Valdosta
Moving Van Accident Lawyer

When someone is moving to or away from Valdosta, they might cause an accident. If you were the victim of an accident with a moving van, you might deserve financial compensation.

Our Valdosta moving van accident lawyers can make sure you know your rights. At John Foy & Associates, we’ll handle the legal details for you. With over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, we know how to win. To discuss your case today with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.

How to Start Building Your Case

All drivers and moving companies must carry insurance in case of accidents. If someone’s carelessness causes a crash, their insurance should cover the costs. If you were the victim of an accident, the first step is usually an insurance claim.

To have a valid claim, you must be able to prove negligence. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-2, negligence is the lack of care that ordinarily prudent people would have in the same situation.

Negligence can easily lead to a moving van accident. The at-fault party might be:

• Someone renting a moving van
• A moving van company
• A moving van driver
• The mechanic that worked on the van
• The manufacturer that made the van or its parts

Most of the time, a driver or moving van company is at fault in some way. But every case is unique. Here are some ways you can start gathering information to build your case.

Save Evidence of the Accident

If possible, document the actual accident scene. You can take pictures of your injuries and the scene right after the crash. Writing down details about the other driver and their vehicle is also helpful.

Save all notes, pictures, and other evidence from the crash. If you had clothes that were torn or bloody, save those too. Keep track of anything that helps show what happened.

You can also get information about the moving company. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has a Company Snapshot page where you can search for the company.

Get Medical Attention

Moving vans are larger than the average car. They can also be very heavy, especially then fully-loaded. The size and weight of these vehicles can lead to severe injuries.

See a doctor as quickly as possible, even if you feel okay. You might have underlying injuries that need prompt attention. Seeing a doctor is also helpful because it:

• Creates a record of you getting quick treatment
• Helps you understand the full extent of your injuries
• Lets you know if you’ll need future or ongoing treatment

The insurance company will question your injuries if you wait to see a doctor. Get an exam as soon as you can to protect your rights.

Prepare Your Case

If someone else was at fault, you probably deserve financial compensation. But the burden is on you to bring a legal case. That usually starts with an insurance claim.

You will need to prepare a claim to file with the insurance company. Make sure your claim is as robust as possible. You’ll also need to protect your rights against the insurer.

At John Foy & Associates, we can help you build and file the strongest case possible. We’re also here if you need to negotiate or take your case to court.

To learn your best legal options, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Proving Liability Is a Challenge We Can Help You With

Moving van accidents are more complicated than other cases. Federal laws often protect companies from liability after a collision. If a moving van renter caused your accident, you probably cannot sue the rental company.

There are situations where a company is responsible, though. For example, the rental company might have allowed an unfit driver to rent from them. Maybe the company knew the driver was unsafe but allowed them to rent anyway.

Companies that rent moving vans are legally prepared. They carry comprehensive insurance policies in case of an accident. That means you might need to fight hard for the compensation you deserve.

We Can Deal with the Insurance Companies for You

Our team knows how to handle large insurance companies. With a reputation known as the “Strong Arm,” we don’t back down from challenges. We know how to communicate and negotiate with insurers for our clients.

Insurance companies know what they’re doing. They will use tactics to look for ways to pay you less. Common tactics to watch out for include:

• Offering a lowball settlement upfront
• Downplaying your injuries
• Questioning your damages

If the insurance company contacts you, be very careful. After hiring us, you can simply tell the company to direct all calls to your lawyer. We’ll handle the details while you focus on healing from the accident.

How to Know How Much of a Settlement You Deserve

Your settlement potential depends on what you’ve lost.

Any losses you have from the accident are your “damages.” As we build your case, we’ll calculate all of the damages you can claim. Your case will seek compensation for each loss.

The most common damages include:

• Medical bills
• Prescription medication costs
• Physical therapy
• Lost income
• Loss of earning potential
• Vehicle repair costs
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish

Not all damages are financial. You might also have emotional “injuries” that affect your quality of life. We can help you determine the value of your economic and non-economic damages after the accident.

Your case will also depend on fault. If you were partially at fault for your accident, that will affect your rights.

If you’re partially at fault but less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. The law reduces what you can recover by your percentage of fault.

Talk to an experienced lawyer to learn more about the type of settlement you deserve.

Speak with a Valdosta Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer for Free

John Foy & Associates is one of Georgia’s largest injury firms. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to build successful cases. We also work on contingency, so there is no risk to you when working with us. We do not collect a fee unless we win you a settlement. To discuss your case options during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.