Although truck drivers are essential for getting goods transported across the country, it can sometimes be overwhelming to share the road with them.
Unfortunately, accidents involving large commercial trucks do happen.
Here are some common questions related to truck accidents in Georgia and what could be done if you’re involved.
All drivers can and should do their part to help prevent truck accidents on the road—starting with paying attention to their surroundings. All drivers should closely monitor the areas around them, looking for larger trucks that might need to take up more room on the roadway. Truck drivers should look in their blind spots to ensure that there are no vehicles around them when they are turning or passing.
In addition, proper signals should be given in plenty of time by all drivers. Distractions should be avoided while in any vehicle, such as talking on the phone or eating.
One of the most common causes of truck accidents is drivers who are too tired to be on the road. When drivers don’t take the time to rest, especially after driving long distances, then they can become easily fatigued. Drivers who travel at night can become fatigued a bit faster because there are usually fewer cars on the road.
If you’ve been hit by a semi-truck, there is a possibility that you can sue the driver and the trucking company depending on the circumstances. An attorney will need to review your accident to see if it was the fault of the truck driver. If you are responsible for causing the accident, then you likely won’t be able to sue and could find yourself in legal trouble instead.
After being hit by an 18-wheeler, you should try to move to the side of the road or a safe location if possible. If you’re able, call 911 for emergency assistance. If someone saw the accident or if there are other people around, they can call as well.
Make sure you obtain the driver’s information and that of the trucking company, such as insurance and license information. Speak to eyewitnesses who saw the accident, obtaining their name, address and phone numbers so that your attorney can contact them with any additional questions about what happened. Take pictures of the scene of the accident and the damage done to your vehicle and other vehicles (including the truck) as well.
If you need medical attention, then you should go to the hospital via ambulance instead of driving yourself. Keep all documents from the hospital as well as any information about medical treatments that you might have to complete for your recovery.
After you’ve received medical treatment, get in touch with a truck accident attorney in your area to discuss your legal options.
In the state of Georgia, the statute of limitations for truck accidents is usually 2 years. This should be enough time to file a claim and talk with an attorney about what happened so that the court can make a final decision about a settlement. Keep in mind that the 2 years starts on the day of the accident and not when you seek medical attention or legal help.
Each truck accident case must be reviewed by an attorney before a settlement amount is discussed. Compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering are often included in the settlement that is filed. Sometimes, a case can be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, depending on the value of your vehicle, the injuries sustained and other factors.
If your attorney sees that it would be difficult to obtain the full settlement amount, then you can discuss what could be taken out of the claim and the lowest amount that you should settle for before the case is heard in front of a judge.
Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation. During this meeting, the attorney will ask you about basic details of the accident. You can also present information about injuries and medical bills or lost wages so that the attorney has the files on hand if you decide to pursue the claim.
The final cost of hiring a lawyer depending on how the law firm handles its fee structure. Some attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay the attorney if they successfully resolve your case. Other attorneys charge an upfront fee, with the rest taken from the settlement amount if you win.
Since trucks are much larger and heavier than most other vehicles on the road, the types of injuries are generally more serious. Some injuries are minor with victims walking away from the accident scene. Other injuries are catastrophic and include broken bones, paralysis and death.
If you’ve been involved in a Georgia truck accident, contact our Macon attorneys to begin the process of filing your claim. We will work with you and leverage our experience to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Once again, Westmoreland Law has been recognized by its peers as part of an elite group of approximately 10 percent of all attorneys who hold an AV Preeminent Rating. An AV Preeminent Rating is a designation trusted worldwide by buyers and referrers of legal services.
