Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers can be seen all throughout Georgia, including in McDonough, transporting items from one place to another. Although these commercial trucks should be heavily regulated to prevent harm, accidents still happen. When a truck accident occurs, the damages can be incredibly serious for the victims involved. If you or a loved one was injured in one of these accidents, we encourage you to reach out to a McDonough semi-truck and 18-wheeler accident lawyer right away.
Our truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the legal side of semi-truck and 18-wheeler collisions. We know how complex these cases can be, and we’re here to help you and your family seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a FREE consultation by calling (404) 341-6555 or filling out the online form.
Determining How Much Your Truck Accident Claim is Worth
If you were not at fault for the truck accident, you are likely entitled to compensation. To pursue that compensation, you will need to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Before you can do that, you’ll need to know how much your claim is worth.
The value of your claim depends on several factors, including the degree of fault and total of your damages. To make sure you are accurately seeking the recovery that accounts for all of your losses, make sure a truck accident lawyer helps investigate the case and build your claim.
Here’s what you’ll need to consider when calculating the value of your claim.
Economic Damages
There are two main types of damages involved in a truck accident claim: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are those that can usually be demonstrated by a dollar value. They include:
- Medical expenses like doctor bills, hospital bills, prescription medications, physical therapy, and future medical treatment costs
- Lost wages from missed work time
- Loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working in the same way you did before the truck accident
- Property damage to compensate for the repair or replacement of your vehicle, as well as other damage to personal property
You’ll want to keep track of all bills, receipts, and other evidence of these economic damages to include in your truck accident claim.
Non-Economic Damages
In contrast with economic damages, non-economic damages cannot be demonstrated through set dollar amounts. However, money is the only way the legal system knows how to compensate you for what you’ve suffered, so you’ll ultimately have to calculate how much your non-economic damages transfer to a monetary value.
Non-economic damages are meant to account for the physical and emotional suffering you’ve experienced because of the truck accident. They include:
- Physical and mental pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement, such as burns or scarring
- Loss of consortium
These damages can take time to calculate and determine, so you’ll want to discuss them honestly and in-depth with an experienced lawyer.
Punitive Damages
In some situations, punitive damages are an option in a truck accident case. The sole purpose of punitive damages is not to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoer and/or discourage future bad behavior. Punitive damages are often available in cases where there has been wanton or malicious behavior.
If you think your case might be eligible for punitive damages, reach out to your McDonough truck accident lawyer right away.
Full Versus Partial Fault
Besides calculating the full value of your damages, you will need to consider who was at fault for your accident. In truck accident cases, there may be multiple at-fault parties that you and your lawyer will need to determine through an investigation into the accident.
If you are worried that you have some fault in the truck accident, it doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot still seek compensation. According to Georgia Code § 51-12-33, you can still seek damages if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. Your settlement or award would be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
What to Do After a McDonough Semi-Truck and 18-Wheeler Accident
After the accident, you will need to begin gathering evidence to show what happened and prove your damages. Here are some of the best ways to do that.
Report the Accident
Be sure to call the police and report the accident. This will create the first record of the collision, which is important for your case. It will also ensure police officers respond to the scene and create an accident report on what happened.
Document the Scene
Gathering information at the scene can help your case a lot. You can do this by:
- Taking pictures of the entire accident scene, your injuries, and your vehicle damage
- Talking to any witnesses and getting their contact information
- Writing down any details about the accident that you can remember
Exchange Information
Make sure you exchange the following information with the truck driver:
- Full names
- Contact information
- Insurance information
- Driver’s license and license plate numbers
Also, get the name of the truck driver’s employer and their contact information.
Get Medical Attention
If you have serious or life-threatening injuries, which is very common in truck accidents, get medical attention right away. Otherwise, be sure to get it as soon as possible after leaving the scene.
Record All Damages
Keep track of all damages you face from your accident, including medical bills, receipts, doctor notes, and more.
Contact a McDonough Truck Accident Lawyer
Reach out to an experienced truck accident lawyer in your area as soon as you can. Your lawyer can begin working on your case right away and make sure your rights are protected.
Talk to a McDonough Semi-Truck and 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer for Free Today
The aftermath of a semi-truck or 18-wheeler accident can derail your life. You shouldn’t have to pay for the financial costs, too. Let us help you seek full compensation for the damages—both physical and emotional—you have suffered.
Our semi-truck and 18-wheeler accident lawyers do not take a fee unless we win you money, so there is no risk to you. We’ll also bring 20 plus years of experience to the table so you know you’re working with an experienced professional. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or contact us online to get a FREE consultation today.
