Getting into an accident with a large and heavy truck or big rig can be physically and emotionally devastating and have long-term consequences for accident victims. It only takes a truck driver’s momentary lapse of attention to permanently change or destroy another’s life.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 4,136 persons died due to accidents with trucks in 2018. Most of those killed were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles.
If you or a loved one is suffering from debilitating injuries due to a truck driver or company’s recklessness, you might be able to recover compensation. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 430-1030 today for a free and no-obligation consultation and learn how an Atlanta truck accident lawyer might be able to help you.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Depending on the type of accident and impact, truck accident injuries can be fatal. If the victims survive, they can end up permanently disabled. Some of the injuries suffered in truck accidents include:
- Bone fractures
- Severed limbs
- Cuts and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Seat-belt injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Unfortunately, when someone is extensively hurt in an accident, they do not only have to worry about their health and recovery. In many instances, the next big worry is, “Who will pay for all my bills, lost wages, and expenses?”
If someone else’s reckless actions caused your injuries and suffering, they should pay for your losses. However, before you can receive compensation, you will have to prove the other party’s negligence. An Atlanta truck accident lawyer can help with proving negligence and pursuing compensation.
At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, we can guide you through the personal injury lawsuit process. We can organize and file all important documents and keep you up to date on any developments concerning your case. Call us today to talk with a staff member to set up a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Atlanta, call (844) 430-1030
Proving Negligence in an Atlanta Truck Accident
Proving negligence in a truck accident can be challenging for a layperson. Truck drivers and trucking companies must abide by federal and state regulations and laws. There could also be several liable parties such as the driver, the trucking company, a truck manufacturer, a mechanic, and others.
A trucking company is typically responsible for the overall operation, including its drivers and vehicles. By law, the company must ensure its trucks are in good condition. Drivers should be well-trained and possess the relevant qualifications for the job.
Some examples of negligent actions by a driver are:
- Driving intoxicated (under the influence of drugs, alcohol)
- Driving distracted
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
Examples of a trucking company’s negligence are:
- Failure to service and repair trucks adequately and promptly
- Not conducting driver background checks
- Failing to train drivers comprehensively
- Falsifying logbooks
- Encouraging drivers to skip rest periods
A driver and company can also be negligent in other ways. In some cases, a third party is responsible for an accident. For example, this could be a company that loads the cargo or a company that services the trucks.
Proving liability can be an uphill battle. However, hiring an Atlanta truck accident lawyer who is familiar with the many laws and regulations that apply in these cases can help you with your case.
Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 430-1030
Georgia’s Statute of Limitations
If you want to hold a reckless driver and/or company accountable for your injuries, you can speak with an attorney and receive counsel. While you do not need an attorney to pursue legal action, working with one can ensure that you file your lawsuit by Georgia’s deadline, which is known as the statute of limitations.
According to O.C.G.A. 9-3-33, you have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. The clock starts ticking on the date of your accident or the death of your loved one.
The sooner you initiate a lawsuit, the sooner you could receive compensation to help with your recovery.
Compensation Available in Atlanta Truck Accidents
Every truck accident case is different, so it can be challenging to determine an average or typical settlement amount. Compensation will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of any injuries from the accident. However, in general, the following types of compensation can apply:
- Lost wages and future lost wages
- Medical expenses and future medical bills
- Emotional and physical pain and suffering
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Lost limb or lost sense
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Disability
- Modifications of the home and vehicle
- Hiring household help or health aide
An Atlanta truck accident lawyer can advise you on any compensation that may be due to you with your individual case.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC, Can Work for You
Do not assume an accident with a truck is the same as getting into an accident with a passenger car. Truck drivers and companies have their own laws and regulations to follow, and you could potentially hold several parties to account for your accident.
This means you could pursue several avenues for compensation. However, having several parties involved can also make a truck accident claim complicated. Also, consider that negligent parties will fight your lawsuit with their lawyers. Having an Atlanta truck accident lawyer by your side can give you reassurance and peace of mind during a difficult time.
We can help you with your claim in several different ways, including:
Collecting Evidence
We can collect the evidence needed to prove your case, including police reports, black box data, accident reconstruction experts, witness statements, and the gathering of other evidence.
Identifying All Negligent Parties
In a truck accident, it can be challenging to find out who is responsible. We can research your case and identify the responsible parties so that we can pursue compensation.
Fighting for a Fair Settlement
We can calculate your damages accurately to protect you from all costs, including future bills, in connection with a truck accident. We can negotiate with insurance companies for you and fight for your rights in a court of law.
We do not charge any upfront attorney’s fees and only get paid if we win your case. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 430-1030 now for a free case review.
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