Numerous people sustain injury and lose their lives in accidents involving trucks in the state of Georgia. Truck accidents tend to be severe, and have the potential to permanently affect the victim’s life. Luckily, Georgia law allows people to seek compensation for truck accidents that were not their fault.
There are numerous accidents involving 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and commercial trucks in Druid Hills. Our Druid Hills truck accident lawyers are well prepared and able to fight for your rights if you have sustained injuries or lost a loved one.
Our team at SHElaw firm® is dedicated to helping truck accident victims as we know the law and are passionate about seeking maximum compensation. If you or a loved one has been a victim, do not hesitate to reach out to our auto accident attorneys in Druid Hills by calling 470-788-8930 today!
Truck Accident Statistics in Georgia
The Georgia Department of Transport provides reports on a yearly basis, and they have shown a prevalence of truck accidents. There are more trucks on the road than ever, and this has resulted in an increase in fatal accidents on the roads of Georgia.
According to the Us Department of Transportation, one in every six fatalities involves a truck and on average two deaths occur in these accidents. At least 150 deaths occur each year involving truck accidents.
What Should I Do Following a Truck Accident in Druid Hills, GA?
Most individuals usually overlook procedures until they land in trouble. It is important to know what to do after an auto accident as you will be able to take the necessary steps in order to protect yourself. Following a truck accident, ensure you do the following:
Call the Police
It is important that you inform the authorities immediately after a truck accident. Once you contact 911, a team will be dispatched to your location, to help and create an accident report. When it comes to seeking compensation, the insurance company will ask for an incident report. Calling the authorities is also essential as the other party may claim they are not to blame for the accident.
Help the Others
It’s also good to check on the other people involved in the accident. Check whether they are fine and help where you can. If there’s an injured person, do not move them unless they’re in imminent danger. This is where you should call 911 for emergency services.
Exchange Information
It is also wise to get the names, ID information, driver’s license, contact information as well as insurance details from the party involved in the accident. Also, collect eyewitness names and contacts as they may come in handy when filing a claim.
Document the Scene
It is important to record the scene, particularly damages and injuries. Take photos and videos of everything you can including the other party. This is one of the most important pieces of evidence and will be extremely crucial in proving your case as well as liability.
Seek Medical Attention
Given trucks are some of the most fatal accidents, it is essential to ensure you visit a doctor as soon as possible. Also, it is important to note that some injuries take time to become apparent. Heading for a checkup will make sure that the practitioner identifies any issues and takes action in a timely fashion. A delay could lead to more severe conditions and even death.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer
After a truck accident, it is advisable to work with an experienced lawyer. A competent truck accident lawyer in Druid Hills will help you collect the necessary evidence and guide you through the claim process. They will investigate the case and ensure they have all the necessary information to help you get maximum compensation.
What Are the Laws Involving Truck Accidents in GA?
Georgia is an at-fault state, which means that drivers are required to pay for accidents that occur due to their negligent actions. That’s why it is important to prove who actually caused the accident.
Georgia uses the principle of comparative negligence. This means that it is possible for more than one party to be held accountable for causing or contributing to an accident. Each party’s share of fault is a percentage, and you must be less than 50% at fault in order to file for compensation.
How Can a Druid Hills Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?
When you hire a lawyer for a truck accident case, they will help with the following:
Investigation
Following an accident, a thorough investigation is necessary to capture all the details. Some of the investigative processes that we need to follow include checking the driver’s licenses and credentials, reviewing vehicle maintenance logs, checking if they adhered to traffic laws, and analyzing the evidence recorded in the form of videos, photos, etc.
Filing a Claim
If you have sustained injuries and losses, you may want to make a claim. Before submitting the claim, there’s an array of things that you need to do in order to make sure the application is successful including informing the other party of your intent to file a claim. Having a lawyer helps ensure everything is done the right way.
Negotiation & Litigation
There are negotiations to be done after filing a claim. Usually, you need to negotiate with the insurance company for settlement for your damages. The company will also need to see the evidence in order to determine if you need to be compensated.
However, most insurance providers seek ways to avoid compensation as they are there to run a business and make a profit. They may also attempt to lowball, giving you an amount that does not fully cover your losses. A lawyer will be there to ensure that you are not played and even take the case to court if necessary.
What Types of Compensation Can I Get in Druid Hills, GA?
If you are a truck accident victim, you may be eligible for several forms of compensation. These include:
Economic Damages
These are awarded to cover the monetary aspects of your injury. They include property damage, lost wages, and medical bills.
Non-Economic Damages
These are subjective in nature and that’s why they are hard to calculate. They include grief, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, potentially lost wages, etc. If you have suffered pain due to the injuries sustained or lost someone in the accident, you’re eligible for compensation as well.
Punitive Damages
It’s not in every case that you’ll be awarded punitive damages. These are usually awarded if the court finds the party responsible to have been grossly negligent or acted in a malicious manner.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your claim will depend on several different factors, which include your injuries and property damage. However, with the help of experienced Druid Hills truck accident lawyers from SHElaw firm®, you can be sure that your case is in the best hands.
Our lawyers can help you get an accurate estimate and are determined to help you recover the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to for the injuries and damages suffered in a truck accident.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Claim?
Another reason to have a competent legal representative is to help not miss important deadlines. In the state of Georgia, there is a statute of limitations that stipulates the deadlines for these kinds of cases. For a truck accident case, you have a period of 2 years to file a personal injury or wrongful death case.
How Is Liability in Truck Accidents Determined?
As mentioned earlier, Georgia uses the modified comparative negligence system. As long as you are less than 50% at fault, then you qualify for compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?
If you’re not liable for the accident, then another party must be responsible. Usually, it is the truck driver’s fault, but that is not always true. It could also be the fault of the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or people who loaded the truck.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Our team has worked on numerous cases involving truck accidents. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Improper loading
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Overlooking trucking regulations
- Poorly maintained roads
- Weather inclement
- Distracted driving or fatigued driving
Get the Best Truck Accident Lawyer in Druid Hills, GA!
If you or a loved one has sustained an injury following a truck accident that was not your fault, the law stipulates that you deserve fair compensation for injuries and damages. If a loved one passed away, then you can file a wrongful death claim. Regardless, it is imperative to fight for your rights and get the settlement you deserve.
Insurance companies, however, are bound to make the process difficult and attempt to deny your claim. This is where the team at SHElaw firm® steps in. With our vast experience in personal injury law, you can trust us to fight aggressively to protect your rights and your future. Call us today at 470-788-8930 to get started!
