In Marietta, Georgia, truck accidents do not occur as often as car accidents. However, when they do, they are known to cause multiple fatalities and catastrophic injuries. That is because commercial trucks are large when compared to other cars and weigh a lot as well. After a truck accident has occurred, it is important that you contact a Marietta truck accident lawyer so that you can seek compensation for your loss. If you have been involved in such an accident, contact Bethune Law Firm so our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you fight for your rights.
What Should You Do After A Truck Accident?
A truck accident can leave you feeling frightened and unsure about what to do next. Here are important steps to take to protect your health and help build a solid case against the at-fault party.
Call 911
The first thing that you should do is call 911. However, make sure that you do this from a safe distance. If the accident took place in the middle of the road, move to the side and contact the police from this position. However, if you cannot move from the wreck, try to contact the police from where you are or ask someone else to do it for you. Also, remember to provide accurate details when calling 911.
Help Others
After calling 911 check on the other victims to see whether they need help or not. Do not use force to pull out anyone from the wreck. If someone is stuck, wait for the emergency team to arrive such as the paramedics, and let them take over the situation. Another way you can help other victims is by talking to them, especially those that may seem shocked and confused.
Exchange Info
It is vital that you exchange your contact details with all parties involved. Make sure that you get their insurance information, the truck model and make, license plate number, and trucking company details as well.
Document The Scene And Speak With Witnesses
Use your phone to take pictures and even record the scene of the truck accident. Remember, that this can be used as evidence in case you decide to file a personal injury claim. Furthermore, your truck accident lawyer can use this information to estimate the value of your claim. Another reason why you must document the scene and talk to witnesses is that such information can be used to determine the cause of the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Getting medical attention is the only way you can be sure that you are in good health. You should get checked out by a medical professional even if you don’t hurt. Some injuries do not show early symptoms such as concussions or whiplash. You could also have serious internal injuries.
Contact An Attorney
Contacting an attorney is a wise thing to do. Whether you think you are to blame for the accident or not. A truck accident lawyer can give you legal advice on what you can do to benefit your case. Therefore make sure that you contact an attorney before giving your statement and before talking to any other party that is involved in the accident.
What Are The Laws Regarding Truck Accident Liability In Georgia?
When it comes to dealing with truck accidents, Georgia is known to be an at-fault state. What this means is that each driver is held responsible for violating traffic laws or regulations. Moreover, according to the law, liability in a truck accident can be shared among different parties since these commercial vehicles are managed by a corporation.
How Can A Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
Truck accident cases can be complex, so working with a skilled attorney is important if you want to receive the highest compensation possible. Here are some of the ways our firm can assist you:
Conduct Investigation
Your Marietta truck accident lawyer can conduct another investigation when looking for new evidence. An investigation involves not only searching for new evidence but also going through the medical reports and police reports.
Filing A Claim
If you sustained serious injuries, you do not have to wait to heal so that you can file a personal injury claim. An attorney can proceed with filing a claim while you continue to recover. Filing a claim is a legal action that should be taken by someone who is experienced in these matters.
Negotiations
Your truck accident lawyer will also negotiate for a fair reimbursement on your behalf. Moreover, do not make the mistake of negotiating with the defendant’s insurance provider by yourself. That is because you might be forced in accepting an offer that is less than what you claim is worth. Therefore, you should let your truck accident lawyer be in charge of all negotiations.
Litigation
If negotiations aren’t successful, you need a lawyer who can prepare a strong case and aggressively represent you in court.
What Types Of Compensation Can I Receive?
There are three types of damages that victims can receive in a truck accident case:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are awarded to victims to cover financial losses such as medical expenses, property loss, future treatment expenses, and even rehabilitation.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are damages and losses that may not be quantified such as pain, stress, and even permanent disability.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are considered to be a disciplinary action that discourages drivers from being reckless in the future when sharing the road with other users.
Is There A Deadline For Filing A Claim In Georgia?
According to the statute of limitations, a victim is required to file a personal injury claim within 2 years. Therefore, make sure that you file your claim before it’s too late with the help of a truck accident lawyer.
Who Can Be Held Liable For a Truck Accident?
In truck accident cases, one or multiple parties may be held liable for the crash. Some common parties that may be held responsible are:
Truck Driver
A truck driver can be held liable if the accident was a result of reckless behavior or negligence. Another reason why a truck driver can be held liable is if he or she violated traffic laws that lead to the accident.
Trucking Company
If the accident occurred because the driver was not experienced or qualified, then the trucking company can be held liable for the damages sustained during the accident.
Company Who Loaded The Truck
The cargo is required to be loaded equally so that it does not shift in any way when the vehicle makes a turn. However, if an accident occurs as a result of poor loading, then the company responsible for loading the cargo could be held liable.
Vehicle Or Parts Manufacturers
If a truck accident occurs because of a defective part, then the vehicle or parts manufacturers could be held liable. That is why truck manufacturers are required to keep performance reports and inspection records.
Get In Touch With Our Marietta Truck Accident Lawyers
After being involved in a truck accident, do not wait until you fully recover to take legal action against the party responsible. Instead, contact our experienced truck accident lawyers at Bethune Law Firm at 4048757800 and we will start working on your case. We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
