Semi-truck and 18-wheeler accidents happen on a nearly daily basis—and they do happen in Norcross. They cause serious injuries, property damage, and many even cost a life. One of the most common reasons that these accidents occur is fault on the part of the truck driver. And that means that if you were involved in a semi-truck accident, chances are high that you have a legal claim. You need to discuss your options wit a Norcross semi-truck & 18-wheeler accident lawyer.
Our experienced attorneys can help you. We truly care about our clients and understand that you and your family are the victims in these accidents. This type of crash can change your life—and you need someone who understands what you are going through to help you get back on your feet financially. Let us give you a FREE consultation. Give us a call at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
How are truck accidents different from car crashes?
Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers are enormous. Their sheer size makes them very different from the typical car accident, but there are legal differences between these types of cases as well. One of the most important differences is that there are separate rules of the road for trucks. While most of the laws that apply to cars will also apply to semi-trucks, more regulations affect truck drivers. If any of these laws are violated, and that violation causes your accident, you likely have a good chance of getting money damages for your injuries.
For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act requires that every driver keep accurate records of their driving time. This includes when a driver is taking a break, sleeping, or loading a truck. Sometimes truckers will “fudge” these numbers so they aren’t in violation of other laws that restrict the number of hours that they can drive without a break. In those instances, the driver could not only be liable based on the fact that they weren’t stopping as required, but they also lied about it in their log book later. This type of evidence looks horrible for both the driver and the company that employs them—but it can definitely help your semi-truck accident case.
What kind of money is available in an 18-wheeler lawsuit?
The answer to this question depends on what losses you have suffered because of the accident. Most semi-truck crashes cause serious injuries or even death. An 18-wheeler’s colossal size and weight can really take a toll on your vehicle and your body. It may also affect you mentally as well. The following is a short list of potential damages that you might be able to get after your 18-wheeler accident.
- Medical expenses. Because of the seriousness of semi-truck injuries, your medical costs may be substantial. If you can show that the damage was caused by the 18-wheeler accident, then the truck driver, trucking company, or their insurance company will likely have to pay for those expenses.
- Lost wages. You may not be able to work while you are recovering from your injuries. The money that you could have earned during that time is also a loss that you should claim in your semi-truck accident case.
- Loss of earning capacity. In some cases, you might not be able to go back to your current job. This could be for a variety of reasons, including the fact that your injuries have changed your physical or mental abilities. It could also simply be that you lost your previous job because you weren’t able to work while you recovered. In either situation, you might be able to claim some amount of damage for the decreased ability to work in the future.
- Pain and suffering. Although pain and suffering really can’t be measured in dollars, you can receive some amount of money for losses related to both physical and mental pain and suffering. This number can be difficult to develop, but an experienced attorney will be able to help you determine what amount would be appropriate based on your unique experiences and other cases that are similar to yours.
- Disfigurement. In some situations, your injuries may leave lasting scars or other physical defects. You may be able to recover additional money if you think a scar is going to affect your wellbeing in the future. For example, if you have a large scar on your face, and you previously worked as a model, that disfigurement could have a severe adverse effect on your career. But, disfigurement can be emotionally damaging regardless of its relation to your job.
- Loss of consortium or companionship. There is a special bond between married couples or between parents and their children. In some cases, the results of the semi-truck crash may strain your relationship with your family. In traumatic brain injury cases, for example, you may not have the same personality you did before the accident. That type of change can be very hard for your spouse and your family—and you may be able to get money damages for those types of problems.
- Property damage. Chances are that your car was very damaged in a semi-truck accident. In fact, many vehicles are totaledin this type of crash. If you have to repair or replace your car, those expenses are often recoverable in an 18-wheeler lawsuit as well.
Every case is different, so you might be able to get additional damages as well. Your semi-truck lawyer will be able to walk you through your potential options.
Talk to a Norcross Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer for Free
For over twenty years, our lawyers have been there for victims after they suffer through a semi-truck accident. We know the huge toll that this type of crash can take on both you and your family. Let us connect you with some of the top semi-truck lawyers in the state. Contact us for your free consultation to discuss your case. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to schedule your free consultation today.
