Garbage truck-related crashes in Valdosta can cause severe injuries. As an accident victim, you have compensation rights. If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident with a garbage truck, you have options. The law might entitle you to compensation for what you’ve suffered. You might have a personal injury case to recover your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional damages.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help. Our Valdosta garbage truck accident lawyers can fight for your right to total financial recovery. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to win cases. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.
Contacting a Lawyer After a Garbage Truck Hits You
Garbage truck accident cases are complicated. Unlike most car accidents, it’s not always clear who is at fault. You might not know where to turn or how to seek compensation for your damages.
Having a lawyer on your side makes all the difference. At John Foy & Associates, we’ll examine the evidence to determine:
- Whether or not you have a valid case
- Who is responsible for the accident
- Where to file your claim
- What damages you deserve
For us, every case is personal. We’ll make sure you know your full options and legal rights. We also will not charge a thing unless we win you money.
Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation. Well (404) 400-4000 or contact us online at any time to get started.
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Evidence We Can Use to Strengthen Your Case
If you were the victim of a crash, there are certain kinds of evidence you can gather to help us build your case and protect your legal rights.
The Police Report
Drivers should report an accident to the police if one of the following applies:
- There are physical injuries.
- There are deaths.
- There is $500 or more in property damage.
Most accidents fall under one of these descriptions. It can be challenging to know how much property damage there is. It’s best to report any accident, even with slight damage.
Reporting the accident should create an official police report. You can get a copy of this report for your records.
Pictures of the Scene
Document the scene as well as possible. If you’ve already left the scene, you might need to return. Your lawyer can also help you gather evidence as soon as possible.
Take pictures of:
- Your injuries
- Your vehicle damage
- The entire accident scene
Photo evidence helps preserve everything after the crash. You can use these pictures in your accident claim.
The Other Driver’s Information
Police officers will get information from all drivers. However, it’s best to exchange the following:
- Full names
- Driver’s license numbers
- Phone numbers
- Insurance policy numbers
Unfortunately, some drivers will try to leave the scene. For example, a garbage truck driver might try fleeing to avoid responsibility. If you get the driver’s information, it will help you find them.
Medical Records
Get medical treatment as soon as possible. If you have life-threatening injuries, don’t wait—ask for an ambulance at the scene. Otherwise, see a doctor as quickly as possible.
You will need to create a record of your injuries. If you wait to get treatment, it will hurt your legal case. Seeing a doctor does the following for your case:
- Proves that you sought treatment immediately after the accident
- Helps you know the severity of your injuries
- Gives you an idea of what your total treatment costs might be
The treatment for accident injuries can be costly. Truck accidents are especially severe in many cases. Don’t wait to get medical attention after the crash, even if you feel okay.
Knowing Who’s Responsible for Your Accident
After an auto accident, you need to know who is legally liable. If someone’s carelessness has caused your injuries, that person is responsible for the costs.
With most car accidents, one or more drivers are at fault. But the situation can be more complicated with garbage truck crashes. Here are some possible at-fault parties for this type of collision.
Garbage Truck Drivers
Truck drivers must be careful when transporting their vehicles. Before someone can operate a garbage truck, they must obtain a commercial driver’s license. The driver will also need specific training on these types of trucks.
If a driver is careless, they might act in a way that causes an accident. Pedestrians, other drivers, or passengers can become severely injured as a result. The truck driver could be fully or partially at fault.
Waste Management Companies
A waste management company might have hired the driver to perform their services. The company could also own the truck. In either situation, the company might be liable for the accident.
Unless the driver is an independent contractor, the company is usually at fault for a driver’s mistakes. You may have a legal case against the company for your damages.
Manufacturing Companies
Some accidents happen because of truck defects. If the garbage truck contained faulty parts, a manufacturer could be responsible.
You would need to investigate the defective part and how it caused the accident. Thankfully, our team knows how to do that for you.
Other Drivers
Sometimes, the truck driver is not at fault for the accident. A third-party driver might have caused the accident that harmed you. If so, you can file a claim with that driver’s insurance company.
Government Agencies
Some city roads are less than ideal. A garbage truck might wreck because of poor road conditions, such as potholes. As an accident victim, you might have a case against the government.
Every case is different. After your accident, contact our lawyers to discuss fault. We can determine who is responsible for your crash and damages.
Discuss Your Case with Our Valdosta Garbage Truck Accident Lawyers Today
At John Foy & Associates, our goal is full compensation for you and your family. We believe no victims should have to pay for someone else’s actions. We’ll go over your case and discuss your best options during a free consultation. Get your free consultation and case review today. We are available to help 24/7.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.
229-232-8678 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form