Semi-trucks traveling through Acworth are huge vehicles that are difficult to control and maneuver. These trucks are hard to stop and have huge blind spots. A truck driver’s error can easily put a truck accident victim in the hospital—sometimes for weeks or longer. If you or your family member have been affected by a semi-truck accident, you need someone to step in and fight for your legal rights so you can focus on recovering. You need an Acworth semi-truck and 18-wheeler accident lawyer.
Our lawyers have helped truck accident victims and their families for more than 20 years. We know how these accidents can change your life, and we want to help. Our lawyers never charge any fees unless we win you money for your case. That means that you can get professional legal services with no upfront cost—right when you need it most. Give us a call at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get a free consultation today.
What should I do if I’ve been hurt in a semi-truck accident?
You should always get immediate medical attention after a truck accident. Injuries may be severe, and they can get even worse if you don’t treat them immediately. Ensure that everyone else involved in the crash receives medical care if you can too. You should also keep the following tips in mind.
Always involve the police.
You should report a truck accident. In some situations, a truck driver may urge you not to involve the police because their license or job may be on the line. They may even promise to pay for your damages or injuries. Don’t fall for this trick! Involving the police is always a good idea for your personal injury case, and holding someone to that type of promise after an accident is nearly impossible.
Don’t admit fault.
Everything that you say after an accident can be used against you down the road. Never admit that you did something wrong after a crash, even if you think you might have. You should be especially careful about what you say to the police because those statements will likely be included in the police report. Saying the wrong thing to a police officer can undermine your case.
Don’t talk to the truck driver’s or trucking company’s insurance company.
Although insurance adjusters may be friendly and tell you that they are trying to help with your case, they really aren’t. They are actually just trying to get you to go away—either by tricking you into saying something you didn’t mean or by telling you that you must take a minimal amount for your settlement. Remember, the insurance company is in the business of making money, not helping you.
Don’t sign anything!
You should never sign something that you don’t completely understand. This rule is especially important after a trucking accident. Because of the various parties involved in these cases, one insurance company may try to get you to waive their liability in favor of another insurance company—leaving you with just one entity to sue instead of two. In some cases, signing that type of waiver can have a significant impact on your claim. Have your lawyer look at anything the insurance company is asking you to sign.
Get a lawyer.
The insurance company involved will start their investigation immediately—often within hours of the accident. You need to take steps to keep up. One of those steps is to engage an experienced trucking attorney in the process. Your lawyer will be able to do their own investigation and provide you with a potential value for your case. That way, you can rest assured that the insurance company will not try to take advantage of you.
Trucking accidents are complicated, and even simple mistakes can have a huge effect on your case. Don’t risk trying to deal with these claims alone. Involve an attorney as soon as possible after the collision.
What causes 18-wheeler accidents?
Trucks have many of the same risks that passenger vehicles have. But, when a truck driver makes a mistake, it can lead to a life or death situation. The truck driver is rarely hurt in trucking accidents; instead, passenger cars around the truck often pay the price of a driver mistake.
Many different factors can result in personal injuries and damages from a truck accident. Some of the most common include:
- Poorly loaded cargo
- Driver fatigue
- Careless or reckless driving
- Driving too fast for the road conditions
- Impaired driving due to drugs or alcohol
- Mechanical malfunctions
- Poor maintenance
- Poor training or unqualified drivers
Truck drivers are sometimes under pressure to get loads to certain places very quickly. They may cut out required breaks or meal times to meet deadlines. This type of action increases the likelihood that a driver will be distracted or tired, which often leads to accidents.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit?
Nearly every case in Georgia has what is known as a “statute of limitations.” It sets out how long you have to file your lawsuit based on the type of accident. If you don’t meet this deadline, then your case will likely be dismissed, and you won’t be able to recover any money for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.
The statute of limitations for truck accidents in Georgia is two years from the date of the injury. If a loved one is killed in a crash, then you have two years from the date of their passing. In many situations, the day that your loved one was killed is the same as the date of the crash, but not always.
There are also circumstances where the statute of limitations may be “tolled” or paused as well. Your 18-wheeler accident attorney will be able to talk you through these situations and determine whether they might apply you.
Talk to an Acworth Semi-Truck & 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer for Free
You may have a right to substantially more money than you think. Don’t wait to make the call. Get a FREE consultation from some of the most experienced truck accident attorneys in the Acworth area. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to schedule your free consultation today.
