Getting in an accident with a semi-truck or 18-wheeler can be especially terrifying. The potential damage to both yourself and your car can be devastating. For many victims, the result is mounting medical bills and uncooperative insurance companies—which only adds to the stress. Don’t try to go through this difficult time alone. A Dunwoody semi-truck and 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help.
Our lawyers have over twenty years of experience helping victims just like you get results. Our team can negotiate with insurance companies, connect you with the best doctors, and build a case to make sure you get the financial compensation you deserve. Fill out the form to the right or call (404) 341-6555 for a free consultation today.
Who is liable for my injuries in a trucking accident?
If a driver is found liable for injuries in an accident, that usually means they were negligent. To be negligent means that a driver wasn’t as careful as they should have been while driving. If they had used more caution, the accident probably wouldn’t have happened. In a trucking accident, there are several parties involved who could potentially be found negligent:
- The truck driver: The truck driver may be found negligent if they weren’t following the rules of the road. Speeding, failure to yield, running a red light, or coasting through a stop sign all constitute breaking the law and are enough to deem a driver negligent. In addition, if the driver was under the influence of a substance that impaired their ability to drive, such as alcohol, the driver could be deemed negligent as well.
- The trucking company: A trucking company could be found liable for a number of injuries. Often, companies are liable for the behavior their employees do while on the clock. Also, if a company failed to properly train a driver, screen employees during the hiring process, or require them to work long hours that contributed to a driver falling asleep, the company may be held liable. Lastly, if a company failed to keep up with repairs and maintenance on trucks, the company is liable.
- The truck owner: Some truck companies don’t own their own trucks, but lease them from someone else. If the owner of the truck did not keep up with maintenance and repairs, then the owner could be found liable.
- Manufacturer, government entity, or other third party: Sometimes an investigation might reveal someone at fault you weren’t expecting. For example, a manufacturer might be at fault if for defective brakes. Or a repair shop could be found negligible if tires weren’t installed properly. Lastly, the government agency in charge of road maintenance could be at fault if the roads were not properly maintained.
Whoever is at fault, it is important to have a good lawyer at your side who knows what to look for and what questions to ask. Large trucking companies, government agencies, and insurance companies have an arsenal of professionals and tools at their disposal working to keep your payout as low as possible. A good lawyer can help get you the financial compensation you deserve.
My loved one has died in a semi-truck/18-wheeler accident. What are my rights?
If someone is found negligent in an accident that lead to the death of a loved one, that is called a wrongful death. In a wrongful death case, the surviving family members are entitled to financial compensation. A family may receive financial compensation for any loss of support, comfort, care and guidance the deceased provided the family. Also, any earnings that the deceased contributed to the family that are now loss may also be reimbursed in the form of financial compensation. Any medical bills and funeral costs accrued may be covered as well.
Keep in mind that in Georgia, the only persons allowed to file a wrongful death suit are spouses, children, and parents, in that order. If a spouse files a lawsuit, then they keep 1/3 of the compensation and the surviving children equally split the remaining 2/3. If there is no spouse, then the children may file a suit and split the claim equally among themselves. If there are no children, then the parents can file a claim to seek financial compensation.
What damages can I recover from a truck accident in Dunwoody?
When you are injured or should a loved one die, you and your family have a right to file a claim for damages. There are several instances where a financial award would be warranted. Here are examples of damages we see in truck accident claims:
- Pain: If you are experiencing chronic pain as a result of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation. It is important to get treatment from a medical professional right away. A medical professional can officially document any injuries you sustained. A good lawyer can then use this as leverage against an insurance company.
- Emotional Distress: Being involved in a semi-truck accident is a horrifying experience. It is normal for semi truck accident victims to experience some emotional distress in the days and weeks following an accident. Insurance companies could be held liable for any emotional distress you’ve experienced.
- Loss of wages: Any time off from employment because of the accident means money you were not able to earn. You have a right to file a claim to recoup any wages lost due to the accident. A good lawyer can provide a good estimate and effectively negotiate with the insurance company.
- Loss of earning capacity: Sometimes a person’s injuries significantly reduce a person’s capacity to work and earn a living. If this describes your situation, then you can file a claim to recover money lost due to your diminished capacity to work. Again, getting official documentation from a medical professional can strengthen your case.
- Medical bills: When someone else is found negligent, they are liable for your injuries. Their insurance company may be required to pay any medical bills you have.
A good lawyer can investigate your case, go over every detail and negotiate effectively with insurance companies to get you the financial reward you deserve. Don’t leave your financial recovery up to chance. Arm yourself with a good lawyer.
Talk to a Dunwoody Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer for Free
Moving on from a devastating accident is a difficult journey. Make it easier by partnering up with an experienced lawyer. Our attorneys have been dedicated to helping people like you for over twenty years. Let us give you a FREE consultation. Fill out the form to the right or call us at (404) 341-6555 for your free consultation today.
