Collisions with semi-trucks or 18-wheelers are no simple matter in Milton. Because these vehicles are so huge and heavy, often carrying hazardous materials, a truck accident can leave those involved with life-altering injuries—even death. If you or a loved one was impacted by a truck accident, it’s important to make sure you seek financial recovery for your damages and avoid getting taken advantage of by the insurance company. And an experienced Milton semi-truck & 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help.
Our truck accident attorneys have been helping truck injury victims for more than two decades. We’re here to support you and your family through the legal process so you can focus on healing. To schedule a FREE consultation and talk details, give us a call today. Call 404-975-2673 or fill out the form on this page to get started with your free consultation.
Is the Truck Driver at Fault for My Accident?
Truck drivers are often at fault for truck-related accidents, but not always. Legally, someone is “at fault” if their negligence or carelessness led to an accident and injuries. This is unfortunately too common, and truck drivers can be more susceptible to errors on the road than the average driver. That’s because truckers often face grueling, unrealistic work expectations that leave them fatigued and overworked.
Truck drivers are supposed to receive regular breaks to pull over and rest. However, many trucking companies also set strict deadlines that force the drivers to forgo or shorten their breaks to keep up. As a result, they get into the road while exhausted. That’s a dangerous situation to be in when operating an enormous vehicle. That being said, there are other situations that can lead to truck accidents where the driver is not to blame.
Some common causes of truck accidents, besides a fatigued driver, include:
- Distracted or drunk driving
- Colliding with a vehicle in the truck’s blindspot
- Another car trying to pass the truck while it’s making a wide turn
- Truck maintenance issues, such as brake failure
- Speeding
Other times, the trucker is driving in some other unsafe way that leads to a collision. Either way, the at fault party should be held responsible and liable for all damages you face as a victim.
How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Insurance Claim?
It’s common for accident victims to question what really happened, even blame themselves and wonder if their claim is justified. This is understandable, but you should never admit fault or apologize until you know all the facts. If your accident was caused by someone else and you were injured, there’s a good chance you have a valid personal injury claim. If you’re unsure, contact a Milton truck accident lawyer to find out what your options are.
Even if you think you’re partially to blame for the accident, don’t assume you can’t file an insurance claim for or your damages. In Georgia, you can still receive damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. The damages you’re awarded would simply be reduced based on your percentage of fault. This is known as “comparative fault.”
Fault is ultimately determined by the insurance companies in a claim, but you can strengthen your claim by compiling evidence of the at-fault driver’s negligence and your damages. You can increase your chances by working with a truck accident lawyer.
What Damages Can I Include in my Milton Truck Accident Claim?
Typically, any expenses or losses you face as a result of the accident can be included in your claim. Those may include the following.
Medical Costs
Medical expenses can be enormous after a truck accident because injuries tend to be very serious. If you were hurt, you can make a claim for all costs related to hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription medications, surgeries, etc. This includes ongoing medical costs like physical therapy, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment if you become disabled because of your accident injuries.
Keep detailed records of all expenses, and see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident to create a record of you seeking medical care early on. This will show the insurance company your injuries were serious.
Lost Wages
If you had to miss work time and other work benefits while recovering from your accident, you can include what you lost in the claim. An attorney can help you calculate lost wages based on your regular wage and how much time you missed.
Car Repairs
Costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle (if it was totaled in the accident) can also be included in your claim. Be sure to keep any quotes or bills you receive from the repair shop. You may also be able to recover the cost of a rental car while your own car is being repaired.
Wrongful Death
Certain family members who lose a loved one because of a truck accident can make a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased. A wrongful death claim can include the same types of damages as a personal injury claim along with others, such as funeral costs.
Pain and Suffering
You may be able to get damages for physical and/or mental pain and suffering from your truck accident:
- Physical pain and suffering refers to the pain (and effects of that pain) from physical injuries, including future suffering.
- Mental pain and suffering is a product of physical injuries that you suffer emotionally, such as emotional distress, mental anguish, anxiety, depression, humiliation, shock, and more.
What are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Milton?
Because semi-trucks and 18-wheelers are so enormous, an accident with these vehicles often causes serious injuries and damage. Big trucks also have qualities apart from regular trucks, cars, or other vehicles that make their accidents unique. Based on these facts, here are some of the most factors that lead to truck accidents in Milton:
- Huge truck blind spots other vehicles don’t have
- Brakes that don’t stop as quickly
- Hazardous or flammable substances that can spill onto the road
- Jackknife or rollover accidents that can trap or crush other vehicles
- Driver exhaustion or fatigue
Truck drivers are often held to unrealistic standards and given strict deadlines that encourage them to drive on without enough rest. This can be incredibly dangerous and increase the risk of truck accidents.
Talk to a Milton Semi-Truck & 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer for Free
Truck accidents can become serious very quickly. If you or a loved one was hurt because of a truck accident, the at-fault party should be held responsible—and you shouldn’t have to pay for their mistakes. Our truck accident attorneys work tirelessly every day for auto accident victims and their families. Our goal is full financial recovery for your costs. To schedule a FREE consultation to talk about the details today, call us at 404-975-2673 or fill out the form on this page.
