone else was at fault, they are responsible for your accident damages.
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Compensation You May Deserve
Any losses from your accident are your damages. When you file a claim against the at-fault party, you’ll need to outline each damage. If you were not at fault, you have the right to request compensation for each loss.
Here are common damages from 18-wheeler accidents.
Medical Costs
Large truck accidents can cause severe injuries. As a result, victims often require long-term treatment and care. Some injuries will lead to permanent disabilities or death.
After your accident, get emergency medical attention at the scene. Also, go to all doctor follow-ups and keep track of all medical costs. You will need to include each expense in your injury claim.
Examples of medical costs include:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Prescription medication costs
- Future treatment
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
Be sure to account for past, current, and future treatment needs. If you need long-term care, your claim should include your expected costs.
Lost Wages
Truck accident injuries can impact your work income in many ways. Severe injuries can prevent you from working as you could before. Our lawyers can determine your total lost wages and lost future earning capacity.
Vehicle Damage
The other car in an 18-wheeler accident is often much worse off. After an accident, you will probably have vehicle repair or replacement costs. You can include these expenses in your claim.
Pain and Suffering
A serious accident can affect your life in many ways. Besides medical costs and lost income, you can claim pain and suffering damages. These damages may include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
Emotional losses are difficult to calculate because they don’t have a set dollar amount. Thankfully, our team knows how to determine your total pain and suffering damages. We’ll account for each loss when building your claim.
Contact us today to learn more about your compensation rights. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free, no-risk consultation.
Wrongful Death
Many 18-wheeler accidents are fatal. When someone is killed in an accident, it’s devastating for loved ones. If a family member died in a crash, you might have a wrongful death claim.
Your claim can include damages like:
- Medical bills from the loved one’s injuries
- Lost wages the loved one would have earned
- Pain and suffering the loved one suffered before death
- Funeral and burial costs
Contact us today if you have questions about bringing a wrongful death case. We can determine if you have a valid claim on behalf of a loved one.
Handling the Insurance Companies
Trucking companies often carry large insurance policies in case of accidents. If you were the victim of an accident, you might have a valid insurance claim. However, the company will look for ways to avoid paying for your accident damages.
Insurance companies often use tactics like:
- Denying your claim
- Offering you a lowball settlement
- Downplaying or questioning your damages
- Asking you to give a recorded statement
- Trying to blame you for the accident
- Using something you’ve said against you
Insurance adjusters know what they’re doing. After your accident, the insurer will look for ways to avoid liability. Unfortunately, insurance companies also know how to take advantage of victims.
It’s best to call our team as soon as possible. We can start gathering evidence and protecting your rights from the beginning. We can communicate and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Talk to Our Valdosta 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers for Free
Eighteen-wheeler accidents are severe and complicated. If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one, you might not know where to turn. At John Foy & Associates, we’ll make it as simple as possible by handling the legal details.
We have been helping accident victims for over 20 years. Our team has grown to become one of Georgia’s largest injury firms for a reason. For us, each case is personal.
Contact us today to get a free, no-risk consultation. There is no upfront cost, and we only collect a fee if we win your case. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started for free today.
229-232-8678 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form