Truck accidents are as destructive as they are common, putting both the truck driver and those around them at risk. In Conyers, drivers are at risk of a truck accident, which can result in heavy damages, severe injury, or even death.
When challenging a trucking company, nothing helps more than a good truck accident lawyer. A truck accident claim can be confusing, complicated, and difficult. It can feel nearly impossible on your own. A Conyers truck accident lawyer will be able to help you through every step, striving to help you receive a fair settlement.
Understanding the Complexity of Truck Accidents
Truck accident cases are almost always more complicated and severe than car accidents. Truck drivers spend long hours driving, and even if they cause the wreck, they may not be liable. Trucking companies employ them and own the trucks, meaning their insurance company would be responsible for your compensation.
On top of this, large commercial trucks are bigger and heavier than other vehicles on the road and have large blind spots. They can be difficult to maneuver, and cause significant damage to anything they collide with.
A Conyers truck accident is serious, and a Georgia truck accident attorney may be needed to untangle the complicated mess. A truck accident attorney understands the ins and outs of these occurrences, what their cost can be, and how to negotiate with the insurance and trucking companies.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Conyers
Truck accident claims involve many of the same causes as car accidents, just with a much higher capacity for destruction. Truck accident injuries are more likely to be catastrophic or fatal, so it is vital to always drive carefully around tractor-trailers.
Georgia truck accident lawyers are very familiar with the common causes of truck accidents and recognize what steps need to be taken. No two accidents are alike, but some common causes include the following:
- Driving under the influence
- Aggressive driving
- Overloaded cargo
- Speeding
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Road and weather conditions
- Equipment failure
- Fatigue
- Poor driver training
Liability can come down to what caused the driver to crash, so determining the cause is a vital first step. Your accident lawyer will know exactly what to look for.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
If you have just been in a semi-truck accident, you should make sure you have no serious injuries. Your health is most important, and if you need medical treatment you should seek it immediately.
However, if you are able, you should document as much of the crash site as possible. Ensure that an official accident report is filed, and try to find witnesses if you can. In any personal injury case, it always pays to have evidence of what happened, so that you can better argue for fair compensation.
Your next step after medical care should be to seek a GA truck accident lawyer and explain your case during a consultation. Truck accident lawyers will go over the details with you, building your claim and even filing it for you. At that point, the responsibility falls on the liable parties to either agree to your settlement or challenge the claim.
The Importance of Seeking Legal Representation
In a truck accident case, there are a lot of complications that can arise. Law firms are your best friend in any legal matter, but when you are dealing with a driver, a trucking company, and likely an insurance company as well, truck accident attorneys are that much more important.
Trucking accidents lead to property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages while you recover. Taking on a messy legal battle on your own, while dealing with those other expenses and hardships, can be a huge mistake that only leaves you tired and defeated.
A Conyers truck accident attorney is not a guarantee for success, but they increase your chances of success, giving you an experienced ally in a trying time.
How The Law Offices of Jorge Luis Flores Can Help
The Law Offices of Jorge Luis Flores is a legal team who have been serving Conyers, Georgia for over twenty years. They have helped countless clients with their trucking accident claims, ensuring they received the compensation they deserved from those responsible.
They are dedicated to helping those in commercial truck accidents navigate the complicated legal network regarding semi-truck accidents. The people of Conyers can rely on The Law Offices of Jorge Luis Flores, no matter the details of their accident claim.
The Legal Process for Truck Accident Claims
When you have been in a truck accident, you may not know how to seek compensation. There are steps that need to be taken quickly, to optimize your chances.
As previously covered, you need to make sure the crash site is well documented. The more information you have about the crash, the better. Commercial trucks have unique rules and regulations, so the liable party may not always be obvious.
If anyone is injured, be sure they receive medical help, but also that any injuries or broken bones are recorded. A law firm can use any testimony, recordings, or medical records to paint a clearer picture for your insurance claim.
Determining the cause of the accident is important because you need to know who was at fault. This could require information the driver, company, or truck manufacturer has, which can be difficult to get ahold of. You can rely on your lawyer for this.
Your lawyer will also help you file your injury demand letter, and work toward a settlement with the liable party. This could be a simple matter, sometimes you are able to file for and receive your truck accident settlement in a few days. On occasion, this could take months or years of legislation. Either way, your Conyers truck accident attorney will be with you, doing all they can to keep the wheels turning.
Determining Liability for Severe Injuries In a Truck Accident
One of the most important steps to recover compensation in a truck accident is to establish liability. Evidence gathered at the scene and from the truck should prove who was responsible for the crash, whether it was the driver or another party. However, since semi-truck drivers carry a commercial driver’s license, even if they are at fault they may not be liable.
In many cases, the trucking company that employs the driver or even the manufacturer of the vehicle can be the ones who are liable for compensation. Sometimes, fault can lie with all three.
Your lawyer will be the one most likely to determine who is liable and for how much, as long as you work with them. Using the evidence you both have gathered, it should be a simple process to find the liable parties and proceed with your claim.
Types of Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims
Whether they have an injured limb or a traumatic brain injury, victims of a truck accident are entitled to recover compensation. You and your lawyers will work hard to get compensation, so it is best to know what is possible in a civil lawsuit before you begin. There are different damages, outlined under the Georgia statute, that determine the amount of compensation you can expect.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the dollar amount accrued in physical damage, to you and your property. Medical bills, vehicle repairs, and funeral expenses all fall under this category. These are the easiest damages to prove and are usually standard coverage with an insurance plan.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are those that have no concrete dollar amount, yet are just as important. Pain and suffering caused by a truck accident are legal damages that you can seek compensation for, as long as your lawyer can prove they are necessary. As long as you work with them and keep track of your expenses, this should not pose much of a problem.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are only added to your settlement if the perpetrator’s actions were especially reckless or intentional. This usually is related to criminal negligence, as with a party driving under the influence.
Impaired driving is serious, and there are punitive measures a judge may decide to take if it has occurred. The manufacturer may also be in serious legal trouble if they have been found to violate federal regulations.
How Much Do Accident Lawyers Charge in Georgia?
Numerous factors determine how much your truck accident lawyer will charge for legal help, but on average, you can expect to pay them 33.33% of your final settlement amount and 40% if the case goes to litigation.
If that intimidates you, you should know that many lawyers offer a free case evaluation, and will work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you only pay if you win your case, otherwise you are no worse for wear.
Put Our Extensive Experience to Work for You
The Law Offices of Jorge Luis Flores are experienced, professional, and dedicated to helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve. If you have been in a truck accident in Rockdale County, do not hesitate to reach out for some of the best legal services you could ask for.
We offer a free consultation, so you have nothing to lose by giving us a try. Reach out to us with your claim, and we will do what we can to go forward together.