Motorists become victims of truck accidents every day in Winder and throughout Georgia, and many do not realize they have the right to compensation. Federal and state regulations to consider regarding truck accident claims make the process more complicated than two passenger vehicles in an accident.
The last thing on your mind while you are trying to heal is fighting the trucking company and their insurer for the money you deserve. You need a Winder truck accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates to discuss your options.
Types of Trucks on The Road
There are many commercial trucks on the road. The one most people think of is semi-trucks, but others include:
- Refrigerator trucks
- Concrete mixer
- Towing truck
- Dump truck
- Cargo truck
- Oil tanker
- Small cargo truck
- Garbage truck
- Professional moving trucks
Get the strong arm
Causes of Truck Accidents
Your truck accident attorney in Winder must investigate the accident scene and collect additional evidence to support your claim. During an investigation, we will uncover the underlying cause such as:
- Wide turns
- Cargo issues
- Overworked employees
- Loss of control
- Inexperience
- Faulty parts on the truck
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor road or weather conditions
- Hazards on the road
- Speeding
- Failure to obey traffic signals and laws
A skilled truck accident lawyer in Winder can examine the facts to determine what caused the crash. They can also interview witnesses and those involved in the collision to better understand the situation.
Who You Can Hold Responsible
Since many parties own, operate, and maintain commercial trucks, there are multiple responsible parties. The truck accident claims process is very complex, especially when more than one person or company could be at fault. Some of the parties you can sue include:
- The trucking company: The trucking company may contribute to the accident when they offer poor training, do not allow rest breaks, or avoid inspections, among others.
- Cargo loading company: Overweight or unsecured cargo can cause the truck to roll over or worse.
- Truck driver: Fatigue, distraction, alcohol, drugs, speeding, and many other behaviors can put the driver at fault for the crash.
- Another motorist: A distracted or reckless driver could be the cause of a commercial truck accident.
- Truck or truck parts manufacturer: Malfunctioning or failing tires, brakes, and other components can result in an out-of-control truck, leading to a crash.
Your Winder truck accident attorney will work to determine which parties are at fault and how they contributed to the crash. Georgia law allows more than one defendant to be held responsible and to pay their share of the damage.
The Time Frame You Have to Hire a Georgia Truck Accident Attorney
Georgia statutes for personal injury claims are two years from the accident date. That does not mean that is how long you have to hire an attorney. You must reach out to a lawyer immediately following an accident to ensure your rights are protected, and you do not lose out on essential compensation.
Picking a truck accident attorney in Winder for your claim is vital to recovery. Your current financial situation should not determine your ability to seek justice. Many victims wait to file a claim because they believe they cannot afford a lawyer.
As personal injury lawyers, our firm works on a contingency fee. If we do not win, we do not get paid, so you lose nothing by scheduling a free consultation with John Foy & Associates.
Compensation You Can Recover from a Winder Truck Accident
You can recover damages for your losses stemming from your truck accident. You are suffering from debilitating injuries and have lost wages and more. There are mounting medical bills, and your daily expenses are piling up.
To cover your costs, you can seek compensation by suing for damages such as:
- Bodily injuries
- Lost wages
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Anxiety or PTSD
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- And more
Your truck accident attorney in Winder from John Foy & Associates will guide you through the entire process to ensure you know what compensation you can recover and calculate your total losses.
Investigation Process After a Truck Accident
The investigation process is arduous, and your attorney will work diligently to determine which local laws were violated. We will also extensively dive into the driver’s credentials and driving history. We look for prior accidents, drug use, or tickets on their license.
The investigation will also require us to interview witnesses and recover any photos or videos of the incident. Conversely, the trucking company will send analysts to the scene when they receive notice. They will gather as much information as possible, sometime before you even get medical attention.
They will even go as far as coaching the truck driver on what to tell the police. They will do this to limit their liability, so they do not have to pay you what you deserve.
What to Expect During the Claims Process
The claims process can be short or long depending on the initial investigation and how willing the insurance company is to negotiate. Georgia has very complex laws, and you need an experienced Winder truck accident lawyer to explain them and ensure you’re protected.
Step one is creating a claim that states possible injuries and requests a specified amount of compensation. Step two is negotiations with the insurance company, where many cases settle. Negotiations are lengthy, and there will be a lot of back and forth.
When all else fails, litigation is the final step which involves filing a lawsuit.
Hire a Winder Truck Accident Lawyer Today
There is an increase in big rig traffic because of the construction of distribution centers, and therefore there is an increase in commercial truck accidents. After a commercial truck accident, schedule a case review with the Strong Arm of Georgia. Truck accidents have multiple defendants, which further complicates the claims process.
You need a Winder truck accident lawyer that can handle multi-defendant claims. You do not have time to spend in negotiations, investigating your accident, and filing paperwork. Leave that part to us.
John Foy & Associates will handle the legal process while you focus on healing and your medical recovery. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form