Trucks are the lifeline of Georgia’s economy and the nation’s economy at large. However, the number of negligent and reckless truck drivers and trucking companies that pose a great danger to other road users is troubling. After a truck accident, it’s best to get a car accident attorney to represent you in your quest for compensation for personal injury and property damage.
An Atlanta truck accident lawyer will help you get gratifying compensation and even prosecute your case in court — if need be. We at H Groves Law in Atlanta are a top-notch law firm with a lot of experience pursuing justice for victims of truck accidents.
Call (770) 329-1868 today to find out if you have a valid truck accident claim in Atlanta, GA.
Truck Accident Statistics in Georgia
The number of drivers and other road users involved in truck accidents has been fairly consistent over the last couple of years despite improvements in the use of vehicle safety technology across the auto industry. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatalities from truck accidents in the USA were 4,965 people in 2020, a 1% decrease from 2019. To enumerate, 71% of those killed in truck accidents in 2020 were the occupants of other vehicles. In Georgia, 9.6% of trucks on the road were involved in fatal accidents.
If you are a resident of Atlanta and the surrounding areas, here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about truck accidents and how a world-class Atlanta truck accident attorney like us can help.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?
Unquestionably, being in an accident involving a large truck can be heart-wrenching and confusing. As a result, you might be clueless about what to do next. Since accidents are complex and involve many factors and parties, it’s critical that you take the right steps after the incident. These steps should be geared towards preserving evidence that will make it easier for you to get compensation down the road.
Here’s what our top-class truck accident lawyers near Atlanta recommend.
Call 911
Immediately after the impact, get to safety and call 911. This is the fastest way to bring emergency services (police, firefighters, and ambulance) to the accident scene. Once the emergency services arrive, talk to the police at the scene and explain to them what occurred moments before the impact. Request the police to share with you a copy of the police report once it’s ready.
Help Others
If you can, try to help other people involved in the accident get to safety as you await for emergency services to arrive at the accident scene. If someone is severely injured inside a car, don’t attempt to move them, as this might cause further injuries. Only move severely injured people if they are in immediate danger. If possible, move the vehicles involved in the accident off the road to prevent more accidents.
Exchange Info
In Georgia, it’s a legal requirement that parties involved in a vehicle accident exchange contact and insurance information. Ask the truck driver to furnish you with their insurance information, license information, and the details of the trucking carrier.
Document the Scene and Speak With Witnesses
Do your best to collect evidence from the scene that will help you in your compensation claim. Take photos of the truck accident scene, capturing different angles. Photograph damage to vehicles at the accident scene as well as any skid marks present.
Furthermore, speak to witnesses at the scene and request their contact information. Contact information for witnesses will come in handy later on when you need their statements. Your Atlanta truck accident attorney can use photographic evidence and witness statements to build a strong personal injury claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Truck accidents commonly result in injuries, most of which require timely medical attention for a straightforward recovery. Even if you seem okay after the accident, seek medical attention. This is because you might have internal injuries, like whiplash or a concussion, whose symptoms might not be immediately apparent.
Contact an Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney
The sooner you speak to a competent truck accident lawyer, the better. We will comprehensively look into the facts of your case and promptly kick-start the claims process. Keep in mind that the process of obtaining a settlement can be long; consequently, fast action is critical.
What Are the Laws Regarding Truck Accident Liability in Atlanta, GA?
In Atlanta, liability is determined using the modified comparative fault system. This state law dictates that you can only seek financial compensation if your responsibility for the accident is below 50%.
The state law allows for more than one party to be held liable for a truck accident, such as the trucking company, truck driver, or even the truck manufacturer. This makes it even more critical that you document all relevant evidence, proving you’re not at fault for the crash.
Remember, it’s common for trucking companies, truck drivers, and truck manufacturers to contest liability. Without the support of an experienced trucking accident lawyer from Atlanta, your claim may not be approved and you may not receive compensation.
How Can an Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
There are scores of benefits to getting the services of a competent truck accident law firm like H Groves Law. Having our top-notch legal representation may significantly improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. All you’ve got to do is let work on your behalf as you take time to recover.
We will guide you through the claim process and ensure you stay updated. We will also help you access competent medical care, secure vital documentation, and build a robust winning compensation process. Throughout the process, you will also be getting:
Investigation
We will extensively examine the available evidence and seek more evidence through investigation if need be. The additional evidence we obtain might include black data from the truck, which might prove negligence. This evidence will help establish fault and create a rock-solid truck accident claim.
Filing a claim
Accident claims involve lots of paperwork and must be filed within a stipulated time window. We will handle the entire process of making sure that all paperwork is filed appropriately and submitted on time.
Negotiations
Insurance providers are for-profit enterprises that have a massive incentive to pay as little compensation as possible. At H Groves Law, our legal team will take control of compensation negotiations between you and the insurance provider and prevent you from being pressured to accept a low settlement. We will present solid evidence to help you win suitable compensation during negotiations.
Litigation
In case the insurance company declines to give you fair compensation, we will file a lawsuit for you and litigate your case in court. We will do everything we can with the legal parameters to ensure the court grants you a favorable judgment.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive in Atlanta, GA?
The damages you will receive after a truck accident will be determined by the losses you have endured. In the state of Georgia, there are three primary types of damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are associated with compensation for verifiable monetary losses you suffer as an accident victim. The verifiable monetary losses include:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitative medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damages
- Loss of future wages
It’s vital that you hold on to receipts and any other documentation that indicates your expenses relating to the accident. Also, ensure you obtain appropriate treatment for your injuries and keep up with the treatment. Brain injuries and spinal cord injuries need special care and should be treated immediately. Failure to get treatment in a timely manner could compel insurance adjusters to pay less.
Non-Economic Damages
Also identified as general damages, these are subjective losses since they lack a specific monetary value. These subjective damages include:
- Disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of companionship
As trailblazing truck accident attorneys near Atlanta, we have the experience and expertise to quantify challenging non-economic damages. Thus, you will end up with the largest possible compensation.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party. In the state of Georgia, punitive compensation can only be granted if it’s proven that the defendant showed extreme negligence and willful misconduct. At H Groves Law, our attorneys will analyze your case and explore the possibility of seeking punitive damages.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?
Each truck accident is unique. This makes the process of figuring out the actual compensation amount after an accident quite challenging. The amount of settlement you receive may be affected by:
- The severity of the injuries
- The number of parties involved
- The extent of property damage
- The available insurance coverage
Contact us at H Groves Law today to find out how much your Atlanta truck accident claim is worth. We will assess your claims case closely to identify all possible recoverable damages.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Claim in Atlanta, GA?
If your claim encompasses bodily injuries, Georgia state law allows you to file it within two years. Our attorneys will file your claim immediately so that your case can be handled in time.
For property damage claims, you have four years to file an Atlanta property damage claim.
How Is Fault in a Truck Accident Determined?
In Georgia, particular legal requirements must be established to prove the truck driver and associated parties were at fault in a truck accident. These legal requirements are based on negligence and include:
Duty of care
This requirement dictates that it’s the responsibility of all drivers to drive their vehicles safely. The responsibility for duty of care is set higher for truck drivers. Truck drivers have a legal responsibility to obey all traffic rules while on Atlanta roads.
Breach of duty of care
As the accident victim, you bear the burden of proof to show that the truck driver breached their duty of care. For instance, if the truck driver was driving unsafely or recklessly, this may amount to a breach.
Causation
You must prove that the breach by the defendant was the cause of the accident. For instance, if the accident resulted from the truck driver running a red light, you can show how they failed to follow federal and state traffic laws.
Damages
You will be expected to prove the truck accident associated with the breach of duty caused actual physical injuries or property losses.
Can a Lawyer Prove the Truck Driver Was Negligent?
Proving that the truck driver, the truck manufacturers, or the trucking company was negligent isn’t always easy. Despite this, the skilled truck accident attorneys at H Groves Law can investigate your claim and gather solid evidence, including driver logs and maintenance records, to show that the defendants were negligent. The evidence we gather will clearly show what caused your accident and pinpoint all responsible parties.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
The truck driver is the first party to be held accountable in a truck accident. However, liability can also extend to the trucking company in case of poor vehicle maintenance and other negligence issues. Additionally, the truck manufacturer can be held accountable in case of manufacturer defects and related problems. Agents who loaded the truck can also be held liable if it’s determined that the incident was caused by overloading and other loading issues.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
The primary causes of truck accidents are driver errors, vehicle failure, and environmental factors, including:
- Drug use
- Driver fatigue
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Cargo shift
- Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers
- Oversized or improperly secured freight
- Equipment malfunction
- Steering failure
- Poor road design
- Suspension system failure
- Tire and wheel failure
- Lack of truck maintenance
- Slick roads (ice, rain, snow, or debris)
Call Reputable Atlanta Truck Accident Attorneys Today for Sound Legal Guidance
H Groves Law has the most outstanding truck accident lawyers in Atlanta. Our lawyers have unrivaled expertise and experience handling truck accident cases of all kinds. We have built a reputation for conducting the most comprehensive investigations to unearth the most solid proof to help you receive satisfactory compensation. Our staff is friendly and ready to listen and work with you throughout your truck accident claim pursuit. You are welcome to enjoy our free consultation.
Call us on (770) 329-1868 to find out how our Atlanta truck accident attorneys at law can help.
