Truck Accident Lawyer in McDonough, Georgia: Your Advocate
If you were injured in a truck accident, you may be dealing with serious injuries, high medical bills, and a long road to recovery. An experienced McDonough truck accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve. Truck accidents are often more complex than regular car crashes, and we know how to handle the unique challenges these cases bring.
At the Weinstein Firm, we’re committed to standing up for victims and holding trucking companies and drivers accountable when they’re at fault. From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, we’ll handle every detail of your case so you can focus on healing. Contact our McDonough personal injury law firm today for a free consultation.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in McDonough, GA
A trucking accident is frightening and overwhelming. It’s important to seek medical care, gather evidence, and talk to a skilled McDonough personal injury lawyer.
Seek Medical Attention
Because of the weight and power that semi-trucks and 18-wheelers have, most truck accident victims require urgent medical treatment. You should call 911 immediately.
There are two reasons why seeking medical attention is critical. The first reason is to protect your health. In some cases, you may not notice symptoms immediately. It’s essential to get checked by a doctor to rule out internal injuries or other potential medical issues.
The second reason is that if you delay seeking medical care, the insurance company and opposing attorneys can argue that your injuries are not from the semi-truck accident. You can only combat this by seeing a medical professional immediately. Medical documentation will document your injuries and the treatment you need.
Call the Police and Collect Evidence
Report the truck crash to the police. The accident report will be important for your personal injury claim.
If you can, take pictures of your vehicle, the truck, any other cars involved, and the crash scene. Capture details like tire marks on the road and skid marks on concrete dividers. Photos of your injuries and the accident scene can help prove the severity of the truck collision and the overall damage.
Speak with the witnesses, if any, and get their contact information.
Contact a McDonough Truck Accident Attorney
You should contact a McDonough truck accident lawyer as quickly as possible. Truck accident lawyers understand the system and are aware of how truck accident cases work and what the courts/judge may be looking for when evaluating their decision.
Keep Careful Records
You must keep close track of all your expenses from any medical visits, lost days at work, the time you lost between any disability kicking in, and any possible future medical expenditures that are likely to occur based on your healthcare provider’s diagnosis and treatment plan.
Should You Talk to the Insurance Company or Truck Company?
You need to know that you are under no obligation to speak to the truck company or their insurance company. In many cases, you shouldn’t speak with them at all. Your best option is to provide complete information to your McDonough truck accident lawyer.
They can then talk to the insurance company regarding your case. This is true even if you believe you are partially responsible for the accident. If this is the case, tell your McDonough truck accident lawyer. There is no need to make such a claim with the insurance company. You will only hurt your case.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Trucking Accidents?
Although many trucking companies preach safety to their drivers and require their drivers to undergo multiple safety courses, the actual driving practices of these truck drivers rarely match what they’ve been taught in the classroom.
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents are driver fatigue, lack of truck maintenance, speeding, distracted driving, and reckless driving.
While the truck drivers may be at fault, the trucking company, manufacturers, and cargo loader may also be responsible. McDonough truck accident lawyers are familiar with the standard operating practices many trucking companies use, and they can help determine who the actual culprit might be, depending on the specifics of your case.
The Truck Accident Claim Process in McDonough, GA
In McDonough, Georgia, the burden of proof falls on the person filing the claim against a truck driver or trucking company. Don’t wait to contact a McDonough truck accident lawyer. Make sure to report the truck crash to the police and get a copy of the accident report.
A truck wreck lawyer will investigate the accident, file your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies. If necessary, your attorney will be prepared to represent you in a lawsuit. Be cautious of truck accident lawyers that pass you off to a paralegal or new attorney every time you call.
Always ensure your truck accident attorney is familiar with both corporate and traffic law and has handled similar cases in the past. A firm or truck wreck lawyer should make time for you and take an interest in the specifics of your case. This could make a big difference in the success or failure of your claim.
Gathering Evidence After a Semi-Truck Accident
Your truck accident lawyer will investigate to identify all responsible parties and gather evidence to build a strong case. This evidence can include:
- Police reports
- Truck driver credentials and logs
- Safety licenses
- Vehicle maintenance logs
- Truck black box data
- Pictures from the scene
- Witness statements
- Potential manufacturer’s defects
When the investigation is complete, your truck accident attorney will file a claim on your behalf. For you, this means that the legal process has officially started.
Settlement Negotiation
Negotiation is when your truck accident lawyers come together with the attorneys representing the truck driving company or the truck driver’s attorney and discuss the possibility of a fair settlement. Most people are already quite traumatized when they are involved in a truck accident. The last thing you need at this point is to negotiate with the insurance company on your own.
Insurance companies are expected to pay a fair amount based on the at-fault party’s policy. However, the truck driver’s or the trucking company’s insurance provider will always have their interest at heart. Their goal would be to minimize the amount they pay out to you.
Trucking companies and their insurance companies can be difficult to deal with. They will try to show that their client’s role in the accident was minimal. They may even try to pass the blame on to you. Let your truck accident lawyer deal with the insurance company.
Will My Tractor-Trailer Truck Accident Case Go to Court?
The ideal situation is that the case is settled without litigation. However, if no settlement is reached, your truck wreck lawyer may file a lawsuit on your behalf. How long a lawsuit takes depends on the volume of evidence and how the court decides to proceed.
Settlement is usually the preferred option. Each case is unique, and truck accident lawyers can help advise you on what would most likely lead to a successful outcome. The goal is always to achieve the maximum compensation.
What Compensation Can Truck Accident Victims Recover?
If you’ve been in a tractor-trailer accident, you can pursue various forms of compensation. A knowledgeable McDonough truck accident attorney will fight for the justice you deserve.
Medical Expenses
This includes all medical bills from the accident, such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and necessary future medical treatments.
Lost Wages and Future Income
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for your lost income during your recovery. Additionally, if your ability to earn in the future is compromised due to long-term injuries or disabilities, you can seek damages for lost future earnings.
Property Damage
You can seek compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured as a result of the accident. This can include anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and other psychological impacts.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the at-fault party’s behavior was especially reckless, such as driving under the influence, the court may award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer.
What If I’m Partially At Fault for a Truck Crash in Georgia?
Georgia has a comparative negligence law. If you’re injured in a truck accident but were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation if you were less than 50% responsible for the crash. However, the amount you receive will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
For example, if a court finds you were 20% at fault for the accident and your total damages are $100,000, you could recover $80,000. But if you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you won’t be able to recover anything. An experienced McDonough truck accident attorney who can gather evidence, protect your rights, and make sure you aren’t unfairly blamed for more than your share of the accident.
Contact a McDonough Truck Accident Lawyer Today
After a commercial truck accident, contact a truck wreck attorney as soon as possible. It may seem like one more thing to do, but this step can relieve some of your stress and can facilitate your recovery as well as reduce your financial burden.
A McDonough truck accident lawyer can help you better understand your options and navigate the legal system. Don’t unintentionally miss your chance to obtain fair compensation by accepting a low settlement. Exercise your rights without being pushed around by others.
The Weinstein Firm has won millions for accident victims in Georgia. Contact us by calling 770-HELP-NOW or filling out our online form for a free consultation. We are here to assist you. We will discuss the specifics of your case and help you determine the next steps for your case.
