Since large trucks like semis and 18-wheelers are so huge and heavy, they can cause a lot of damage in an accident. If you were hurt in a truck accident in Douglasville, you might have serious, even fatal, injuries. Plus, you’re now facing vehicle damage and other huge costs. Maybe you are on this page because you lost a loved one in a truck accident. Either way, you may be entitled to financial recovery of your costs—and a Douglasville semi-truck and an 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help.
Our truck accident lawyers have been helping injury victims get the recovery they need for over 20 years. We work exclusively with victims of personal injury accidents. Working with us is risk-free because we don’t charge any money unless we win you money. For a FREE consultation to discuss your options today, call us at (404) 948-4815.
How Liability Works in Douglasville Truck Accidents
In Douglasville and all of Georgia, the person or party who causes a truck accident is responsible for the costs of injuries and other damages. This means they are liable or “at fault” for the costs. Victims of the truck accident can file a personal injury claim with the at-fault person for compensation.
In most cases, the liable person’s insurance company is the one to compensate the victim(s). Unfortunately, insurance companies care most about their bottom line. They will not be excited about paying out a large claim. To make sure they pay you what you’re entitled to, it’s best to work with a Douglasville semi-truck and 18-wheeler accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck and 18-Wheeler Accidents in Douglasville
Fault is determined by who was being negligent in the truck accident. Negligence means someone failed to uphold their “duty” to others. Every driver is legally responsible for acting in a way that keeps others on the road from harm. If they breach that duty and it results in truck accident injuries, they are liable.
There are many different causes of truck accidents in Douglasville. Those we see most often include:
- Truck driver error or fatigue
- Drunk or distracted driving
- Improperly-loaded truck cargo
- Truck maintenance negligence
- Truck part defects
- Unsafe highway conditions
Understanding what caused a truck accident helps your lawyer determine how is liable for your damages. The liable party may be a truck driver, another motorist, the trucking company, or even the truck maintenance company. Sometimes, a truck accident is even caused by weather or road conditions.
Why Truck Drivers Are More Likely to Make Mistakes
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has created a Truck Driver’s Guide to Hours of Service to keep truckers from driving fatigued. Despite this, trucking companies put a lot of pressure on truck drivers to meet strict deadlines.
Although truckers are allowed to take breaks and make time to sleep, unrealistic standards can encourage them to push through. This can put them out on the road underslept and very fatigued.
Driving without enough sleep is dangerous for anyone, especially if they are operating a vehicle that weighs tens of thousands of pounds. A truck driver may start to doze off, make careless mistakes, or employ aggressive driving if they are tired or overworked. When this happens, they can cause an accident with catastrophic consequences.
If you or a loved one was the victim of a truck accident like this, the driver should be held responsible for their negligence. A truck accident lawyer can help.
Four Ways a Douglasville Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Since truck accidents can be so serious and complicated, most victims can benefit from having an experienced truck accident lawyer. They can help your case in the following ways.
1. Investigating the Accident
Time is of the essence with any personal injury case. When you hire a truck accident lawyer, they will start investigating your case right away. This can include:
- Visiting the accident scene, possibly recreating the accident
- Compiling police reports, pictures from the scene, and other evidence of the accident
- Taking statements from witnesses
- Checking for errors in truck maintenance logs or manufacturing
A good personal injury attorney will know exactly what to gather for your case.
2. Preparing Your Truck Accident Claim
Once the evidence has been compiled and your case has been investigated, your lawyer will assist in building a strong truck accident claim. They will put together evidence of the accident, driver negligence, and your damages.
It’s very hard to know what a claim requires without expert legal knowledge. This is why a personal injury lawyer is so invaluable to you.
3. Protecting Your Rights
If you were hurt in a truck accident you didn’t cause, you are likely entitled to full compensation of your damages. To pursue a fair settlement, you will need to protect yourself. This is difficult to do if you don’t understand personal injury law.
A truck accident lawyer will make sure your rights are protected and that the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you. They will be looking for ways to:
- Unfairly blame you for the accident.
- Get you to say something that can be used against you.
- Encourage you to take a lower settlement.
- Or poke holes in your accident claim.
When you have a lawyer on your side, you don’t have to stress about saying or doing the wrong thing after the accident. They will guide you.
4. Negotiating with the Insurance Company
In the best-case scenario, the insurance company will accept your claim right away and you’ll get the compensation you deserve. However, insurers often try to offer you much less. Your lawyer can negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. The goal is to fully cover every cost of your accident.
Talk to a Douglasville Semi-Truck and 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer for Free
Don’t face the aftermath of a truck accident alone. Let our semi-truck and 18-wheeler accident lawyer help you with your claim. We have over 20 years of experience helping victims and their families win what they deserve. We never take a payment unless we win you recovery—and the consultation is always FREE. To schedule your free consultation today, contact us online or call us now at (404) 948-4815.