When trucks and passenger cars collide, the car almost always suffers the worst damage. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that, in 2019, 97 percent of the fatalities in a truck versus car accident were in passenger vehicles. Combine that with the longer braking distance necessary to stop a fully loaded semi-truck, and the damage can compound quickly.
If you lost someone you love or suffered injuries in a truck accident that wasn’t your fault, you deserve compensation. An Athens truck accident attorney can assist you in filing a claim. With a complimentary consultation from Bader Law Injury Lawyers, you can receive an assessment of your claim.
Determining Compensation Available in Your Case
In any accident that isn’t your fault, you can receive damages from the liable party. Recoverable damages include expenses that you have after an injury, including:
- Surgery and other hospital costs
- Physical therapy, counseling, and follow-up care
- Medications, assistive devices, or prosthetics
- Lost and reduced wages
- Lost benefits from your employer
- Property damage
In addition to compensation for financial losses, you may also receive damages for intangible losses such as:
- Lower quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurements
- Permanent disability
To determine your level of compensation, a truck accident attorney will collect and review a wide array of documentation, including:
- Employment records and pay stubs
- Medical records and billing statements
- Accident reports
- Photos of the scene and vehicles
Our attorneys will begin building this evidence as soon as possible, as there is a deadline to seek compensation in a Georgia car accident case. The statute of limitations (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33) is two years in the state of Georgia, which gives us two years to file a lawsuit against the liable party, if necessary.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Athens, call (404) 888-8888
Our Attorneys Will Work to Identify Who Was Liable in Your Case
Determining who is responsible for a vehicle accident involving a commercial truck can be confusing. Several entities may share liability, including:
- The truck driver
- Commercial trucking company
- Other drivers
- The company that loaded the truck
- The company that maintains the truck
Navigating the potential list of defendants can be intimidating. Still, a truck accident attorney has the experience necessary to help. As part of our investigative process, our team will identify all responsible parties and verify certifications, licensing, and other information to support your claim.
Athens Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck drivers must have a current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and operate under strict guidelines. However, many forms of driver negligence still lead to accidents. These include:
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is common among truck drivers. Many drivers often push beyond their physical limits with loading schedules, time constraints to make deliveries, and other factors. Fatigue can be detrimental to reflexes, judgment, and cognitive abilities.
Drinking or Drugs While Driving
Drugs and alcohol can limit a driver’s abilities to a great degree.
Speed and Reckless Driving
Trucks often seem to be behind schedule for one reason or another. This often causes drivers to speed and drive recklessly, which can lead to accidents.
Other Common Causes of Truck Accidents
With so many hours on the road, truck drivers may get a sense of complacency. The resultant inattention can contribute to several issues that may ultimately contribute to accidents, including:
- Dangerous or careless driving
- Failing to secure a load properly
- Failing to conduct vehicle safety checks
When you have a truck accident lawyer, they will check and verify every potential cause of the accident to fight for your compensation.
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What to Do After a Truck Accident in Athens
Suppose you have been involved in a truck accident. In that case, there are many things you can do before and after contacting a truck accident attorney’s team. Consider the following:
Seek Medical Care
Even if you walked away seemingly unhurt, seeking medical attention is a priority. After an accident, adrenaline courses through your body. You may not feel some of the effects of an accident until that wears off. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and whiplash, may not be evident immediately.
If you are not transported to a medical facility from the accident scene, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You should contact your insurance company to advise them of the accident when you are able. You won’t need to make a complete statement yet, but you should inform them that your vehicle was involved in an accident.
Keep Records of Everything
Make sure to keep a file of everything relating to the accident. You should save your medical reports, billing statements, the accident report, and insurance information. Also, record the names and numbers of the other driver and any witnesses at the scene.
It is often helpful to write your accident account for your records. If you speak with a truck accident attorney’s team, you can use your notes to make sure that you cover the circumstances of the accident thoroughly.
Follow-Up on Medical Appointments
Before and after filing a truck injury claim, it is crucial that you follow the advice and instructions of medical personnel. Repeatedly missing appointments and failing to follow a doctor’s orders can compromise your ability to receive compensation.
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What to Expect From Your Complimentary Consultation
Finding a truck accident attorney is pretty easy with access to the internet. Still, it isn’t always as easy to tell if a firm is good at what they do. Your research will reveal their record of success, awards they may have received, and testimonials from other accident victims they have assisted.
When you meet with an attorney during a complimentary consultation, you will have an opportunity to ask all your questions about your case and the firm’s services. You will also have a chance to ask your questions about compensation, the possibility of a favorable settlement, and more.
If you call Bader Law Injury Lawyers, we will listen, answer your questions, and provide you with an assessment of your claim—at no charge or obligation.
Contact Bader Law Injury Lawyers for Help With Your Case
If you are looking for an Athens truck accident attorney with experience to handle your truck injury claim, Bader Law Injury Lawyers is here for you. Our lawyers have experience and will seek all forms of compensation you are entitled to. Contact us for a complimentary consultation today.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
