Because of the sheer size and weight of semi-trucks and 18-wheelers on Newnan roads, truck accidents can lead to serious—even deadly—injuries and damage. Victims are often faced with astronomical medical bills, totaled vehicles, and other unexpected costs that would leave anyone in despair. If the victim is killed in the accident, their family is also left with the loss of their loved one in addition to the costs.
But if you were not at fault for the accident, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s mistakes. You need the help of a Newnan semi-truck and 18-wheeler accident lawyer to seek the financial recovery you deserve.
Our truck accident lawyers have been helping accident victims win the money they need for over 20 years. We are experts in truck accident claims, and we know what the insurance companies are looking for. We’re also always on the side of the victims and will fight for their legal rights to recovery. To get started today with a FREE consultation with one of our experienced and compassionate lawyers call (404) 341-6555, or fill out the Free Case Evaluation form on this page.
What are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents can cause the same types of injuries as other auto accidents, except they are often more serious. When a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or other huge truck gets into an accident, the impact can do a lot more damage than a car or smaller passenger vehicle.
Besides cuts, bruises, and whiplash, truck accident injuries also often include:
- Serious neck and back injuries
- Concussions
- Brain injuries
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and contusions
- Loss of limb
- Chronic pains of any type
- Disabilities, both temporary and permanent
These are just some of the most common types of truck accident injuries. But any medical condition, injury, or other types of pain that results from your accident can be included in your insurance claim. If the injury was caused by the accident, it’s covered.
How Does a Truck Accident Claim Work in Newnan?
In Newnan and the rest of the State of Georgia, the person who caused the accident is responsible for all damages. That means they were being negligent or careless, and their negligence leads to the accident happening. If you are the victim of that accident, your “damages” are the costs you now face, including:
- Medical costs for doctor’s visits, hospital bills, tests, surgeries, prescription medications, and more
- Property damage to your vehicle, including repairs or replacement
- Lost wages from work you miss because of the accident and treatment
- Long-term treatment like rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Pain and suffering damages
- Wrongful death damages, if you lost a loved one in a truck accident
Determining Fault
To seek compensation for these damages, you’ll need to file an insurance claim with the at-fault party. In car accidents, the responsible party is typically another driver and their insurance company. With truck accident claims, the fault is sometimes a little more complicated.
There are a number of factors that contribute to a truck accident happening:
- Driver fatigue or distraction
- Improper truck maintenance
- Defective truck parts
- Improper training or licensing of the truck driver
- And more
Truck drivers are often held to unreasonable standards in their work. Although drivers are legally allowed to pull their vehicle over and rest for a certain number of hours, they are also put under a lot of pressure to meet tight deadlines. As a result, they may not actually stop and get the rest they need. This puts them out on Newnan roads at all hours while tired and fatigued, increasing the chance of an accident.
If the driver is found to be at fault for the accident, the insurance company of their company that hired them will likely be responsible for your claim. But if another party’s negligence caused the accident, such as defective parts from the manufacturer or errors from the maintenance company, the liability for damages may fall on them.
Your truck accident lawyer will assess the situation and do the necessary research to find out where the fault lies.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
You should know the insurance company may use tactics to try paying out less than you deserve for your damages.
For example, it’s not uncommon for an insurer to contact the victim after an accident and ask how they’re feeling. This seems kind and concerned, but it’s often a ploy to get you to say you’re fine or that you feel okay. Then, they may try to use what you say as evidence that your injuries aren’t as bad as you claim.
The insurer might also try to offer you a lump sum of money upfront as a settlement for your case. They are hoping you’ll take the amount, but we urge you to never accept the first offer. It’s rarely ever close to the amount of money you need and deserve. You can seek a much fairer compensation with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
My Loved One Was Killed in a Truck Accident. What Should I Do?
Certain family members are able to make a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased if they lose a loved one to a personal injury (like a truck accident). A wrongful death claim can include the same types of damages as a regular personal injury claim plus damages like funeral costs.
You’ll want to contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the death to find out what your options are.
Talk to a Newnan Semi-Truck and 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Truck accidents are painful, scary, and overwhelming. Don’t suffer alone. Whether you were the injured victim or you lost a loved one in a truck accident, we’re here to help. Our truck accident lawyers have more than two decades of experience representing victims and helping them get a fair financial recovery for all of their expenses. And we always start with a FREE consultation to go over your options. To get started with your free consultation, simply fill out the Free Case Evaluation form to the right, or call (404) 341-6555 today.
